Posts filed under 'Q&A'
Q: Girls Night Out is approaching! AGENDA: Find some beautiful boys while consuming beautiful cocktails. WHERE: A lounge or two, possibly a bar…and then a nightclub for some all night dancing. I want to look extremely classy, stand out from the crowd, but not look like a prude. What should I wear?
A:
For Girls Night Out, your object is to look gorgeous–but not overly sexy. Like you said, you want to stand out from the crowd, but you also want to look classy. Here’s three style tips to keep in mind as you get dressed:
(1) Show a little skin–but not too much. Pick an area of the body to highlight and stick with it. If you wear a low-cut blouse, show a little less leg, and vice versa.
(2) Stand out with color. To look classy but still stand out, attract attention with bright colors instead of bare skin. Bright green, orange, yellow, and even purple will also help your friends find you in a crowded nightclub.
(3) Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re going to be out all night dancing, we can’t stress this enough. Wear the wrong shoe, and your feet will be screaming by the time you hit the nightclub. Low heels are recommended, but you know how much of a heel you can handle.
Pictured above are three outfit ideas to get you started:
Left: The revealing minidress is balanced out by the knee-high boots. A headband adds a dash of cute to the otherwise sexy outfit.
Middle: Works if you have to go straight from work to dinner with the girls. Keep the top buttoned up during the day, but come nighttime, you can undo the top two or three buttons.
Right: We paired a form fitting pencil skirt with a gorgeous purple halter top for a sophisticated nightclub look.
Have a great tip about what to wear for girls night out at the club?
Share it with us in the comments!
February 27th, 2008
Q: I just got myself dark brown skate shoes (Vans), and I don’t know how they should look. How do I look cool in them?
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
A: Whether you’re a college undergrad or you’re a working guy looking for a breezily chic weekend look, here’s what to wear with brown skate shoes:
Jackets: Bring out the color of the shoes with a casual jacket in a dark brown or chocolate brown hue.
Shirts: With the dark brown skate shoes, you can wear anything from a t-shirt to a polo shirt to a button-down sport shirt. We like the look of a brightly colored polo (in cobalt blue, bright green, or even orange).
Pants: Jeans are a no-brainer, as their casualness matches the attitude of the shoes–but don’t discount khakis or cords here for a little variety.
Accessories: For an extra punch, you can add a secondary bolt of color with a brightly colored belt.
Have a great tip about what to wear with skate shoes? Share it with us in the comments!
February 26th, 2008
Q: I always have trouble fitting my jeans into my black knee-high boots. How do I snugly fit them in?
A: What’s the trick to fitting jeans into knee-high boots? It’s all about finding the right jeans and the right boots.
To be able to fit your jeans into your boots, the boots have to have enough room in the calf. Structured styles of boots work best–form fitting, stretchy material doesn’t have enough room to accept the extra jeans material.
As for jeans that work well with boots, the less fabric you have to fit into the boots, the easier the fit. Skinny jeans styles are the best, since they have the least amount of fabric in the leg. I’ve found that stretchy jeans (which tend to be more form fitting) work nicely with boots, as do jeans in relatively thin fabrics.
Have a great tip about how to fit jeans into knee-high boots? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Sooft Tyla Tall Wide Shaft Boot | $174.95 at Nordstrom.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
February 20th, 2008
Q: I’m going to be flying to London to visit my boyfriend. I’m hoping to wear something comfortable (and warm) yet pulled together since I’ll be going to his flat straight from the airport, and it’ll be the first time we see each other in weeks. Any suggestions for a travel-enduring outfit?
A: Wrinkle free fabrics are going to be your best bet for your straight airport-to-flat rendezvous. And given the chilly temperatures in London, knits are going to be your friend. For a style that’s equally comfortable and warm, try a chunky knit sweaterdress over tights and knee-high boots. Top off the outfit with a 3/4 length or full length wool or cashmere coat (bonus points for bright colors or standout detailing).
But looking great after a long trip isn’t all about what you’re wearing. Remember to bring a beauty mask for the plane–it’ll make it infinitely easier to get your beauty rest on the plane. Lotion can also help to relieve any skin dryness from the exposure to the dry airplane air.
Last to-do? Before you hop in the cab to his flat, freshen up your hair and makeup in the airport bathroom. Bon voyage!
Have a great tip about how to fly in style?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
February 19th, 2008
Q: What does one wear with (more formal) pants that hit mid-calf? During the summer, flats are a logical choice, but during fall and winter, what does one wear to keep out the cold?
A: Trousers that hit at mid-calf are perfect for warm weather, but they’re not as good for colder temperatures and climates. But if you choose to wear cropped trousers during the winter, we recommend trying tall boots to keep out the cold. Knee-length boots work well, and they’ll fully cover pants that hit at mid-calf.
You may also want to wear another layer underneath the cropped pants–tights or leggings. Double layering your pants will do wonders to keep you warm.
Have a great tip about cold weather shoes for cropped pants?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
February 18th, 2008
Q: I bought a short sleeved blazer. I figured I could wear it with a camisole and jeans or grey slacks in warm weather. But I swear I just saw someone on TV wearing one with a long sleeved turtleneck. Is this a good way to wear the jacket year-round, or am I trying to hard?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: A long sleeved turtleneck paired with a short sleeved blazer? I don’t think you would look like you are trying too hard.
A short sleeved blazer is, by nature, fun and flirty. It’s the cheery counterpart to the standard down-to-your-wrists blazer that gets most of the attention. Because the short sleeved blazer is about fun, play with it and experiment. Now’s a great time to play with this piece–the short sleeved blazer is on trend for Spring.
But you don’t have to wait until Spring to bust out your blazer. Wear it with a long sleeved turtleneck (perhaps with pencil stripes), dark jeans, and simple earrings. And when it warms up in the Spring, pair it with cute t-shirts or silky, blousy tops.
If you’re afraid of making mistakes, remember the wise words of Chanel- "There are no unattractive women, only lazy women." In other words, only through experimentation will you develop a strong sense of style.
Have a great tip about how to wear a short sleeved blazer?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Leila Plaid Short Sleeved Blazer | $27.80 at Forever 21.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
February 14th, 2008
Q: I’m a medical student about to start my full time clinical rotations. For certain specialties, I can get away with scrubs, but for the ones requiring office appropriate attire, I’m at a complete loss. Anything a little fashionable or a little sexy ends up sending the wrong message under a white coat (Agyness Deyn might be a trend-setter, but would you want her diagnosing your cancer?) But I would really like to look younger and fresher than the boring button downs and slacks that have become my fall back!
by Jessica Stockdale, Style and Beauty writer at Found4less.com
A: Balance is the keyword to working with this problem. You want to be respected, as you should be. But you don’t want to sacrifice style. And the good news is that you don’t have to. Other than balance, where you buy your clothes will aid you tremendously in picking suitable attire.
Where to Shop
A store like Express has sexy and fun clothes, but most of which are not going to be appropriate for the office. Same goes for the Victoria’s Secret clothing catalog. The good news is that there are plenty of stores to find professionally appropriate attire. We would recommend: Banana Republic, J Crew, Club Monaco, Anthropologie (for their trousers), White House | Black Market (for their jackets), Ann Taylor, and Bluefly.com (especially for their blazers).
What to Wear
The quality of your clothes will also sell your look as more professional. Build a solid foundation wardrobe by investing in some good basics, such as a white blouse, black trousers, a cashmere sweater, and a flattering overcoat. These items will be long-term investments, so if you’re going to splurge, do so here.
Where balance is concerned, it’s fairly easy. Any piece of “sexy†apparel (e.g. V-necklines, light beading, etc) should be worn in a neutral color and in a not-too-tight fit. That said, there are plenty of garments with modestly cut necklines and hemlines in fresh patterns. Feel free to wear bold colors here—in fact, we encourage it!
We especially recommend the fitted blouses that Banana Republic has right now, in four different colors. They’re feminine, but professional. And do check out their cashmere mock turtlenecks and cowlneck sweaters.
Have a great tip about how to dress fashionable yet professionally?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Cotton Ruffle Front Floral Shirt | $58 at Ann Taylor.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
February 13th, 2008
Q: I am petite (5′) and I always dress demurely, which is really important to me. Is the tunic over jeans look an acceptable outfit for a person with a small frame? Is it too overwhelming, and if it is, are there any other alternatives?
A: Your fashion challenge is to dress demurely while not overwhelming your small frame. The tunic over jeans look can work, but take care in choosing the tunic. Because you’re petite, extra volume has the tendency to add unflattering bulk. So the ideal tunic for you would be slightly more form fitting than the average tunic.
Other demurely fashionable tops include a chunky knit cardigan, a form fitting turtleneck sweater (extra style points for detailing like oversized buttons), or a sleeved, graphic patterned button-down blouse.
At the end of the day, style is about adapting fashion to your own tastes and desires. If you wear whatever makes you feel the best, you can’t go wrong.
Have a great tip about how to dress modestly and stylishly?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Me & Ko Printed V-Neck Tunic | $48 at Nordstrom.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
February 1st, 2008
Q: I recently bought a beautiful, white leather, wide obi belt that wraps around and is supposed to be tied in a knot in the front. But I don’t know what to wear with it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
by Jessica Stockdale, Style and Beauty writer at Found4less.com
A:
Obi belts do wonders to define your waist, so you can pair them with larger, more shapeless garments. Obis are a wonderful accessory for calf-length dresses, long tops, tunics and loose blouses.
Most necklines will look good with an obi belt. Just be careful with turtlenecks/mock-turtlenecks if your top doesn’t have sleeves. Depending on how wide the obi belt is, the overall affect may or may not be slimming.
Obi belts are worn higher up than a normal belt, and they should cinch you a little above the waist. The belt should be cinched around you, but it shouldn’t be too tight. If you can’t move freely and sit comfortably in your outfit, it’ll be obvious, and the outfit won’t look right.
Because the obi belt makes a bold statement, pair it with solid colors to heighten its appeal. Bonus points for choosing a bright solid color to pair the obi belt with—the resulting look is very modern.
Your wide white leather obi belt is perfect for warmer months and climates, so bright colors are going to be your best bet. Try pairing it with this billowy kimono sleeve tunic at ($39.99 at Spiegel)—or this vibrant Diane von Furstenberg sleeveless floral tank dress ($325 at Neiman Marcus).
Have a great tip about wearing an obi belt? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Elegantly Waisted Patent Cummerbund Belt | $82.50 (sale) at Shopbop.com.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
January 29th, 2008
Q: I’m going on a cruise this winter vacation to Mexico for 3 days. What clothes should I bring? I looked at the weather and it’s around 60 degrees. I’m especially troubled about dinner, which said casual resort wear. I want to wear jeans with a nice blouse as it is a bit too cold to wear anything else.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Too bad the temperature will be that cool, but in the spirit of the cruise I would pack some fun and flirty outfits. A cruise is a time to play, so I would recommend a couple of fun dresses to throw into the mix with your jeans. As for what to wear with your jeans, you can always take your outfit up a notch by throwing a wrap around yourself or adding a cute short sleeved jacket to coordinate with your jeans–and the dresses.
Here are a few dresses to get you started:
Free People ‘La Isla’ Embroidered Voile Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
Twisted Heart ‘Bianca’ Hooded Terry Dress | $143 at Nordstrom
BCBGMAXAZRIA Flutter Sleeve Knit Dress | $178 at Nordstrom
(Pictured) Diane von Furstenberg ‘Reno’ Silk Damask Shift Dress | $325 at Nordstrom
Theory ‘Azuri - Acute’ Printed Dress | $455 at Nordstrom
And a few separates you might find cruise-worthy:
BB Dakota ‘Evie’ Jacket (in White) | $44 at Nordstrom
Free People ‘Indian Princess’ Racerback Top | $98 at Nordstrom
The dresses I am recommending would look pretty with heels or flats, and the white Free People blouse with jeans would show off any tan you may get. During the day, jeans or walking shorts with a cute tee or blouse would serve you well. And if you invest in a short sleeve jacket (like the BB Dakota one), you’ll be covered–even in 60 degree temperatures. Have a fun filled three days in Mexico!
Have a great tip about what to wear to Mexico during the winter?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.
January 28th, 2008
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