Posts filed under 'What’s In and What’s Out'
Spring is around the corner, so welcome it in style with these seven investment-worthy wardrobe upgrades.
The Tom Ford Inspired Shirt
Tom Ford Suit and Shirt, photo courtesy of Men.Style.com.
It’s an understatement to say that Tom Ford does everything bold. (Have you seen his ads? And the ones in US magazines are the “toned down†ones; check out the UK GQ for the real deal) So it shouldn’t be a big surprise that his spring collection is particularly eye-catching. Unfortunately, not all of us can a) afford Mr. Ford’s clothing or b) pull it off. We love the shirt in this suit set. Wear it under a solid colored blazer, such as charcoal, grey—or white, if you have that certain je ne sais quoi. Two more affordable options: the Secret Wash Point Collar Shirt in Large Gingham ($64.50 at J Crew), and a shirt with the same pattern (albeit of a lower quality) for a little less than $100 at Club Monaco (not available online).
The Slim Fit Polo Shirt
Michael Kors Striped Polo | $175 at Neiman Marcus
Polos are a staple of any gentleman’s casually cool spring summer wardrobe. Some designers to watch: Ralph Lauren’s spring line always resonates with color, and their rugby pieces have been recently increasing in popularity. Lacoste is celebrating its 75th anniversary by putting an oversized alligator on their classic polo shirts. Burberry has done two things we’ve loved over the last couple of seasons: (1) they came out with a slim-fit line of shirts, and (2) they’ve toned down the pretentiousness factor (i.e. they’ve gotten rid of that signature Burberry check on the front button placket on some shirts).
Bloomingdales sells a great rugby-striped, slim-fit, ultra-soft cotton polo by Burberry, which unfortunately isn’t available online. If you find it in store, check it out in the white/gray colorway. But similar to this Burberry shirt is the Michael Kors shirt pictured above.
The Perfect Chino Pant
Mason’s Chinos, photo courtesy of Men.Style.com.
As it gets hotter, jeans become a little too heavy to wear. Instead, try these chinos from Mason’s. They’re slim, rich in color and are sans pleats and cuffs. Perfect for any event not held at a country club.
The Lightweight Blazer
Soft Blazer | $165 at Oak
When it gets chilly at night—or you need to dress up for that dinner date, you’ll want to wear a blazer. If you’re looking for a new one, we recommend this blazer by OakNYC, as it’s a great lightweight summer choice. Style tip? The trick to instantly casualizing anything, especially coats (even trenchcoats) or blazers, is to push up the sleeves. Note that pushing is not the same as rolling– rolling up the sleeves will wreak havoc on finer jackets.
The Low Top White Leather Sneaker
Common Projects Sneakers | $264 at Revolve Clothing
The perfect casual summer shoe is a low top white leather sneaker. I recommend a slip on by Common Projects (a style that is in fashion at the moment, but not in stores yet). The pictured sneaker, a low-top lace up, is a close substitution. Well made and comfortable, Common Projects shoes bear no logos. Instead, each shoe is individually numbered in subtle gold writing. Style tip? When wearing white sneakers and dark denim, beware: dark denim is often dark because of a powder coating. This powder will rub off onto your shoes (and shirt, for that matter).
The Trenchcoat
Modern Glen Plaid Straight Trenchcoat | $198 at Banana Republic
Springtime welcomes warmer weather—but it also brings rain. When storms hit, you’ll need to keep dry. This single breasted trench by Banana Republic will do that for you. Note the glen plaid design, which keeps things interesting.
Even though its spring, it can still get chilly at night. You’ll want to have a casual, lightweight jacket like this reasonably priced one by Banana Republic. It’s only available online in black - the picture doesn’t quite do it justice - but we suggest looking at the cream color, which you can see but not buy online.
March 12th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Yellow Green?
You said: Maybe. Both "Yes" and "No" got 50% of the vote.
Style tip? If your skin has warm undertones, yellow green (and yellow) will likely flatter you. But if your skin has cool undertones, try jewel tones–such as emerald green–instead.
Next question: It’s no question that minidresses are a hot commodity for Spring. But would you actually wear them? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Embroidered Linen Popover Blouse | $98 at J Crew.
March 9th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Cocoon Coats?
You said: No, with 79% against, and only 21% for Cocoon Coats.
Style tip? You don’t wear Cocoon Coats for figure flattery–you wear them to make a fashion statement. The best Cocoon Coat looks allow the coat to be the center of attention, so choose your other clothes with that in mind.
Next question: Bright, day-glo colors like Yellow Green are In for Spring and Summer. But would you wear Yellow Green? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Sport Luxe Coat | $59 at Twelve by Twelve.
March 3rd, 2008
Editor’s Note: We’re making a slight (but meaningful) change to our poll starting this week based on your answers to our reader survey. Identifying which trends you actually want to wear
(whether they’re in or not) is more relevant to "real style for real
people" than figuring out which trends are In or Out. So instead of asking if a given trend is In or Out, we’re asking whether you’d wear it or not. Hope this provides you with more meaningful information!
We asked: Are Fishnets In or Out?
You said: In…and Out. Both got 50% of the vote.
Style tip? Though acceptable to wear, fishnet stockings exude sexiness. Should you choose to wear fishnets, make sure that your overall look isn’t overtly racy. Try: fishnets with closed-toe shoes, boots, knee-length skirts, or even pants. Avoid: skirts that are significantly shorter than knee-length, open-toed shoes.
Next question: Cocoon coats featured prominently on the runways at fashion week, but they’re not the most figure flattering. Would you wear them? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Minx It Up Refined Fishnet Pantyhose | $15 at Victoria’s Secret.
February 25th, 2008
We asked: Are Jumpsuits In or Out?
You said: Out, with an overwhelming 85% of the vote!
Style tip? If you choose to go against the grain and don a jumpsuit, try a shorter style–and one with a belt. Bonus points for bright colors, like this sunshine yellow Porter Grey romper.
Next question: Fishnet stockings (and fishnet fabrics) appear to be on the trend radar for Fall 2008. But would you wear them? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Porter Grey Glass Button Romper | $76.50 (sale) at Shopbop.
February 18th, 2008
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
What was your favorite show at Fashion Week?
Constance White: Proenza Schouler. It was well thought out, has great use of color, and the shapes are creative yet wearable. And the fabrics drape beautifully. Proenza Schouler was a mix of intelligent, beautiful design and wearability.
What are your top trends for 2008?
CW: (1) The play of hard against soft. For example, a pretty, silky dress in a beautiful color with a menswear inspired reefer coat in tweed or plaid. Lighter fabrics are prevalent in part because of global warming but also because women travel so much today.
(2) A peep toe shoe or bootie with a high vamp–classic 1940s influence.
(3) Again, a 40s trend. Grown up clothes for a more mature look. Baby boomers want to be fashionable but also realistic.
How has fashion evolved since 2007?
CW: In 2007 the look was much more masculine and menswear inspired, with styles like the oxford heel. 2008 is much softer and feminine, though menswear is still trending in fabric such as tweeds and plaids. The masculine influence is just not as hard as it was in 2007. You’re going to see feminine influence in shoes, and in embellishments such as fur trimmed collars on coats or fur vests and feathers on hems and necklines. Statement bags (i.e. Marc Jacobs) are still on the runway, since women in business need them.
If Hilary becomes our first woman President, what would you recommend that she wear at her inauguration?
CW: A dress in a beautiful color such as peacock blue. Add a classic reefer coat, perhaps with a fur trim collar, incorporating the essential fall trend of the play of hard against soft–qualities Hillary will need herself. No hat is needed–her hair and make-up are beautiful as they are today.
What are your personal must-have purchases?
CW: A very pretty colorful dress and a peep-toe bootie.
February 12th, 2008
Fashion Week Fall 2008 featured an explosion of color (say hello to teal, cobalt blue, crimson red, bright pink, and orange) and an emphasis on the feminine form. Cinched waists, floor-length dresses, and asymmetrical, one-shoulder gowns played against headbands, oversized bows, and quirky hats.
Want the full scoop on fashion week? Read on for all of the biggest trends:
Accessories
Ankle Boots
Fishnets
Headbands
Quirky Hats
The Beanie Hat
T-Strap Shoes
Classifications
Cocoon Shaped Coats
Collarless Jacket
Double Breasted Jackets
Floor Length Dresses
Jumpsuit
Long Blazer
Skinny Pants
Tie-Neck Blouses
Color
Chocolate Brown
Cobalt Blue
Crimson Red
Day Glo Brights
Forest Green
Grey
Orange
Purple
Teal
White
Yellow Green
Details
Bishop Sleeves
Funnel Necklines
Half Sleeves
Oversized Bows
Oversized Collar
Pouf Sleeves
Tuxedo Detailing
Fabrics & Fabrications
Elegant Floral Prints
Feathers
Houndstooth
Ombre
Plaid
Sequins and Shine
Velvet
Silhouettes
1920s Fashion
Asymmetry
Attack of the 1980s
Cinched Waist
Photo Credit: NYMag.com.
February 11th, 2008
We asked: Is The Color Teal In or Out?
You said: In, with an overwhelming 78% of the vote!
Style tip? Beat the winter blues with jewel tones, like this marvelously flattering teal blouse from BCBG. Add a bright yellow bag for an extra punch of style. Want more teal inspiration? Check out Teal at Fashion Week Fall 2008.
Next question: Out of all of our Fashion Week Fall 2008 trends, the one that caused the most controversy was The Jumpsuit. Would you wear it, or would you leave it on the rack? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: BCBG Tie Front Charmeuse Blouse in Teal | $158 at Nordstrom.
February 11th, 2008
Photo Credit: NYMag.comCinched Waist Looks at Verrier, Diane von Furstenberg, and BCBG.
Style tip? You can visually create curves where you don’t have any with a belt–wide or thin. And if you are already blessed with curves, you can accentuate them with a belt.
What do you think? Would you wear a cinched waist outfit? Share your thoughts in the comments!
February 11th, 2008
Photo Credit: NYMag.comVelvet at Max Azria, Carolina Herrera, and Zac Posen.
Style tip? Add texture to your outfit with velvet–a classic fall/winter fabric. The classic velvet item? The Velvet Blazer.
What do you think? Would you wear velvet? And if so, with what? Share your thoughts in the comments!
February 11th, 2008
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