Posts filed under 'What’s In and What’s Out'
We asked: Is The Cape In or Out?
You said: In, with 47% of the vote–as opposed to Out’s 40%.
Omiru’s take: Like we saw with sequins, you either love capes and capelets–or you hate them. We see them as a nice sweater or light jacket alternative, and they’re a chic way to dress up a casual outfit.
Style tip? Because capes and capelets tend to be voluminous, they require careful consideration for figure flattery. If you’re petite, choose a smaller, less voluminous style. As for texture, look for a smaller knit weave as well. If you’re taller, on the other hand, you can afford to go larger, both in texture and in size.
Next question: Chunky knits are not only seasonally appropriate but also popular, according to the Fall 2007 runways. But their volume, as the name implies, can make these chunky knits less than figure flattering. But what do you think? Tell us, are Chunky Knits In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Echo Buttoned Chunky Capelet | $98 at Nordstrom.
October 1st, 2007
We asked: Are Sequins In or Out?
You said: In…and Out. While 42% of you voted sequins In, 41% voted them Out.
Omiru’s take: Sequins–you either love em or you hate em. We think they’re fine, so long as they’re worn in moderation. Sequins are great for adding a bit of oomph to a cocktail dress or an evening gown. However, sequins seem to feel less appropriate during Fall than they would during Winter. Says Mimi, "I’m voting sequins in, but only until after the winter holidays."
Style tip? Shine has a tendency to make you look larger–so wear sequins thoughtfully. Wear sequins to show off your best features–or take advantage of their amplifying properties to give you some extra volume where you need it most. Small bustline? Wear sequins across your chest (pictured).
Next question: Like Sequins, Capes (and Capelets) were all over the runways at Fashion Week. But would you wear them? Tell us, are Capes In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: As U Wish Sequin Tube Dress | $54 at Nordstrom.
September 24th, 2007
We asked: Is Eco-Friendly Fashion In or Out?
You said: In! A whopping 79% of you voted Yes for Eco-Friendly Fashion.
Omiru’s take: It should go without saying that we’re glad to see that the fashion community is pro-environment. But environmentally friendly fashion as a trend–that can be good or bad. One of our readers, Kamo, said: "I think it’s a problem when [eco-friendly fashion] is reduced to a trend…it should be a way of life, like eating well, volunteering, recycling, etc. I would hope that eco-friendly isn’t “in,†because that would mean (as trendy cycles go) that it will soon be “outâ€!" Dawn took the opposite view: "Be grateful for the trend while it lasts, and capitalize on it. If you capitalize on it while it’s hot, you can start up programs like recycling (from the 70’s) and saving whales and food gleaning ( from the 80’s), and make them everyday mainstream institutions." Both excellent points–and we hope that this renewed interest in sustainable style does make a lasting impact on the industry.
Style tip? You don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Environmentally friendly fashion is just as chic as it’s less earth-friendly counterparts. If you’re not convinced, check out Clothes-Pin for introductions to the most promising up-and-coming eco-friendly fashion and jewelry designers. Or take a spin over at Beklina, an online boutique dedicated to surfacing the best in sustainable style.
Next question: Having just gotten back from New York Fashion Week, runway trends are still on our minds. One of the big detailing trends we noticed was, interestingly enough, Sequins. Could be good…or could be bad. So, we ask you, what do you
think about Sequins? Tell us, are Sequins In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Myth and Ritual Tuxedo Blouse | $195 at Beklina.
September 17th, 2007
Knee Length Skirts
Knee length or a little above or below the knee creates the most flattering leg line. 
Pictured: Carolina Herrera, Milly, Peter Som.
Dresses with Pockets
Form meets function. Plus, you can go out without a purse.
Pictured: Peter Som, Cynthia Steffe, and BCBG.
The Oversized Collar
Provides a dramatic frame for your most important feature: your face.
Pictured: Zac Posen, Peter Som, Max Azria.
The Belt
If you have a defined waistline, belts draw attention to
your thinnest point. And if you don’t, belts help create the illusion
of a waist.
Pictured: Milly, Peter Som, Reem Acra.
The Color Purple
Quietly bold, there’s a shade of purple to fit every complexion.
Pictured: Reem Acra, Tuleh, Vera Wang.
All photos courtesy of Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz.
September 14th, 2007
Maxi Dresses
Unless you’re six feet tall, maxi dresses look as if they swallowed you alive. 
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg, Cynthia Steffe, Zac Posen.
Mini Dresses
Great to wear…if you’re blessed with flawless (and long) legs.
Pictured: Zac Posen, Nanette Lepore, Temperley London.
The Bubble Skirt
A visually interesting but awkward-to-wear silhouette. Fun for stylists, less fun for you.
Pictured: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Temperley London.
Sheer Fabric
Done tastefully, sheer fabric can be gorgeous. But it’s
tough to pull off during the day–and the transparent nature of the
fabric often shows a little more than you’re intending.
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen.
Feathers
Absolutely fabulous on accessories, tough to wear on clothes.
Pictured: Oscar de la Renta, BCBG, and Zac Posen.
All photos courtesy of Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz.
September 14th, 2007
We asked:Are Ankle Boots In or Out?
You said: In! A full 59% of you voted Ankle Boots In.
Omiru’s take: Ankle Boots (aka "Booties") are THE hot boot style for Fall, if you believe what you read in the fashion glossies. Sure, boots are always In for Fall, but we find these ankle boots much more difficult to wear than the standard-issue knee-high variety. Beware if you have less-than-perfect legs, as these booties visually shorten your leg line. Style tip? Avoid boots that hit directly at the ankle bone–choose styles that end right below or right above your ankle bone for the most flattering look. As for what to wear with ankle boots, try simple silhouettes, such as a knee length skirt, a sweater dress or a belted military-inspired coat. Oh, and don’t forget tights or leggings for an even more svelte look.
Next question: Environmentally friendly (and organic) are the new retail buzzwords. Organic foods, recycled goods, and even eco-friendly cars (think: the Prius) are being embraced by the American public. But what do you think about Eco-Friendly Fashion? Tell us, is Eco-Friendly Fashion In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: MICHAEL Michael Kors Studio Boot | $188.95 at Nordstrom.
September 4th, 2007
We asked:Is The Leather Jacket In or Out?
You said: In! A whopping 68% majority voted The Leather Jacket In.
Omiru’s take: The Leather Jacket is one of those silhouettes that never really goes out of style. Good thing, since it’s expensive to buy a well made jacket. Should you decide to go leather, buy a ruggedly classic style that you can wear year in and year out. Style tip? Contrast your downtown chic leather jacket with a dress–or top with feminine detailing. Or keep it simple and pair the jacket with a white tee and a pair of grey jeans, as pictured.
Next question: Boots are a perennial fall footwear favorite, but what do you think about boots that end at the ankle? Tell us, are Ankle Boots In, or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Theory Nyree Leather Jacket | $875 at Shopbop.
August 27th, 2007
We asked:Is The Short Sleeved Jacket In or Out?
You said: In! A 63% majority voted the Short Sleeved Jacket In.
Omiru’s take: The Short Sleeved Jacket is our favorite way to bridge your summer and fall wardrobes–and it’s as appropriate for business casual workplaces as it is for the weekend. We love the cap-sleeved jacket, the elbow-length sleeved jacket (pictured), and the 3/4 length sleeved jacket. Style tip? The longer the sleeve, the more formal the jacket–so adjust the sleeve length accordingly for your workplace.
Next Question: Our friends at Second City Style are lusting after Leather Jackets for fall, especially fitted, feminine styles. But what do you
think? Tell us, is the Leather Jacket In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Nanette Lepore ‘Coquette’ Jacquard Jacket | $161.90 (sale) at Nordstrom.
August 20th, 2007
We asked:Is The One-Shouldered Dress In or Out?
You said: Out! 42% of you voted the One-Shouldered dress Out, and another 26% voted it On the Way Out.
Omiru’s take: While starlets are dolling themselves up with the one-shouldered dress for the red carpet, we’re leaving this trend on the rack. Sure, it’s as dramatic as it is elegant–but the one-shouldered dress is a tough one for figure flattery. Style tip? Should you decide to try the one-shouldered dress, head to the gym to tone up your upper arms.
Next Question: We’re still feeling the summer heat, but we’re also looking to build our wardrobes for fall. One way to bridge the seasons style-wise is with the Short Sleeved Jacket. But what do you
think? Tell us, is the Short Sleeved Jacket In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: YAYA AFLALO Fans Noir Dress | $99 (sale) at Shopbop.
August 13th, 2007
We asked:Is The Color Grey In or Out?
You said: IN! 91% of you are all for this traditional Fall color.
Omiru’s take: We’re wearing grey this fall, too. It’s a versatile alternative to black, which has a more severe feel to it. Style tip? Grey outfits don’t have to be drab. Pair grey with the bright colors you’ve been wearing this summer for autumn outfits with a kick. Men can spruce up a grey suit with a brightly colored scarf, while women can weave color into a predominantly grey outfit through layering.
Next Question: Seems that the latest red carpet trend is the One Shouldered Dress–very elegant and almost Grecian in style. But what do you think? Tell us, is the One Shouldered Dress In, or is it Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: BCBG Max Azria Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater | $198 at Nordstrom.
August 6th, 2007
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