Posts filed under 'Women'
We asked: Would you wear Ponchos?
You said: No to Ponchos, with a 75% to 25% vote.
Style tip? Sure, Ponchos were hot in the early 2000s, and they’ve been regarded as fashion castoffs since. But while ponchos aren’t for everyone and for every occasion, they can still be worn in style. How do you look sophisticated in a poncho? Look for a poncho that drapes well. While stiffer ponchos can create an unflatteringly large silhouette up top, drapey fabrics are much more figure friendly.
Next question: Clutch Handbags are so chic, but they don’t fit very much of your stuff. But what do you think? Tell us, would you carry a Clutch Handbag? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ribbed Turtleneck Poncho | $27.80 at Forever 21.
November 11th, 2009
Tokyo style runs the gamut from schoolgirl cute to Harajuku edgy to ladylike sophisticate. But there are more commonalities than first meets the eye. We’ve boiled down five lessons in style to adopt from the ever design conscious Japanese.
Lesson 1: Dress up!
You don’t need a special occasion to look good.
Culturally, the Japanese are a formal people, with an emphasis on immaculate presentation (noted in both fashion and food). What happens is that the mere act of leaving the house is a reason to get dressed up. After all, you want to look your best. Both women and men fuss about the details - the perfect turn of a cuff, the correct type of shoe, the silhouette of a jacket. Formal attire isn’t required, but it’s artfully blended into everyday outfits, for work and for the weekend. While this fastidious attention to detail isn’t practical for everyone, it’s worth noting that it almost never hurts to dress up - whether it’s for work or for the weekend.
Lesson 2: Mix things up.
Experiment with texture.
Japanese clothing is dominated with neutral colors - black, white, shades of grey, khaki, and olive. What keeps the fashion interesting isn’t really the color palette. Rather, it’s the textures that make the outfit. We love the mix of chunky cable knit with smooth, opaque tights - or the gleam of (faux) leather paired with a tailored tweed. Even monochromatic looks can be visually interesting when the right textures are combined.
Lesson 3: Make a Statement.
Include a statement piece in every look.
Most great styles are actually very simple. Think of the standard blazer/white button-down/jeans combo, for example. But depending on the pieces chosen, this iconic fashion formula can be visually boring or interesting. The rule of thumb here is to pick the visual center of your outfit (e.g. the blazer), and choose one that makes a statement. Maybe it’s a collegiate crest on the breast pocket, or maybe it’s a chain detail on the pocket - these details can turn an ordinary blazer into a statement piece. But remember that it’s not necessary to make an outfit full of statement pieces; these special garments can carry a look.
Lesson 4: Think holistically.
Consider your whole look when getting dressed.
This guideline follows from the lesson on statement pieces. The Japanese focus on simplicity helps to balance a look between statement pieces and ordinary garments. The idea is to consider each piece in relation to the entire outfit so that you have an look that works holistically. That way, you have an outfit that’s more than the sum of its individual pieces. It’s easiest to do this when you start with an idea of what you want your outfit to say about you. Then, add and remove pieces so that your final look reflects the concept you’re trying to achieve.
Lesson 5: Be bold.
Try on new styles, even if you don’t think they’re for you.
As Katie in Tokyo said, the Japanese are all over new fashion trends with a passion. They’re wearing puffer jackets, chunky knits, capes, shorts with tights, foldover boots, collarless jackets, and whatever else is hot on the fashion radar. While Tokyo’s eclectic style isn’t directly translatable in other countries, Tokyoites’ sense of fashion adventure is. You don’t have to buy into each trend (please don’t), but do try out new styles in store, even if you don’t think they’ll work with your figure. You’ll be amazed at what new styles you can wear, and it’s the best way to explore your sense of personal style.
November 8th, 2009
Pictured: Cowlneck Sweater Dress | $98 at Banana Republic.
What’s hot in Tokyo? The sweaterdress. Women are wearing sweaterdresses over leggings, over trousers, over tights, and under perfectly tailored overcoats. Wherever you live, this perfectly versatile style is a key one to invest in this winter season.
What to look for in a sweaterdress?
Fit: IMHO, the best sweaterdresses aren’t completely form fitting; rather, they drape over your figure.
Weight: Thicker knit sweaterdresses tend to hold their shape better over time. Another added bonus is that they tend to be more forgiving of figure flaws (e.g. a less than flat tummy). However, thinner knit sweaterdresses have the benefit of more elegant draping.
Color: For the most versatile look, grey is a great go-to color. Black and navy are also good options, but don’t feel constrained to neutrals. If you dare, try a brighter shade, like red, mustard, or green.
Our fave? This grey cowlneck sweaterdress from Banana Republic. Not only is the drape beautiful, but it also has half-sleeves, which helps to camouflage heavy arms. Pair it with opaque tights, boots, and a structured coat.
November 4th, 2009
Strolling the streets of Ginza, this young lady is embracing the fun of schoolgirl fashion. What makes her schoolgirl look tick? Her pigtails, the stuffed animal charms on her lanyard, her lace-trimmed bloomer-style skirt, and her knee-high socks.
While her schoolgirl chic outfit would be difficult to pull off verbatim back in America, you could work in a single element or two. For example, pair knee high socks and Mary Janes with a sophisticated pencil skirt and blouse.
November 2nd, 2009
The star of Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 show was the cage heel, a dramatic architectural shoe that was half bootie, half strappy sandal. Ever since, the cage heel (or cage boot, as it were) has made its way from runway to reality, appearing in various incarnations at bridge level price points - and now even more affordable options. But how do you wear the cage heel without looking like a dominatrix? The key to wearing the cage heel in style is simplicity. Pair the architectural shoe with simple silhouettes in mostly solid colors. That way, you make the cage heel the star of your outfit. Here’s how to wear cage heels:
1. Start with a simple, somewhat demure base: a fitted pencil skirt and a drapey sweater. The sweater isn’t solid colored, but the navy and black oversized horizontal stripes are still recessive enough.
2. Slip on your cage heels to spice up the simple, sophisticated look. Notice how the structure of the cage heels is echoed in the double row of buttons on the skirt.
3. Finish off the look with a clutch in a bright color, which will give some life to the somber blues and blacks.
How would you wear cage heels? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 22nd, 2009
Need to transform your look in a flash? There’s no easier way to do this than with a scarf. You can add color, texture, and a bit of drama with the simple scarf - and really change up your look. Here’s our favorite six lightweight fall scarves under $50:
Plaid
Plaid Blanket Scarf | $24.50 at Gap
Textured
Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf | $22.99 at Ruche
Ombre
Dipped Ends Wool Scarf | $49.50 at Martin & Osa
Animal Print
Small Woven Leopard Scarf | $32 at Topshop
Buffalo Check
Buffalo Check Scarf | $19.50 at American Eagle
Open Weave
Ruffled Yarn Scarf | $6.80 at Forever 21
October 19th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Strappy Cage Heels?
You said: No to Strappy Cage Heels, with a 56% to 44% vote.
Style tip? Strappy Cage Heels first got their start on Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 runway in ankle boot form, and they’ve since made their way from the runway to real women’s closets, albeit in less extreme forms. But how do you wear this dramatic, almost architectural shoe? Cage heels are best worn with simple, solid colored outfits - when you wear cage heels, the look is all about the shoes. Try cage heels with a black pencil skirt and blazer combo for a look that’s dramatic but still accessible.
Next question: Ponchos had their turn in the style spotlight a few years back, and now they’re back for Fall 2009. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a Poncho? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Alessia Cage Pumps | $26.80 at Forever 21.
October 18th, 2009
No, this isn’t a case of seasonal dyslexia–you really can wear shorts for Fall. The key is to pair your shorts with fall staples, such as sweaters, leggings, and boots. (No shorts with sandals for Fall, unless you live in a tropical climate.) With the appropriate layers, your summer shorts can fit comfortably right into the fall season. Here’s how to wear your summer shorts this Fall:
1. Start with your summer shorts, worn over tights or leggings. For the most seasonally appropriate effect, try shorts in a heavier weight fabric, such as denim or wool.
2. On top, try a floaty top with shorts that are tighter fitting. If you’re wearing roomier shorts, try a fitted top.
3. Layer on a cardigan sweater, both for warmth and some additional color and texture.
4. Slip on a parka jacket on top, leaving it open to let the cardigan and top peek through. We love how the color of the faux fur trim echoes the yellow in the sweater, and how the combination of the parka, shorts, and leggings creates a long, lean line.
5. Finish off the look with a pair of tall boots (notice how the grommets on the boots echo the line of buttons on the shorts) and a textured shoulder bag.
How would you wear your summer shorts this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 15th, 2009
It’s officially boot season, and we’re reloading our shoe closets for Fall’s rain and clouds. But with so many great boot styles available this season, we’re having trouble choosing what to buy without breaking the bank. If you’re having a hard time deciding between boot styles, head over to Forever 21, and you’ll see why they have the cheap chic shoe market completely cornered. Whether you’re looking for a flat boot or heeled boot, a tall boot or an ankle boot, a tailored boot or a slouchy boot, Forever 21 has the boots for you. Here’s our six favorite boot picks (all under $35!) from Forever 21:
Suedette Slouch Boot | $29.80 at Forever 21
Peep Toe Ankle Boot | $32.80 at Forever 21
Trooper Boots | $29.80 at Forever 21
Naomi Ruched Boots | $31.80 at Forever 21
Western Ankle Boot | $30.80 at Forever 21
Combat Ankle Boots | $32.80 at Forever 21
What will you be wearing with your boots this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 14th, 2009
The Cardigan - it’s a wardrobe foundation that’s supremely versatile, with the ability to change the entire look of an outfit. But the cardigan so often plays a supporting role in an outfit, whether it’s peeking out from under a statement jacket, complementing a well-chosen blouse, or adding a pop of texture to a look. Take the cardigan from supporting to stunning, with surprising colors and statement silhouettes. Here’s six stunning cardigans under $100:
Vero Moda Wide Envelope Wool Mix Sleeve | $63.83 at ASOS
Silence & Noise Dolman Sleeve Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters
Merino Maya Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
Silence & Noise Cozy Open Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters
Pintucked Cardigan | $24.90 at Heritage 1981
Honeycomb Blouson Sleeve Cardigan | $63.83 at ASOS
What cardigan(s) will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style in the comments!
October 13th, 2009
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