Posts filed under 'Women'
One simple way to pull a work outfit together is to build upon a monochromatic foundation, and then play with color with your accessories. Here’s how to build an outfit around a single dominant color:
1. Start with a blouse and a unstructured skirt in different shades of the same color. Notice how the light blue shirt plays off the deeper royal blue skirt.
2. Layer on a sweatervest in a third shade of the same color. The navy blue sweatervest contrasts with both the light blue shirt and the royal blue skirt, but the trio works as a visual group.
3. Toss on a trenchcoat to protect yourself from cool mornings and evenings - and the rain.
4. Accessorize with complementary colors: a sage green pair of flirty heels and a bright orange handbag. We’re loving the contrasting colors against the monochromatic blue foundation.
How would you build an outfit around color? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 17th, 2009
For those lazy days when you’re brunching with friends (or your S.O.), window shopping in the neighborhood boutiques, or even going on your own city walk, we love an outfit that’s all about easy elegance. To embody this breezily insouciant look, play with color and silhouette, but keep the look grounded with classic shapes. Here’s how to get the look of easy elegance with layering:
1. Start building your outfit with the basics: a simple white button-down shirt and a pair of straight leg dark rinse jeans. Turn up the cuffs on your white shirt to make the base of the outfit a bit more casual.
2. Layer on a tunic top over the white button-down shirt. The bright yellow color really pops against the white - and the dark blue of the jeans. So as to not look overly "blousy," make sure that the button-down shirt is fitted somewhat close to your body. Also take note of how the sleeves fit; a high armhole will instantly make the look more svelte.
3. Accessorize with a navy blue handbag (to make the tunic top stand out even more) and a breezy pair of driving mocs. Keep your jewelry simple with a single standout cocktail ring that instantly elevates the outfit.
What are your favorite layering tips? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 16th, 2009
Q: I’m going to New York in April. Could you tell me what I can wear if I’m going to go on a tour in the city? I’d like something comfortable but, at the same time, fashionable!
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: New York in April is breezy and rainy - so make sure to pack accordingly. Think temperatures ranging from lows in the 40s to highs in the 60s. Here’s what you need to bring for your tour of New York city:
Outerwear: Pack a waterproof trenchcoat with character to add a dash of style–and protect you from the rain. Bonus style points for a brightly colored trench. Also bring a good basic medium weight jacket for the days that the weather is clear.
Tops: A few layerable tops and a couple of lightweight sweaters will form the core of your sightseeing wardrobe. Also pack a few brightly colored tees for your base layer.
Bottoms: A couple of pairs of long pants and a pair of well-fitted jeans should do the trick.
Dresses: Bring a classic dress for fancy lunches or dinners, or for when you catch a play or Broadway show (or head out to a nice club).
Shoes: Closed toe flat shoes that are suitable for walking are going to be key. Styles like comfy ballet flats, sport sneakers, or flat boots will be your friend. You may also want to bring a pair of heels for any dressy occasions.
Accessories: A roomy handbag to hold extra layers of clothes (and any small purchases you make), a beautiful layering scarf, and an umbrella are going to be your three key accessories.
Last words? New York is a heaven for foodies - if you’re looking for some great eats, try: the hot chocolate (and mac and cheese) at City Bakery, the smoked salmon pressed rice sandwiches at Takashimaya, the bar steak at Pastis, the gelato at Grom, the chocolate at Maison du Chocolat and Kee’s, and a beautiful three course lunch at Jean Georges.
Have a great tip about what to wear in New York? Share it with us in the comments!
April 14th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear White Denim?
You said: No to White Denim, with a 58% to 42% vote.
Style tip? We’ll be the first to admit it - white denim is tough to wear. From a figure flattery standpoint, white makes you look bigger - hardly what you want if your derriere (or legs) are in less than perfect condition. And from a practical standpoint, white denim is terribly difficult to keep clean. One sit on a less-than-pristine park bench, and you’re toast. That said, if you’re willing to try out white denim, it can be very rewarding. White denim is a fresh, springy alternative to classic dark blue jeans - and it instantly elevates whatever you wear with it. You can instantly add elegance to bold colors, create a dreamy look with pastels, or dress up with metallics, especially silver (our fave).
Next question: We’re seeing tons of cute patterned shorts out there on store racks. But what do you think? Would you wear Patterned Shorts - or would you leave them on the rack? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: White Denim Bootcut Jean | $98 at J Crew.
April 13th, 2009
Q: I will be going to Orlando, FL for a week off with my family in April and need some ideas for theme park chic - comfortable, casual, but NOT sloppy. Any ideas?
A: Orlando in April is pretty warm - think temperatures that range from the 60s at night to the low 80s during the day. Light clothing is essential, and as you said, you’ll want pieces that are comfortable and casual to wear to the theme park. Still, you’ll want to look put together, so mix things up with sophisticated patterns (such as the flowers on the sweater and the stripes on the tank) and coordinated colors (notice how the blue and white base makes the yellow in the sweater visually pop). Here’s what you need to pack for your trip to Orlando:
Tops: Think sleeveless and short sleeved tops in breathable fabrics.
Sweaters: Pack one or two layering sweaters that you can put on in any air conditioned areas.
Bottoms: Shorts are going to be your best bet, but you can also try cropped pants or long, lightweight pants in cotton or linen.
Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so flat shoes are going to be your friend. Sneakers will get you through the day, but you may want a pair of casual flats for evenings.
Accessories: Bring a zippered bag to carry your essentials and a good hat to shield yourself from the sun.
Last words? As the days are typically sunny, you’ll want to remember to pack sunscreen.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a theme park? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 10th, 2009
Q: I’m trying to start dressing more fashionably and put together, but I am still a poor, broke, college student. I’m finishing my teaching degree and I would like to look professional all of the time. In addition to being broke, I am also plus sized.
Pictured (clockwise from left): Black Tie-Front Short Sleeved Jacket | $54 at Torrid, Stretch Poplin Button Down Blouse | $68 at Kiyonna, Classic Rise Wide Leg Trousers | $29.50 at Old Navy.
A: In order to build a professional wardrobe on a budget, we recommend investing in versatile, structured pieces that can seamlessly mix and match. Structured pieces will help you look professional, while also flattering your figure. Plus, your existing college-appropriate wardrobe will be instantly elevated when paired with these professional pieces.
Because fit is so key with these pieces - your tailored pants, blazers, and button-down shirts - it’s okay to stretch your budget in order to get the Right pieces. After all, you’ll get so much wear out of them that the cost per wear will be manageable. With a tight budget, take your time to find and purchase the right pieces. You don’t need to buy all of them at once, and being picky will help you understand what brands and styles fit and flatter you best. Plus, waiting to buy also helps you take advantage of sales and coupons that will reduce the price further. Here’s three specific pieces to look for:
The Perfect Button Down Shirt in a stretch cotton poplin style. A straight, body skimming cut with vertical seams will flatter your figure best. You’ll be able to wear this shirt by itself - or unbutton it to midchest and layer a camisole or tank underneath.
The Classic with a Twist Blazer, which will pair with tailored pants, jeans, and skirts. Pick a youthful take on this classic - try details like half sleeves,
Flat Front Pants with a medium to medium-high waistline. The higher the waistline, the longer your legs will look (and the taller you will appear). Pants with a slight flare at the leg will help visually balance your figure.
Have a great tip about how to build a professional plus-size wardrobe on a budget? Share it with us in the comments!
April 9th, 2009
Vintage inspired details - such as a feathered hair comb or a bow-adorned pair of booties - can really set the mood of an outfit. Case in point: we built a sophisticated, feminine look on the base of a somewhat masculine structured foundation of clothes. Here’s how to get the vintage-inspired look:
1. Start with a set of structured basics: a white button-down shirt and a pair of tailored trousers.
2. Add a well-cut jacket over the button-down shirt. Note the half sleeves on the black and white checkered jacket - and how the three pieces work together to create a look that’s at once easy and buttoned-up.
3. Give the look a feminine touch with a hair comb adorned with feathers and netting - and a pretty pair of boots featuring tailored bows.
How would you incorporate vintage-inspired details into an outfit? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 7th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Purple?
You said: Yes to Purple (overwhelmingly so!), with a 90% to 10% vote.
Style tip? One of our favorite color combinations is a rich royal purple paired with a light grey. It’s absolutely beautiful, and it works as well for guys as it does for women. If you want to take it one step further, try pattern with purple. A simple stripe or gingham (as pictured) really adds an extra zing.
Next question: White denim is perfectly Springlike - but difficult to wear, both for figure flattery and for keeping it clean! But what do you think? Would you wear White Denim? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Secret Wash Button Down Gingham Shirt | $59.50 at J Crew.
April 6th, 2009
How do you dress when the mornings are cool and wintrish, but afternoons feel like Spring? We have the answer: layering, layering, layering. Here’s a lightly layered outfit that’s just a bit coquettish:
1. Start with a floaty dress, layered over a pair of jeans for warmth.
2. Layer on a cardigan sweater. If you want to mix things up, you can try a patterned sweater - or a sweater in a bright color. And for really cool mornings, try a thicker, chunkier knit and/or toss on a jacket.
3. Accessorize with a rich handbag, a brightly colored hat, and a pair of bow-adorned flats. We love how the yellow hat makes the outfit instantly playful - and how the rich royal blue of the shoes really pops against the yellow.
How do you dress for weather that’s half Winter and half Spring? Share your style with us in the comments!
April 3rd, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Cropped Pants?
You said: Yes to Cropped Pants (barely), with a 53% to 47% vote.
Style tip? We hear you - cropped pants can be difficult to wear, especially if you’re not blessed with extra long legs. That said, we love the breezy, laid-back style of these casual pants. Here’s how to minimize the leg-shortening effect of Cropped Pants: (1) Wear ankle pants instead of styles that hit you at mid-calf, or (2) If you try a mid-calf style, opt for a skinnier leg fit to minimize the visual width of your legs.
Next question: It’s officially Spring, and we’re excited to wear a bunch of Spring brights, including the always-regal Purple. But what do you think? Would you wear Purple? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Skinny Cropped Jeans | $59.50 at Gap.
March 30th, 2009
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