Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: I am traveling around Japan for 3 weeks beginning in late March. What do you suggest packing? I plan on dressing casually and packing as lightly as possible. We will be doing a lot of sightseeing and walking around. What shoes would be comfortable and would go with everything (I only want to pack one pair)?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: How lovely—March is the most popular time of year to travel to Japan. It’s the beginning of their Spring season, which means that their famous cherry blossoms will begin to bloom.
Fashion wise, Japan is a fascinating country. Fashion forward young people are so creative in dress—influences range from Harajuku (which encompasses a variety of styles, from gothic Lolita to cosplay) to Hime (a new princess craze). But these edgy styles aside, Japan is a very conservative country when it comes to fashion. You can get away with casual dress when you’re out seeing the sights, but remember that Japan is a place where attention to appearance is paramount (especially in business situations). Japanese women have a penchant for meticulously tailored garments—and often wear heels even with casualwear.
For sightseeing in Japan in late March, here’s what you need to bring:
Tops: Bring an assortment of nice, relatively conservative shirts and blouses, both knits and wovens. Sleeveless styles are OK, but nothing that shows cleavage, nothing tight or clingy. For late March, long sleeved blouses and knits are going to be your best bet; it may be Spring, but the weather is still going to be a bit chilly.
Sweaters: Pack a couple of versatile sweaters to layer over your tops; this will allow you to dress in layers to adjust to the heat and cold.
Bottoms: Your bottoms wardrobe is going to center around long pants. Pack a couple of pairs of casual pants, and one pair of dressier pants. You can also bring jeans—tourists do wear jeans; however, they’re somewhat less common amongst the more formal Japanese women. Skip the shorts, but cropped pants are do-able if they work with your figure.
Dresses: If you’re going to be attending any more formal events, you can also pack a dress (knee-length or longer) for the occasion.
Outerwear: For late March, a light jacket should suffice to keep you warm (especially if you’re layering with sweaters).
Shoes: If you’re planning on bringing only one pair of shoes, you will want a comfortable yet stylish flat that will work for sightseeing and dressier occasions. I recommend a pair of Cole Haan flats with Nike Air technology or a pair of Softspots with a tempurpedic footbed.
Last thoughts? Get a pedicure before your trip, and make sure to bring lots of pairs of socks. As you sightsee, you’ll often be asked to remove your shoes when you visit temples and other buildings.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Japan? Share it with us in the comments!
March 5th, 2009
Sure, you can wear a sweatervest with a formal buttondown shirt and casual jeans, but you can also invert the fashion formula for an outfit that’s more visually interesting. Simply pair your sweatervest with a foundation of a casual tee and a pair of formal trousers. Here’s how to get the rest of the sweatervest look:
1. Start with a simple tee and a pair of wide leg trouser pants.
2. Layer on a cropped sweatervest over the t-shirt. Note how the texture of the sweatervest contrasts with the smooth knit of the tee.
3. Throw on a long tailored blazer. Note how the shawl collar of the vest looks so rich from underneath the blazer.
4. Accessorize with a bright pair of pumps and a casually chic tote. Don’t you love how the pumps visually pop?
How do you wear a sweatervest? Share your style with us in the comments!
March 3rd, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Gingham?
You said: Yes to Gingham, with a 58% to 42% vote.
Style tip? Gingham is such a fresh Spring look. Pair it with garments that give off an equal insouciance: white trousers (for guys and girls), denim skirts, and bright colors. We love a classic blue gingham, but you can also branch out and try the pattern in other colorways.
Next question: Animal prints are not just for our animal friends–zebra prints, in particular, are taking Spring by storm. Tell us, would you wear Animal Prints? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Secret Wash Button-down Shirt in Medium Gingham | $59.50 at J Crew.
March 2nd, 2009
Even when it’s rainy outside, life goes on. You still go to work, out with your friends, and on errand runs. And you need outfits that are as stylish as they are practical for the cold and the rain. Here’s an example of a utilitarian style that’ll sing effortless chic for rainy days:
1. Start with a plain white button down shirt and a pair of cargo pants: one part chic, one part utility.
2. Toss on a grey scarf for an effortless European inspired look.
3. Layer on a sophisticated black jacket to shield you from the elements. And let that grey scarf peek out from underneath.
4. Accessorize with a clear plastic umbrella (very stylish), a brightly colored handbag (just because it’s grey outside doesn’t mean that you can’t buck the trend), and a pair of flat rainboots. If your pant legs are skinny enough, you can tuck them in to the tops of the rainboots for a svelte (and dry) look.
How do you dress for a rainy day? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 27th, 2009
How do you construct an outfit that’s at once youthful and sophisticated? It’s simple: just mix and match, combining refined pieces with those with a more casual feel. Whatever your age, you can utilize this fashion tip to adjust your style to however young at heart you feel! Here’s a fashion formula that illustrates how to mix and match classic and casual pieces:
1. Start with a youthful piece: an embellished tee. Note how the ever so slight tint and the rose embellishment elevate it beyond a simple casual tee.
2. Add to the playfulness of the youthful tee with a brightly colored cardigan. The cheery orange color pairs well with the warm tinted tee and makes the outfit feel more accessible.
3. Bring on the polish with a couple of tailored pieces: a sailor inspired peacoat and a tweed pencil skirt.
4. Add accessories with a harder edge to counterbalance the youthfulness of the embellished tee and the bright sweater. A slouchy heeled boot and a zippered tote bag do the trick.
How would you mix and match classic and casual pieces? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 26th, 2009
Q: I’m 23 but look no older than 18, and my wardrobe hasn’t been updated since college. I deal with the public a lot, so I’d like to retain a casual air so as to be friendly and welcoming rather than overbearing and stuffy. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously. What are some essentials I should add to my closet that walk the line between professional and casual?
by Traci Tsai
A: High quality fabrics and structured silhouettes are the key to a more professional and mature look, while extra details add a fun and casual element to a work outfit without taking away sophistication.
Do a different take on the suit jacket: the cropped length and flower pin are a little more casual than your normal business attire, but the silhouette is still put-together and business-casual.
Flower Pin Blazer | $24.80 at Forever 21
Wide Leg pants in basic black, dark grey or a dark pin stripe pattern are a must-have. After all, pants feel more business-like than a skirt. Remember: tight-fitting pants are a dead giveaway to youth, so make sure you choose a cut in a wider leg and a looser fit to keep your attire appropriate for work.
Creme Fraiche Heather Trouser | $98.75 at South Moon Under
A blouse is an essential for a young female professional – it can be paired with skirts, dress pants or trouser jeans depending on the type of workplace, and it fits nicely under a blazer. If you choose a blouse like this one, the bright coral fabric adds a touch of youth, but the elaborate detailing at the neckline adds an air of sophistication.
Silk Ruffle Blouse | $69 at Banana Republic
Patterns are a great way to add some flair to a work outfit. The knee -length hem and sleeves are all relatively conservative, but the geometric print adds visual interest, so you get the best of both worlds. To add another element of maturity and structure to the silhouette, you could replace the fabric waist tie with a more substantial wide belt.
Geo Print Wrap Dress | $130 at Banana Republic
Patent Pumps are an easy, everyday work outfit complement. Pumps are classic and sophisticated, but the patent leather shine makes for a younger look and will stand out more than your typical leather pumps.
Nine West Barb Patent Pumps | $68.95 at Zappos
Never underestimate the power of a few good pieces of jewelry. The right accessories can instantly add a level of maturity to an outfit. We recommend investing in a few versatile long-strand necklaces and some long earrings. Here youth is an advantage, and you can be more daring with jewelry types and colors without it taking away from your professional look.
Layered Chain Necklace | $49 at Banana Republic
What would you wear at work to walk the line between casual and formal? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 24th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Pastel Colors?
You said: Yes to Pastel Colors, with a 61% to 39% vote.
Style tip? The Pastel Colors you’re seeing in stores are a sign that Spring is on it’s way. How to wear them? If you’re dark skinned, pastels are a natural - they provide a beautiful contrast to your skin tone. But for those of you who have fairer complexions, pastels can wash you out. Two solutions for our fair skinned friends: (1) pair your pastels with a brighter color (like the pictured sweater over the light pastel shirt), or (2) wear your pastels with a tan (or bronzer).
P.S. Pastel colors aren’t just for women. Guys, if you want to be adventurous, you can try a lilac (or salmon pink) shirt for work or for play.
Next question: Like Pastel Colors, Gingham Check fabric is a harbinger of Spring. Tell us, would you wear Gingham? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Short Sleeved Cotton Cardigan | $49.50 (sale) at J Crew.
February 23rd, 2009
Photo Credit: NYMag.com
What’s the scoop for Fall 2009 fashion? In keeping with the economic downturn and our new First Lady, we’re back to restrained style and a refined, ladylike glamour. Great news for those of us whose style reflects a classic, sophisticated sensibility. Here’s Omiru’s picks for the top trends from Fashion Week Fall 2009:
Moods
Ladylike Glamour
Seasonless Style
Prints
Watercolor Prints
Animal Prints
Statement Plaid
Classifications
Capes and Capelets
Collarless Coats
Cropped Pants
Uber Cropped Jackets
Layered Dresses
Cocoon Coats
Colors
Gold
Green
Teal
Deep Blue
Not So Basic Black
Details
Shawl Collars
Chunky Knits
Zipper Detailing
Accessories
Bold and Beautiful Necklaces
Brooches
February 22nd, 2009
Photo Credit: NYMag.comLadylike Glamour at DKNY, Luca Luca, and Monique Lhuillier.
Style tip? Maybe it’s the effect of the depressed economy, maybe it’s the influence of elegant Michelle Obama–but restrained, ladylike fashion is fully in style. So don your gloves, pull on a polished skirt suit, or slip into a sophisticated ball gown.
What do you think? Would you wear ladylike glamour? Share your thoughts in the comments!
February 20th, 2009
Photo Credit: NYMag.comGold at Lela Rose, Philip Lim, and Milly.
Style tip? Be bold with gold. Wear it head to toe (as at Lela Rose), or tone it down by pairing it with neutrals (as at Philip Lim) or other warm colors (like the orange-gold combo at Milly).
What do you think? Would you wear gold? Share your thoughts in the comments!
February 20th, 2009
Next Posts
Previous Posts
