Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: I am going to India (New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) in March for my honeymoon, and I do not have a clue what to pack! I am especially concerned about what kinds of shoes I should bring and how to dress conservatively in warm weather.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: How exotic to being to the "golden triangle" in India for your honeymoon - I’m quite jealous! The weather should be lovely - March is Springtime there, so it won’t be too hot or too cold.
I suggest packing a small, colorful, flirty wardrobe for your honeymoon. As Indian people dress so colorfully, you will be sharing in the spirit of the country. Don’t feel as if you need to bring everything - there are so many beautiful clothes to purchase - or have made for you.
Do keep in mind India’s traditional culture. As you suggested, conservative dressing is a must, especially in the towns that you will be visiting. As such, you’ll want to dress appropriately (e.g. knee length or longer skirts, no exposed cleavage, respectful clothing for the holy sites).
Here’s what you need to bring to India:
Pleated Geo Print Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
A few pretty dresses that pack easily are always practical. They can each be an entire outfit, and they don’t take up too much space. Look for dresses with conservative necklines and hemlines.
Grenada Palm Camisole | $160 at J Crew
Colorful, patterned tops in natural fabrics like silk and cotton are also key. If you don’t bring these, you can also pick them up on your trip. Indian clothing features beautiful textures and patterns - it’s no wonder why fashion designers are inspired by the country decade after decade.
Shawl Cardigan | $69 at Gap
Pack a versatile, neutral colored sweater for layering during the cooler evenings (and for anywhere with air conditioning).
Retro Chambray Wendy Skirt | $78 at J Crew
Knee length skirts in a-line or circle silhouettes are pretty, flirty, and allow you range of movement. Leave the pencil skirts at home.
AE Military Pant | $44.50 at American Eagle
Casual pants are great for days spent exploring. Paired with a flirty top, you’ll be as comfy as you are chic.
Osa Signature Trench Coat | $150 at Martin + Osa
Finish off your vacation wardrobe with a lightweight trenchcoat that goes with everything.
With your wardrobe buttoned up, let’s talk about shoes. I suggest flats, perhaps in a somewhat edgy style to counter the feminine outfits. Flats are the easiest to walk in and are so easy to pack. Avoid open toe shoes or sandals if you mind having dirty feet (the streets can be very dusty). One last consideration for shoes - select shoes that slip off easily as some sites do not allow you to wear shoes at all.
As you travel around the country, carry a bag that closes securely, as there is a lot of petty theft. You can bring a little clutch for evenings when you dine out or go dancing. Lots of pretty, sexy lingerie should round things out for a wonderful honeymoon.
Last thoughts? Save room in your suitcase for any beautiful silks or pashminas to bring home.
What would you wear to India? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 10th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Sweaterdresses?
You said: Yes to Sweaterdresses, with a 68% to 32% vote.
Style tip? Sweaterdresses are so chic - yet they can be so difficult to wear. To flatter a less-than-perfect figure, we suggest wearing sweaterdresses in stiffer, heavier knits. Why? Thinner, more body-skimming knits tend to reveal every bump and blemish. For further figure flattery (try saying that three times fast!), body slimming undergarments and shapewear from companies like Spanx work like a charm.
Next question: Pastel Colors are classic Spring, but they can wash out fair complexions…and they’re just not for everyone. Tell us, would you wear Pastel Colors? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Drop Waist Sweater Dress | $130 at Banana Republic.
February 9th, 2009
In love and life, opposites attract. So it’s no surprise that the same is true in style. Here, we present an outfit that’s full of opposites, in formality, styling details, and in color. Here’s how to reconcile the opposites in a outfit that’s completely chic:
1. Start with a plain white button down shirt and a pair of dark rinse jeans. We see two types of opposites with this pairing: (1) the masculine style of the shirt is counterbalanced by the feminine ruffles on the front, and (2) the formality of the shirt contrasts with the casualness of the jeans.
2. Layer on a brightly colored sweater and a menswear tailored jacket. The casual sweater peeking out from under the tailored jacket gives the outfit a punch of color.
3. Accessorize with a snappy navy hat that echoes the blue in the jeans and a smart orange clutch that echoes the bright orange sweater.
How do you wear opposites? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 6th, 2009
When it comes down to it, lingerie is really about you and how it makes you feel. So slip into something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re looking for something that’s one part sweet and one part sexy, you’re in luck. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we pick our favorite pieces at every price point:
February 5th, 2009
The ideal date night outfit makes you look great, reveals your individual sense of style, and encourages your date to ask for a next rendezvous. It’s a whole lot to ask of an outfit, but you don’t have to be Supergirl to make it work. (Plus, you have us to get you started with some style inspiration.) How do you look great on a date? Here’s a versatile date-night fashion formula that’s sure to turn heads:
1. Start with a cocktail dress. This navy chiffon smock dress features sheer sleeves and an artsy attitude.
2. It’s cold out–so put on a jacket. This brown cropped bomber jacket adds a tough vibe to the gauzy, sophisticated dress.
3. Accessorize with layers of necklaces (to befit the artistic vibe of the dress), a statement headband to draw attention up towards your face, and a pair of velvety brown boots to add some texture.
Ladies, what’s your go-to date outfit? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 3rd, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Textured Tights?
You said: Yes to Textured Tights, with a 73% to 27% vote.
Style tip? Textured tights are a great way to add flavor to an otherwise plain outfit. Especially if you like to dress in one (or a couple) colors head to toe, you’re going to want some visual variety in your wardrobe. A super simple way to get this visual variety is through texture. Pair your textured tights, for example, with a sleek pair of boots and a dress in a different fabric. Even if you’re dressing in one color from head to toe, the outfit still holds visual interest.
Next question: Sweaterdresses are a chic cold weather option, but they can also be tough to wear (especially if the sweater fabric is thin). Tell us, would you wear Sweaterdresses? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Wolford Twiggy Tights | $46 (approx) at Wolford. Sure, they’re expensive — but they’re worth the splurge for the fit, quality, and superb pattern.
February 2nd, 2009
Need a simple style solution? Wear a dress. Dresses are, hands down, the fastest way to look effortlessly chic. Here’s how to dress around a dress:
1. Start simply with a dress. If you’re a dress kind of gal, we recommend building a dress wardrobe for both Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, with heavier weight fabrics for cooler months and more breezy chic dresses for warmer times. Regardless of season, the key to a fabulous dress wardrobe is to pick silhouettes that work with your own personal architecture. This belted double breasted shirtdress, for instance, is great for women with a boyish figure; the dual lines of buttons create visual interest at the bustline, while the belt helps to create the illusion of a defined waist.
2. It is winter, after all, so you’ll want to cover up. Toss on a tailored blazer for looks and warmth. If you’re spending time outside in a cold climate, you’ll also want a warm, lightweight layering sweater between the dress and the jacket (and a silk base layer).
3. Accessorize with a few choice pieces: chocolate brown boots that complement the rich navy blue dress, a brown bag that works with the boots, and a gold necklace to give the outfit some warmth. Note how the ties on the bag echo the ties on the boots.
How would you dress around a dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 30th, 2009
Q: I’m planning a week-and-a-half long trip to Seoul in late April/early May. I want to pack light so I can (hopefully) carry on my luggage. What would you recommend for a stylish and comfortable travel wardrobe?
Pictured: Seoul-ready looks from Banana Republic’s Spring Collection.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: What a wonderful time to visit Seoul. The weather should be beautiful in April and May - somewhere between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Style in Seoul is all about dressing up. Korean women love to dress to impress. They’re very sophisticated and dress up for all occasions - be it going to the office, out on a dinner date, or even out running errands on the weekend. Meticulously groomed, Korean women are known for their conservative and feminine style.
Key takeaway? Bring your A game - and a bag full of versatile, dressy clothes. And feel free to indulge any girly impulses you may have while dressing on your trip.
What should you pack?
- Lightweight dresses, which are easy to pack and wear.
- One suit that can be dressed up or down.
- A lightweight sweater or two for layering. For maximum versatility, choose a neutral color like grey.
- Blouses with a conservative cut. Nothing too low cut, nothing too revealing.
- One knee-length skirt for pairing with the blouses.
A couple of final notes on accessories: Wear comfy shoes that you can slip on and off easily, as shoes are often removed in restaurants. Sunglasses can be considered rude, since wearing them prevents you from looking others in the eye. For sun protection, try a hat.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Korea? Share it with us in the comments!
January 29th, 2009
After a whirlwind weekend at the Sundance Film Festival in snowy Park City, UT, we bring you a cold weather outfit that’s as comfy as it is chic.
1. Start with a snug fitting base layer (not pictured) for warmth. As Traci said, keeping warm in the cold is all about keeping your core warm. A heat-retaining base layer will help you do just that.
2. Build the core of the outfit: a pair of super dark denim pants and a soft turtleneck sweater. For extra warmth, splurge for the cashmere.
3. Slip on a low-collared coat. The beauty of the low collar is that it allows your turtleneck collar to peek out. Collarless coats are very chic as well; try out the look.
4. Finish the outfit off with key cold weather accessories: a trapper hat to keep your head (and ears) warm, a cashmere scarf, and a flat pair of boots. Tuck your pant legs into the boots for the sleekest look.
What do you wear to beat the cold? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 27th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Wide Belts?
You said: Yes to Wide Belts, with a 72% to 28% vote.
Style tip? Wide belts definitely make a statement. And while they can help define your waistline, they can also draw attention to a thick middle. But overall, we think that wide belts have more plusses than minuses. As for how to wear a wide belt, here’s a rule of thumb: the more ornate the design of the belt, the simpler the outfit needs to be. For colder months, We love pairing a statement belt with a simple sweaterdress and a pair of boots. As simple as it is chic.
Next question: Tights are a cold weather staple, whether they’re for an extra layer of warmth under pants or to protect your legs from the cold under skirts. Solid colored plain tights are standard, but what do you think about textured tights? Tell us, would you wear Textured Tights? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Tess Waist Belt | $6.80 at Forever 21.
January 26th, 2009
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