Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: For the last two years I have worked in the legal profession where my wardrobe consists mostly of skirt and pant suits, business shirts and lots and lots of black. Next year, I am going back to study fashion design to pursue my dream of working in fashion publishing. Do you have any suggestions for transitioning my color deficient and overly formal wardrobe to match my new life?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Congratulations! I applaud you for having the courage to do what you love, and taking the first step towards your dream of working in fashion publishing. Just as transitioning from a professional environment to an academic one will allow you much more freedom in scheduling your day, it will also give you much more freedom in what you choose to wear.
That said, I’d recommend placing your suits and blouses in a good storage place, as journalism will also require professional clothes until you reach the heights of Anna Wintour or Carine Roitfield, when designers will be begging you to wear their clothes! Fashion journalism is no exception, though you’ll get to mix things up a bit more.
As you prepare to enter the world of fashion, make sure you have your foundation pieces in place. These 10 pieces will provide you a foundation from which to grow your wardrobe—and evolve your sense of style. Since you’re going back to school, I’d add jeans to this foundation wardrobe as well. In addition to your standard issue dark rinse blue jeans, try a pair of trouser jeans and a pair of grey jeans.
Moving beyond the foundations, I encourage you to play with silhouettes and color. Now is the time for experimentation. Layer! Take what’s in your wardrobe and try to create new and interesting combinations.
Once you’ve started to exhaust the possibilities with your current wardrobe, make a shopping trip to add pieces that you may not already have. Things like layered tops, asymmetrical dresses, cute boots, and an oversized, slouchy bag (which should hold your school books nicely). But don’t be too anxious to fill out your wardrobe too quickly. You’ll start to develop a more critical eye as you study fashion. And you’ll no doubt be influenced by the designers you study—not to mention your fellow students.
Developing your own fashion point of view is a very personal process, and it’s not one to be rushed. This advice can help guide you along the path, but in the end, it’s you who’s making the journey. Bon voyage, and good luck!
Have a great tip about how to transform your wardrobe from formal to creative? Share it with us in the comments!
October 28th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid?
You said: Yes to Buffalo Check Plaid, which got 57% of the vote.
Style tip? Buffalo Check Plaid is one of the key trends of the season, and it works equally well on men and women. We love it in bold form, but for those of you who are on the fence, you can give it a try with a smaller print. Pair your buffalo check top with something more plain on the bottom - a pair of dark rinse jeans is simple chic for both men and women.
Next question: It wouldn’t be Fall without Boots. But what about Over the Knee boots? Tell us, would you wear Over the Knee Boots? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ruffle Placket Plaid Top | $44 at Gap.
October 27th, 2008
I’ve always been big on coats - they’re the first thing you notice about an outfit from far away, and they’re a great opportunity to make a statement. So it’s no surprise that one of my favorite Fall fashion traditions is to add a new winter coat to my wardrobe. Since the best coats stay in your wardrobe season after season, they’re an investment piece. Look for one that’s versatile - but also one that fits just right. Go on, coat up!
AE Belted Peacoat | $119.50 at American Eagle
Wool Blend Duffle Coat | $99.50 at Old Navy
Belted Coat | $128 at Gap
AE Buffalo Check Peacoat | $129.50 at American Eagle
Short Peacoat | $198 at Banana Republic
Textured Swing Coat | $198 at Banana Republic
October 24th, 2008
We’ve been raving about buffalo check for men, but we also love it on women. The bold pattern really makes a statement against more feminine patterns and colors. Here’s how to wear it:
1. Start with a boldly patterned top and jeans. Try one that’s ever-so-blousy to counterbalance the straightness of the jeans.
2. Toss on a bright cardigan in a color that brings out the best in the patterned top. Here, the bright yellow makes the blue in the top visually Pop.
3. Layer on the centerpiece of the outfit: a peacoat that features a bright buffalo check.
4. Finish off the outfit with a brightly colored handbag (the orange complements both the yellow sweater and the predominantly red buffalo checked jacket) and a pair of heeled boots.
How will you wear buffalo checks? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 23rd, 2008
Q: I’m 22 years old and only 5 feet tall. I also have a very young looking face, so whenever I go out, people ask me how old I am. It’s an odd request, but how can I dress to look older when I go out without trying too hard?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: It’s an odd request, but it’s a valid one. Looking more mature will not only reduce the "how old are you?" questioning, but it’ll also help you to be taken more seriously at work. We have a few quick tricks to add age to your look:
Balance out your Round Face: I’m guessing that the youthfulness in your face comes from a round shape; the rounder your face, the younger your look. To counterbalance the roundness, look for geometric shaped earrings, pointed collars, and more angular clothing.
Wear Structured Clothes: The more structure in your clothes, the more mature the look. I’d recommend building your wardrobe around tailored garments and accessories - double breasted coats, belts, blazers, and other fitted items.
Drape Yourself in Jewel Tones: Bright primary colors are youthful looking, but deeper jewel tones like emerald or turquoise are more refined. Neutral colors will also add to the maturity of your outfits.
Wear Makeup: The key here is to wear makeup that’s not too heavy. Try makeup that’s sophisticated, like a soft smoky eye for evening.
Slip on a Pair of Heels: Since you’re only 5 feet tall, you’ll also benefit from a couple of inches of extra height. Height will help you add years to your look, especially if the shoe is in a sophisticated style.
Last but not least, exude confidence through your posture and smile - act as though you absolutely belong where you are (which you do!). Carriage reflects maturity, and this will take you further than anything you’re wearing.
Have a great tip about how to dress to look older? Share it with us in the comments!
October 21st, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Elbow Length Gloves?
You said: No to Elbow Length Gloves. Only 46% of you said that you would wear them.
Style tip? Sure, elbow length gloves aren’t the most practical accessory in the world. Traditionally, they’re worn as a sophisticated accessory to an evening gown. But elbow length gloves don’t have to be reserved for formal occasions. You can make elbow length gloves a part of an everyday daytime outfit. Just try a less stuffy version of the gloves in a knit fabric. Bonus style points for choosing a bright color.
Next question: We’ve been raving about Buffalo Check Plaid patterns. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Long Fingerless Cashmere Gloves | $48 at Nordstrom.
October 20th, 2008
Just because the weather is getting greyer doesn’t mean that you need to wear the clothes to match. Our favorite foil against the forces of Fall is Bright Color. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a cheery skirt. The pretty polka dot pattern on this pencil skirt got this outfit off to the right start.
2. Add a patterned top for visual interest. Bonus points for one that also features bright color.
3. Bring in the color: a bright orange cardigan complements a spunky yellow peacoat (which in turn brings out the yellow on the graphic tee). The crimson red handbag fills out the spectrum of warm brights.
4. Finish off the outfit with a pair of grey slouchy boots. Black would be too harsh against these brights, but grey does the trick.
Bonus? For extra warmth, slip on a pair of tights to keep your legs nice and toasty.
How will you wear bright colors for Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 17th, 2008
J Crew is our go-to store for classics with a twist–those special standout pieces that you can use to elevate the rest of your everyday wardrobe. We can always count on them for gorgeous colors, beautiful patterns, and quality fabrics. Plus, their garment construction is top-notch for their price point. Though J Crew’s prices tend to be on the high side of what we feature here on Omiru, we believe that the clothes are worth it. When you do the cost-per-wear math, the number of wears tends to more than make up for the cost. Here’s five our our favorite pieces from J Crew’s Fall 2008 collection - pieces that can live in your wardrobe for years to come:
Italian Deco Tank | $148 at J Crew
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew
French Serge Day Coat | $350 at J Crew
Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat | $260 at J Crew
Italian Deco Print Rollneck Silk Dress | $350 at J Crew
October 16th, 2008
Q: I’ve noticed that a lot of your postings have striped shirts, which I think look so chic. When I wear mine, I feel like they don’t really flatter me. (I’m a bit broad-shouldered.) Are there some style rules about wearing stripes?
A: The eye is drawn in the direction of the stripe - that is, if you’re wearing horizontal stripes, the eye is drawn from side to side, and if you’re wearing vertical stripes, the eye tends to go up and down. The effect? Horizontal stripes tend to make you look wider, and vertical stripes tend to be more slimming.
Since you’re a bit broad shouldered, I would avoid thick horizontal stripes at your shoulder line. The stripes will only visually widen your shoulders. Since you love these horizontal striped shirts, you could try three things that will lessen the widening effect of horizontal stripes:
Thin Horizontal Stripes: The widening effect is a lot less pronounced with thin, widely spaced stripes than it would be for thicker stripes.
Stripes with Low Contrast: Horizontal stripes are less likely to widen your figure if they’re in colors without a lot of contrast. Instead of high-contrast black and white stripes, for instance, try lower-contrast grey and white stripes.
Strategic Stripe Placement: If you can find a shirt that has horizontal stripes on your torso - but not on your shoulder, this can also work for your figure.
How do you wear horizontal stripes? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 14th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear a Sweater Vest?
You said: Yes to Sweater Vests, with a full 68% of the vote.
Style tip? Sweater Vests have come a long way since Mr. Rogers! We love offsetting the masculine nature of the sweater vest with a feminine piece - a sinuous skirt, a flowery brooch, or even a headband in your hair.
Next question: We’re shopping for Fall Accessories - and we’re on the fence about Elbow Length Gloves. We love the look, but are they really practical? Tell us, would you wear Elbow Length Gloves? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Academy Sweater Vest | $22.90 at Heritage 1981.
October 13th, 2008
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