Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: I work in an office where the temperature is always cold, so I’m looking for a fleece or heavy cardigan. I am leaning towards a North Face fleece for comfort, but I think this will look ugly right? Can you recommend something?
A: Skip the North Face fleece. Sure, it’s comfortable and warm, but you sacrifice style. Fleece jackets are fine for outdoorsy activities, but they don’t belong in the office (unless the jacket bears a company logo–but still, tsk tsk).
Layering is a practical way to keep warm without pulling out the fleece jacket. You’d be amazed how warm you can keep by simply combining multiple thin layers. The canonical combo is the v-neck sweater over the blouse over the thin t-shirt. But you can mix things up–try, for example, doubling up on the tees and layering a wrap sweater over them.
Worse comes to worse, try bundling up with a sweater or cozy poncho. Chunky knits are big this season, and they’re the perfect solution for those of us who sit directly underneath a drafty air vent.
Pictured: Luxe Poncho | $78 at Gap.
Have a great tip about how to stay warm at work?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 18th, 2007
We asked: Is Plaid In or Out?
You said: In, with 60% of the popular vote.
Omiru’s take: Like we’ve said, we’ve had our qualms about plaid, but we’re really warming up to it this season. There’s something so rich about the bold pattern and the great shirts that are in stores this season.
Style tip? For women, look for feminine detailing (e.g. ruffles, pleating) to soften the look. For men, create an outfit around the plaid pattern, pairing it with simple pieces–such as dark denim. Want more tips? Check out John’s article about How to Wear Flannel Stylishly and Trisha’s How to Wear a Plaid Shirt Without Looking Like a Man.
Next question: The Handbag: Just as hemlines rise and fall, it goes from big to small, small to big. But what’s your preference? Tell us, are Oversized Handbags In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: John Varvatos Cotton Plaid Sportshirt | $134.90 (sale) at Saks Fifth Avenue.
December 17th, 2007
Q: I recently bought a pair of trouser jeans. I have a pear-shaped body (slim upper body and heavier bottom), so where should the flare of the jeans start? What looks the best on a thick-thighed girl like me?
A:
The perfect pair of jeans fits you both at the waist and at the hips. Furthermore, this perfect pair of jeans:
(1) Doesn’t gap at the waist (so when you lean over, you don’t reveal your underwear),
(2) Contours your bottom so that the seat of your pants doesn’t sag, and
(3) Avoids unflattering whiskering around the crotch area.
If you have thick thighs, camouflage them with looser fitting jeans. These jeans should still fit snugly at the waist and through the hip (and contour your behind), but the flare should start at the top of the thigh for optimal figure flattery. What to wear with these trouser jeans? Pair them with a looser-fitting top for a big-over-small look.
Pictured: Baby Phat Original 5-Pocket Jean | $59 at Macys.
Have a great tip about jeans that fit thick thighs?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 14th, 2007
Q: I’m planning to wear an all red plain wrap dress with belt. What shoes do I match it with?
A: When matching shoes to a dress, the rule is to match the feel of the shoe with the feel of the dress. Is your dress all about glamour? Find a glamourous shoe to match. Similarly, if you’re looking for shoes for a casual sundress, choose a pair of casual shoes. With your red wrap dress, you’re looking for a shoe that’s as classically sophisticated as your dress is.
What about color? You have a few different choices:
(1) Match your red dress with a pair of red shoes. But don’t match the shades exactly–it looks like you’re trying too hard.
(2) Add some sparkle with a pair of metallic shoes. The beauty of metallic shoes is their versatility, since they pair with outfits of any color. They’re also a smart answer to multicolored outfits without a dominant color.
(3) If you want to experiment, try pairing the wrap dress with a shoe with a shot of bright color, or a shoe with flashy details. Some of the best dress-shoe pairings have been those that are unexpected. Think: Carrie from Sex and the City.
Pictured: Ted Baker Baba Heels in Gunmetal | $150 at Zappos.
Have a great tip about how to match shoes to a dress?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 13th, 2007
Q: I want to wear my off-white puffer vest with my dark gray Earnest Sewn Jeans but I have no clue what to wear beneath the vest. Any suggestions, aside from black?
A: You’re on the right track–the key to wearing a puffer vest is layering. Since the puffer vest is, in fact, puffy, you’re going to want a thin layer (or two) underneath. Layering tees work well here, as do thin cable knit sweaters (for texture).
As for the color of the undershirt, off-white and grey does naturally pair well with black, as you suggested. But to spice up the look, combine the neutral off-white and grey with a bright color. My first choice would be orange, which looks lovely with grey jeans and whose warm hue will pair well with the off-white vest. Don’t like orange? A warm shade of bright green will also bring out the best in both neutrals.
Pictured: Puffer Vest | $59.50 at Gap.
Have a great tip about what to wear with a puffer vest?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 11th, 2007
We asked: Is The Color White In or Out?
You said: Overwhelmingly in, with 79% of the popular vote.
Omiru’s take: It may not be the most slimming color, but The Color White is winning fans this season with its fresh, clean look. We’re hooked too.
Style tip? Go bold with white, and make it the dominant color in your outfit. Pair it with a splash of color for interest. And don’t forget to carry Shout! Wipes to help clean up stains. Want more on White? Here’s some more tips on How to Wear White.
Next question: We’ve always been a bit weary of plaid (the 90s grunge rocker look is still too fresh in our minds), but recently, we’ve changed our tune. Case in Point: John’s article about How to Wear Flannel Stylishly and Trisha’s How to Wear a Plaid Shirt Without Looking Like a Man. Tell us, is Plaid In,
or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Stadium Cloth Trench Coat| $345 at J Crew.
December 10th, 2007
Q: I am going to a wedding and would love to wear a black dress with gold detail. Would this be ok for daytime as well as evening?
A: Back in the day, it was never OK to wear black to a wedding. Nowadays, however, the wedding etiquette masters have declared black acceptable for evening. Even though black is OK for an evening wedding, it’s frowned upon for a daytime ceremony.
If the wedding is a daytime event, choose a dress in another color–anything but black, white/cream/off-white/etc (too bridal), and metallics (too evening). With bright colors in vogue this season, you’ll be sure to find a wedding-appropriate dress that you can repurpose (for a holiday party, perhaps).
Extra style tip? With minidresses exploding in popularity, take care to find a dress that is appropriate for the celebration. Knee-length or longer dresses are optimal, and just say no to hemlines that are higher than 2 or 3 inches above the knee.
Pictured: Donna Ricco Stretch Satin Sheath Dress | $158 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a wedding?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 7th, 2007
Q: While I love hats, do you have any good tips on how to keep hair looking good after taking the hat off? I always end up with flat, lifeless hair.
A: Hats are the ultimate in chic accessories, but they have the unfortunate side effect of giving you Hat Hair. Hat Hair comes in two strains (that aren’t mutually exclusive): Matted Hair and Static-y Hair. You can try to minimize Hat Hair’s effects by wearing hats of lighter weight or those that don’t have an extremely tight fit, but sometimes you just can’t prevent it. Here’s what to do if you have a case of Hat Hair:
Matted Hair: Apply a bit of volumizing spray to your roots and use your fingers to give your hair some oomph.
Static-y Hair: Spray a bit of Static Guard onto your hairbrush and run it through your hair. Don’t have Static Guard and a brush? In a pinch, you can apply a touch of hand lotion to your hair with your fingers to get rid of static.
Pictured: Static Guard Spray | $4.99 at Walgreens.
Have a great tip about how to combat hat hair?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 6th, 2007
The Plaid Flannel Shirt is back–and it doesn’t have to be (nay–it shouldn’t be) reminiscent of 90s grunge. John showed the guys how to stand out from the crowd in a plaid flannel shirt, which prompted the ladies to ask how to translate this look for women. The plaid shirt, while reminiscent of a woodsy man, doesn’t have to be masculine.
How to give the plaid shirt a feminine touch? Three ideas:
(1) Fit is key. A man’s shirt will fall straight at the sides, but a woman’s shirt should follow her curves. Too-straight side seams will make you look mannish.
(2) Leave the top button (or two) unbuttoned. Subtly show off your figure.
(3) Choose a shirt with special details, such as a ruffle at the back or tuxedo pleats down the front. The tuxedo pleats down center front on the American Eagle shirt, for example, give the shirt a feminine edge.
Here’s our top picks for plaid shirts with a feminine touch:
AE Plaid Tuxedo Pleat Shirt | $34.95 (sale) at American Eagle
Bib Front Flannel Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
Sparkle Plaid Margaret Shirt | $78 at J. Crew
Charlotte Ronson Plaid Button Down Tunic | $202 at Shopbop
December 4th, 2007
We asked: Are Swing Coats In or Out?
You said: Overwhelmingly in, with 61% of the popular vote.
Omiru’s take: We love the look of swing coats, with their simple lines, oversized buttons, and fun, swingy shape.
Style tip? Our favorite look pairs the swing coat over a slim bottom (skinny jeans, tailored trousers, or even a pencil skirt). An essential look in Figure Flattery 101.
Next question: The Color Black is figure flattering, but its opposite, The Color White, is so fresh and clean. Tell us, is The Color White In,
or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Swing Coat with Pleated Hem| $69 at Forever 21.
December 3rd, 2007
Next Posts
Previous Posts
