Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: I work for a relatively hip, young firm and the annual corporate holiday party is coming up. I recently purchased a Herve Leger bandage outfit (very pink top paired with a very black skirt.) Would this be too over the top for a work function?
A: With work functions, the generally accepted wisdom is to err on the conservative side. You’ll be hanging out with people that you work with–and that, with any luck, you’ll continue to work with for some time. Sexy outfits can work for your best friend’s holiday party, but the office holiday party is still governed by professionalism.
That said, professional outfits don’t have to be unattractive. And since you work at a hip, young firm, you can safely push the boundaries a bit more.
Our rule of thumb? Choose one standout, boundary-pushing detail–and build your outfit around that. You can wear a form fitting dress–but not one that features a up-to-there miniskirt and/or one that is excessively low cut. Or you can get away with that minidress, but one that’s less form fitting. Alternatively, you could try a metallic dress for sparkle–but in a conservative cut (as pictured).
With the Herve Leger bandage outfit, we’re counting two boundary-pushing details: the extreme body-hugging fit and the very pink top. Our advice is to choose one or the other: wear a body-hugging dress OR one in a standout bright color. Remember, you want to be the talk of the office for your stylish fashion choices (and your top-of-the-line work)–not for crossing the don’t-go-there fashion line.
Pictured: Alice + Olivia Sequined Pencil Dress | $495 at Shopbop.
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.
November 29th, 2007
Q: What are some essential pieces for a laid back, preppy girl look?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: First a bit of fashion history for you: preppy
fashion is derived from White Anglo Saxon College Preparatory School uniforms. Big in the 70s and the 80s, preppy fashion is still very much in style today. But instead of wearing preppy fashion head-to-toe, we generally recommend layering in other pieces for a more laid-back, modern look. To get you started though, here’s eleven staples for a preppy look:
The Navy Blazer
Wool Gabardine Single Button Jacket | $225 at J Crew
The Cable Knit Sweater
Cambridge Cable Crewneck Sweater | $74 at J Crew
The Basic Button Down Shirt
Sparkle Plaid Margaret Shirt | $78 at J Crew
The Polo Shirt
Kendall Polo Shirt | $39.50 at Abercrombie
The Corduroy Pant / The Khaki Pant
Modern Boot Cut Corduroy Pant | $54.60 (sale) at Banana Republic
The Lilly Pulitzer Dress
Lilly Pulitzer Cosette Printed Shirtdress | $195.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
The Pearl (or Diamond) Earrings
Pearl Stud Earrings | $55 at J Crew
The Cartier Tank Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise Watch | $3,800 at Saks Fifth Avenue
The Ribbon Belt
Striped Grosgrain Belt | $48 at J Crew
The Kate Spade Handbag
Kate Spade Classic Noel Metallic Griffin Tote | $216.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
The Penny Loafer
BP Paperclip Penny Loafer | $59.95 at Nordstrom
Lastly, here’s two pointers to make your preppy look more laid back:
(1) Play with color. We like darker and richer colors than the generally preferred kelly green and bright pink.
(2) Don’t look too perfect. Your cotton pinstriped button-down could, for example, be left unpressed. Or you can wear it slightly unbuttoned to show some skin.
Have a great tip about what to wear for a preppy look?
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.
November 27th, 2007
We asked: Are Skinny Cigarette Pants In or Out?
You said: In, with the majority (52%) of the popular vote.
Omiru’s take: Though Wide Legged Trousers are making waves this Fall, Skinny Cigarette Pants are also making a splash. While they’re tough to wear if you don’t have long, lean legs, they do look smashing paired with a more voluminous top for a big-over-small look.
Style tip?
For the longest, leanest look, pair cigarette pants with a tall heel in a similar color. We love grey cigarette pants paired with a checkered grey heel.
Next question: You’re into Skinny Cigarette Pants–but are you also into pairing them with voluminous Swing Coats? Tell us, are Swing Coats In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: J Brand Cigarette Stretch Leg Jean | $159 at Shopbop.
November 26th, 2007
Q: When wearing tights during winter, the static always make them stick to the skirt I have on and this creates a “scrunched-up†look that totally destroys the otherwise nice, formal look I’m trying to achieve. How do I stop the static?
A: Indeed, static can ruin many an outfit–from skirts sticking to tights to hair sticking to sweaters. Here’s how to stop static from forcing you into a fashion faux pas:
(1) Run to the store and pick up a can of Static Guard.
(2) Spray Static Guard on your tights.
(3) Put on your skirt, and enjoy a static-free, scrunch-free day!
Pictured: Static Guard Spray | $4.99 at Walgreens.
Have a great tip about how to stop static?
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.
November 21st, 2007
We asked: Are Full Skirts In or Out?
You said: In, with 62% of the popular vote.
Omiru’s take: Take that, tailored skirts! Full skirts are back in full force, perhaps as Fall’s more figure flattering continuation of Summer’s fling with volume (remember those tent and amorphous babydoll dresses?).
Style tip?
For the most flattering look, try a fitted top with a full skirt. Aim for this oh-so-elegant Small-over-Big silhouette.
Next question: You’re loving the full skirts–but do you also love pants with volume? Or are you into skinny cigarette pants? Tell us, are Skinny Cigarette Pants In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Silk Taffeta Parlour Skirt | $165 at J Crew.
November 19th, 2007
Q: I’ve been invited to a wedding in November, but I have nothing to wear. I don’t want to get cold. Any ideas?
A: Weddings are governed by dress code first, then by season, time of day, and location. If the dress code is formal (e.g. Black Tie or Black Tie Optional), wear standard formalwear: a cocktail dress, a long dress, or dressy separates. If the dress code is more semi-formal, you can get away with a cocktail dress or a tailored suit set.
In order to keep warm, a long sleeved dress is going to be your best bet. With long sleeved dresses, you’ll probably want a shorter hem length (aim for knee-length for a wedding) to balance out the extra fabric up top.
Regardless, the key to keeping warm at winter weddings is outerwear. Bring a long tailored coat, a shrug, or a cozy wrap to keep yourself warm. And don’t forget hosiery–stockings work wonders to keep legs warm on cold days.
Pictured: Chain Link Print Merino Sweater Dress | $99.99 (sale) at J Crew.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a winter 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.
November 15th, 2007
Q: My gorgeous fur coat (purchased before I came to my senses) was stolen. I don’t want to replace it with real fur, but I miss it’s beautiful feel, glamorous look and fabulous to wear over nice clothes. I am looking for a high end designer faux fur substitute. Is there such a thing?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
Sorry to hear that your coat was stolen. Any department store such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, or Bloomingdales would have a large selection of designer faux fur. We recommend finding a coat that doesn’t look exactly like fur–wearing faux fur also encourages others to prevent cruelty to animals by raising consciousness, and it’s tougher to do that with coats that are too lifelike.
We looked all over for the perfect designer faux fur coat–from Nordstrom to Net-a-Porter, but we couldn’t find a high-end faux fur coat that we could recommend. We did, however, find a cute shrug at Ann Taylor that would be a fun piece for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy!
Pictured: Faux Broadtail Shrug | $128 at Ann Taylor.
Have a great tip about where to find designer faux fur?
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.
November 13th, 2007
We asked: Are Pleated Trousers In or Out?
You said: Out, with 54% of the vote casting the ballot towards Out and another 11% voting them On the Way Out.
Omiru’s take: Pleated Pants get a bad rep for their unflattering silhouette–they tend to visually add 5 pounds with their extra folds of fabric around the waistline. For this reason, flat front pants are gaining in popularity for both men and women.
Style tip? For women, if you do decide to don the pleated pants, make them part of a menswear-as-womenswear look. As for men, pleated pants do actually have their place. Traditional Italian suits feature pleated pants–and if you’re going for that look, pleats are actually preferred.
Next question: After seasons of tailored skirts and body-hugging pencil skirts, Full Skirts are making a fashion comeback. But what
do you think? Tell us, is The Full Skirt In,
or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Nordstrom Pleated Gabardine Wool Trousers | $95 at Nordstrom.
November 12th, 2007
Q: Would it look weird to dress down dress trousers with a t-shirt and flats (a la Rachel Bilson)? Do you have any other ideas to dress them down?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Rachel Bilson always looks stylish and age appropriately youthful. Sure, you can imitate her look and wear trousers with a t-shirt and flats. How to do it? Trousers have a wider leg width than jeans or cigarette pants, so you want to be sure to have long legs–or a heel to balance out the width.
Here’s another couple of looks you might try:
(1) Dress down your trousers with a casual boot and a slouchy long sweater for a comfy, relaxed look.
(2) Layer two t-shirts of different colors over your trousers. Accessorize the casual look with some fun long necklaces. Be playful, but also be careful with proportions.
Pictured: Martin Lightweight Wool Cuffed Trouser | $69.99 (sale) at Banana Republic.
Have a great tip about how to dress down trousers?
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.
November 8th, 2007
Q: I recently purchased a lined ivory sweater dress that hits just above the knee. It’s a really cute dress and I want to get as much out of it as I can and make it dress as versatile as possible. What you would suggest in order to dress it down or up?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
Here’s how you can dress the ivory sweater dress up and down:
Casual: For a cute day look, add a chunky knit sweater for extra texture and gold ballet flats, which add warmth to the ivory sweater dress.
Playful: Wear brightly colored tights with neutral colored flats and a little clutch.
Formal: For a formal look, pair the sweater dress with dramatic bronze Mary Jane high heels and simple jewelry: gold or bronze bangles will keep the look cohesive.
Pictured: Merino Wool Cable-Knit Dress | $128 at Banana Republic.
Have a great tip about how to dress a sweater dress up and down?
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.
November 6th, 2007
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