Posts filed under 'Ready Made Outfits'
How do you wear leggings? Glad you asked. We’ve created three outfits for your inspiration pleasure as a case study for how to wear leggings:
Outfit 1: Leggings + Casual Blouse + Miniskirt + Flats
Why does this outfit work? It’s a study in monochromatic dressing—perfect for those of you who are hesitant about trying leggings out. The grey blouse pairs well with the grey miniskirt—and the grey leggings. This kind of monochromatic dressing is great for petites, as it creates an unbroken vertical line, making you look taller. Visual interest is added to the outfit with a pair of royal blue flats and a structured handbag to match.
Outfit 2: Leggings + Tunic + Jacket + Boots
One of the easiest ways to wear leggings is to pair them with a tunic. We chose a tunic in bright blue to add a visual punch. Paired with the bright blue tunic is a pair of leggings in a darker blue color, to create a unified look. We added a short sleeved jacket to layer over the tunic—with a bonus shot of style in the form of a checkerboard plaid pattern. We finished off the outfit with a pair of ankle boots for a sleek, sophisticated look.
Outfit 3: Leggings + Casual Dress + Pumps
Wearing a dress over leggings is a popular way to layer. We have two dress recommendations for pairing over leggings: (1) a close fitting dress (such as a knit dress), cinched with a wide belt, or (2) a billowy bohemian style casual dress. Whether you go with the close fitting or the more loose fitting dress, choose one that falls at or above the knee for the most flattering silhouette and best effect. P.S. Don’t you love that clutch handbag? It instantly dresses up the knit dress.
We’ll leave you with five last thoughts on how to wear leggings:
(1) When you wear a shirt over leggings, your shirt shouldn’t fall past the middle of your thigh. Any lower will throw off your proportions.
(2) When you wear a dress over leggings, the rule is that your dress should fall at or above your knee. If your dress falls below your knee, you run the risk of visually cutting off your legs. Not very flattering.
(3) The key to wearing leggings in style is to get the big-over-small silhouette. So when you choose a shirt to pair with your leggings, look for a roomy shirt that’s anything but skintight. Skintight top + skintight leggings = Minus points for style.
(4) When you look for shoes to pair with your leggings, look for three styles: flats, boots, and pumps. Other types of shoes tend not to work as well as these three styles. Our personal favorite is booties with leggings for a rocker chick inspired look.
(5) Our last tip will help you choose a color for your leggings. When choosing a color for your leggings, we recommend echoing another color already existing in your outfit. That is, if you already have grey in your outfit, a grey pair of leggings could be a great choice. But if you don’t already have red in your outfit, don’t try to slip on a pair of red leggings. Or do it knowing that it’s either going to be either fabulous or frightening…nothing in between.
Have a great tip about how to wear leggings? Share it with us in the comments!
June 15th, 2009
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of of the oversized, man-tailored blazer. The look is very sophisticated and worldly, with a European flair. But how do you wear an oversized blazer? Omiru shows you how to wear an oversized blazer without looking overpowered:
1. Start with an oversized blazer that hits at hip-length. We love the dramatic shawl collar on this dinner jacket.
2. Layer a fitted blouse underneath the oversized blazer. We chose a bright green ruffled blouse to pair with the white dinner jacket. The bright color makes the white in the blazer pop (and vice versa), and the ruffles add a bit of visual drama, drawing attention up to your face.
3. Slip on a fitted skirt under the oversized blazer to complete the big-over-small look. The core of your outfit - the blouse and the skirt - should fit somewhat snugly in order to contrast with the oversized blazer.
4. Finish off the outfit with a tote bag and a pair of chic ankle boots. We love how the brown accessories pair with the bright green and bright blue in the outfit.
BTW - this is a great outfit for work, especially if you work in a creative environment.
How would you wear an oversized blazer? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 11th, 2009
The tailored blazer is a cornerstone of your work wardrobe in a business formal office - but it can work wonders even in a business casual environment. Simply pair your blazer with more unstructured pieces to make it more casual. Here’s how to get the business casual look with a blazer:
1. Start with a crested blazer - the epitome of old-world style.
2. Layer a drapey, romantic blouse under the tailored blazer.
3. Add a fluid skirt in a color complementary to the jacket. To pull the outfit together, we chose a bright blue to pair with the navy jacket.
4. Accessorize with a pair of pumps and a structured work bag. Bonus points for a bright pair of shoes to warm up the outfit–we’re digging the bright yellow juxtaposed against the blue blazer and skirt.
How do you wear a blazer? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 5th, 2009
Polka dots aren’t just for girls. But how do you wear these dots without feeling overly girly? Pair them with grown up, sophisticated garments - or add distressed item or two for a rugged look. Or both. Here’s how to wear Grown Up polka dots:
1. Start with a polka dotted shirt. If you’re unsure about polka dots, try a small dot print in a dark color. But you can also go bold with brightly colored dots–and an abstract pattern, as shown.
2. Slip on a pair of super dark straight leg jeans.
3. Add a lightweight utility jacket to add a rugged element to the outfit.
4. Mix things up with your accessories: a distressed ankle boot contrasts with a traditional leather bag, while an orange striped scarf echoes the bright orange dots on the shirt.
How do you wear polka dots? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 2nd, 2009
Temperatures may be rising, but you can keep your cool in a pair of casual shorts. But casual shorts don’t have to look sloppy, if you pair them with the right elements. Here’s how to look pulled together, even when you’re wearing a simple top and casual shorts:
1. Start with a pair of knee length shorts and a cute sleeveless or short sleeved top. We’re digging the bright yellow color juxtaposed against the clean white.
2. Add a lightweight layering sweater - for those cool mornings or times when you’re indoors with extra-strong AC.
3. Finish off the outfit with a brightly colored tote and a pair of statement sandals. Don’t you love how the seafoam color on the tote makes that bright yellow tunic even more radiant (and vice versa)?
How do you keep it casually cool in shorts? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 28th, 2009
In fashion, there are a few classic silhouettes - big over small, small over big, small over small, and the largely unflattering big over big. Here’s how to take the classic big over small silhouette to work:
1. Start with a loosely cut, blousy top. We love the textured neckline of this grey henley.
2. Juxtapose silhouettes: the (big) blousy top against a (small) figure-hugging pencil skirt.
3. Pull on a patterned sweater in a complementary color. The neutral grey henley just feels brighter with this lovely yellow floral patterned sweater.
4. Finish off the look with work-friendly accessories: brown bow-adorned pumps and a work tote with tailored details.
How would you wear the classic big over small silhouette at work? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 22nd, 2009
The 1960s were famous for bold graphic prints and bright colors. And while the optimistic mood of the 1960s isn’t necessarily present today, you can still derive inspiration from these more innocent times. Here’s how to modernize the graphic look of the 1960s:
1. Juxtapose bright color and a statement making pattern: a bright royal blue tank and a black and white skirt with a bold polka dot pattern.
2. Add another layer of graphic pattern with a short sleeved jacket in an oversized buffalo plaid.
3. Finish off the look with complementary accessories: a sunny yellow pair of heels (to complement the blue tank) and a grey zipper-adorned handbag (that works with the black and white patterned pieces).
How do you wear graphic patterns? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 21st, 2009
You said Yes to Long Strap Handbags - a 90s trend that’s back in full swing. We’ve created an outfit that plays to the breezy cool strength of the Long Strap Handbag, an outfit that feels right at home in the present day. Here’s how to get the modern look of the Long Strap Handbag:
1. Layer a boldly patterned dress over a plain button-down shirt. Notice how the orange and white horizontal striped pattern contrasts nicely with the pale blue of the collared shirt.
2. Slip on a pair of edgy sandals to complement the layered look. The warm brown of the sandals works well with the warm colors on the dress.
3. Finish off the look by draping a Long Strap Handbag over yourself. The freedom of the Long Strap Handbag (you’ll be able to keep your hands free) is echoed in the effortlessly cool look of the rest of the outfit.
How would you wear a Long Strap Handbag? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 19th, 2009
Mix masculine and feminine in a outfit that’s supremely sophisticated. Simply pair a floaty, feminine dress with an oversized boyfriend blazer. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a floaty, feminine dress. We’re digging the drapey chiffon and the elbow-length sleeves (which camouflage heavy arms).
2. Layer on a hip-length boyfriend blazer. The tailored blazer contrasts against the floatiness of the chiffon dress. Bonus style points if you push up the sleeves of the blazer.
3. Accessorize with a pair of knee-length boots and a sophisticated-yet-roomy bag. Finish off the outfit with a colorful scarf for a final visual punch.
How would you wear a boyfriend blazer and floaty dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 7th, 2009
It’s that time of the year - time for graduations and new beginnings. And accordingly, we’ve gotten a number of questions from women all around the country about what to wear to the graduation ceremony. In a nutshell, bright colors, dresses, and low heels are all occasion-appropriate. Here’s how to put these elements together for a gorgeous graduation outfit:
1. Build your outfit around a gorgeous floral dress. The sexy strapless style is counterbalanced by the sophisticated floral pattern.
2. In case you’re going to be in an air conditioned area, you’ll want a cardigan sweater for layering. Choose a sweater in a bright color, one that complements the colors in the dress.
3. Finish off the outfit with a pair of low heels (in case you’ll have to do a lot of walking) and a pretty clutch purse.
What will you wear to graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 5th, 2009
Next Posts
Previous Posts