Posts filed under 'Ready Made Outfits'
A sequined top is great for going out at night - for cocktail parties, or for a festive dinner out. But why not get some extra mileage out of it? Worn with the right pieces, you can pull off the sequins-during-the-day look. Simply juxtapose it against more tailored pieces, and play down the glam factor with more casual clothes. Here’s how to wear sequins during the day:
1. Start with your basic sequined top. The simpler the shape of the top, the more versatile it is.
2. Add casual pieces: a pair of jeans and a brightly colored hoodie. The orange hoodie brings out the warmth in the gold sequined top.
3. Bring on the tailoring with a structured jacket and oxford shoes. The boxy tweed top and the lace-up booties elevate the casual jeans and hoodie.
How would you wear sequins during the day? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 12th, 2008
You may see plaid paired with preppy sweatervests and tailored blazers, but plaid doesn’t have to be stuffy. Here’s how to pull off casual plaid with a polished twist:
1. Start with a fitted plaid shirt. Fit is key; if the shirt doesn’t fit correctly at the shoulder, bust, and waist, the outfit loses its polish.
2. Slip on a pair of dark rinse jeans. They really do go with everything!
3. Layer on a fitted puffer vest. If you’re long and lean, you can afford to wear a vest with a lot of puff. But for the rest of us, try a vest that’s not filled quite so completely. The good news is that these less-filled puffer vests tend to be cheaper than the luxuriously puffed ones. Note how this brown vest brings out the best in the blue plaid shirt. The plaid lining of the hood also adds a nice coordinated touch.
4. Finish off the outfit with a pair of brown boots (echoing the brown in the vest) and a brightly colored handbag to add a splash of color.
How would you wear plaid? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 11th, 2008
Why does every woman own a Little Black Dress? Not only are they figure flattering (black is so slimming), but they’re also extremely versatile. Depending on what you wear with it, a single dress can exhibit multiple personalities. Here’s what you can do with a LBD and a few simple accessories:
Ladylike Glamour: Capelet + Clutch + Pumps
Perfect for an evening out on the town. The feathered capelet gives this outfit a touch of old-world glamour.
Free Spirit: Fedora + Wide Belt + Layered Jewelry + Booties
A great day-to-evening look - and perfect for a day of art gallery-hopping.
Modern Gamine: Half Sleeve Coat + Brooch + Long Gloves + Heels
Channel a modern Audrey Hepburn with a strikingly simple silhouettes and gamine details.
Have a great tip about what to wear with a Little Black Dress? Share it with us in the comments!
December 5th, 2008
Just because the weather is getting chillier doesn’t mean that you need to put away your summer dresses. Simply pair your warm weather dress with cool weather basics for a look that’s as chic as it is warm.
1. Start with your warm weather dress. For an extra layer of warmth, you may want to consider a layer of undergarments. Silk traps in heat, and it’s slim enough to not be noticeable under the dress.
2. Bring on the cold weather gear: a puffer vest, a pair of long gloves, and a pair of cozy boots. Try cashmere gloves for extra warmth. For cold climates, you may want to switch out the sleeveless puffer vest for a long-sleeved puffer jacket. Between the puffer jacket and the cashmere gloves, you’ll stay nice and toasty.
3. Finish off the outfit with a flirty necklace (to echo the sentiment of the dress) and a fits-everything handbag.
How would you wear a warm weather dress in cold weather? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 4th, 2008
There’s something so chic about the Upper East Side’s patrician style. Think piped blazers, pinstripes, tiny polka dots, argyle, ruffles, and, of course, killer accessories. Be the picture of youthful elegance with this upscale collegiate-inspired look:
1. Pick up a perfectly preppy top: an elegant polka dotted blouse with a classic bateau-neck.
2. Pair the ladylike blouse with a youthfully sophisticated skirt. This tiered ruffled miniskirt is a fresh take on a polished classic.
3. Layer on a piped blazer to give the look an elegant collegiate appeal.
4. Finish the outfit off with refined accessories: a multi-strand gold chain necklace, a chic hobo bag, and a killer pair of ankle boots.
How would you wear Preppy Princess fashion? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 20th, 2008
Renee, who’s moving to the Pacific Northwest (hello, rain!), asked us for recommendations for stylish rain wear. In a nutshell, our philosophy on rainwear is to balance style with comfort (e.g. staying dry and warm). It’s a balance, not a tradeoff–when it’s rainy out, it doesn’t mean that your style needs to stay in. Here’s a simple look, appropriate for the rains of the Pacific Northwest, that will keep you both stylish and comfy:
1. The key to this outfit is comfy layers. Your first layer? A simple base: a comfy knit shirt and a nice knee-length skirt. (If it’s really cold, add a pair of tights or leggings to this base layer.)
2. To keep warm in the rain, you’re going to need a cozy sweater. Here, we chose a thick knit sweater with a stylish toggle closure. Extra style points (and warmth) for the attached hood.
3. Finish off the outfit with a warm pair of rain boots (notice the knit cuff on these jersey-lined boots, only $29.99 at Target), a rain-resistant bag, and a clear plastic bubble umbrella ($16.99, also at Target).
What’s your go-to rain outfit? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 14th, 2008
Since we created a Modern Marilyn Monroe outfit, we’ve been flooded with requests to create modern versions of other style icons–Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Brigitte Bardot, to name a few. Today, we’re recreating the look of Katharine Hepburn, whose signature masculine-yet-casual style broke the dress code in Hollywood at a time when women were expected to wear dresses and skirts. Here’s how to get Katharine Hepburn’s look:
1. Start with a pair of menswear inspired trouser pants (Katharine’s signature). A wide leg style with cuffs is not only modern, but it also creates a more-than-subtle reference to Katharine herself.
2. Balance the menswear inspired trousers with a loose-fitting white button-down shirt with a feminine touch. Casualize this classic shirt, featuring tuxedo ruffles, by leaving the top button or two undone and rolling up the sleeves.
3. As for accessories, no heels–flats best epitomize Katharine’s signature masculine style. We like these tailored patent flats, but if you’d like to keep your outfit truer to Katharine’s style, look for a pair of loafers instead. Finish the outfit with a wide belt, which modernizes the look, and a muted scarf.
How would you update Katharine Hepburn’s style for today? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 7th, 2008
In honor of today’s election, we’re sharing tips on how to wear Red, White, and Blue without looking like you’re draped in an American flag. Here’s how to do it:
(1) Pick a dominant color. Here, we chose blue to be the dominant shade, but we could have built the outfit around white or red instead. The very navy blue sweater complements the blue sailor jeans.
(2) Add the other two colors as accents. Here, we counterbalanced the blue with a white tuxedo jacket and coordinating red accessories: flats and a ladylike structured handbag.
(3) Extra style points for cool detailing on your reds, whites, and blues. We were struck by the toggle closure on the ever-so-navy sweater, and we like the visual texture of the tuxedo pleats on the white button-down. Even the jeans are special, with its sailor button detailing.
Now that you’re dressed and ready for Election Day, find your nearest polling place, and go out and vote!
How would you wear red, white, and blue? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 4th, 2008
In honor of Halloween, we’re recreating the look of one of America’s most revered style icons: Marilyn Monroe. But instead of literally copying her look, we’re translating it to work in the present day. Here’s how to get a modern version of Marilyn’s iconic look:
1. Start with a dress worthy of Marilyn herself: a bustier top with a flowing skirt. Instead of going with Marilyn’s signature white, mix it up with your signature color.
2. Add a pair of strappy high heels to complement the dress. Here, the gold in the shoes works well with the warm shade of purple.
3. Pick up a feminine clutch. Bonus points for special detailing.
4. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Add a pair of diamond earrings for a bit of extra sparkle. A diamond encrusted choker or a pearl necklace would also evoke Marilyn’s glamourous spirit.
Who’s your favorite style icon? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 31st, 2008
Bubble hem dresses and skirts can be challenging to wear, as the volume at the hemline isn’t necessarily figure flattering. Here’s how to wear a bubble hem dress with style:
1. Start with the bubble hem dress. Don’t you love the elegance of this gray and cream dress?
2. Reign in the volume with a wide belt. You could either go with a belt in a similar color (as shown here), or one in a purposefully contrasting color.
3. Slip on a pair of slouchy boots and a pair of tights. The dark tights will not only make this outfit warmer, but they’ll also visually slim your legs.
4. Add the finishing touches: layer on a set of necklaces, and grab a brightly colored handbag to complete the look.
How will you wear a bubble hem dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 30th, 2008
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