Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
Q: Could you suggest some summer casual weekend options for [women over 40]? Things that could be worn as part of a graduation weekend–out to a casual dinner, to a barbecue, out and about.
A: It’s possible to embody an air of sophistication, even in casual clothing. You can do weekend wear in style with bright colors, tailored silhouettes, and bold prints. How do you put them together? Try these three classic weekend wear outfit combinations:
Chambray Button Down Shirt + White Boot Cut Jeans
Selvedge Chambray Shirt | $88 at J Crew
New Low-Rise Boot Cut White Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
Try a twist on the classic button-down and jeans combo. Look for a shirt in a tailored cut and textured fabric. As for the jeans, instead of a traditional blue, try them in white. Or if you’re prone to stains, a nice light grey.
Silk Blouse + Printed Skirt
Silk Georgette Pleated Top | $88 at J Crew
Pleated Floral Skirt | $68 at Banana Republic
For a slightly dressier option, try a sleeveless blouse in a luxurious fabric and pair it with a skirt in a sophisticated pattern.
Brightly Colored Blouse + Wide Leg Trouser Pants
Piped Blouse | $48 at Gap
Navy Wide Leg Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
Balance out a pair of wide leg pants with a short sleeved blouse. You can keep the pairing visually interesting with bright colors and a small-over-big silhouette. If the weather is very warm, feel free to switch out the pants with a pair of knee-length shorts or cropped pants.
Have a great tip about weekend wear for those over 40? Share it with us in the comments!
May 14th, 2009
Q: Do you have [graduation] dress suggestions for women 45+ who are in decent shape? I’ve looked in vain for attractive and vibrant floral pattern dresses that cover a bit more. Plenty of sheaths in black and natural linen, but these seem rather plain for the occasion.
A: Last week, we put together a graduation outfit suitable for a woman in her 20s or 30s. Today, we rounded up a series of dresses that can work for women in their 40s and beyond. We have vibrant patterns, bright colors, and cuts that cover a bit more than the strapless sheath that we featured last week. Here’s our seven favorite picks for graduation dresses:
Ali Ro Print Silk Dress | $62.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
Silk Cotton Floral Dress | $98 at Banana Republic
Cotton Slub Silk Lattice Dress | $99.99 (sale) at J Crew
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Sateen Sheath Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
Floral Maxi Dress | $130 at Martin + Osa
Patra Tiered Chiffon Dress | $178 at Nordstrom
Trina Turk Tortoise Dress | $288 at Nordstrom
What would you wear to graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!
May 12th, 2009
You don’t have to spend a fortune to carry a handbag that makes you look like a million dollars. We rounded up a group of sophisticated handbags that will seamlessly blend into your wardrobe. Here’s our five favorite handbags, each under $50:
Versatile Hobo Handbag | $27.80 at Forever 21
Felix Rey for Target Printed Tote with Shell | $34.99 at Target (in stores only)
Black Drawstring Chain Tote | $36.99 at Ruche
Faux Leather Pocket Tote | $37.80 at Forever 21
Oversized Scrunchie Brown Bag | $42.99 at Ruche
May 1st, 2009
It may not be the right time to give your wardrobe an overhaul, but it is time to do some Spring cleaning on your closet. Start packing away your Winter wardrobe, and bring out your Spring brights. When you’re done, fill in the gaps in your wardrobe with these six Spring essentials:
The Elegant Day Dress
Silk Ruffle Dress | $130 at Banana Republic
The Signature Jacket
Bright Lady Coat | $175 at Banana Republic
The Go-Anywhere Blouse
Victoria Ruffle Cami | $88 at J Crew
The Long Cardigan
Long and Lean Cardigan Sweater | $41.65 (sale) at Martin + Osa
The Full Skirt
Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt | $69.50 at J Crew
Trouser Pants
The Perfect Denim Trouser | $59.50 at Gap
What key pieces will you be wearing for Spring? Share with us in the comments!
March 19th, 2009
Q: I’m 23 but look no older than 18, and my wardrobe hasn’t been updated since college. I deal with the public a lot, so I’d like to retain a casual air so as to be friendly and welcoming rather than overbearing and stuffy. At the same time, I want to be taken seriously. What are some essentials I should add to my closet that walk the line between professional and casual?
by Traci Tsai
A: High quality fabrics and structured silhouettes are the key to a more professional and mature look, while extra details add a fun and casual element to a work outfit without taking away sophistication.
Do a different take on the suit jacket: the cropped length and flower pin are a little more casual than your normal business attire, but the silhouette is still put-together and business-casual.
Flower Pin Blazer | $24.80 at Forever 21
Wide Leg pants in basic black, dark grey or a dark pin stripe pattern are a must-have. After all, pants feel more business-like than a skirt. Remember: tight-fitting pants are a dead giveaway to youth, so make sure you choose a cut in a wider leg and a looser fit to keep your attire appropriate for work.
Creme Fraiche Heather Trouser | $98.75 at South Moon Under
A blouse is an essential for a young female professional – it can be paired with skirts, dress pants or trouser jeans depending on the type of workplace, and it fits nicely under a blazer. If you choose a blouse like this one, the bright coral fabric adds a touch of youth, but the elaborate detailing at the neckline adds an air of sophistication.
Silk Ruffle Blouse | $69 at Banana Republic
Patterns are a great way to add some flair to a work outfit. The knee -length hem and sleeves are all relatively conservative, but the geometric print adds visual interest, so you get the best of both worlds. To add another element of maturity and structure to the silhouette, you could replace the fabric waist tie with a more substantial wide belt.
Geo Print Wrap Dress | $130 at Banana Republic
Patent Pumps are an easy, everyday work outfit complement. Pumps are classic and sophisticated, but the patent leather shine makes for a younger look and will stand out more than your typical leather pumps.
Nine West Barb Patent Pumps | $68.95 at Zappos
Never underestimate the power of a few good pieces of jewelry. The right accessories can instantly add a level of maturity to an outfit. We recommend investing in a few versatile long-strand necklaces and some long earrings. Here youth is an advantage, and you can be more daring with jewelry types and colors without it taking away from your professional look.
Layered Chain Necklace | $49 at Banana Republic
What would you wear at work to walk the line between casual and formal? Share your style with us in the comments!
February 24th, 2009
When it comes down to it, lingerie is really about you and how it makes you feel. So slip into something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re looking for something that’s one part sweet and one part sexy, you’re in luck. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we pick our favorite pieces at every price point:
February 5th, 2009
Q: I’m planning a week-and-a-half long trip to Seoul in late April/early May. I want to pack light so I can (hopefully) carry on my luggage. What would you recommend for a stylish and comfortable travel wardrobe?
Pictured: Seoul-ready looks from Banana Republic’s Spring Collection.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: What a wonderful time to visit Seoul. The weather should be beautiful in April and May - somewhere between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Style in Seoul is all about dressing up. Korean women love to dress to impress. They’re very sophisticated and dress up for all occasions - be it going to the office, out on a dinner date, or even out running errands on the weekend. Meticulously groomed, Korean women are known for their conservative and feminine style.
Key takeaway? Bring your A game - and a bag full of versatile, dressy clothes. And feel free to indulge any girly impulses you may have while dressing on your trip.
What should you pack?
- Lightweight dresses, which are easy to pack and wear.
- One suit that can be dressed up or down.
- A lightweight sweater or two for layering. For maximum versatility, choose a neutral color like grey.
- Blouses with a conservative cut. Nothing too low cut, nothing too revealing.
- One knee-length skirt for pairing with the blouses.
A couple of final notes on accessories: Wear comfy shoes that you can slip on and off easily, as shoes are often removed in restaurants. Sunglasses can be considered rude, since wearing them prevents you from looking others in the eye. For sun protection, try a hat.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Korea? Share it with us in the comments!
January 29th, 2009
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
What better shoe is there for the modern woman than the simple, ever elegant ballet flat? Perfect for women on the go, ballet flats are a practical mix of form and function.
Ballet flats were first made popular by Brigitte Bardot when she graced the silver screen in a pair made by Reppeto in 1956. Now, more than fifty years later, Reppeto still makes a variety of ballet flats that fit a modern woman’s lifestyle. Our ballet flat shopping guide includes classic styles from Repetto–but also gathers styles from other price points so that you can find the right shoe for you:
Our $ Picks:
Xhilaration Simone Stretch Ballet Flats | $14.99 (sale) at Target
Mossimo Velma Patent Ballet Flats | $17.49 (sale) at Target
American Eagle Millie Bow Ballet Flat | $19.99 at Payless
Our $$ Picks:
Jane Suede Ballet Flats | $98 at J Crew
Repetto Beauty Ballad | $123 (sale) at Zoe
Repetto Enfance Ballerine | $165 (sale) at Zoe
Our $$$ Picks:
Repetto Houps Ball | $255 at Zoe
Lanvin Patent Cowhide Ballet Flats | $540 at Zoe
Lanvin Embroidery Ballet Shoe | $570 at Zoe
January 22nd, 2009
Q: I am a Wall Street Journal reader who is new to your site, which is fantastic. I am looking for a work handbag suitable for a 40+ professional–can you provide some recommendations that do not cost an arm and a leg or are worth the investment?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Thanks to the "it bag" craze of the last few years, the price of handbags went through the roof. But despite this rapid price inflation, great bags can still be had for reasonable prices. As a rule, you get what you pay for; a high quality investment bag is generally going to last longer and wear better than a lower quality (but much more affordable) bag. But it’s also important to note that price doesn’t always correlate neatly with quality.
For a work handbag with maximum versatility, you’re going to want to select a good neutral colored leather (black, chocolate brown, cognac, etc) in a classic shape. Avoid overt logos, candy colors, and overly trendy styles that will quickly date your bag. Another consideration as you choose your handbag: the scale of the bag should complement your size. If you’re petite, for example, we’d recommend opting for a smaller sized bag.
Our $ Picks:
Pyramid Croco Tote | $49.99 (sale) at Nine West
Jessica Simpson Alibi Large Shopper | $69.99 (sale) at Piperlime
Laptop Tote | $69.99 (sale) at Nine West
Our $$ Picks:
Francesco Biasia Erica Tote | $149.99 (sale) at Piperlime
Ibiza Convertible Flight Tote | $158.40 (sale) at Hayden-Harnett
Mina Leather Satchel | $195 at Nine West
Olivia Harris Turnlock Flap Hobo | $209.99 (sale) at Piperlime
Our $$$ Picks:
Vanessa Bruno Lune 2 Leather Satchel | $869 at La Garçonne
Chloé Heloise Hobo Bag | $1,610 at Net-a-Porter
Have a great work handbag? Share your find with us in the comments!
January 15th, 2009
Plaid may be a classic, but it’s also particularly relevant this season. From buffalo to tartan, black & white to red (even yellow), there’s a plaid for everyone. It works for all body types, and you see great pieces at all price points. Here’s seven of our favorite plaid pieces, each (well) under $100.
Buffalo Plaid Short Skirt | $17.80 at Forever 21
Dark Plaid Strapless Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Utah Plaid Scarf | $28 at Urban Outfitters
Kimchi Blue Plaid Ruffle Neck Blouse | $34.99 at Urban Outfitters
Bow Back Tartan Skirt | $45 (approx) at Topshop
byCORPUS Pocket Work Shirt | $49.99 at Urban Outfitters
Plaid Belted Coat | $89.99 at Gap
December 18th, 2008
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