Recall classic sophistication, a la Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, in an elegant boatneck and drapey skirt. But keep it modern by adding a twist–a touch of ruggedness juxtaposed against WASPy old-world style. Here’s how to get the unstuffy yet sophisticated look:
1. Start with an elegant white top in a classic shape. We love the boatneck style for how it frames the face - and visually elongates your neck. Bonus style and figure flattery points for the bow tied at the waist.
2. Slip on a drapey skirt. We love how the deep royal blue pairs with the bright white top. Plus, the drapiness of the skirt contrasts with the more structured feel of the top.
3. Acccessorize with pieces that bridge the ladylike and the outdoorsy: a tailored, chain link purse and a pair of distressed flat boots. The distressed boots make the look feel like it doesn’t take itself too seriously - yet isn’t the result gorgeous?
How would you un-stuffify sophisticated, classic style? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 15th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
While it’s easy to pair tops with blue jeans (e.g. almost anything goes), it’s not quite as simple to pair pants with a jean jacket. What are the rules for wearing a jean jacket? There’s really only one biggie: Don’t try to match your jean jacket with jeans in a similar wash. Too matchy matchy. You can pair denim with denim, but make sure that it doesn’t look like you’re itching to match. Beyond this, you’re pretty free to experiment. We crafted a look that pairs a jean jacket with a pair of khaki pants. Here’s how to get the jean jacket look:
1. Start with a pair of straight leg khaki pants.
2. Add a button-down shirt. A fun blue and yellow plaid and the two front chest pockets make this standby a little more visually interesting. Note how the yellow ties in with the warm undertones in the khaki pants and the blue echoes the blue in the denim jacket.
3. Slip on a jean jacket, allowing the plaid button-down to peek out. Feel free to turn up the sleeves for effect.
4. Finish off the outfit with a belt (yes, tuck in the shirt) and a pair of loafers.
How do you wear a jean jacket? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 15th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
What do you look for in a work bag? We look for a bag with it all. A bag that can take a bit of a beating (or is cheap enough to replace once beaten). A bag that can hold all your stuff…from your notebook and papers to your laptop and keys. And of course, a bag with style. We searched high and low for work bags that fit the bill (and don’t run up your credit card bill). Here’s our six favorite picks for work bags under $100:
Modena Tote | $28.80 at Forever 21
Reptile Leather Doctor’s Tote | $32.80 at Forever 21
Bucket Detail Shoulder Bag | $47.88 at ASOS
Marc B Plaited Holdall | $94.05 at ASOS
Melie Bianco Patent Bowler | $95 at Piperlime
Melie Bianco Woven Dome Tote | $99 at Piperlime
Have a great work bag find for under $100? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 14th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Peasant Tops?
You said: Yes to Peasant Tops (barely), with a 53% to 47% vote.
Style tip? Ruffed Peasant Tops are very early 2000s, but you don’t have to get stuck in the past to wear them. We’ve seen them paired with the infamous tiered prairie skirt in the past, but there’s no reason to confine your ruffly Peasant Top with such a skirt. In order to keep the look sophisticated, pair your Peasant Top with a bottom with clean lines. This can be anything from a pencil skirt to a pair of straight leg jeans. Want to give your peasant top a modern twist? Try embroidery on the top - and a slightly different (and more flattering) silhouette.
Next question: Orange is vibrant, fresh, and full of energy. But is it too much to wear? Tell us, would you wear a The Color Orange? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Elenor Embroidered Top | $22.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on July 13th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Plaid’s a classic style often found in the same basic colors (ahem, blue) and cuts (hello, standard button-down). But it doesn’t have to be the same old plaid. We like experimenting with different colors and cuts in order to see plaid in a whole new way. Here’s what you can do with plaid to make it new again:
1. Start with a plaid shirt. But instead of reaching for the same old blue button-down, try a short sleeve style with a different kind of color pattern. We like the quirky pink, purple, and blue plaid on this blouse. Added bonus? The short sleeves, the bloused bottom, and the ruffle detailing at the neckline.
2. Since the plaid top features a bloused bottom, pair it with skinny or straight leg jeans to counterbalance the volume. The dark skinny jeans provide a nice foil for the bright, blousy shirt.
3. Finish off the outfit with accessories that feature the same attention to detail as the plaid top. We love the rope detailing on the strap of the purse - and the edgy-yet-delicate shoelaces on the ankle booties.
How would you wear plaid? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 9th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Now, we know that not everyone has the luxury of being able to wear shorts to work. But for those of you who have the option, we wanted to show that wearing shorts doesn’t have to look sloppy. In fact, you can look just as sophisticated and put-together as you would be in a skirt or pair of pants. And for those of us who have a stricter work dress code, you can try this look for the weekend. Here’s how to look polished in shorts:
1. Start with a tailored pair of shorts. Choose a style that’s not overly form fitting, but one that has a good amount of structure. We like knee-length shorts for their versatility and their figure flattery.
2. Add a drapey top to counterbalance the structure of the shorts. Navy is a beautiful, elegant counterpart to the white shorts.
3. Layer on a tailored blazer, which will instantly elevate the look. We like the long blazer over knee-length shorts look - a bit European and incredibly chic.
4. Finish off the look with tailored accessories: a structured bag and a pair of elegant pumps. Heels help give the outfit a finished look; even if you can only wear kitten heels, we’d recommend it.
How would you wear shorts to work? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 8th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We’ve gotten mail from a number of men about how to wear color. If you’re hesitant about trying bright color–but you’re interested in giving it a shot, we recommend wading into the color pool by trying it out on one piece. Here’s how to create an outfit around a splash of color:
1. Start with a neutral base: a black and white striped polo (try a fitted-but-not-too-tight cut for best results) and a pair of dark rinse straight leg jeans. To pair with the black and white polo, we chose jeans that are nearly black.
2. Add a punch of color with a brightly colored belt. Note how the bright blue striped belt echoes the stripes in the polo shirt, creating a sense of continuity.
3. Continuing on with the blue color scheme, add a jacket (for nighttime) in a more muted shade of blue. We love the richness of the blue jacket–deep but not attention-grabbing–and how it pairs with the bright blue striped belt.
4. Finish off the outfit with a neutral: a pair of bright white sneakers.
How do you wear color? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 8th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
We love summer’s warmth and its laid-back, carefree attitude. It’s certainly a pick-me-up, given the ever-troubling economy. So let’s celebrate summer - without breaking the bank - in a flirty summer dress. Whatever your mood, we have a dress for you. Here are six summer dress styles that won’t break the bank:
Vibrant
Bold Stroke Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Retro
People Tree Ruffle Neck Dotty Dress | $59.85 (sale) at ASOS
Mod
The Kiss Principle Multi Panel Shift Dress | $59.85 at ASOS
Ladylike
Honey Bee Collar Dress | $52.99 at Ruche
Artsy
Silence & Noise Silk Knot Neck Dress | $68 at Urban Outfitters
Playful
Kimchi Blue Chevron Sundress | $58 at Urban Outfitters
What are your favorite Summer Dresses? Share them with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 6th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We asked: Would you wear One Shoulder Dresses?
You said: Yes to One Shoulder Dresses, with a 58% to 42% vote.
Style tip? We love the drama of the single-shoulder dress. The asymmetry of the style makes it instantly intriguing. It’s no coincidence that Goddess Gowns so often feature the one-shoulder style. But what jewelry do you pair with a one-shoulder dress? We’d recommend laying off the necklaces (your diagonal neckline is embellishment enough) and instead opting for a stack of bracelets, statement earrings, or even an eye-catching hair accessory.
Next question: Ruffled Peasant Tops are back in full force. But are they too early 2000s? Tell us, would you wear a Peasant Top? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: One Shoulder Frill Dress | $110 at Topshop.
Posted by Trisha on July 5th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
The quintessential All-American look pairs a fresh white button-down shirt (with the top couple of buttons left unbuttoned) with fitted blue jeans. It’s crisp, it’s clean, and it’s completely classic. Add a pair of red shoes (or a red handbag), and it’s a great outfit in which to celebrate the 4th of July. But what if you want something a little different–and a little less literal? We’ve put together a sophisticated, feminine look that takes denim and white and adds a bit of a twist. Here’s how to get the denim and white (with a twist) look:
1. Instead of blue jeans, reach for a blue denim skirt as the foundation of your outfit.
2. Add a nice colored blouse. We love how the green of the blouse complements the classic blue of the denim skirt - and how the ruffles on the blouse echo the ruffles and shirring on the skirt.
3. Toss on a nice light sweater (optional, depending on how warm it is). The delicateness of the sweater complements the elegant blouse.
4. Get your whites on with a summery pair of espadrilles.
5. Finish the outfit off with a brightly colored handbag. We chose to forego red and instead chose a beautiful, vibrant orange.
Wishing you all a very Happy 4th of July! Have fun, and be safe. We’ll be back with more fashion fun bright and early next Monday.
How do you wear denim and white? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 2nd, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
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