Guys, our favorite way to wear whites this summer is to pair them with bright colors. The look is casual, chic–and more than a bit playful. Here’s how to wear your summer whites:
1. Start with a pair of white, straight-leg jeans and a brightly colored tee. Look for a fitted tee to pair with your white jeans, for best effect.
2. Layer on a hoodie. With this hoodie, you’re getting an extra trend: horizontal stripes. Plus, we’re loving how the vibrant orange shirt perks the blue stripes right up.
3. Finish off the outfit with a pair of sockless shoes–like these classic moccasins–and a belt to match.
How do you wear your summer whites? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 16th, 2009 in Men, 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!
Posted by Trisha on June 15th, 2009 in How To, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Ripped Up Jeans?
You said: No to Ripped Up Jeans, with a 65% to 35% vote.
Style tip? Ripped Up Jeans are one of the biggest trends for Summer 2009–but it’s not being welcomed by the very practical Omiru community. It’s no wonder - these distressed jeans aren’t really for every occasion….and really wouldn’t work at work, even on Casual Friday. But for those weekend days, if you really want to wear Ripped Up Jeans, we’d recommend pairing them with an sophisticated top - think a well-tailored blazer or a classic white shirt to create a elegant-with-an-edge look. BTW: this advice holds true for both women and men.
Next question: Jelly Shoes rocked in the 80s, and they’re making a comeback this year…in much more sophisticated styles, thank goodness. But what do you think about Jelly Shoes? Tell us, would you wear Jelly Shoes? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Straight Jean - Authentic Destroyed Wash | $39.50 at American Eagle.
Posted by Trisha on June 14th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Pictured: Short Sleeve Twist Detail Top | $34.30 (sale, originally $49) at Banana Republic, Cotton Smocked Skirt | $55.20 (sale, originally $69) at Banana Republic, and Cotton Bonbon Dress | $78 at J Crew.
Seems that Spain is a hot summer destination, based on the number of questions we’ve been getting about what to wear on Spanish summer getaways. For all of you Omiru readers who will be vacationing there this summer, here’s our guide for what to wear in Spain this summer:
Our reader questions center on three Spanish destinations: Madrid, Barcelona, and Costa Brava. Madrid is going to be the hottest of the three, with temperatures in the 90s during the day, and 60s at night. June is slightly more mild, but July and August are stiflingly hot - so make sure to get a hotel with good air conditioning.
Barcelona and Costa Brava are going to be more comfortable than Madrid. Barcelona in June is going to be in the mid 70s, dipping into the low 60s at night. In July, the weather heats up to the high 70s or 80s during the day. As for Costa Brava, look for temperatures in the high 70s during the day and mid 60s at night.
To stay comfortable in this toasty weather, here’s what you need to pack for your trip to Spain:
Tops: Breathable knits and woven shirts are going to be your best bet. Pack an assortment of layering tees (roll them up to be most space-efficient when packing), plus a few short sleeved cotton or linen shirts. Extra style points for bright colors–perfect for such a festive vacation spot.
Sweaters: A lightweight sweater (or two, max) will do the trick.
Dresses: Pack a nice bright dress for evenings out on the town. Extra style points for trying out exotic prints.
Outerwear: Pack a single lightweight jacket for nighttime.
Bottoms: Shorts and cropped pants are going to be the most weather-appropriate. If you’re a skirt kind of gal, feel free to pack a skirt or two as well. We’re loving the breezy chic look of a layered cotton smocked skirt–very flirty and extremely versatile.
Accessories: Sunglasses (oversized for drama), a hat to protect your face from the sun, and a scarf (optional) for layering. Check the weather forecast before you leave to see if you need a travel umbrella; rain is rare but not unheard of.
Shoes: Sandals are going to be a must–but choose ones that you’re comfortable walking in. Also pack a pair of flip flops for the beach.
Have a great tip about what to wear to Spain this summer? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 12th, 2009 in Q&A, Women's |
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!
Posted by Trisha on June 11th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Mens fashion trends for Summer 2009 range from the tailored to the rugged to the preppy. Think white jeans, pocketed parkas, classic slim fit v-neck sweaters, moccasins, sharp blazers, and classic Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses. But what are our favorite items that actually deserve a place in your closet? Omiru’s guide to summer 2009 mens fashion trends cuts to the chase to deliver the five items you’ll be reaching for over and over this summer.
Baseball Jacket
Baracuta G10 Slimfit Sport Harrington Jacket | $130 (approx) at Baracuta
Is there anything more reminiscent of Americana than the classic baseball jacket? Brings us back to the good old days - when the sport was more about the players and less about performance drugs. For those of you who want to evoke that Americana spirit, we have a classic baseball jacket (though ironically made by a British company) that’s even better than the original. We’re digging the slim cut on Baracuta’s Harrington jacket–it puts the style back into the sport.
Lightweight Shawl Collar Sweater
Linen Cotton Caine Shawl Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
You loved shawl collar sweaters last Winter in chunky knits. Now, continue your love affair with the shawl collar with a lightweight cotton version of the sweater that’s destined to become a classic. Perfect for those balmy summer nights—or days in heavily air conditioned rooms. BTW–these sweaters have to be our favorite 2009 mens fashion trend.
Horizontal Stripes
Lightweight Cotton Wool Admiral Stripe Crewneck | $62 at J Crew
We called Horizontal Stripes as a key menswear trend way back when, in April 2008. But it’s just as relevant now as it was then. Not to mention that The Upgrader over at men.style.com featured these stylish stripes last month in a horizontal stripe trend report piece (btw, we love the tongue-in-cheek “cost per stripe†calculation on each item). The key takeaway? Wear these horizontal stripes—on t-shirts, sweaters, and even hoodies.
Madras Plaid Shorts
Olive Madras Club Short | $59.50 at J Crew
Crisp and light, Madras plaid is named after its city of origin, a warm city in Southern India. True to its roots, Madras plaid is carefree, youthful, and colorful. Add in a dose of preppy—and they’re the perfect fabric for a pair of summer shorts. Get your plaid on with a versatile green-and-blue pattern from J Crew. Fun fact about Madras plaid? In the US, Madras plaid is a popular summer choice for both men and women. But back in India, it’s worn almost exclusively by men.
Aviator Sunglasses
Selima Optique for J Crew Aviator Sunglasses | $198 at J Crew
Aviators have been popular since the 1960s, but they’re back with a Top Gun like rage this summer. The teardrop shape of these sunglasses is flattering on a variety of face shapes. Plus, their oversized style makes them a celebrity favorite. Grab a pair of designer aviators for a price that’s somewhat less than designer (though still not cheap, we know). It’s worth it though – Selima Optique is known for their luxury sunglasses.
Tell us, what Summer 2009 mens fashion trends will you be wearing? And which trends will you be steering clear of? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 10th, 2009 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out |
When you think Fashion Trends for 2009, what do you think? We dug through our Fashion Week archives, and we saw One Shoulder Dresses, Sheer Fabrics, Butterflies, Ripped Jeans, The Color Orange, Ruffles and Bows, Neon Colors, Metallics, Exotic Prints, Asymmetry, Fringe, Statement Accessories…just to name a few. But out of this melting pot of styles, what are the key trends—and what are the trends to pass up? Omiru has answers for you. We sorted through this season’s trends to bring you Omiru’s Fashion Trend 2009 picks, summer edition:
The Color Gold
Wide Bangles | $16.85 at ASOS
Sure, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but it’s hard to go wrong with Gold. Metallics are back in full force for Summer 2009, and Gold’s warmth radiated from the runways. Wear Gold with similarly warm hues—reds, oranges, and yellows work wonders paired with Gold. If you’re feeling bold, try a cocktail dress (or a pretty tank, with or without a fitted blazer) in Gold. Or if you’re not quite ready for Gold to take the spotlight, dip your toes into the trend (literally) with a pair of Gold colored sandals or espadrilles. Or pile on a set of gold bracelets to dress up a simple cocktail dress.
The Blazer
White Blazer | $150 at Banana Republic
Blazers represent the the tailored theme that arose from our fashion trend 2009 picks. Whether you choose a style that’s cropped or man-tailored, we encourage you to make blazers a central part of your summer wardrobe. They’re great at adding a tailored touch to an otherwise casual outfit. After all, when you slip on a blazer, you feel instantly pulled together. So pluck the blazers from your work wardrobe and wear them on the weekend, just paired with different clothes. Nothing says “simple and sexy†better than a fitted black blazer over a white tee and jeans.
Ruffle Details
Soft Tee Ruffle Top | $39.50 at J Crew
Ruffles aren’t just for girls—real women can wear ruffles too! It’s all in how you wear them. While girls can get away with frilly dresses with ruffles all over, grown women would do better with sophisticated, strategically placed ruffles. Style tip? A line of ruffles adds visual volume. Women with a small bust can visually enhance what they have with a line of ruffles at the bustline.
White Jeans
White Straight Leg Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
White Jeans are as summery as a picnic in the park. Though, they probably don’t mix—beware of (grass) stains on these sophisticated jeans. White jeans are a welcome contrast to the standard issue dark blue straight leg jean—not to mention that they’re a little dressier and a tad more sophisticated. But the beauty is that they pair with just about everything that works with blue jeans. So instead of reaching for your well-worn pair of designer blue jeans, try something a bit different and slip on a pair of white jeans instead.
Exotic Prints
Ikat Halter Dress | $225 at J Crew
From Ikat prints to paisley to Madras plaid, exotic prints are the perfect ingredient to add some spice to your summer wardrobe. Choose warm, bright colors to add to the playfulness of your exotic prints. We love a head-to-toe print, like this Ikat halter dress by J Crew, but if you’re just feeling out the exotic print trend, you could try a simple blouse paired with a classic cardigan.
Tell us, what Summer 2009 fashion trends will you be wearing? And which trends will you be steering clear of? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 9th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Gladiator Sandals?
You said: Yes to Gladiator Sandals (barely), with a 52% to 48% vote.
Style tip? Gladiator sandals - you either love them or you hate them. If you love them, you’ve probably already embraced how they add a funky edge to casual outfits–from a tank and jeans to a summer sundress. If you’re not on the Gladiator sandal bandwagon, we encourage you to try these strappy shoes–at least, in the store. We’d recommend nontraditional styles that don’t scream Ancient Rome–like these thoroughly modern heeled Gladiator sandals from Mossimo.
Next question: Distressed jeans are a huge trend for Summer 2009. But while ripped up jeans work for the uber-trendy, they’re really not for every occasion (or everyone). Tell us, would you wear Ripped Up Jeans? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Mossimo Petrova Gladiator Sandals | $29.99 at Target.
Posted by Trisha on June 8th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on June 5th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Whether you’re going out on the town, exploring local backroads, or just lounging around with friends and family, you’re going to want a variety of stylish summer shoes for every occasion. But what kinds of shoes should you be considering to add to your collection, beyond your closet full of flip flops, classic canvas sneakers, and summery espadrilles? Omiru’s guide to womens summer shoes dissects this summer’s shoewear trends and shows you what shoes you’ll want to wear (or at least be aware of) this summer:
Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell Pearl Flat | $109.95 at Nordstrom
In a word, ballet flats are classic. They mix form and function, and they’re a wonderful shoe for women on the go. Grab a pair of ballet flats in a bright color to give a modern twist on the sophisticated classic. Or opt for a metallic ballet flat that will help ground an outfit full of bright colors and patterns. For more inspiration, you may also want to check out Omiru’s shopping guide for beautiful ballet flats.
Jelly Shoes
Tod’s Jelly Thong Sandal | $117 (sale, originally $175) at Neiman Marcus
Jelly shoes have come a long way since the 1980s. Today’s Jelly shoes take the best of the plastic summer shoe you remember and add a real dose of style. Take Tod’s Jelly sandals, for example. We’re loving the sleek foot harness and the thoughtful tassel detailing. And you really can’t beat that bright orange color—the perfect shade for womens summer shoes.
Caged Shoes
Jada Cage Stiletto | $29.80 at Forever 21
For the adventurous, caged shoes add an edge to even the plainest of outfits. They’re inspired by Stefano Pilati’s caged ankle boots for YSL’s runway collection. They’re certainly runway material, but these summer shoes are more difficult to pull off in Real Life. Plus, we wouldn’t recommend them on super sunny days, as they could leave a distinctive tanline on your feet. If you dare, try these cage shoes with a outfit that keeps you covered up, such as a simple dress. If you’re wearing shoes like these, we’d recommend keeping the rest of your outfit relatively conservative.
Driving Mocs
Catalina Metallic Leather Driving Mocs | $99.99 (sale, originally $140) at J Crew
We’re huge fans of driving mocs, both for women and for men. Driving mocs were meant, originally, for driving—hence the rubberized soles that help you grip the pedals. But they work for so much more. Pair your driving mocs with a simple Capri pant and blouse. Or let them provide a classic foundation to a casual pair of jeans and a cute top.
Gladiator Sandals
Merona Edwina Gladiator Sandal | $24.99 at Target
Gladiator Sandals have divided the fashion community—you either love them or you hate them. Gladiator Sandals make a distinctive shoe style statement for those who dare to wear them. We like to see them paired with simple, casual clothes to give summer basics a bit of an edge. For those of you who are on the fence about Gladiators, you may want to try Merona’s version of an elegant Gladiator sandal. It’s a combo summer shoe – so you get the height (and comfort) of a wedge sandal with the style of a Gladiator sandal.
Tell us, what Summer 2009 shoe trends will you be wearing? And which shoe trends will you be steering clear of? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 4th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
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