Be the very essence of summer in a classic pair of boat shoes and a colorful plaid shirt. Effortlessly cool, and super easy to wear. Here’s how to get the look of summer plaid:
1. Start with a plaid shirt. If you’re uncomfortable with patterns, try a simple blue and white plaid. But if you’re looking to make a splash, try a plaid with bright colors–such as this light blue and orange combo.
2. Put on a pair of khaki pants. Bonus points for eschewing the traditional beige for a color like navy or black.
3. Slip on a pair of boat shoes, sans socks, to complete the look.
How would you wear summer plaid? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 3rd, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
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!
Posted by Trisha on June 2nd, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We asked: Guys, would you carry a Bag?
You said: No to Bags for Men, with a 62% to 38% vote.
Style tip? We know that bags aren’t for all guys, but we do encourage you to give them some consideration. It’s the 21st century–and you have BlackBerries, iPhones, iPods, cell phones, wallets, and keys to carry around. Not to mention any reading material or anything you need for work. And you don’t have to cram all of this into your pockets if you carry a bag. For casual occasions, we’d recommend a messenger bag (a rugged option is shown at left) or a backpack (so long as it’s not the one you carried during your college days). For work, the briefcase is the standard. And for weekends away, try a leather or canvas duffel or carryall.
Next question: Gladiator Sandals are a loud shoewear trend that has managed to keep itself top-of-mind for the last few seasons. They certainly make a statement, but they’re not for everybody. Tell us, would you wear Gladiator Sandals? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Waxwear Great Point Messenger Bag | $128 at J Crew.
Posted by Trisha on June 1st, 2009 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out |
Q: I’m going to Wimbledon at the end of June and was looking for advice on what to wear.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: London in June is rather cool and somewhat rainy - expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s while you’re at Wimbledon. You’ll want to be prepared for rain or shine - so plan your wardrobe accordingly. Here’s a couple of outfit options that will work with London’s finnicky weather:
Lightweight Sweater + Tee + Long Pants
Pictured: Cashmere Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan | $158 at J Crew, Soft Tee Ruffle Top | $39.50 at J Crew, and Gray Wide Leg Jeans | $49.99 (sale) at Gap.
If the weather is on the cooler side, we’d suggest wearing stylish but comfortable pants with a cute tee. Toss on a lightweight sweater if it gets breezy. Keep a light but waterproof jacket around, in case of rain.
Knee Length Dress + Jacket
Pictured: Theory Raineria Dress | $285 at Nordstrom, Linen Collarless Jacket | $130 at Banana Republic, Leather Tuck Lock Satchel | $100.03 at ASOS.
You can hope to wear shorts or skirts on warmer days, so keep a dress and light jacket on hand. For Wimbledon, we’re loving the look of a tailored shirtdress with a cropped jacket. Try this Theory shirtdress paired with a short navy jacket for a clean, classic look.
As for footwear, make sure to wear comfortable shoes since you may have some walking to do to view all of the matches. Flats or low heels will serve you well.
Last thoughts? Apply sunscreen (rain or shine), and if you’re sensitive to sun, bring a hat for sunny days. We’d also suggest bringing an umbrella in the somewhat likely case of rain.
What would you wear to London in June? Share your style tips with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 29th, 2009 in Q&A, Women's |
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!
Posted by Trisha on May 28th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Q: During the summer, I basically feel like I’ve got two choices for footwear with shorts: Teva brand flip flops or Chaco brand sandals. I’d like to get something in more of a ’shoe’ that I can wear without socks. What are some stylish "boat-shoes" or alternatives to boat-shoes?
A: You’re in luck - there are a number of warm weather shoe options open to you that aren’t sandals. If you want to step out of the house without socks, we’d recommend four types of shoes: boat shoes, tennis shoes, canvas shoes, and driving moccasins.
The Boat Shoe
Broken In Sperry Top Siders | $98 at J Crew
Sperry makes the classic boat shoe, and their collaboration with J Crew makes these traditional shoes better than ever. Between the distinctive custom dark wood color, the off white soles, and the cotton chambray lining, you won’t find a more unique boat shoe for under $100.
The Tennis Shoe
Springcourt Low Cut Canvas Shoes | $88 at Steven Alan
Springcourt shoes are the original French tennis shoe , but they’re anything but traditional in terms of features. We’re loving the convenient four hole ventilation channels - so your feet can breathe easy.
The Canvas Shoe
Zuriick Jakob Mid Top Canvas Shoes | $98 at Oak
These sleek canvas shoes remind us that casual footwear can be as sophisticated as its more formal cousins–and tons more fun. Love, love, love the ever-so-subtle striping and the bright purple shoe soles. Editor’s Note: Sizing is limited at Oak, since these shoes are selling fast. But they were fantastic enough that we wanted to feature them anyways.
The Driving Moccasin
Millbrook Leather Driving Mocs | $128 at J Crew
We’re digging the rich Italian leather on this driving moccasin. You’ll also enjoy the rubber sole, which gives you extra traction while driving - or just walking around.
Guys, what are your favorite summer shoe picks? Share them with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 27th, 2009 in Men, Men's, Q&A, Shopping Guide |
We asked: Would you wear Chunky Necklaces?
You said: Yes to Chunky Necklaces, with a 73% to 27% vote.
Style tip? The easiest way to dress up a plain outfit - whether it’s a formal Little Black Dress or a casual plain white tee and jeans - is to add a statement accessory. You can try anything from an oversized handbag to a Gossip Girl style headband, boldly colored shoes to a powerful necklace. We’re a fan of the chunky necklace, as it adds both elegance and an edge to whatever you pair it with. Try a chunky necklace with a distinct visual center to draw the most attention to it.
Next question: We’ve been featuring a bunch of outfits for men that include bags. But we wonder - would you really carry a bag? Guys, tell us, would you carry a bag to tote your belongings? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Vintage Inspired Flower Necklace | $6.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on May 26th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on May 22nd, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on May 21st, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
When it gets warm outside, you don’t have to forego style for comfort. Sure, a pair of shorts doesn’t usually scream style - but worn right, it can provide the foundation for a polished warm weather look. Here’s how to pull off laid-back sophisticated in shorts:
1. Start with a crisp button-down shirt and a pair of knee length shorts. We love the clean look of the white and navy.
2. Layer on a shawl collar cardigan, left unbuttoned.
3. Slip on a pair of leather flip flops. A canvas bag will complete the laid-back look.
How do you pull off laid back sophistication? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 20th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
Next Posts
Previous Posts
