Q: I’m 27 years old, and I’m working for the Dubai government. Would you please give me some tips for how to dress to transition from the office to after-office parties with friends?
Pictured: Spurr’s variations on formal workwear, courtesy of men.style.com.
A: If you’re reading blogs like this one, then you must be dressing much better than a typical government man in a sack suit, in which case, you’ve already won half the from-work-to-a-night-out battle.
First, if you’re going to more…intellectual…events such as museum exhibit openings or galas, feel free to keep wearing the suit. Chances are most guys will be wearing one, too (well, at least I would hope they would be).
There are also a few quick things you can do to “casualize†your suit. Go ahead and loosen your tie to add a nice bit of sprezzaturra to your look. You could always just lose the tie (and belt, perhaps) altogether.
If a full suit is too formal for you, you could try the dark denim and suit jacket look, with or without the tie. Make sure you tuck in your shirt though. Warning: this look is rather cliché, but at least you’ll fit in, right?
If you wear a three-piece suit to work, you can lose the jacket altogether, so you’re just sporting a waistcoat over your shirt and tie. Or, replace the jacket with a sleek, leather bomber jacket, with or without your waistcoat. Black leather jackets make for very sophisticated, urban nightlife wear, and when they’re done right, you look great. Switching out your trouser pants for jeans (and keeping the waistcoat) will give you a refreshing take on the dark denim look (and one that I favor at the moment). You may look like you stepped out of a Spurr catalog, but that’s really a good thing. Keep the tie in all these outfits.
All these things mentioned are basically variations of a formal suit, but don’t be fooled: they will dramatically transform your look. I actually like the idea of going from the office to a night out, because it forces men to keep their look polished.
Have a great tip about how to transition your style from work to a night out? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on December 3rd, 2008 in How To, Men, Men's, Men's, Q&A |
There’s nothing quite like a chunky knit sweater to keep you warm in style. But while we love chunky knits, we don’t actually want to look chunky wearing them. How do you wear a thick knit without looking chunky? Minimize the bulk of your heavy knit sweater by showing a bit of skin with a partial sleeve. Here’s our favorite chunky knit half sleeve sweaters, at all price points:
Our $ Picks
Merona Drop Shoulder Shawl Collar Vest | $24.99 at Target
Pointelle Swing Cardigan | $32.90 at Heritage 1981
AE White Out Sweater | $49.50 at American Eagle
Our $$ Picks
Placed Cable Turtleneck Sweater | $59 at Gap
Pleated Sleeve Cardigan | $68 at Gap
Our $$$ Picks
Shawl Collar Top | $110 at Banana Republic
Shawl Collar Sweater Jacket | $130 at Banana Republic
Alpaca Kennedi Jacket | $260 at J Crew
Posted by Trisha on December 2nd, 2008 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Headbands?
You said: Overwhelmingly - Yes to Headbands, which were voted in 74% to 26%.
Style tip? Gossip girl’s Leighton Meester may have single-headedly launched the modern headband movement, but you don’t have to be an Upper East Sider (or a Hollywood starlet) to wear the trend. If you’re unsure about headbands, why not give them a try with a solid colored style with a thin band? If you’re feeling more adventurous, we recommend going after this trend head-on with an ornamented headband. Think brooch-style jewels, oversized silk flowers, dainty ribbons, or even spunky feathers. After all, bold is beautiful.
Next question: Velvet is a classic cold-weather fabric, but its sheen makes it somewhat difficult to wear. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear Velvet? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Spunky Feather Headband| $5.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on December 1st, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Hi everyone,
Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you safe travels, quality time with family and friends, and copious quantities of yummy food. And for those of you who dare to shop Black Friday, best of luck in snagging those deals.
As for us, we’ll be taking a mini-break for the Thanksgiving holiday, but we’ll be back with more fashion inspiration bright and early next Monday morning.
Until then, we’re giving thanks for you! Thank you for your insightful comments. Thank you for your helpful advice. And thank you for your continued support of Omiru–it’s been nothing short of extraordinary. Three cheers for you!
Trisha and the Omiru Team
Posted by Trisha on November 27th, 2008 in Off Topic |
Though it feels like Halloween was just last week, Thanksgiving is already upon us. Time to pack our bags, gear up for marathon eating sessions, and head home to see family. Whether you’re visiting your folks or your SO’s family, you’ll want to put your best foot forward. Here’s a casually sophisticated outfit that will do the trick:
1. Start with a basic pair of chinos. For the most flattering look, try a flat front chino–no pleats.
2. Put on a patterned dress shirt. The quietly chic tattersall print on this shirt speaks volumes about your sense of style. When in doubt, go with stripes or checks in a distinctive color combination.
3. Layer on a cozy cardigan. Bonus style points for (1) a chunky hand-woven knit, and (2) a shawl collar on the cardigan (as pictured).
4. Finish the look off with sophisticated accessories: a tartan print scarf that echoes the tattersall print on the shirt, casual loafers, and an overnight bag that reflects your impeccable personal style.
What will you wear to meet the family? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on November 26th, 2008 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
Q: Since you mention scarves in a lot of your articles, I decided to buy three really cute scarves. But now I don’t know how to wear them. I mean, I can guess with what - but how exactly are scarves worn right now? Whenever I see celebrities wear scarves I wonder how they make it look so effortless.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Scarves are a versatile, inexpensive accessory that can add color, pattern and dimension to any wardrobe. Here’s three super simple ways to wear them:
The Fold and Loop
Diamond Gingham Scarf | $22.75 (approx) at Topshop
My favorite way to wear a scarf it to take a long one, fold it in half, and wrap it around your neck. Take the side with the ends and pull it through the loop created by the other side. I love to wear a long scarf on a windy day and have the breeze catch it and make it flutter.
Best For: Lightweight pashmina-type scarves.
The Basic Neck Wrap
AE Multicheck Scarf | $19.50 at American Eagle
Simply wrap the scarf around your neck once and then just let the ends drop where they will. I think this method is appropriate for indoor wear, as it adds color without overwhelming the wearer or the outfit. Keep in mind though that it does look pretentious to wear a big cashmere scarf wrapped once or twice around the neck when one is inside.
Best For: Long, narrow scarves.
The Square Tie
Buckle Satin Scarf | $7.80 at Forever 21
With a square scarf, you can place one pointed side down in front of your neck, and then take the ends and wrap once around your neck ending with a little tie.
Best For: Small to medium sized square scarves.
Bonus scarf looks? Try wrapping a scarf around your head à la Jackie O. Very 60s chic. Or tie a short scarf around a ponytail for a refreshingly youthful look.
How do you wear your scarves? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on November 25th, 2008 in How To, Q&A, Women, Women's, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Fair Isle Sweaters?
You said: Yes to Fair Isle Sweaters, which were voted in 55% to 45%.
Style tip? The multi-color knitted patterns characteristic of Fair Isle sweaters always remind us of Winter. They’re perfect for a ski date in the mountains, but they also work for a day in the city. Juxtapose the rustic Fair Isle sweater against a sophisticated skirt and a chic winter coat. If you dare, try mixing textures - the knit sweater and a sequined skirt would make for a glamourous combination.
Next question: Headbands have been a celebrity style staple since the premiere of Gossip Girl. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a Headband? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ecote Fairisle Open Cardigan| $54 at Urban Outfitters.
Posted by Trisha on November 24th, 2008 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Who says that you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Ruffles are decidedly feminine, but they don’t have to look girly. Their youthful spirit can be tempered with a dash of adult tailoring for a look that’s less about frills and romance and more about playful sophistication.
Our $ Picks:
Issac Mizrahi Ruffle Neck Blouse | $22.90 at Target
Frame your lovely face with Issac Mizrahi’s dramatic ruffle neck blouse.
Ruffle Sandals | $29.50 at Gap
Add a ladylike touch to your sandals with gorgeous purple ruffles.
Frill Hem Spot Skirt | $42 (approx) at Topshop
Ruffles add a kicky touch to this playful miniskirt.
Ruffle Neck Shift Dress | $42.99 (sale) at Gap
For the most figure flattering effect, wear a wide belt with this ruffle neck shift dress to help define your figure.
Our $$ Pick:
Dotted Victoria Ruffle Cami | $98 at J Crew
This versatile ruffled camisole will pair perfectly under a crisp suit jacket - or with a loud patterned skirt.
Our $$$ Picks:
Sulden Wool 3-Button Jacket | $199 at Ann Taylor
Perfectly tailored and ruffled to boot, this jacket gives you the best of both worlds.
Ruffle Collar Wool Coat | $280 (sale) at Kenneth Cole
Make a powerful style statement with this dramatic ruffle collared coat.
Posted by Trisha on November 21st, 2008 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on November 20th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Cozy up in a thick knit sweater - the perfect antidote to the cool weater outside. But instead of reaching for a plain, solid-colored sweater, mix things up a bit by investing in a good quality Fair Isle sweater. The distinctive multicolored knitted patterns on the modern Fair Isle sweater are a wonderful foil to your everyday basics. Presenting our five favorite Fair Isle inspired sweaters:
Our $ Picks:
O’Hanlon Mills Reverse Hooded Zip-Up | $88 at Urban Outfitters
AE Holiday Cardigan | $99.50 at American Eagle
Our $$ Pick:
Shelter Island Cardigan | $180 at Hollister
Our $$$ Picks:
Haystack Mountain Cardigan | $350 at Abercrombie
3.1 Philip Lim Wrap Neck Collar Sweater | $438 (sale) at Oak
Posted by Trisha on November 19th, 2008 in Men, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape |
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