In honor of today’s election, we’re sharing tips on how to wear Red, White, and Blue without looking like you’re draped in an American flag. Here’s how to do it:
(1) Pick a dominant color. Here, we chose blue to be the dominant shade, but we could have built the outfit around white or red instead. The very navy blue sweater complements the blue sailor jeans.
(2) Add the other two colors as accents. Here, we counterbalanced the blue with a white tuxedo jacket and coordinating red accessories: flats and a ladylike structured handbag.
(3) Extra style points for cool detailing on your reds, whites, and blues. We were struck by the toggle closure on the ever-so-navy sweater, and we like the visual texture of the tuxedo pleats on the white button-down. Even the jeans are special, with its sailor button detailing.
Now that you’re dressed and ready for Election Day, find your nearest polling place, and go out and vote!
How would you wear red, white, and blue? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on November 4th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Over the Knee Boots?
You said: No to Over the Knee Boots, which got only 31% of the vote.
Style tip? You’re right that Over the Knee Boots are a fashion challenge (and really not for everyone)–but they’re oh-so-sexy when done right. How to wear them? With a minidress, so that a bit of leg shows between the skirt hem and the top of your boot, and an extra shot of confidence.
Next question: We recently wrote about How to Wear a Bubble Dress, but it seems that you’re still on the fence about this style. Tell us, would you wear a Bubble Dress? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Over the Knee Boots | $67.50 at Cathy Jean.
Posted by Trisha on November 3rd, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
In honor of Halloween, we’re recreating the look of one of America’s most revered style icons: Marilyn Monroe. But instead of literally copying her look, we’re translating it to work in the present day. Here’s how to get a modern version of Marilyn’s iconic look:
1. Start with a dress worthy of Marilyn herself: a bustier top with a flowing skirt. Instead of going with Marilyn’s signature white, mix it up with your signature color.
2. Add a pair of strappy high heels to complement the dress. Here, the gold in the shoes works well with the warm shade of purple.
3. Pick up a feminine clutch. Bonus points for special detailing.
4. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Add a pair of diamond earrings for a bit of extra sparkle. A diamond encrusted choker or a pearl necklace would also evoke Marilyn’s glamourous spirit.
Who’s your favorite style icon? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 31st, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Bubble hem dresses and skirts can be challenging to wear, as the volume at the hemline isn’t necessarily figure flattering. Here’s how to wear a bubble hem dress with style:
1. Start with the bubble hem dress. Don’t you love the elegance of this gray and cream dress?
2. Reign in the volume with a wide belt. You could either go with a belt in a similar color (as shown here), or one in a purposefully contrasting color.
3. Slip on a pair of slouchy boots and a pair of tights. The dark tights will not only make this outfit warmer, but they’ll also visually slim your legs.
4. Add the finishing touches: layer on a set of necklaces, and grab a brightly colored handbag to complete the look.
How will you wear a bubble hem dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 30th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Q: I need help with a non-traditional interview outfit. I’m a designer who moved 2 months ago from San Francisco to New York. I’m looking for something that’s edgy enough for the job, yet serious enough for a job interview.
Pictured: Hyden Yoo Harrison Jacket, courtesy of Oak.
A: It’s hard to go wrong with a suit for any interview, but of course it may be unnecessary given the industry. Then again, there’s that saying that those who overdress may feel like idiots, but those that underdress are idiots. Moral of the story? Wear a (casual) suit.
I really do think that while suits are traditionally a formal look, they can also be made to look very casual. It’s the little things that matter. Here’s three ways you can make a suit more casual: no belt, a skinnier tie that’s loosened just a little bit, and no socks. Oh yeah, cufflinks don’t scream "formal," they scream pretentious—especially for a creative job. Leave them at home. Skip the contrast collar too; you can wear it when one day you’re on the other side of the interview table.
And suits can still be "edgy" – a suit by Thom Browne takes some real confidence to wear, for example. I’d be safe (and thifty), though, and avoid the Thom Browne suit, unless you’re going into a really artsy industry (no negative connotation intended).
Sidebar: If you’re trying to get a job on Wall Street, stick to navy or charcoal and a white shirt. You can’t go wrong with a solid or striped tie, either. The conservative culture of such firms may cause the interviewer to frown upon anything more. Besides, you should be more worried about trying to answer questions about WACC and Deferred Tax Liabilities than what you’re wearing.
The general rule is to consider how your potential bosses dress on an everyday basis and then wear what would be considered dressier. If your boss wears jeans, go with khakis. If your boss wears a blazer, go with a suit, with or without a tie. Get it? It’s hard to tell you exactly what to wear to an interview. But whatever you do, be confident, because the last thing you want to be thinking about is how you look.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a creative interview? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 29th, 2008 in Men, Men's, Q&A |
Q: For the last two years I have worked in the legal profession where my wardrobe consists mostly of skirt and pant suits, business shirts and lots and lots of black. Next year, I am going back to study fashion design to pursue my dream of working in fashion publishing. Do you have any suggestions for transitioning my color deficient and overly formal wardrobe to match my new life?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Congratulations! I applaud you for having the courage to do what you love, and taking the first step towards your dream of working in fashion publishing. Just as transitioning from a professional environment to an academic one will allow you much more freedom in scheduling your day, it will also give you much more freedom in what you choose to wear.
That said, I’d recommend placing your suits and blouses in a good storage place, as journalism will also require professional clothes until you reach the heights of Anna Wintour or Carine Roitfield, when designers will be begging you to wear their clothes! Fashion journalism is no exception, though you’ll get to mix things up a bit more.
As you prepare to enter the world of fashion, make sure you have your foundation pieces in place. These 10 pieces will provide you a foundation from which to grow your wardrobe—and evolve your sense of style. Since you’re going back to school, I’d add jeans to this foundation wardrobe as well. In addition to your standard issue dark rinse blue jeans, try a pair of trouser jeans and a pair of grey jeans.
Moving beyond the foundations, I encourage you to play with silhouettes and color. Now is the time for experimentation. Layer! Take what’s in your wardrobe and try to create new and interesting combinations.
Once you’ve started to exhaust the possibilities with your current wardrobe, make a shopping trip to add pieces that you may not already have. Things like layered tops, asymmetrical dresses, cute boots, and an oversized, slouchy bag (which should hold your school books nicely). But don’t be too anxious to fill out your wardrobe too quickly. You’ll start to develop a more critical eye as you study fashion. And you’ll no doubt be influenced by the designers you study—not to mention your fellow students.
Developing your own fashion point of view is a very personal process, and it’s not one to be rushed. This advice can help guide you along the path, but in the end, it’s you who’s making the journey. Bon voyage, and good luck!
Have a great tip about how to transform your wardrobe from formal to creative? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 28th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid?
You said: Yes to Buffalo Check Plaid, which got 57% of the vote.
Style tip? Buffalo Check Plaid is one of the key trends of the season, and it works equally well on men and women. We love it in bold form, but for those of you who are on the fence, you can give it a try with a smaller print. Pair your buffalo check top with something more plain on the bottom - a pair of dark rinse jeans is simple chic for both men and women.
Next question: It wouldn’t be Fall without Boots. But what about Over the Knee boots? Tell us, would you wear Over the Knee Boots? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ruffle Placket Plaid Top | $44 at Gap.
Posted by Trisha on October 27th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
I’ve always been big on coats - they’re the first thing you notice about an outfit from far away, and they’re a great opportunity to make a statement. So it’s no surprise that one of my favorite Fall fashion traditions is to add a new winter coat to my wardrobe. Since the best coats stay in your wardrobe season after season, they’re an investment piece. Look for one that’s versatile - but also one that fits just right. Go on, coat up!
AE Belted Peacoat | $119.50 at American Eagle
Wool Blend Duffle Coat | $99.50 at Old Navy
Belted Coat | $128 at Gap
AE Buffalo Check Peacoat | $129.50 at American Eagle
Short Peacoat | $198 at Banana Republic
Textured Swing Coat | $198 at Banana Republic
Posted by Trisha on October 24th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We’ve been raving about buffalo check for men, but we also love it on women. The bold pattern really makes a statement against more feminine patterns and colors. Here’s how to wear it:
1. Start with a boldly patterned top and jeans. Try one that’s ever-so-blousy to counterbalance the straightness of the jeans.
2. Toss on a bright cardigan in a color that brings out the best in the patterned top. Here, the bright yellow makes the blue in the top visually Pop.
3. Layer on the centerpiece of the outfit: a peacoat that features a bright buffalo check.
4. Finish off the outfit with a brightly colored handbag (the orange complements both the yellow sweater and the predominantly red buffalo checked jacket) and a pair of heeled boots.
How will you wear buffalo checks? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 23rd, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Less is more is more often than not the way to go with menswear. So we’ve created a chic menswear look that’s both foundational and sophisticated. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a simple horizontal striped shirt. You can go with a crewneck, as shown, or go up a notch and reach for a fitted polo.
2. Put on a pair of dark rinse jeans. You can’t go wrong with a pair that features a straight leg and an unassuming rinse.
3. As befits the season, toss on a navy-inspired peacoat. With the peacoat, the key is fit - you want one that fits you squarely at the shoulderline.
4. Finish the look off with a vertically striped scarf (that echoes but doesn’t copy the striping in the shirt) and a pair of simple loafers.
What’s your simple-yet-sophisticated go to look? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 22nd, 2008 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
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