Q: I’m 22 years old and only 5 feet tall. I also have a very young looking face, so whenever I go out, people ask me how old I am. It’s an odd request, but how can I dress to look older when I go out without trying too hard?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: It’s an odd request, but it’s a valid one. Looking more mature will not only reduce the "how old are you?" questioning, but it’ll also help you to be taken more seriously at work. We have a few quick tricks to add age to your look:
Balance out your Round Face: I’m guessing that the youthfulness in your face comes from a round shape; the rounder your face, the younger your look. To counterbalance the roundness, look for geometric shaped earrings, pointed collars, and more angular clothing.
Wear Structured Clothes: The more structure in your clothes, the more mature the look. I’d recommend building your wardrobe around tailored garments and accessories - double breasted coats, belts, blazers, and other fitted items.
Drape Yourself in Jewel Tones: Bright primary colors are youthful looking, but deeper jewel tones like emerald or turquoise are more refined. Neutral colors will also add to the maturity of your outfits.
Wear Makeup: The key here is to wear makeup that’s not too heavy. Try makeup that’s sophisticated, like a soft smoky eye for evening.
Slip on a Pair of Heels: Since you’re only 5 feet tall, you’ll also benefit from a couple of inches of extra height. Height will help you add years to your look, especially if the shoe is in a sophisticated style.
Last but not least, exude confidence through your posture and smile - act as though you absolutely belong where you are (which you do!). Carriage reflects maturity, and this will take you further than anything you’re wearing.
Have a great tip about how to dress to look older? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 21st, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Elbow Length Gloves?
You said: No to Elbow Length Gloves. Only 46% of you said that you would wear them.
Style tip? Sure, elbow length gloves aren’t the most practical accessory in the world. Traditionally, they’re worn as a sophisticated accessory to an evening gown. But elbow length gloves don’t have to be reserved for formal occasions. You can make elbow length gloves a part of an everyday daytime outfit. Just try a less stuffy version of the gloves in a knit fabric. Bonus style points for choosing a bright color.
Next question: We’ve been raving about Buffalo Check Plaid patterns. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Long Fingerless Cashmere Gloves | $48 at Nordstrom.
Posted by Trisha on October 20th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Just because the weather is getting greyer doesn’t mean that you need to wear the clothes to match. Our favorite foil against the forces of Fall is Bright Color. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a cheery skirt. The pretty polka dot pattern on this pencil skirt got this outfit off to the right start.
2. Add a patterned top for visual interest. Bonus points for one that also features bright color.
3. Bring in the color: a bright orange cardigan complements a spunky yellow peacoat (which in turn brings out the yellow on the graphic tee). The crimson red handbag fills out the spectrum of warm brights.
4. Finish off the outfit with a pair of grey slouchy boots. Black would be too harsh against these brights, but grey does the trick.
Bonus? For extra warmth, slip on a pair of tights to keep your legs nice and toasty.
How will you wear bright colors for Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 17th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
J Crew is our go-to store for classics with a twist–those special standout pieces that you can use to elevate the rest of your everyday wardrobe. We can always count on them for gorgeous colors, beautiful patterns, and quality fabrics. Plus, their garment construction is top-notch for their price point. Though J Crew’s prices tend to be on the high side of what we feature here on Omiru, we believe that the clothes are worth it. When you do the cost-per-wear math, the number of wears tends to more than make up for the cost. Here’s five our our favorite pieces from J Crew’s Fall 2008 collection - pieces that can live in your wardrobe for years to come:
Italian Deco Tank | $148 at J Crew
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew
French Serge Day Coat | $350 at J Crew
Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat | $260 at J Crew
Italian Deco Print Rollneck Silk Dress | $350 at J Crew
Posted by Trisha on October 16th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
Guys, buffalo checks is one of our favorite menswear trends for Fall. The bold pattern perfectly complements the structure and weight of Fall’s clothes. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a buffalo checked button down shirt.
2. Add a pair of dark rinse jeans (or dark trousers).
3. Layer on a hooded parka. Extra style points for interesting pocket detailing.
4. Slip on a pair of loafers. Loafers are nicer than sneakers, yet they’re still casual enough for this outfit.
Bonus? Add a brightly colored scarf. A nice plaid pattern will accentuate the buffalo checked shirt.
How will you wear buffalo checks? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 15th, 2008 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
Q: I’ve noticed that a lot of your postings have striped shirts, which I think look so chic. When I wear mine, I feel like they don’t really flatter me. (I’m a bit broad-shouldered.) Are there some style rules about wearing stripes?
A: The eye is drawn in the direction of the stripe - that is, if you’re wearing horizontal stripes, the eye is drawn from side to side, and if you’re wearing vertical stripes, the eye tends to go up and down. The effect? Horizontal stripes tend to make you look wider, and vertical stripes tend to be more slimming.
Since you’re a bit broad shouldered, I would avoid thick horizontal stripes at your shoulder line. The stripes will only visually widen your shoulders. Since you love these horizontal striped shirts, you could try three things that will lessen the widening effect of horizontal stripes:
Thin Horizontal Stripes: The widening effect is a lot less pronounced with thin, widely spaced stripes than it would be for thicker stripes.
Stripes with Low Contrast: Horizontal stripes are less likely to widen your figure if they’re in colors without a lot of contrast. Instead of high-contrast black and white stripes, for instance, try lower-contrast grey and white stripes.
Strategic Stripe Placement: If you can find a shirt that has horizontal stripes on your torso - but not on your shoulder, this can also work for your figure.
How do you wear horizontal stripes? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 14th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear a Sweater Vest?
You said: Yes to Sweater Vests, with a full 68% of the vote.
Style tip? Sweater Vests have come a long way since Mr. Rogers! We love offsetting the masculine nature of the sweater vest with a feminine piece - a sinuous skirt, a flowery brooch, or even a headband in your hair.
Next question: We’re shopping for Fall Accessories - and we’re on the fence about Elbow Length Gloves. We love the look, but are they really practical? Tell us, would you wear Elbow Length Gloves? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Academy Sweater Vest | $22.90 at Heritage 1981.
Posted by Trisha on October 13th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Simple and chic go hand in hand with this purposefully plain outfit. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a pair of dark rinse jeans (the Switzerland of clothes - always neutral, and goes with everything).
2. Add a white button-down shirt. Choose one with a twist–this tuxedo shirt features pintucked ruffles down the front.
3. Layer on a well-tailored plaid jacket. Extra style points for a bright color, such as red or yellow.
4. Finish off the outfit with a pair of tall boots and a striking handbag in a bright color.
Do you have a simple chic go-to outfit? Share your style with us in the comments
Posted by Trisha on October 10th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Q: I’m really not that stylish at all, but I want to learn to be. I want to expand my wardrobe, but I don’t want to fill it with fashion trends that are short lived. How do I go about building a wardrobe that’s young (I’m 23), eclectic, but not typical looking? I do have some basic necessities such as a good white shirt, good black trousers, skinny jeans, and a little black dress.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Smart move. You’re never too young to start building a wardrobe that has style and staying power. Sounds like you’re off to a good start with your wardrobe foundations, but that it’s time to add some personality.
Adding personality to an outfit can be done in two main ways: (1) what you wear, and (2) how you choose to wear it.
With regards to what you wear, you can easily add personality with color and pattern. Maybe it’s adding a bright green tunic, maybe it’s adding a skirt in a dramatic oversized print. Or adding classics-with-a-twist: the clothes that you reach for over and over again in your closet, but with an extra special touch. Items like a perfectly cut polka dotted pencil skirt, a great peacoat with 3/4 sleeves, or a bright yellow pair of heels.
But even a pop of color from a set of bracelets, a cascading set of necklaces, or a statement handbag adds interest to the basics without overwhelming you.
How you choose to wear your clothes is where it gets more interesting. You mention that you want to build a wardrobe that’s not typical looking. You can do this, even building on the basics that you already have. Your good white shirt, for example, can be transformed from a wardrobe basic to something special simply by how you wear it. Try artfully rolling up the sleeves for a relaxed-yet-polished look. Or leaving an extra button unbuttoned and layering it over a lacy undershirt for a playful after-work look. Or go glamorous and add a statement brooch (think Carrie Bradshaw from SATC) – or a gorgeous set of layered necklaces.
Pictured is an example of an outfit that is composed of basics with a twist. The sleek black pencil skirt is a pure basic, but the boatneck top features sailor stripes, the peacoat in bright green has 3/4 sleeves, the cardigan sweater sports two small front pockets, the herringbone scarf is a bright yellow, the heels are not only yellow but also feature a ladylike rosette, and the black handbag is purposely strappy. If you push up the sleeves on the cardigan, you’ll allow the sailor stripes to peek out from under the shorter jacket sleeves. And the bright scarf picks up the yellow in the shoes, adding a touch of lightness to a very city chic outfit.
By building outfits like this, you’ll save your closet from being filled with short lived fashion trends – and you’ll be building a wardrobe that you can count on for years to come.
In the end, dressing is the art of expressing yourself. I encourage you to be playful with your clothes. Go out to the mall and try on a bunch of clothes, even ones that you think that you’d never wear. The results may very well surprise you.
Have a great tip about how to add personality to your wardrobe? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on October 9th, 2008 in Q&A, Women, Women's |
I think guys have this impression that bags are for utility; you put all your stuff in there and you’re done. And while I don’t think a guy should obsess over bags, there are decidedly different types of bags for different occasions. And because they’re everyday accessories, they’re something worth splurging on. Here’s the rundown of the 4 essential bags:
Backpack
Ridge Backpack | $108 at LeSportsac Guys
Yes, guys, you CAN wear a backpack without looking like a fifth grader. The trick, though, is to a) not have “Jansport†written anywhere on it and b) keep it less than huge. Keep your backpack simple and refined: I’d suggest monochromatic, something dark or neutral. If you’re a luxe kind of guy, fear not: there are plenty of leather backpacks out there (Hogan offers one for $1,165).
Who should wear it: Schoolchildren, outdoorsy type, people who work in very casual environments.
Who shouldn’t wear it: Those with a desk job.
Messenger Bag
Nylon Canvas Field Bag | $150 at Jack Spade
In recent years, one-strap bags (“messenger†bags) have become the craze, if not the cliché. I can see why: they’re practical, more refined than most backpacks and not unstylish.
Who should wear it: College students, IT guys.
Who shouldn’t wear it: White-collar types (unless you’re traveling).
Briefcase
Transatlantic Leather Lexington Brief | $448 at Coach
Photo courtesy of Men’s Vogue
The briefcase is the most refined “bag†a man can have – and accordingly, it’s usually the most expensive. A briefcase is a statement that you’ve made something out of your life (career wise at least). Formal and usually made out of luxe materials such as high-grade leather and precious metals (think 24k gold metal locks), briefcases mean business. But keep in mind there are two types: soft and hard. Both are pretty much office standards, but the soft ones are a bit more informal. Keep your briefcase simple and traditional: get one in black or dark brown. Skip the high tech ones like the $16,000 carbon fiber piece from Hermes.
Who should wear it: White-collar types.
Who shouldn’t wear it: Anyone that’s not a white-collar type – you’ll come off as pretentious.
Duffel (Weekend) Bag
Waxed Cotton Medium Travel Explorer | $259 at Barbour
Photo courtesy of men.style.com.
I don’t know if there is technically a difference between a duffel and weekend bag, but I tend to think of a weekend bag as a more refined version of the traditional rugged duffel. Weekend bags are really for those guys in New York who want that 3 day trip to the Hamptons or Maine and need something to put clothes, shoes, bottles of wine, and whatever else you want to put in there. And that’s the beauty of it; it really is a holdall bag – just throw you’re stuff in there. One of my favorite pictures on The Sartorialist is of Michael Bastian wearing a wrinkled dress shirt, Nantucket reds and loafers, while trying to hail a cab carrying a weekend bag (ok it’s a duffel bag…I guess Mr. Bastian can make even duffels look cool).
The downside of weekend bags is that they are a luxury: you don’t really need them. As a result, most good ones are expensive. If you do get a weekend bag, though, pay a little more and get one that’s well made. I like the motto, “Beat up the pretty things;†it describes exactly how I’d treat a beautiful weekend bag.
Style Tip: Jack Spade is my default for bags; I implicitly recommend Jack Spade for any of the above types of bags. I have a messenger bag and a briefcase, and if I were to get a backpack, I’d get one from Jack Spade. You can pretty much find any kind of bag you’d need at Jack Spade. They aren’t the cheapest, but in terms of style (simple) and durability (high), I give it my full endorsement. See more styles at Jack Spade, 56 Greene St., New York, NY. 212 625-1820.
Posted by Trisha on October 8th, 2008 in Men, Shopping Guide |
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