Q: I have a black, medium-chunky-knit cocoon sweater. The only way I know how to wear it is with jeans and a solid-colored stretch v-neck long sleeved shirt underneath. How else can I wear it?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Cocoon sweaters and coats, though potentially unflattering, are surprisingly versatile to wear. The key to wearing them is to balance out the volume of the sweater with a slimmer silhouette on the bottom. This can be the jeans you described, narrow pants, or a slim-cut dress or skirt. The beauty of the cocoon sweater is that it’s such a distinctive style that you don’t need to enhance it with much flair.
One of our favorite ways to wear your cocoon sweater is to pair it with a jewel toned short sleeved dress, black tights, and ballet flats (pictured). This outfit also has the benefit of being figure flattering–because these clothes are body hugging, you won’t lose your shape in the sweater. Plus, the black tights keep the line of your look cohesive and clean.
Or for a fun evening look, add colorful elbow length gloves (bonus points for a striking color like french blue) and keep the rest of your outfit very simple.
Lastly, for a simple yet chic look, you could also wear leggings or a black short skirt with a simple t-shirt and throw on the sweater for some extra visual interest.
Have a great tip about how to wear a cocoon sweater or coat? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on April 18th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
Think Modern Classics
Aging doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice style–and it doesn’t force you into matronly looks. The same rules of figure flattery still apply, so don’t fill your closet with shapeless tops and dresses. Even though you’re more mature, you’re encouraged to keep current with (some) trends–but you’ll wear them differently. While you may have gotten away with that nautical inspired minidress in your 20s–and those high-waisted sailor pants in your 30s, a better way to interpret the seafaring trend in your 50s would be through a well-cut navy blue structured jacket and white wide-leg pants.
Invest in Quality
Buy fewer pieces, but purchase better quality ones. These quality items will not only hold up better over time, but they’ll also drape more beautifully on your figure. You don’t have to spend a million to feel like a million dollars, but you have to know what brands fit you.
Camouflage Strategically
You know what parts of your body you want to reveal and which parts you want to keep covered up. Dress accordingly. Rule of thumb? Pick one area of your body to highlight, and construct your outfit around it. So if you have a great pair of legs, highlight them with a knee-length skirt and a killer pair of shoes. Or if you’re blessed with a gorgeous face, frame it with an oversized collar.
Play with Color
Since the styles you’re wearing will tend to be simpler (modern classics), you have more room to play with color. Basic black is safe, but blood orange or cobalt blue are so much more fun! Monochromatic looks are often figure flattering, so why not choose a more interesting color? We dare you.
Add Statement Accessories
When it comes to a great bag or a wonderful scarf, it doesn’t matter whether you’re twenty five or fifty five. A single statement accessory, such as a pair of dramatic oversized sunglasses, can turn a plain outfit into something special–and is so much more stylish than a quieter accessory (e.g. a string of pearls).
Have a great tip about fashion over fifty? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on April 17th, 2008 in How To, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
Q: I’m so sick of the club "uniform" - dress shirt + jeans combo. I was wonder what else could I wear that will allow me to stand out while looking classy?
A: In order to stand out from the crowd, either dress up or down, but stick with one and do it all the way. Of course, there is a little bit of wiggle room, but if you want to stand out, just don’t plant yourself right in the middle of the “formality†scale by wearing a structured blazer, dress shirt and dark blue denim.
I think the dress shirt/jeans combo is so popular because guys consider it to be that “in between†look. They think (incorrectly) that by wearing a button down, they are dressing up, but by wearing jeans, they are also keeping it casual. Their mistake is thinking that the shirt is the piece of the outfit that defines the formality. In reality, the pieces of the outfit that define formality are actually the pants and shoes. You could wear a suit jacket, a dress shirt and a tie, but if you wear shorts, it’s still a casual look. Or maybe they’re doing it because everyone else is doing it. Either way, don’t follow their lead.
I don’t know what you define as a “club.†(In Tokyo, a “club†is what we in America would call a strip club.) If you’re going to a place mainly for drinks and atmosphere (e.g. museum/art gallery openings, lounges, restaurants for nightcaps, etc.), dress up. The look, summed up in three adjectives, is this: rakish, refined, and clean.
Try a dark monochromatic suit (color ranging from medium gray to black) with a white shirt and a tie. Don’t wear a tie narrower than 2.5 to 3 inches in width at its widest point. The trend of the moment, one that I embrace, is a dark, solid colored tie. Try a tie in charcoal or medium gray, but don’t match the suit color entirely; it looks too calculated.
As for accessories, the idea here is minimalism: skip the belt. The pocket square is up to you. You can wear your watch, but only if it’s subtle.
If you want to make the look more casual, skip the tie. Or you can skip the jacket altogether and wear a vest instead—but only if all components of the suit are from the same suit (i.e. don’t wear a medium gray pants and a charcoal vest). As always, fit is absolutely key. If your suit doesn’t fit, you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. Tom Ford (left) does it right, as always.
On the other hand, if you’re going to a place where dancing is central, dress up by dressing down. I say this more for practicality rather than for style. Wear jeans, but mix it up by wearing jeans that aren’t blue. A great pair of gray jeans can go a long way. Slim chinos, like those by Mason’s (available at Barney’s New York and Douglas Fir), are also a great alternative. In Milan, you will see men wearing navy chinos instead of jeans.
Also, don’t be afraid to wear a blazer (roll up the sleeves to casualize it); again, just don’t wear a formal, structured blazer over a button down shirt and blue jeans. The trend of the moment is a horizontally striped crewneck tee. The gentleman in the gray jacket (right) has the right idea.
Last tip? Tuck in your shirt.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a club? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Tom Ford Photo (left) and Gentleman in Gray Jacket (right), both by Men.Style.com.
Posted by Trisha on April 16th, 2008 in Men, Men's, Q&A |
Target’s latest set of Go International styles may not have been created by a name-brand designer, but the company’s self-designed collection features a nice variety of cheerful, wearable looks for Spring. We’re loving the bright colors and easy-to-wear shapes in particular. Read on for our five favorite pieces (all under $40!) from Target’s latest Go International line:
Go International High Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt with Ruffled Front | $26.99 at Target
You won’t find another shirt under $30 that matches the style and elegance of this ruffled blouse. Isn’t the color gorgeous?
Go International Tank Tunic Dress in Safety Yellow | $22.99 at Target
Pair this bright yellow tank dress with a cobalt blue scarf for a look that positively radiates!
Go International Abstract Stripe Mod Dress | $39.99 at Target
Longtime Omiru readers know that we can’t get enough of dresses with pockets, and this tank dress doesn’t disappoint. Bonus? The wide straps are a fresh alternative to the oh-so-common spaghetti straps.
Go International One-Shoulder Jersey Dress | $34.99 at Target
This one-shoulder knit tank dress features a simply gorgeous shade of blue–and a beautiful drape.
Go International Ruffled Neck Long Sleeve Top | $22.99 at Target
Replace your everyday tee with this chic orange scoopneck tee. Extra style points for the ruffled collar.
Posted by Trisha on April 15th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Shorts as Eveningwear?
You said: No to Shorts as Eveningwear. Only 21% would choose to wear it.
Style tip? We have to admit that we’re not really behind this trend either. Our best tip is simply to avoid it. If, however, you do take the plunge…wear something long-sleeved on top in order to balance out the extra skin you’re showing with the shorts.
Next question: Bubble-shaped jackets are making their way from the runway to reality. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a Bubble Jacket? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Theory Denami Short | $180 at Shopbop.
Posted by Trisha on April 14th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Don’t want to spend a bundle on a dress that you’ll only wear once? Here’s five dresses under $100 that will make you look like a million dollars for prom (or an evening out on the town):
XOXO Pleated Halter Gown | $88.50 (sale) at Macy’s
Head-to-toe metallics aren’t for the faint of heart.
Speechless Pleated O-Ring Gown | $81 (sale) at Macy’s
Turn heads in a dramatic, brightly colored gown.
Speechless Twist-Front Halter Gown | $73.50 (sale) at Macy’s
The halter neckline looks especially smashing on curvy women.
As U Wish Bow Dress | $68 at Nordstrom
The classic a-line shape is accented with an on-trend oversized bow.
Velvet Torch Shantung Bustier Dress | $62 at Nordstrom
The bustier shape best flatters women with a small bust.
Posted by Trisha on April 11th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
Classic Chic Trenchcoat
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
Fashion Formula = Trenchcoat + Brightly Colored Sweater + Top + Knee-Length Skirt + Oversized Sunglasses + Handbag + Boots.
Where to wear it? Wear this modern classic to work. Bonus points for brightening the office with a brightly colored trench.
Elegantly Formal Trenchcoat
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
Fashion Formula = Trenchcoat + Dress + Clutch + Jewelry + Heels.
Where to wear it? Date night, whether you’re going to dinner and a movie or a swanky lounge.
Casually Playful Trenchcoat
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
Fashion Formula = Brightly Colored Trenchcoat + Colored Top + Jeans + Tote Bag + Flats.
Where to wear it? Out to lunch with the ladies–or even for running errands on a Sunday afternoon.
Posted by Trisha on April 10th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Plaid became trendy again this past fall/winter, and it looks like it’s here to stay for one more season. Here are five of the best summer plaids for men:
Engineered Garments Plaid Woven Shirt | $144 at Bloomingdales (in store only)
Engineered Garments got their name from a pattern maker who claimed that the clothes were not designed but rather engineered due to the amount of detail put into each article of clothing. Translation: these clothes are fantastically constructed. This piece was adapted from last season’s long-sleeve version of the same shirt.
How to wear it? Plaids can be “intense,†so follow a simple layering tip and wear something monochromatic over it. By physically hiding part of the shirt under, say, a black or charcoal peacoat, the shirt serves as a colorful, bold accent, and it isn’t overwhelming.
A.P.C. “Plaid Shirt†and “Plaid Belt†| $140, $100 at A.P.C.
A.P.C. offers a shirt and belt with the same plaid pattern on it. While I like them individually, I don’t like them worn together, even though the model does it. It looks too calculated when you have an outfit that has parts that match exactly. To complete the outfit, I would recommend wearing brown pants like these Mason’s chinos because it picks up the peach in the plaid shirt. The plaid shirt and the chinos combine for a great casual summer look. Note that A.P.C. runs a tad small, but this is a summer shirt, so the fit is more classic (read: looser). As a point of reference, I wear a 40†jacket and I buy a large in A.P.C.
Mike and Chris Hyperion Gingham Shirt | $121 (sale) at Tobi
Part of the allure of plaid is its boldness, right? Mike and Chris prove that you can do plaid in a subtle – but not too subtle – way. This piece features a large gingham pattern in faded grey and white. Style tip? This white/washed grey is a growing trend, especially featured as a horizontally striped pattern, for both men and women.
Gant has been pushing strong in its comeback and is really rising in the ranks. What I love about this tie is that the pattern and width makes it versatile enough to travel from the office to a night out in New York.
YMC Gingham Plimsoles | $89 from OakNYC
That’s right: the plaid trend has even hit shoes. These shoes, by You Must Create, or YMC, aren’t for everyone. But then again, plaid isn’t either.
Want more plaid inspiration? We’re loving these men’s and women’s plaid outfits from the Sartorialist.
Posted by Trisha on April 9th, 2008 in Men, Shopping Guide, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape |
Q: I am attending an engagement pool party. Since I live in a sub-tropic climate, it already feels like summer. How do I combine an outfit for an engagement party with one for a pool party?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Dressing for an engagement party and dressing for a pool party sound like wildly different things, but you can combine pieces from each one in order to create an outfit that works for both. When creating your outfit, your first order of business is to dress for a special occasion. Even though it’s a pool party, you want to dress in a way that respects the special celebration. Then, taking into account the climate (sub-tropic) and venue (a pool), you’ll tailor your outfit for fun–and swimming.
The base of your outfit will be your swimsuit. Choose a suit worthy of a special occasion–one with special detailing, such as arched cutouts or metal fastenings. On top of your swimsuit, add a sarong that’s pretty enough to serve as a cocktail dress–and large enough to cover your swimsuit in a sophisticated fashion. When you’re not swimming, wear a pair of strappy sandals (but carry an extra pair of flip flops in your tote bag).
Should the party be a more formal affair, we recommend a brightly colored, breezy dress over your swimsuit, paired with a sparkly necklace for an extra dash of formality.
Last tip? Don’t forget a pair of oversized sunglasses (oh so dramatic) and a bottle of sunscreen!
Have a great tip about how to dress up for a special occasion pool party? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on April 8th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear a Brightly Colored Trenchcoat?
You said: Yes to Brightly Colored Trenchcoats, with 89% of the vote.
Style tip? Whether it’s in a bright yellow, a spring green, or a vibrant pink, make your brightly colored trench the centerpiece of your outfit. For an easy weekend outfit, pair your brightly colored trench with a complementary colored top, dark wash jeans, and a pair of cute ballet flats.
Next question: The weather’s starting to warm up, and eveningwear has taken note. We’ve been noticing a growing trend: Shorts as Eveningwear. But what do you think? Is this trend daring…or just dumb? Tell us, would you wear Shorts as Eveningwear? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Cotton Short Trenchcoat | $148 at Banana Republic.
Posted by Trisha on April 7th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
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