Play With Proportions Using These 6 New Silhouettes
If you've graduated from the school of "big on top, skinny on bottom," we're here to encourage you to take some doctorate-level classes on proportions. There's more to interesting silhouettes than crop tops and midi skirts, and we've found six fairly ballsy shapes that will stretch your style limits (not to mention breathe new life into pieces in your closet that haven't seen the light of day in years). So, stuff your inhibitions in the back of your drawers — it's time to prove that there's some hipness to being square (or oblong, or triangle-ish, or...).
Could You Edit Your Closet Down To One Rack? Here's How!
More likely than not, you're emotionally attached to your wardrobe — you chose every piece carefully, put thought into the purchase, and hoped it would pay off with a lifetime (or at least a year or two) of wear. Now, what if you got the wild idea to edit all those tops and bottoms down to only what would fit on a single clothing rack — with room to spare? Local blogger and stylephile Emily Wall did just that, and Brightest Young Things got an inside look at how she makes spartan living look impossibly stylish. A few of our favorite things? Well, we love when anyone uses clothing as art; we're impressed by (and more than a little jealous of) the complete lack of clutter; and also, this line: "... I think my inspiration came from women that particularly are not afraid to look different. Women who really look however they want to look. I have what I need... Why would I add superfluous stuff that I don't like that doesn't energize me the least bit?" We say: Amen, sister. (Brightest Young Things)
Photos: Courtesy of Brightest Young Things/Jeffrey Martin
How To Rock A Pencil Skirt Out Of The Office
If the idea of a "pencil skirt" conjures up as much inspiration as "day-old noodles," you're not alone. In the realm of clothing items, the lowly pencil skirt has been relegated to the back of the line, only making appearances in fluorescent-lit office spaces, recruiting conventions, and other "business casual" functions. No more, we say. When worn right, the pencil skirt can be one of the sexiest pieces around (two words: Joan Holloway), and a truly versatile piece that can make casual outfits more fancy, and fancy outfits more imaginative. Here are seven ways to make a pencil skirt feel anything other than your office dress code jacket.
How To Dress For A 6-Figure Job On A Normal Person's Budget
If your work wardrobe has been lacking lately, you don't have to wait for your next pay raise to kick it up a notch. Anyone can pull together a chic, professional outfit that's exciting and inspired, regardless of how many zeroes they have in their salary. Don't believe us? Click through to see the big picture, with three office-ready looks full of affordable, stylish pieces you'll soon have on heavy rotation. Feel free to send this story around to everyone at the water cooler once they start complimenting you on your style savvy...or, maybe, don't. Let them think you nabbed that major bonus. Better still, our budget-friendly picks will leave you with plenty of paycheck for your next vacation perhaps.
House of Harlow 1960 Pyramid Wrap Ring, $85, available at Zappos. H&M Blazer $19.95, available at H&M. Topshop Rosey Posey Georgia Dress, $45.83, available at Topshop. Topshop Black Snake Trim Satchel Bag, $64, available at Topshop. Promise Shoes Xavier Heel, $49.99, available at Heels.
House of Harlow 1960 Pyramid Wrap Ring, $85, available at Zappos. H&M Blazer $19.95, available at H&M. Topshop Rosey Posey Georgia Dress, $45.83, available at Topshop. Topshop Black Snake Trim Satchel Bag, $64, available at Topshop. Promise Shoes Xavier Heel, $49.99, available at Heels.
7 Different Ways To Wear The Same Beanie
The single most versatile hat in your arsenal probably plays second fiddle to your splashier fedoras and wide-brimmed sun hats. And that's a shame, because the lowly beanie is actually the chameleon of headwear, and can completely change your look with the flip of a brim. To prove our point, we took our trusty Theory Theyskens cashmere knit cap (the gold standard for everyday wearers) and took it for a spin. We managed to exercise a little styling (knit) wit and figured out seven special ways to wear the exact same bean — read on!
DIY Styling Tips For The Unconventional Bride
If you haven't figured it out already, we're not the type to dream about getting married in a fluffy tulle pillow sham. Your wedding day should be as extraordinary as that special someone waiting for you at the altar, and that means eschewing your bridal mags, residual prom aspirations, and (ugh) those opera gloves. That's why, with a little help from Molly Guy, creative director of NYC bridal showroom Stone Fox Bride, we're sharing 12 simple styling tips to rock the chapel (Or rooftop. Or courthouse.).
Genius Packing Advice From The Smartest Traveler We Know: Our Own EIC
I don't care what anyone says, packing properly is harder than actually planning and booking a vacation. Anyone can throw everything they own into a rolly bag, but it takes real skill to thoughtfully plan just the right mix of essentials to bring along for the ideal travel wardrobe. Given I am on a plane several times a month, I have made packing my absolute obsession. And after a lot of trial and error (and way too many dresses that have gone unworn!), here's what I've learned:
1. Weather check. Yes, it's more fun to wing it, but so NOT fun when you're preparing for a dinner on a gorgeous 75-degree evening and all you have is a heavy wool dress. Boo! Take the time to check the weather and make sure that everything you do bring is climate appropriate.
2. Edit, edit, edit! Lay everything you really want to bring out on your bed, and then, piece by piece, take away half of what's there, leaving you with only the pieces you truly love wearing that you will feel good in. Traveling is never a time to "road-test" something you haven't worn before. If you haven't worn it on your home turf, you sure won't wear it somewhere else.
3. Extra accessories equal extra options. I absolutely never check luggage (such a time drain!), and I make sure the clothes-to-accessories ratio in my bag is always 1:2. Choose a few key pieces that create a bunch of flexible outfits, and then double the number of accessories you bring. One pair of flats, one pair of evening heels, a chic clutch, oversized earrings, matching cuffs, a statement necklace (or two!), and a few cocktail rings can make even your most basic outfit feel special and unique. And they take up the least amount of room in your bag.
4. The bag matters. That old overnight bag you inherited from your mom or your last boyfriend? Toss it. Immediately! Never, ever, ever think your travel bag doesn't matter. It may be "luggage" but it actually defines your travel look, and when it's great-looking and functional, it actually makes it more fun to travel with and pack.
Reserve Tip: Speaking of bags that matter, want to score the ultimate city-girl-friendly suitcase? The gorg and lightweight Lipault foldable carry-on above is now available on Reserve in four R29-approved colors.
2 Ways To Style One Must-Have Winter Boot
Just because we live in the Windy City, it doesn't mean we're settling for cold-weather gear that's as boring as the forecast. Avoiding a ho-hum winter style routine is easy if you focus on staple pieces that pack an extra-versatile punch. ton of versatility. (This is also a sneaky way to save money!) To hook you up, we handpicked a perfect pair of Dolce Vita winter boots that will elevate your outfits far above average arctic standards. You're welcome. Read on for two ways to style these goes-with-almost-anything shoes, then watch how seamlessly they fit into your current winter wardrobe. Easy, right?
Smart, chic layers mean you don't have to pack away your favorite skirts all winter. We love a high/low hem with knee-high boots. DV by Dolce Vita's Lujan boot will keep you cozy below the knee while the rest of the layers do the warming work up top. Add some texture to the look by including a ribbed tight and structured military jacket.
DV by Dolce Vita Lujan boot, $198, available at Lori's. Band Of Outsiders Army Field Jacket, $199 (originally $396.61), available at Farfetch. Miu Miu Metallic ribbed wool-blend socks, $59.20 (originally $185), available at Net-A-Porter. Clemens en August Stretch-chiffon turtleneck top, $127.50 (originally $510), available at The Outnet. Delia's Ethnic High-Low Skirt, $39.50, available at Delia's. 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag, $750, available at La Garconne. House of Harlow Black Triangle Cuff, $70, available at Charm & Chain.
Smart, chic layers mean you don't have to pack away your favorite skirts all winter. We love a high/low hem with knee-high boots. DV by Dolce Vita's Lujan boot will keep you cozy below the knee while the rest of the layers do the warming work up top. Add some texture to the look by including a ribbed tight and structured military jacket.
DV by Dolce Vita Lujan boot, $198, available at Lori's. Band Of Outsiders Army Field Jacket, $199 (originally $396.61), available at Farfetch. Miu Miu Metallic ribbed wool-blend socks, $59.20 (originally $185), available at Net-A-Porter. Clemens en August Stretch-chiffon turtleneck top, $127.50 (originally $510), available at The Outnet. Delia's Ethnic High-Low Skirt, $39.50, available at Delia's. 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag, $750, available at La Garconne. House of Harlow Black Triangle Cuff, $70, available at Charm & Chain.
5 Ways To Elevate Your Jeans-And-Tee Uniform
Even if you don't ID yourself as a jeans-and-a-T-shirt kind of girl, chances are that you actually default to this uniform more often than you'd like to admit. There's nothing more convenient than throwing on a threadbare shirt and a worn pair of jeans, but let's face it — if one more person asks you if you're feeling tired or hungover, you're might have to create a bonfire out of your threads. Though the uniform is simple (like, really simple), there's wiggle room to turn your old go-to into a few combinations that are legitimately awesome. Here's how to elevate your easiest lazy-day look.
Photo: Via Madewell
Photo: Via Madewell
9 Stylish Fellas Weigh In On Your Favorite Trends (Some Surprises Included)
First off, we know not everyone cares what guys think about their outfits—we fashionable ladies get dressed for ourselves, because looking good makes us feel good, too. But hey, we're still curious about what goes on in a dude's head when we cruise past in high-waisted pants or hit the town with a bright fuchsia-slicked pout. Love it? Hate it? Couldn't care less?
We had to ask, and since we wanted thoughtful, sincere answers from guys who really get personal style, we went straight to the most well-dressed, sartorially-savvy Washingtonians we know. DJs, clothing designers, photographers, and editors—each one weighed in with nuggets of fashion wisdom that ranged from helpful to hilarious. Even if you don't take their advice, we guarantee you'll be surprised by it.
7 Sneaky Ways To Wear Spring Dresses Now
There are few things in the world that make us feel as lovely as springtime frocks do, and — trust us — we really need to get that feeling back while we're in the depths of winter. It's not too early to dig 'em out from the back of your closet; with a few clever layering ideas, your spring dresses will make an easy transition into your winter wardrobe. Just remember…you have to wear tights.
Reader Pickles: We've Got A Tall Order To Fill
It turns out the grass in not always greener. Reader Simona wrote in after reading a past pickle, and expressed her size-chart conundrum that she's stressing. Simona asks: What's a tall girl to do in a world of clothing that is supposedly made for a tall/skinny figure, but in reality is still too short?
Fellow readers, can you enlighten us with your solution to this height-related pickle? Share your best ideas in the comments below. Find yourself in a pickle lately, too? Send your style dilemmas to advice@refinery29.com with a photo, if applicable.
Photo: Via ASOS
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