Washington, D.C. Fashion - Street Fashion

Special Features

May 23, 2012 6:00 AM

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3 Awesome Itineraries For Memorial Day Weekend (And What To Wear!)

Not sure about you guys, but Memorial Day weekend totally snuck up on us this year. Seriously — the kickoff weekend of the summer is here, and if you haven't planned a thing to celebrate, you're probably not alone. Luckily, we did some homework for you and came up with three fun, fuss-free weekend itineraries that'll get your summer off to a solid start. We've covered it all — a beach trip, a food fest, a close-to-home cool-down — and we even whipped up three extra-haute outfits to make you look like you really had your act together this year. Don't worry — your secret's safe with us.

Delaplane Strawberry Festival
Looking for something that's not just off the beaten path, but truly a world away from Washington? Head to Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane (roughly an hour's drive from D.C.) for the 19th annual strawberry festival, where you can eat your fill of the juicy summer berries while taking in live music, local crafts, fair food, and plenty of wide open spaces. You'll want an outfit that's equally cute and cool, with a little country charm, so opt for a feminine chambray top and cheery printed denim cutoffs. Classic sunnies, a walkable wedge heel, and a roomy bag to tote your farm-fresh finds are ideal finishing touches.

From left: Forever 21 Round Sunglasses, $5.80, available at Forever 21; Madewell The Caravan Mailbag, $62, available at Madewell; Old Navy Ruffled Button-Front Top, $19.94, available at Old Navy; Citizens of Humanity Chloe Printed High-Rise Stretch-Denim Shorts, $175, available at Net-a-Porter; Mossimo Black Pallas Wedge, $29.99, available at Target.

Photo: Courtesy of Delaplane Strawberry Festival

Outfits

May 11, 2012 4:00 PM

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The Perfect Outfit: What To Wear To A Chili Cook-Off

By Giselle Childs

Combining street festivals, food, and music is one summer pastime we can't resist — really, who can? And if there’s one annual event we can rely on to bring the heat (literally), it's the DC 101 Chili Cook-Off. Celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year, the event combines a competition among the city’s chili masters with an all-day affair featuring sunshine and live tunes. The event even raises money for the National Kidney Foundation. Good food, good music, and a good cause? Yeah, we’re pretty sure that's the ultimate weekend trifecta.

On stage this year are veterans Incubus and Cake, along with a host of other new rock acts. And don’t worry if you’re feeling the music but aren't a chili fan — there will be lots of other food options to satisfy you. Bonus? We’ve gone ahead and picked out a perfect outfit to keep you comfy and cute for the all-day fest.

When: Saturday, May 12. Doors at 11 a.m.
Where: RFK Stadium, Lot 7, 2400 East Capitol Street NE. Tickets are $35 today; $60 at the gate.

From left: Mango Tie-Dye Denim Shirt, $49.99, available at Mango; Forever 21 Feather Fringe Necklace, $8.80, available at Forever 21; Topshop Moto High Waisted Hotpants, $64, available at Topshop; Illesteva Leonard Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $165, available at Net-a-Porter; Benefit Benetint Lip Balm SPF 15, $20, available at Benefit Cosmetics; ASOS Dude Washed Canvas High Tops, $48.71, available at ASOS.

Outfits

May 10, 2012 6:00 AM

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Pencil Me In: 3 Genius Outfits You Can Build With 1 Classic Skirt

By Holly E. Thomas

If we were brilliant tech-savvy inventors, we'd cook up an app that would generate outfit ideas based on the day's plans — as in, "Siri, what should I wear to work today?" How genius would that be? But, back to reality — since we're editors, not Silicon Valley gurus, we've done the next best thing and laid out three genius, all-purpose outfits that require just a few wardrobe workhorses: a classic pencil skirt, a boyfriend blazer, a chambray shirt, and some sequins.

That's right, the same slim-fitting skirt you wear to your 9-to-5 can work for a trip to the farmers' market, Sunday brunch, a hot date, or a cocktail party. All you need is our handy cheat sheet to turning that single piece into a triple threat. Click through, if you don't believe us.

work

A pencil skirt is a no-brainer for the office, and paired with a chic boyfriend blazer, an ultra-feminine blouse, and an icy pastel satchel, this staple is anything but staid.

From left: Kris Nations Montana Swing Earrings, $73, available at Kris Nations; Zara Double Zip Bowling Bag, $79.90, available at Zara; Joseph Coy Silk Boyfriend Blazer, $1,017, available at Boutique 1; H&M Skirt, $24.95, available at H&M; Topshop Sleeveless Lace Insert Blouse, $64, available at Topshop; Michael Antonio Loveme Patent Pump, $40.76, available at Amazon.

Outfits

May 3, 2012 4:00 PM

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The Perfect Outfit: Fun Florals For An Insanely Cool Eve Of Culture

By Alina Gonzalez

From specialty food tastings at embassies to quirky lectures at museums, D.C. offers its dwellers a constant crop of out-of-the-ordinary cultural events. One such standout is PM at the TM — a themed soiree at the (vastly underrated) Textile Museum, where you can partake in cocktail hour and view the museum's current exhibition. In honor of last month's cherry blossoms and their Japanese heritage, tonight's theme is "Bento Box Office," and it involves a screening of a contemporary Japanese film in the garden and dinner offerings from Kushi.

Attendees can bring a blanket (or traditional Japanese mat, if you have one...) for the outdoor entertainment portion of the evening, and can check out the museum's temporary Japanese collection, Woven Treasures of Japan's Tawaraya Workshop, before the movie begins. We should mention that the film is a 2011 release called A Honeymoon in Hell: Mr. and Mrs. Oki's Fabulous Trip, and revolves around a married couple's bizarre vacation to... hell. Call us crazy, but we think viewing an oddball foreign comedy on gorgeous museum grounds is a much cooler itinerary than hitting up our go-to dive bar. And to help motivate you, we've picked out a Perfect Outfit for the cultured outing — now, all you need to do is scoop a ticket at the door.

From left: Wet Seal Diamond Cut Necklace, $9.50, available at Wet Seal; H&M Dress, $34.95, available at H&M; NARS Thakoon Nail Polish in Kutki, $18, available at Nordstrom; Badgely Mischka Platinum Label Nathalie Smooth Clutch, $295, available at Saks Fifth Avenue; Nine West Lookglobal Sandal, $89, available at Nine West.

When: Today, May 3, drinks at 6 p.m; movie at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Textile Museum, 2320 S Street NW; 202-667-0441. A $15 ticket includes one drink and access to the museum's collection.

Photo: Courtesy of the Textile Museum

Fashion

May 2, 2012 4:00 PM

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Hip Hop Hooray: An Extra-Hot Outfit For The Old School Hang Suite

By Seija Rankin

If you've been maxing out on the 9-to-5 grind lately, odds are your weekends could use a little spicing up. Not that there's anything wrong with the typical lineup of brunch and browsing the flea markets — it just doesn't leave much room for excitement or spontaneity. Which is precisely why we were super psyched to get word of Old School Hang Suite, a new monthly hip hop party taking place right here in D.C. This Saturday's iteration will be hosted by Michelle Wright of WHUR 96.3, and will feature DJs Biz Markie and Quiksilver spinning the '90s jams.

For this old-school throwdown, you'll need the perfect outfit for dancing it out. Start by skipping the laid-back maxi dresses we all know and love in favor of a body-hugging number that's sure to wow your fellow partygoers. Add a biker jacket and a pair of dramatic booties to give a little edge to your ensemble (it is a Saturday night, after all), and don't be afraid to have some fun with your accessories.

From left: Forever 21 Iridescent Rhinestone Ring, $5.80, available at Forever 21; Stella McCartney Stud-Heeled Satin Ankle Boots, $975, available at Net-a-Porter; Topshop Dress Up Foil Print Mesh Bodycon Dress, $100, available at Topshop; AllSaints Walker Leather Biker Jacket, $575, available at AllSaints; House of Harlow Riley Leather Oversized Clutch, $275, available at Revolve.

When: Saturday, May 5, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Embassy Suites Hotel, 900 10th Street NW; 301-367-1473.

Special Features

Apr 25, 2012 6:00 AM

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Sweet Style: 3 Awesome Looks For Saturday's Music Fest (Plus, Free Tickets!)

By Holly E. Thomas

Got plans for Saturday? Well, you do now: It's time for the annual Sweetlife Festival, an epic day of shows by major and up-and-coming acts, hosted by local healthy-living brand Sweetgreen. Think Avicii and Zola Jesus, Explosions in the Sky and The Shins, Fun and Haim — all playing on one perfect day, right in your backyard, with tons of amazing food offerings, to boot. To get you pumped, we've put together three Perfect Outfits you'll want to rock on Saturday, whether your festival style is cute and comfy or tomboy chic. Even better? We're giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader! All you have to do to win is leave a comment telling us which show you're most excited to see, and what you'll be wearing to dance 'til you drop. We'll announce the winner on Friday at noon!

A short lace dress keeps you cool and cute, and if you style it right, it won't feel too precious for an outdoor fest. Add a rugged denim vest and rough-and-tumble flat boots to temper the girly frock with plenty of rock-'n'-roll edge.

From left: Dannijo Abacos Necklace, $436, available at Singer22; Bed:Stu Corral Boot, $109.99, available at Piperlime; H&M Dress, $29.95, available at H&M; TopShop Moto Bleach Sleeveless Jacket, $70, available at TopShop; Cleobella Adanna Bag, $319, available at Revolve.

Outfits

Apr 11, 2012 6:00 AM

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1 Dress, 3 Ways: How To Wear The Perfect Summer Sundress To Work

By Holly E. Thomas

During a sticky-hot D.C. summer (you know it's coming), the essential item you need in your closet is a go-to, easy-to-style sundress. And here's a pro tip: If you score the right one, you can wear it everywhere, even to work. The secret? Opt for a breezy, silky sundress with a simple silhouette, and choose accessories that add polish, structure, and even some softness.

We've whipped up a pre-summer primer for you, crafting three perfect outfits for your 9-to-5 drill that are still light and cool enough for a sweaty commute. Read on for the genius styling tricks that will triple your wardrobe's potential way before it gets hot and humid out.

Look 1: Cute and Comfy
Topping your go-to sundress with a cozy cardigan is a no-brainer for chilly spring days. Here, a classic ivory cardigan and braided leather belt make the dress look polished and pretty, while leopard flats introduce a fun pop of pattern. A geometric clutch and earrings add just the right amount of structural edge to an otherwise ultra-femme look.

From left: H&M Cardigan, $17.95, available at H&M; Linea Pelle Skinny Braided Wrap Hip Belt, $121, available at Shopbop; Pretty Nana Ballet Flats, $117, available at YOOX; American Vintage Mango Silk Dress, $145, available at Stylebop; Forever 21 Lacquered Geo Earrings, $3.80, available at Forever 21; Mossimo Colorblock Pink Envelope Clutch, $16.99, available at Target stores.

Special Features

Apr 10, 2012 4:00 PM

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Into Neon? Immerse Yourself In Some Bright Art — In This Outfit

By Elizabeth Taufield

Love a good light show, especially when it's of the neon variety? Us, too. And the current Hirshhorn exhibit, Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color and Space, features a vast range of light and sensory art you won't want to miss. Showcasing five Latin American artists — Carlos Cruz-Diez, Lucio Fontana, Julio Le Parc, Hélio Oiticica, and Jesús Rafael Soto — Suprasensorial isn't modeled after your typical art exhibtion, where you walk around quietly, admiring the works but not really feeling them. Instead, most of the works here are interactive — pretty cool, right?

Arguably the coolest piece in the exhibition is Soto's Blue Penetrable — thousands of strands of blue jump rope hang from the ceiling, and walking through it feels like you're going through a human car wash. The amazing part? You don't have to walk through this art piece in a straight line — moving backwards or sideways, spinning, or just standing in place lets you interact with the work in a variety of ways that are kinda amazing. Moving through the exhibition, you'll encounter a host of new sensory experiences, including maze-like rooms awash in colored light.

We were super-inspired after a recent visit, so we've concocted a color-happy ensemble that will look right at home inside the exhibit. How's that for a bright idea?

When: Exhibition runs through May 13.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum, 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW; 202-633-1000.

From left: TopShop Sleeveless Drape Front Blouse, $60, available at TopShop; J.Crew Biella Metallic Penny Loafers, $248, available at J.Crew; Tolani Square Cashmere Scarf, $98, available at Piperlime; ModCloth Just Called To Say Hibiscus Bag, $47.99, available at ModCloth; McQ Alexander McQueen Pink Cigarette Trousers, $254.38, available at My Wardrobe.

Photo: Courtesy of Hirshhorn Museum/Lee Stalsworth

Outfits

Apr 8, 2012 9:00 AM

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Perfect Weekend Outfit: Pretty Meets Punk

By Holly E. Thomas

We've already documented our style crush on local blogger Cheralee Lyle, but we couldn't resist a double-take when we spotted this adorable weekend look on her blog recently. The flirty skirt and military-style anorak are a genius combo, and a worn-in vintage tee and roughed-up boots are comfy-cool finishing touches we'd like to snag, stat. What do you think? Would you wear this out for a weekend jaunt?

From left: Nili Lotan Army Jacket, $555, available at FarFetch; Steve Madden Fraankie Boot, $149.95, available at Steve Madden; Madewell Triangle Trim Belt, $45, available at Madewell; H&M Tee, $14.95, available at H&M; Mango Pleated Flared Skirt, $54.99, available at Mango.

Outfits

Mar 29, 2012 6:00 AM

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Dang, Girl! 4 Amazing Going-Out Looks Any (Yes, Any) Gal Can Rock

By Holly E. Thomas

Spend some time in one of the city's many bars, clubs, or date spots, and you'll start to notice something — there's a uniform beloved by the ladies-who-go-out set. We've officially dubbed it "the high and tight" — dresses and skirts that are so short and so, um, constricting that they don't highlight anyone's best features. And this is not a good thing.

Cue the record scratch — let's shake things up a bit, shall we? As you may already know, we're all about celebrating your own personal style around here. So, we're challenging you to think outside the body-con box and the mini frame of mind. To do that, we've whipped up four fabulous going-out looks using the staples you already have in your closet: a pencil skirt, printed pants, a maxi dress, and shorts. Even better? Any body type can rock these looks. Ready to stand out from the pack? Click through to get inspired, then start making some plans — we're going out tonight!

Outfits

Mar 25, 2012 9:00 AM

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The Perfect Outfit: A Snappy Getup For Your Mad Men Viewing Party

By Colleen Kelly

It's late March, and if you're not the brackets-and-betting type, you're probably ready to toss your TV right about now. Trust us, we hear you — but there's another reason to channel surf this weekend. For us, the real madness starts tonight on AMC, with the long-awaited premiere of the fifth season of Mad Men. We can't wait to welcome back Don, Betty, Peggy, and all their friends. (Okay, maybe not Betty.)

If you're an addict who's been counting down the days until Jon Hamm's return (or just looking for a bar showing anything but a game), there are plenty of fabulous fetes taking place tonight, to kick off our favorite drama — and source of retro inspiration. Our pick? A costume party at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, where you can order all the classic cocktails you'd find in the offices of Sterling Cooper Draper Price. Admission is free, and the only downside is that you might still be a little tipsy at work tomorrow morning. (Just kidding, of course — clearly, that only happened in the '60s).

When: Tonight, March 25, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; 703-486-2345.

From left: Equipment Daddy Blouse, $210.50, available at Dealuxe; Classic Specs Lenox Frames, $89, available at Classic Specs; See by Chloé Cream Jacquard Check Cigarette Trouser, $426.24, available at My Wardrobe; Joia Wildlife Clutch, $65, available at Tobi; CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Hot, $6.99, available at CoverGirl; Kate Spade Isabel Sandal, $328, available at Kate Spade.

Drinking & Dining

Mar 16, 2012 4:00 PM

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Your Guide To A Classy St. Patrick's Day — & An Outfit To Match

By Colleen Kelly

If the last thing you want to do tomorrow is guzzle Guinness for breakfast while wearing head-to-toe green, we hear you. We love the Emerald Isle and all, but taking a Leprechaun Lap isn’t exactly how we want to celebrate. But as it turns out, we’re in luck: There's no shortage of laid-back spots in D.C. to enjoy an Irish coffee or a coupla pints on Saturday.

We did all the work for you, choosing the best bars and a shamrock-chic outfit that doesn’t scream “Kiss Me, I'm Irish” — but trust, us everyone will want to. So, now you can sleep in on Saturday and arrive just in time for a proper Irish breakfast. We won’t judge if you choose to wash it down with a good strong ale.

Where to Go:
P.J. Clarke’s will host live performances by Irish dancers, bag pipers, and drummers; a traditional Irish brunch; specials on Irish beer and liquor (plus free shot glasses); and a chance to win two Vespa scooters.
When: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: P.J. Clarke's, 1600 K Street NW; 202-463-6610.

Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant will live-stream rugby, host performances by Irish dancers and live bands, and offer a chance to win a free trip for two to Ireland.
When: Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Fadó Irish Pub, 808 7th Street NW; 202-789-0066.

Logan Tavern is featuring all-day menu specials, Irish tunes, games, and a complimentary shot if you’re sporting green.
When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.
Where: Logan Tavern, 1423 P Street NW; 202-332-3710.

The Queen Vic will serve up $5 Guinness pints and specials on Irish food.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: The Queen Vic, 1206 H Street NE; 202-396-2001.

From left: Mango Biker Jacket, $74.99, available at Mango; Mimi Boutique Valentina Tote, $59.75, available at Mimi Boutique; TopShop Knitted Chunky Raglan Tee, $76, available at TopShop; Amanda Pearl Black Lip Lei Necklace, $195, available at Max & Chloe; Boutique 9 Faleen Wedges, $140, available at Nine West; Chloé Wide-Leg Silk Crepe de Chine Pants, $895, available at Net-a-Porter.