It may be bleeping freezing outside, but that doesn’t mean your winter style has to suffer. Seriously. To prove it, we’re bringing you 10 rad resort looks — including those from Jason Wu, Chloé, and Mother of Pearl as well as some featuring a few celebrity faves — that’ll give your seasonal sartorial rut the boot, big time.
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.1. Allison Williams Schools Us In Dressing Like A Front-Row Goddess
Okay, so, we may not all have the (extremely rare) opportunity to sit front row at Dior haute couture, but that doesn't mean we can't dress the part, right? All it takes is an over-the-shoulder draped trench, coated leather skinnies, and the kind of blowout only our hairdresser can conjure up. But, while we'll happily defer to our beauty team about the latter, we tracked down all of the shopping essentials you'll need to recreate this très chic ensemble.
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Sleek, structured satchel? Check. Sassy heels? Double check. Deep burgundy polish? Yep! The clothes may be the bread and butter of Williams' fashion-show style, but it's the punchy accessories that really take it to the next level. And, this girl, well, she's lookin' mighty fine.
Uniqlo Long Trench Coat, $89.90, available at Uniqlo; Zara Checked Top, $69.90, available at Zara; J.Crew Collection Leather Leggings, $625, available at J.Crew;
Clinique Nail Enamel in Black Honey, $12.50, available at Sephora;
Sophia Webster Daria Leopard Heel, $395, available at Kirna Zabête; alice + olivia Olivia Embossed Satchel, $495, available at Shopbop.
2. Mad For Prints? Mother Of Pearl's Retro Florals Are Your Fix
Contrary to its deceiving moniker, resort wear can be worn anywhere — no tropical vacation required. (Although, Turks and Caicos does sound awfully nice.) But, even though our daily dressing is largely cold-weather-oriented, we've still begun to incorporate these punchy prints into the mix so that our chunky knits and toasty toppers stay fresh for the next couple of months. And, this makes the rad, retro florals from Mother of Pearl's resort '14 collection just what the doctor ordered. Paired with that cherry-red jumper we bought over the holiday-shopping season, this '50s-inspired, flounced skirt adds a spiffy twist (and a burst of color!) to the average sweater-and-skirt combo. Layer an embellished, collared blouse underneath for a cheeky, schoolgirl touch, and slip on a pair of metallic kicks for a casual dinner (or brunch) outfit with heaps of cool-chick appeal.
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Photo: Courtesy of Mother of Pearl. Topshop Knitted Rib Textured Jumper, $76, available at Topshop; Mother of Pearl Volta Frill Skirt, $446.87, available at My-Wardrobe; Madewell Silk Twinklelight Collar Tank, $79.99, available at Madewell; Vans Metallic Slip-On Sneaker, $59.95, similar style available at Nordstrom; giantLION Shark Tooth Cuff, $120, available at giantLION; Nasty Gal Lucid Dreams Satchel, $68, available at Nasty Gal.
3. N°21's Tropical Sweatshirt Is The Ultimate Winter-Blues Remedy
As the creative force behind contemporary cool-girl brand N°21, Italian designer Alessandro Dell'Acqua knows a thing or two about millennial women — namely, he can predict exactly what we want to wear. See for yourself. Dell'Acqua's resort '14 collection is chock-full of mix-and-match separates that feature the brand's signature blend of naughty and nice. Take this palm-tree-print sweatshirt: The thick scuba jersey exudes a decidedly sporty note — that is, until you spin around to reveal a delicate, lace back. It's unexpected details like these that make for truly exceptional clothing. Paired with a somber, gray, pleated skirt and striped button-down, this trendy, graphic top instantly revives your most boring clothes. And, when accented with pastel heels, nude nail polish, and a funky leopard-print cap, our winter blues seem like a thing of the past (well, until we step back outside). Guess it's time to book that Caribbean getaway!
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Photo: Courtesy of N°21.
N°21 Fern Printed Scuba-Jersey and Lace Sweatshirt, $445, available at Net-A-Porter; John Lewis Striped Shirt, $66.26, similar style available at John Lewis; Lands End Women's Solid Pleated Skirt, $40, available at Land's End; alice + olivia Dina Leather Heel, $295, available at alice + olivia; J.Crew Calf Hair Baseball Cap, $229.99, available at J.Crew; Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Nostalgia, $18, available at Sephora.
4. A Sleeveless Trench? Steven Alan's New Waistcoat Is A Must-Try
We may be in the thick of winter, but springtime thoughts are hard to suppress with collection after collection of resort wear popping up at our favorite retailers (ahem, Steven Alan). Thankfully, we've stumbled upon this fresh, city-slick outfit that can be easily translated for chillier temps (yep, even in January), care of a few clever styling tricks.
Honing in on the brand's classic, American roots, Steven Alan presents us with the traditional, beige trench — an every-girl staple — sans sleeves! And, since this waistcoat has all the sartorial elements of the original, it's a style that even the not-so-fashion-forward can don without straying far from their comfort zones. To translate the resort '14 look for a wear-right-now ensemble, swap the cropped, lightweight knit for a chunkier, long-sleeved sweater that'll add warmth and texture. Then, pair with navy kicks, a colorful satchel, and crisp, white, tailored trousers for a weekend-errand uniform (or an unexpected casual-Friday getup) that's a bit more original than your zip-up puffer vest. That's something we can all appreciate.
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Photo: Courtesy of Steven Alan.
Steven Alan Inga Sleeveless Trench, $262, available at Steven Alan; Zara Angora Knit Sweater, $79.90, similar style available at Zara; J.Crew
Cropped Stretch-Cotton Moto-Style Pants, $130, available at Net-A-Porter; Cambridge Satchel Company Harris Tweed Satchel, $235, available at Cambridge Satchel Company; No Name Plato Sneaker, $120, available at Barneys New York; Selima Optique Amanda, $385, available at Selima Optique.
5. Keira Knightley's Oversized-Sweater Look Is Perfect For Your 9-to-5
We haven't seen much of Keira Knightley lately, but when we do, it's always a delight. So, even though her latest film, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, isn't the next Pride & Prejudice, we'll take what we can get — and that means plenty of red-carpet premieres to sustain us for the time being. And, we were doubly happy to spot the actress donning this laid-back look for Sundance. The subdued, neutral tones may not seem all that interesting compared to most celebrity style, but it's definitely a getup we'd wear to the office. And, to after-work cocktails. And, maybe a spontaneous dinner date, too.
So, put that oversized knit to good use this week. Pair it with a lace pencil skirt, and cinch the waist with a skinny belt for a figure-defining effect. Even though we love the all-over gray that Knightley chose, feel free to enhance the color palette with an unexpected, springy pastel or a deep burgundy. For the finishing touches: Go full ladylike-chic with delicate heels, or grunge up the outfit with lace-up booties and spiky studs. Effortless and cool, no?
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Photo: Everett Collection/REX USA.Topshop Knitted Mix Rib Jumper, $76, available at Topshop; N°21 Embellished Lace Pencil Skirt, $793.39, available at Browns; alice + olivia Broken Nubuck Bow Skinny Belt, $80, available at alice + olivia; Cheap Monday Layer Laced Bootie, $180, available at Nasty Gal;
Henri Bendel Crystal Spike Stud Earrings, $48, available at Henri Bendel.
6. Sequins & See-Through: Your Friday Night, Solved
There's no better way to celebrate the end of a long January workweek than with a glass of wine (or two!), good eats, and the company of friends. Yes, our hermetic Netflix binge session can wait until tomorrow night — as can our sweats. But, after a whole month of holiday dressing, we're in dire need of a new going-out look that doesn't read so festive.
The black-and-white number from Jason Wu's resort '14 collection is basically the ultimate party blouse — sequins, sheer, and beading — that, surprisingly, doesn't go overboard in the sparkle department. If you don't have $3,320 to splurge on the designer original, try Topshop's tropical-print top as a cheaper alternative, and pair it with black slacks, strappy sandals, and a colorblock clutch. This getup proves that neutral looks can be just as interesting as their colorful counterparts. And, we'll definitely toast to that!
Photo: Courtesy of Jason Wu.Jason Wu Embellished Crepe and Silk-Chiffon Top, $3,320, available at Net-A-Porter; Wilfred Mayenne Pant, $49.99, available at Aritzia; Topshop 'Plato' Cutout Bootie, $80, available at Nordstrom;
ASOS Leather Clutch Bag, $74.08, available at ASOS;
Le Specs Sphinx Sunglasses, $59.95, available at Le Specs;
Frieda & Nellie Marvelous & Majestic Earrings, $74, available at Frieda & Nellie.
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7. Pretty In Pink: Brit Marling Charms Everyone's Pants Off
Maybe you didn't see Another Earth or Arbitrage (both movies are seriously underrated, in this editor's opinion), so allow us to fill you in on the films' A-lister-in-the-making: Brit Marling. Not only does the actress possess Grace Kelly-like features, but she's also got killer acting (and writing) chops. And, by the looks of it, she's a budding style star, too. Talk about a triple threat!
The soft, delicate pinks in Marling's Mulberry spring '14 outfit play to every one of our girly sartorial tendencies. After all, not every outfit we wear needs an edge to it. Which is why refined, ladylike ensembles like these are perfectly fine without. While Marling is technically sporting a dress here, we broke up her look into separates that'll see plenty of use beyond this one outfit. Simply tuck a flowy, lightweight blouse into a crepe, A-line skirt for the same effect. Then, pair with all-pink accessories, a dusty-rose lip, and maybe a little blush for good measure. Just be sure none of your pinks overpower each other — play with similar variations of the pastel hue for the best results. Now, go read up on (and obsess over!) our latest girl crush.
Photo: Jim Smeal/BEImages.Mango Beaded Chiffon Top, $19.99, available at Mango; Chloé Crepe A-Line Skirt, $875, available at Net-A-Porter; French Connection Jade Leather Crossbody Bag, $248, available at French Connection;
Ted Baker Nude Thaya Heeled Court Shoes, $203.71, available at ASOS; J.Crew Crystal Shimmer Earrings, $58, available at J.Crew; Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Baby Baby, $15, available at Sephora.
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8. Waistcoats Are Offically Happening, & Chloé Resort '14 Is Proof
From heritage brands like Steven Alan and designer crème de la crème like Chloé to mass retailers like Zara, stores and designers of all price points clearly can't get enough of the fancy-waistcoat trend. The sleeveless toppers are cropping up just about everywhere, and that means it's only a matter of time until you purchase one yourself. Well, if you haven't already.
Of course, everyone might not be able to swing the $2,450 price tag for the Chloé resort '14 iteration, but it's still a great source of inspiration for when you build your daily wardrobe. After all, whether it's styled for the office or a quick errand, this piece is super easy to incorporate into your ensemble. A plain, white tee and high-water pants are the foundation of the outfit — they're also wardrobe staples that'll see plenty of use beyond this look. Accessorize with a colorblocked satchel, a block-heeled pump, and, of course, that essential cream vest, and you've got an ensemble that's the epitome of French-girl chic (a.k.a the art of not trying too hard). We think it's positively parfait.
Photo: Courtesy of Chloé.Chloé Sleeveless Wool-Blend Crepe Jacket, $2,450, available at Net-A-Porter; Zara Loose-Fit Trousers, $59.90, available at Zara; SkarGorn #61 Tee, $60, available at Madewell; Accessorize Preppy Colorblock Work Bag, $34, available at Accessorize; Bing Bang Boyfriend Chain Bracelet, $80, available at Bing Bang; Shoe Cult Minx Pump in Nude, $88, similar style available at Nasty Gal.
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9. The Easiest Way To Liven Up Your Boring Work Blouse
Blouse, pant, blazer, heel. This work-outfit equation is a tried-and-true standard for the majority of the professional world — and with good reason. But, that doesn't mean your wardrobe should feel stale, as if you're repurposing the same outfit every day but in a different color. So, if this hits a bit too close to home, allow us to be your sartorial guide for a fresh approach to 9-to-5 dressing. Our first pointer? Try incorporating new shapes and dimensions, like peplums and asymmetrical cuts, into your outfits to add tons of personality that your classic, pinstriped button-down simply can't compete against.
And, we're looking to this polished number from Lela Rose's resort '14 collection to do just that. The combination of geometric blouse and printed trouser brings new life to boring office staples — and without coming across as too avant-garde. The tapered cut of the top is also super flattering on just about every body type, emphasizing the natural waistline for a slimming effect. The finishing touch? A striking sweep of teal eyeshadow. The lesson: Opt for subtle styling tricks like these to elevate your sartorial savvy.
Photo: Courtesy of Lela Rose.HELMUT Helmut Lang Wool Blazer, $435, available at La Garçonne; Lela Rose Asymmetric Peaked-Peplum Blouse, $595, available at Neiman Marcus; Osman Checked Brocade Trousers, $280, available at Matches Fashion; Lancôme Color Shadow & Liner Palette in Mint Jolie, $49, available at Sephora; Chinese Laundry 'Side Kick' Pump, $69.95, available at Nordstrom;
Blu Bijoux Silver Eternity Knot Stud Earrings, $22, available at Max & Chloe.
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10. The Edgy Pencil-Skirt Outfit You've Got To Try
Even though stores are well into resort wear by now, our bodies are still all about chunky knits and big boyfriend coats. Which means that our decidedly toasty wardrobe gets to stick around for the next few months, at least. Enter Jason Wu's edgy pencil-skirt ensemble. We're talking exposed zippers, oversized sweaters, and sleek, black leather — amped-up iterations of your standard 9-to-5 wear that craft a refreshing look without making you stray too far from your comfort zone. Pair with a classic shoulder bag, ankle-strap heel, and a large cuff (or even a menswear-inspired watch), and you've got a look that's office-appropriate, on-trend, and winter-ready. Drinks after work? No problem! Simply unzip the bottom few inches of the skirt for a scintillating happy-hour outfit.
Photo: Courtesy of Jason Wu.
La Garçonne Moderne Sylvia Alpaca Handknit Pullover, $425, available at La Garçonne; AllSaints Albee Leather Pencil Skirt, $289, similar style available at AllSaints; Jason Wu Daphne Shoulder Bag, $1,875, similar style available at Nordstrom; Kendra Phillip Large Blythe Cuff, $147, available at Kendra Phillip; Aldo Nolazco Pump, $59.98, available at Aldo; Urban Decay Naked Flush, $30, available at Sephora.