As many of you may have already seen, Mr. Scott Schuman ran a great post today on The Sartorialist featuring some “transitional dressing,” as he called it. Before I even saw Scott’s title of the post, let alone his description of the photos, I was intrigued by this first photo:
photo property of The Sartorialist
There’s something just so unconventional and captivating about wearing an oversized sweater the “wrong” way. Immediately, I couldn’t help but think if I own anything in my closet that would work for recreating this aspect of the look. The more I thought about it though, the real question became, “What would people think?!” I’m all for taking risks with what you wear and wearing what you love with confidence, but when you live in a pretty non fashion-forward place, you can’t help but ask yourselves these types of questions. Anyone have thoughts? I just thought this was an interesting question in this case, and I’d love to hear your answers!
But back to the post from The Sartorialist…
Scott pointed out perfectly the seeming contradictions in the two photos he posted, saying, “I love the idea of mixing the lightness of your favorite summer dress with a chunky cardigan sweater…or with your boyfriend’s tweedy jacket.” I have to admit – there really is something so compelling about this juxtaposition of an outfit. When I read this line, I also promptly thought of a chunky sweater used in the styling request I recently did, and how wonderfully that sweater would work for this outfit idea proposed by Scott.
I love the proportions of a look like this…the flowy dress just barely exceeding the chunky, oversized sweater in length…it all feels just a touch naughty, but it’s totally chic, not to mention gorgeous. To add to the unlikely pairing of the sweater and dress, I pushed the envelope a bit further by adding a sparkly clutch. And yes, I completely and fully envision this outfit being a wearable day look – the no-sparkles-allowed-in-the-day rule is a rule meant to be broken!
What do you think of outfits such as this styling and the ones featured on The Sartorialist today? A fan? Not a fan! Spill!
Readers, remember Sawan? She was the sweet reader who requested I style the Southward Stop Shirtdress and Distant Chirping Chemise (to see those posts, click here and here) back in September. I was so pleased to hear from her that both of those dresses are getting some good use in her wardrobe, and I was equally thrilled to hear she had another styling request for me! This time, she’s in need of some ideas for the Dotty Shorts:
I adore these shorts! Not only are they just plain fun (dots -like lots – of fun! haha! I couldn’t resist!), but I also think they have the potential to be quite versatile too.
There is a wide range of colors that would work with the shorts. Neutrals will obviously work, such as white, black, gray, and navy. Actually, these colors could make for quite sophisticated pairings. Soft colors like light purple will work too, as will richer colors, such as a more eggplant/plum purple. For a real bright pop, head opposite from the turquoise on the color wheel and consider a orange-ish color. Keep in mind that pairing these two colors together will intensify both colors, but it could make for quite the eye-catching look. Lighter yellows will also work, as will the occasional brighter yellow. Same goes for pink – use caution, but many shades will work. I don’t think there are real major color pairing no-nos with these shorts, but the biggest one to take caution with would probably be green…many shades just won’t work, especially the forest greens (although something closer to a lime green could be divine). Remember there are always exceptions though! My best advice, as always, is just to play around and see what does and doesn’t appeal to you!
Time to delve into some stylings, don’t you think?!
Urban Outfitters’ Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer (black) – $78 (I went to U.O. because Anthro isn’t currently carrying a simple black blazer, such as this.)
125th Street Blouse (ivory) – $148 (tip: this could work with the shorts in its red color too, for a more eccentric look)
Depending on whether your work allows shorts, this would be the perfect way to make these shorts appropriate for work. The sophisticated, yet simple blouse and blazer are complemented by the great shoes. The tote and bangle finish off the look!
I’m loving this put together, yet more casual look! A white tee might seem boring and safe, but with the great cut of this one, along with pairing it with some great accessories, it’s far from boring. Instead, it feels fun, fresh, and summer-y!
Tiergarten Weekender – $898 (wow, wow, wow…expensive! any classic brown tote would work well!)
With its vivid colors, what a festive look this is! The simple bag helps keep the look sophisticated. Perfect for weekend errands or an barbeque, don’t you think?!
Aeolian Tee (lilac) – $78 (tip: this top would work in its yellow, white, and navy colors too!)
I’m LOVING the lilac top with the color of the shorts – it makes for such a pretty color combination! That purple top is further amped up with the purple belt, which I envision wearing around the waistband of the shorts (shirt untucked). This way, it’s subtle, but adds a bit more cohesiveness. The nude wedges and rectangular ring are the perfect way to finish off the look!
You might think the pairing of the floral print shoes with these shorts is too much, but I think it definitely works because the shoes have a hint of that turquoise color. I’ve also kept it pretty simple with the top, which I envision neatly tucked in. A non-fussy, sleek bracelet is all this look really needs to feel finished off nicely.
Don’t be afraid to pattern mix! Stripes, in general, are going to be lovely with these shorts. While these particular stripes are technically polka dots, the top still works with the shorts because the scale of the polka dots is different for each of the two pieces. Tuck in the shirt for a polished look. The pairing of crisp white accessories helps to further soften the look. You could definitely add a clean-cut piece of jewelry to this look, but I don’t think it’s necessarily needed either.
Here are some additional striped tops that could work perfectly with the shorts:
I really appreciate the clean lines of each and every piece in this outfit – it makes for a very sophisticated, modern, yet effortless look. If you wanted, you could do more of a statement necklace, but I rather like the more demure look.
This would be a great look for evening – maybe a night on the town?! The contrast between the black of the top and the white polka dots in the shorts is great, as is the delicate statement necklace (which pops against the black top!). The heels and clutch finish off the look. You could make this more daytime appropriate with different shoes and a bigger bag.
Here are a couple of other statement necklaces I’d recommend:
Wearing this yellow-orange cardi open over this pretty cami would be a great way to bring in a different color palette. The necklace makes the yellow-orange color feel all the more intentional. You could certainly dress up the look with heels instead of the sandals, if you wished to.
Now, let’s look at some more pairings that could work with the shorts (click the picture to be linked to the product page; if by chance that doesn’t work, let me know and I’ll be sure to fix it!):
(tuck in for the right proportions)
(could work in any of its other colors too!)
That wraps up this request! Hopefully, Sawan, you’ve gotten some great ideas!
Having seen the styling request I completed for Brittany, Christine emailed me in search of some ideas for the same dress (Gull Wing Dress), but a different color. But Christine isn’t just looking for everyday suggestions – no, she is planning on wearing this gorgeous dress to a wedding on a farm in just a week! She also, however, did ask for some other ideas…how to style it for warm weather and cool weather, formal occasions, and more casual settings.
Naturally, I was quite excited for the task!
Let’s start by having a quick look at our trusty color wheel!
The dress is primarily purple. It definitely is more of a pink-y purple than a blue-purple, so I’m going to say it’s around the number 14-15 on this particular color wheel. As you can see, green is opposite – somewhere in between a kelly green and a forest green. This means that if you choose to pair the dress with green, the purple color will be intensified, as will the green. If, on the other hand, you want a less harsh contrast, consider pinks. Blues are next to purple on the color wheel, but I think they will be harder to pull off with this particular shade of purple. Yellows are going to be tricky too – the right shade could work, but otherwise, it could end up looking pretty bad. Oranges, as well, will be finicky. The right shade will be stunning, but the wrong shade will be plain wrong. I think your best bet is to not pair too, too bright of colors with the dress, as the dress itself has a certain intensity to itself already. The less electrifying colors will also make for a very soothing color palette – almost sunset like!
In terms of jewelry: With the beautiful neckline of the dress, you probably won’t want a huge statement necklace. For the most part, allow the delicateness of the dress to shine through! Bracelets and rings are great ways to add interest without taking away from the dress.
For weddings, I tend to think that simple usually works best. Personally, I don’t see weddings as the time to try out a brand new trend – I think a certain element of classicism is beautiful. Obviously, I think there are exceptions, and it’s fine if you disagree with me – I’m just stating my opinion!
I’ll start out by modifying some of the stylings from the post using the black/pink version of the dress. Throughout, I’ll add some completely new ideas as well.
Instead of the original blue-green accents I paired with the other version of the dress, this time I went for accents of gold, silver, and a bit of pink. This is a girly look great for a wedding!
Keeping the same cardi, but switching up the shoes and accessories, I’ve made this a more casual, cooler weather appropriate look. The gray tights and boots really pick up nicely on the gray in the dress. If you wanted, you could do brown boots instead (and keep the gray tights).
With minimal adjustments from the other post, I’ve made this a great summer look! For those hot, hot summer days, you could do without the blouse completely. On the other hand, for those cooler days, you could do something like this:
Leave this cardi open, which will allow the blouse to show, as well as the dress. This will be great layering! If the weather is cool, but not ready for this sort of warmth, you could of course omit the tights or omit the tights and boots (replacing with different shoes).
Instead of using the sash from the dress, use this belt around the cardi (leave the cardi open). You’ll be able to see the ruffles of the dress and get a cinched in waist – a win, win situation! You could most definitely add tights to this look too, if need be.
Sometimes simple is the way to go…this would be lovely for a wedding – understated but put together. If it got too warm, you could always remove the cardi! Oh! And the flats are great for dancing! Come winter, you could add tights to the look for an everyday ensemble.
Remember the yellow pullover look from the other post? Well, this is my take on it with this color version of the dress. The shade of green in the bag is just a perfect complement to the purple and gray of the dress – just gorgeous!
For cooler weather, you could switch out those shoes for these shoes and add tights:
By replacing the sash with this sparkly little belt, you instantly dress it up. The shoes and ring finish off this simple, yet more fancy, look. The best part of not covering up the top of this dress is that you allow the pretty back to show!
This is a great versatile outfit with some edge, perfect for everything from a night on the town, to a wedding, to even some chic cooler weather errand-running.
This look has some great texture going on, with the lace, woven-like shoes, stone earrings, and silk dress. You could most definitely wear heels with this instead, but for a farm wedding, flats might seem more desirable – they feel a bit more casual and relaxed, as does a farm setting.
The color blue acts as a great accent in this look that is on the more casual side. You could, however, definitely alter it to make it more or less dressy!
Let’s talk hair now, shall we? If you choose to wear the dress simply, you might feel like your overall look still needs some oomph. Well, hair accessories are the perfect way to do so (and they can also be rather cost efficient!). Simple headbands or hair pins would be gorgoues…maybe something like this?
Now, let’s talk belts. Here is another one I’ve selected that could work beautifully with the dress (in place of the sash, or in place of the sash and over a cardi or jacket):
…But don’t let store selection limit you! A great DIY idea would be to buy some wide ribbon and attach a pin or brouch to it…you could have the ribbon tie in the back (with the pin/brouch to the side in the front, possibly?) or the front…your choice! Another idea would be to simply attach a pin/brouch to the dress’s sash! (In terms of places to find pins/brouches, you might want to try J. Crew…or really anywhere!)
Now, I’ll jump into some other items I think could work with the dress:
This would most definitely need a belt – again, you could use the dress’s sash or a belt of your choosing. The perfect cardi for a more casual look (although it could be dressed up some!).
This morning I got up a tad early and headed out to a morning yoga class outside. The temperature was lovely, and it truly was the perfect way to spend an early Saturday morning, let alone the first official Saturday in summer.
Is anyone else doing anything lovely this weekend? Relaxing? Big or small, I’d love to hear what you’re up to!
Before that though, have a look at this styling. If I could be wearing this right now, you bet I would! It’s care free enough, yet still put together – the exact way one should look on a weekend!
I envision possibly scrunching up the sleeves (messely…not in too neat a fashion) and leaving the pullover tucked out and loosely draping over the skirt. Belt slightly below the natural waist, but not too tight so as to maintain the flowing look (and can I tell you how much I love the brass on the belt? it truly helps make the look!). The “wow” statement necklace is then toned down, considering it adds interest to the similarly colored pullover, but doesn’t distract from the rest of the look. The perfect accompanying heels and bag finish off this perfect weekend wear look. Gorgeous!
For a few days this week, I think it would be great to take a look at some of the pieces I’ve used here for stylings that are now on sale…because maybe you really liked a styling, but just weren’t willing to pay full price for it. Or, maybe you just would like to see some gorgeous pieces that you can buy for a fraction of their original cost, and then if you fall in love with a piece, you can see how I styled it for some ideas of your own. Or, maybe you just want to see some lovely pieces on sale!
At first, I thought I would show all of the stylings that correspond which each item on sale. However, I quickly realized that would make for an extremely long post, so I decided to showcase some of the stylings I really adore. Really though, I love all of the stylings! (I link back to the post(s) the item was used in, so feel free to go check out the stylings for yourself, of course!)
On a chilly, snowy day like today (for me anyway), bundling up sure sounds like a good idea…especially if it means a sweater skirt (bundling up, after all, can be fashionable!)! Anyway, today’s styling request is from Sara. She asked I style the Hellebore Sweater Skirt.
Sara said that she loved the catalog shot of the skirt, but the Polynya Corset Top that was shown with the skirt just wouldn’t work for her body type. She said she’d love to do something similar though.
Now I’ll be totally honest here: I’m not sure exactly how long the skirt is. From the product photo, it appears to be a rather long, slightly below the knees type skirt. However, from the catalog shot it looks a lot shorter than what I imagined and leaning towards a pencil skirt (a little less a-line). I’m going to guess it is slightly longer on most people than it appears on the model, but if I’m wrong, forgive me! I’m sorry that I can’t be more clued into the fit of this one!
But back to the request: Shall I delve into some head-to-toe stylings?!
Tuck this top into the skirt and layer on the belt around the waistband of the skirt. Add the tights, shoes, and ring and you’ve got all the finishing touches you need! The look is romantic, vintage-like, and so pretty. If Anthro carried this top in purple, it would be a great way to get the essence of the catalog shot. Alas, they do not, but this ivory color is still beautiful.
Now this a whole different direction to go with the skirt. By adding this modern, but not too modern, striped shirt, you get a totally different effect from the last outfit. Add the gray tights, shoes, and purple cuff – which totally pops (and references the inspiration of the catalog shot) – and it’s a complete look. You could either tuck this shirt in or leave it out…tucking it in would be a more polished look, but it’s up to you. For a more casual take, consider leaving the shirt untucked and swapping out the heels for some flats.
I know, I know…this look would take some confidence to pull off! The key is making it look vintage, but not like your grandmother’s clothing. The fun necklace and shoes help to modernize the look, as well as the texture of the tights. To tell you the truth, I would have gone with a slightly darker shade of gray on the shoes, but these still work.
And now, shall I go to some other downright fabulous pieces that I think would work beautifully?! Let’s go for it!:
Olle Cowlneck (moss) – $88 – This, too, might seem crazy. However, if you tuck it in or add a simple but gorgeous belt to it and keep the rest of the look simple, it could be perfect!
Opaque Tights (purple) – $12.50 – This would be a great way to get in the purple from the catalog shot! You could do a look similar to the first or second head-to-toe look but instead add the pop of purple. Again, just keep it fairly simple throughout the rest of the look.
Another idea for incorporating purple would be to find a simple purple cardigan. Then, you would just need a simple top to go underneath. The skirt would really stand out but still look put together.
The key when styling this skirt truly is to embrace the vintage feel, but just make sure you don’t go overboard! Additionally, my go-to color suggestions are gray, brown, ivory, and purple (not just because the catalog shot incorporated this color, but also because purple and yellow are complementary colors).
I hope Sara has found this post helpful! She truly has a gorgeous skirt to work off of! Which of these looks do you like best?
How are everyone’s weeks going?! I hope they’re going well!
Hey, everyone! Sorry I’ve been MIA the past two days….I’ve been buuuussy!
Anyway, Loraine (hi, Loraine!) left a comment on a post the other day inquiring if I had any suggestions for a top for her to wear with her AG Stevie Cords (gray) and her newly acquired Gilgarran Boots!
I think Loraine made a fabulous decision to pair these two pieces together…I mean, look at them! It’s a gorgeous combination!
But on to which tops might work nicely: In terms of guidelines, I’d actually say she’s quite flexible here, as gray and brown are both neutrals, and neither piece specifically requires something in a top. It really depends on what type of look Loraine is going for. Let’s take a look at some options!
For a vintage feel, which could be lovely (and on trend but totally classic), she could go for any of these!:
This would nicely pick up on the pattern of the lacing on the boots. However, to keep the look young and modern, careful accessories should be added…think modern and streamlined.
Either of these could be a beautiful pairing with the boots and pants to create a casual look. To dress it up a bit, throw on a simple cardigan and a chunky statement necklace.
I guess we’re on a bit of a stripes kick here…but hey, they’re great and definitely in style! This particular top would be nice and fresh with the pants and boots.
Sara said that she loved the catalog shot of the skirt, but the 
