Category: ‘what to wear with’

How To Wear A One-Shouldered Top In Cooler Weather

If you love the disco-era sequin apparel you’ve been seeing around, then you’ll probably like the equally Studio 54-worthy one shouldered top trend. Personally, I’m all about these sexy one sleeved blouses – since they show just enough skin and not too much. Here’s how to sport this style in an ultra-classy way, straight through winter.

how to wear a one shouldered top

So, you’ve picked out a gorgeous one shouldered style (we are in love with Robert Rodriguez’ ruffled version), next you need a truly, seamless, strapless bra to wear underneath – bra lines will so ruin the effect. Color is big, and bandage skirts are even bigger, so pick out a design that creates an eye-catching contrast with your top. Finally, shimmy into some creative hosiery – my personal favorite is the swiss dot pattern – and some sensible, standard booties (after all, you’ve got a lot going on upwards of the ankle).

robert rodriguez ruffle shoulder top

Robert Rodriguez Ruffle Shoulder Top, $275

dominique strapless bra

Dominique Seamless Strapless Bra, $29.50

bcbg stretch skirt

BCBG MAX AZRIA Stretch Skirt, $138

spanx swiss dot tights

SPANX Moderate Control Swiss Dot Panty Hose, $28

carlinn bootie

Steve Madden Carlinn Bootie, $90

And don’t forget to check out our guides to festive attire and hosiery for more top picks to style like this.

How To Wear A Tulle Skirt Without Ballet Slippers And A Leotard

With only three weeks left until Thanksgiving, the holiday invites may have started to pour in…which means lots of confusing party dress code suggestions and even more shopping to be done. We’ve got plenty of tips for suitable dressy ensembles in our festive attire guide, but for a quick, merry-making look you’ll love, here’s how to wear a tulle skirt, in the fun, holiday fiesta, non-miniature ballerina way.

how to wear a tulle skirt

No need to be scared of a little pouf, a holiday party is one occasion when it’s perfectly acceptable to wear an ultra-girly, frilly tulle skirt, but we’ll stick with a sophisticated black. For equally mirthful additions, try a silk top in an ivory tone with a glitzy metallic clutch. We suggest avoiding skirt-stocking clash and choosing simple, black opaque tights and finally, some elegant pumps, like Stuart Weitzman’s timeless design. Glittery jewelry is welcome but not required.

robert rodriguez tulle skirt

Robert Rodriguez Paulina Layered Ruffle Skirt, $237

theory silk tank

Theory Stretch Silk Tank, $170

lauren merkin diana bubble clutch

Lauren Merkin Diana Bubble Clutch, $195

dkny opaque coverage tights

DKNY Opaque Coverage Tights, $13.50

stuart weitzman dance platforms

Stuart Weitzman Dance Platform Pumps with Tapered Toe, $208

And don’t forget, getting ready to primp and party is so much easier with the help of our guides to the best in cocktail dresses, party shoes and evening bags.

How To Wear Granny Boots Without Looking Like, Well, A Granny

We’ve been seeing trendy, heeled granny boots all over town lately, and while they do sort of look like they belong on a mean, British schoolteacher, or as their affectionate name insists, a grandmother, we like this lace up look. Worried about how to style up this particular type of ankle boots? That’s where we come in.

how to wear granny boots

First things first, pick a pair of granny boots that aren’t too clunky – we like Deena & Ozzy’s slim lace up pair. While your first inclination may be to go with a floral frock, we suggest jean leggings with a sophisticated high waist. Next, add a blouse with exaggerated ruffles – Grandma definitely wouldn’t sport this super trendy style.  We suggest you tuck in your top and throw on a fitted velvet blazer to balance out your not-so-feminine foot wear. Finally, slip your arm through a slouchy hobo in a neutral gray or black.

deena & ozzy lace up boot

Deena & Ozzy Lace Up Boots, $68

rag and bone jean leggings

Rag & Bone Jean Leggings, $225

kate spade cloey blouse

Kate Spade Cloey Blouse, $225

banana republic velvet blazer

Banana Republic Velvet Blazer, $152

big buddha mari hobo

Big Buddha Mari Hobo, $90

For more particular boots styles, be sure to peruse the best in booties, foldover boots, and over-the-knee boots.

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How To Wear Leg Warmers Without A Spandex Leotard Involved

We know what you’re thinking. Leg warmers call to mind a slew of things you don’t want associated with your wardrobe – 80s pop stars, 12-year old girls on their way to jazz class, and Jessie Spano in that episode of Saved by the Bell when she got “addicted” to diet pills. But repress your scoff, because leg warmers don’t have to be cheesy, they can actually be very cool (and warm, for that matter).

how to wear leg warmers

While your first inclination may be to pick out leg warmers in some crazy hue, resist the temptation. Go for a textured black or dark gray pair and slip them on over super opaque tights. There’s no way you’ll be mistaken for Madonna in the early years if you wear some heavy duty riding boots. Remember you’re going for an effortlessly chic look, so make sure your leg warmers stick out the tops and are properly scrunched. As for above the knees, we suggest a simple smocked skirt and loose fitting blouse that’s elegant enough to dress up the look.

free people leg warmers

Free People Soft Sparkle Legwarmer, $24

gap opaque tights

Gap Opaque Tights, $12.50

frye dorado boots

Frye Dorado Riding Boots, $458

bdg smocked skirt

BDG Solid Smocked Waistband Skirt, $48

theory top

Theory Lilla Top, $180

For more tips, find out how to wear leather gloves and pick up some winter accessories of your own like stylish cheap scarves and hats.

How To Wear Leather Gloves (And Not Look Like You’re About To Rob A Bank)

Leather has certainly been everywhere as of late, and we like it. From jackets to vests and even pants, fashionable ladies are turning to this aggressive but elegant style for all of their tough-chic needs. Although we can appreciate the leather-clad biker thing, when it comes to cowhide, we think it looks best when warming up your hands. So, in light of the sudden cold weather, here’s how to don chic leather gloves in a non-criminal way.

what to wear with leather gloves collage

Since black leather gloves can sometimes make you look like a creepy cab driver, we recommend that you choose a delicate looking pair in a lighter shade for a feminine feel. Next, slip on some flattering, skinny jeans in a seasonally dark wash and a comfy but sophisticated cowlneck sweater for a refined, winter look. To pull together the ensemble, we suggest a fitted velvet blazer and some gorgeous black booties to tuck your skinny pants into.

j crew leather gloves

J.Crew Leather Gloves, $49.50

j brand skinny jeans

J Brand Pencil Leg Stretch Jean, $159

gap cowlneck sweater

Gap Cowlneck Sweater, $49.50

theory velvet blazer

Theory Anorie Velvet Blazer, $375

loeffler randall wendy knit bootie

Loeffler Randall Wendy Knit Slouch Bootie, $650

For more top picks, don’t forget to check out our guides for the best in gloves, leather jackets, and faux fur.

How To Wear A Faux Fur Vest

Looking around, it seems as if the faux fur vest is shaping up to be this fall and winter’s [cruelty-free] must have item. We’re all for this ultra-glam style, as it’s an easy way to jazz up your daily duds. However, it’s important to keep in mind when donning fake fur that you are not a famous female rapper, or heir to some European throne. Here’s how to wear a faux fur vest in the real world, and wear it well.

collage fur vest

First things first. Whether it’s fake or the real deal, the furry look catches attention, so start by dressing down your vest with a pair of flattering, skinny jeans in a dark wash. Next, wear a long sleeved top in black to offset the lighter colored fuzz. We’d wear flat boots rather than heels, but for a hint of embellishment try a harness style. Finally, while you don’t want to over-bling it, a long and delicate gold necklace will perfectly complete your look.

a common thread faux fur vest

A Common Thread Faux Fur Vest, $294

marta jeans

J. Brand Marta Skinny Jeans, $196

splendid basic tee black

Splendid Basic Tee, $48

watson boots

Cynthia Vincent Watson Tall Flat Riding Boots, $395

gorjana willow necklace

Gorjana Willow Necklace, $84

For more in the way of winter fashion, check out our picks for the best in faux fur, hats, and gloves.

How To Wear A Sequin Dress (When You’re Not Heading To Studio 54)

We’re still reeling from the news that sequin pants are back, but here’s a trend we can come to terms with: the sequin dress. So what if it’s a little disco fever-esque, these sparkly frocks are downright fun. Wearing sequins tastefully, and in moderation, is of course the key – every night is not New Year’s Eve, but a festive dress at a fall cocktail party certainly never hurt anybody.

Sequin Dress Collage

Less is always more when it comes to sequins, so try to stay away from gold and silvers and stick with classy black. Tone down your shimmering dress with a little less-reflective cardigan (long is in) in a neutral gray, and throw on some form-enhancing opaque tights. As for shoes and accessories, balance out your youthful dress with a more mature round toe platform and a structured handbag.

Notte by marchesa sequin dress

Notte by Marchesa Sequined Mini Dress, $595

grey cardigan

Banana Republic Hidden-Pocket Long Cardigan, $98

FP Opaque Tights

Free People Opaque Tights, $12

Dolce Vita Pumps

Dolce Vita Beam Platform Pumps, $155

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mini Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mini Bag, $295

For all your fiesta needs, shop our guides for the best in black dresses, evening bags, and cheap jewelry.

How To Wear White Jeans (Yes, It Can Be Done) This Fall

Taking those summer duds and making them fall-worthy is a careful art form; if you can don a few essentials all year round, you’re golden, literally and figuratively. So, in the spirit of saving some bucks, we’re here to dispel the age-old myth that white jeans can’t be worn after Labor Day. In a season when prissy style is out and tough chic is in, we think that if they’re done right, white jeans can make just the statement.

What to wear with white jeans COLLAGE

For a tough-chic but still classy look, we suggest starting with a fitted pair of cigarette jeans in white. To offset the summery pant, go with grays and blacks on top: a loose-fitting, softer than soft button down, and a more structured faux leather bomber. To get in on the cut out trend we’ve been loving, try a sleek pair of peep toe booties and to top it all off, a very fall chunky gold necklace.

Gwenevere Skinny Jeans

7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Skinny Jeans, $169

LNA Button Down Blouse

LNA Button Down Blouse, $121

Silence and Noise Faux Leather Jacket

Silence & Noise Faux Leather Jacket, $98

Nine West Bootie

Nine West Phantom Bootie, $99.95

BR Chainlink Necklace

Banana Republic Layered Chainlink Necklace, $86

Experiment with summer styles for fall and browse our choices for the best in tees for your shape and sunglasses. And don’t forget to pick up a versatile blazer to throw on over those chic summer frocks.

How To Wear Over The Knee Boots

Okay, we get it, the vampy temptress leather look is in, big time, and nothing gets that message across better than a dramatic over the knee boot. The only problem is, one of these dream boots in leather or suede can quickly make your innocent little black dress look not quite so innocent. So, here’s how we’re toning down this style of the moment and making it our own.

What To Wear Over The Knee Boots

First of all, when choosing your boot, go for a slightly more reserved tone and either a modest heel (no stilettos ladies, you are not Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman) or none at all. Next, try a comfy cotton legging for easy boot tuckage and an oversized boyfriend shirt to counter balance the super-sex appeal of your footwear. To complete the look, we suggest you get in on some of the other big fall trends with a unique denim jacket and a lightweight scarf in a fun print.

Dolce Vita Eve Above the Knee Boots

Dolce Vita Eve Above The Knee Boots, $320

HUE Leggings

HUE Skinny Legging, $28

Theory Oversized Shirt

Theory Oversized Shirt, $200

iro eda motorcycle jacket

Iro Eda Motorcycle Jacket, $242

JC Plaid Scarf

Juicy Couture Tasseled Plaid Scarf, $78

For some more essential fall items, check out our top picks for the best in denim jackets, cheap scarves, and leggings.  And of course, don’t forget to take a look at more options in thigh-high boots.

What To Wear With A Lace Dress

We’re pretty pumped to see summer’s lace trend gain momentum for fall in new and creative ways. Great for striking that magical balance between innocent girly girl and sultry temptress, much to our chagrin, the fabric formerly got a bad rep as a result of over-exposure via early 90s pop stars.  Now it’s back (and better than ever).  Wearing lace is definitely a delicate matter, which is why we’ve put together a useful guide for all your lace-buying needs.

SMYTHE Tweed BlazerLACE DressURBAN black bag

SPANX TightsSTEVE MA

The key with lace is finding equilibrium – dress down a sexy dress with a pair of stomach-flattening solid black tights and instead of heels, slip on some knee-high suede boots. To offset the ultra-feminine fabric you’ve got on, we recommend an oversized boyfriend blazer. As for accessories, keep it simple and let your lace do the talking – try a black bag with a long chain strap, but leave the jewelry at home ladies.

LACE Dress

Topshop Gold Lace Bodycon Dress, $80

SPANX Tights

SPANX High-Waisted Tight-End Tights, $38

SMYTHE Tweed Blazer

SMYTHE Tweed Slouchy Boyfriend Blazer, $550

STEVE MA

Steve Madden Tyller Boot, $79.90

URBAN black bag

Urban Renewal Remade Leather Cinch Bag, $38

Looking for more items to accompany a lightweight dress? There’s plenty to choose from in our guides for the best blazers, thigh-high boots, and hosiery.

What To Wear With Back Seam Tights

A while ago we reported on this rising hosiery trend, and now that the weather’s cooling down, we can’t wait to actually pull a pair of back seam tights out of the dresser.  And on that note, we thought we’d put together a handy primer on the proper way to sport this retro-chic look that’s sexy and old-fashioned simultaneously.

what to wear with back seam tights

While first instinct may dictate wearing a super-slim pencil skirt, we’d actually beg to differ – we like keeping this look modern with a neatly draped dress.  High heels are a must, though, and a bag that’s neither highly structured or too floppy balances the outfit well.  Lastly, we think jewelry should be kept simple and limited to one piece, as the tights already lend the outfit an ornamental aspect.

Wolford Back Seam Tights

Wolford Individual 10 Back Seam Tights, $50

a.l.c. tulle draped dress

A.L.C. Tulle Draped Dress, $450

flatiron shoulder bag

Banana Republic Flatiron Shoulder Bag, $140

ann taylor perfect tweed pump

Ann Taylor Perfect Tweed Platform Pumps, $175

red lable triple strand link necklace

New York & Co. Red Label Triple Strand Necklace, $39

If you’re looking to explore more back seam tights, we’ve got them for you.  Be sure to check out our guides to sheath dresses and fall shoe trends for items to pair with the hosiery.

How To Wear A Leather Biker Jacket Without Looking Like A Biker Chick

Just because leather biker jackets are hitting another wave of a trend doesn’t mean the look has lost any of its tough-guy connotations.  Luckily there are plenty of ways to don the jacket without looking like you’re pretending to be a Harley afficianado.

how to wear a biker jacket

We’d recommed starting with a biker jacket that actually leaves out some of the hardware – this way, the look is retained without all the hardcore detail.  Wear it over a fitted floral dress in a strong color, so that the dress stands up to the jacket but also acts as a counterpoint to it.  We’d recommend sticking with flat shoes and a toned-down gray bag to soften the outfit somewhat, and wearing a scarf instead of a necklace, along with simple studs, to accessorize the whole thing in an understated way.

kenna t moto jacket

Kenna-T Moto Jacket, $478

marc by marc jacobs wild flower print dress

Marc by Marc Jacobs Wild Flower Print Dress, $358

west feren backstage crossbody bag

West/Feren Backstage Leather Crossbody Bag, $175

kate spade frenchie black patent flats

Kate Spade Frenchie Patent Flats, $199

aerie knit circular scarf

American Eagle Knit Circular Scarf, $24.50

glitter flower studs

Betsey Johnson flower studs, $25

For more picks like the ones in this outfit, check out our guides to leather jackets and the best fall handbags, along with some of our favorite infinity scarves.