Category: ‘What To Wear To’

What To Wear With: Denim Shorts (So You Won’t Look Like Daisy Duke)

Perhaps it's because of Rebekah's Florida tan that I now have summer on the brain. So even though we can't bust out the warm-weather attire quite yet, it's helpful to know what to pair with those denim shorts once the temperature finally breaks 75.

Ray-Ban at ShopStyle

Celebs from Holmes to Lohan are showing up in these summer of love throwbacks, but that doesn't mean they're pulling them off in the most flattering way. In order to do it right, you should find a pair that's a little distressed, and not too tight or too short (translation: pockets hanging out = tacky). Wear with a loose-fitting button-down for a casual yet grown-up vibe. Go flat in the footwear department with some simple, embellished sandals – high heels will cause the Daisy Duke effect. 

Accessorize with a silk scarf that you can either tie over your hair or on the handle of a roomy canvas tote. Grab a pair of Ray-Bans (or any of the trendy sunglasses out now) and a sporty watch and you're perfectly dressed for a lazy day.   

What To Wear With: Flats, That Doesn’t Involve Tights (Thank You Warm Weather)

Looks like we can finally, finally step outside in warmish weather attire.. which means flats sans tights can replace our winter boots. But heel-less shoes are tricky, as they can make you look stumpy and awkward if worn with the wrong outfit.

RJ Graziano at ShopStyle

Thankfully, cropped pants are back on our radar this season, and are ideal for pairing with flats like a not boring metallic pair ($62). Show off your ankles in some slouchy rolled pants ($20, was $59.50) to elongate your foot and prevent the stump factor. (Stay away from long pants that bunch at the bottom, as this will make you appear shorter.) A black lightweight cardigan ($168) keeps the look laid back while key pieces of jewelry like a vintage-inspired necklace ($325) and big ring ($195) pop against the black.   

What To Wear To: Easter, Or Passover, Or Whatever You Choose To Celebrate

It's time to see the fam again, go off the diet, and dress up nice and demure for Easter, or Passover (or both). Dressing for the occasion can be tricky as you don't want to elicit any remarks from your annoying aunt regarding your sartorial choices nor draw attention from your cousin's creepy boyfriend.

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Start with a fun yet still conservative patterned dress ($168) that hits right at the knee and pair with a crisp white blazer ($395) that will help you stay covered. Keep it to one main accessory, like this gold and black necklace ($268), and add a dash of color with some tangerine ballet flats ($229). You won't need a huge purse, so opt for a springy straw clutch ($170) to carry home your Peeps.

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What To Wear: When It Rains

Not only do we have to deal with random hot/cold weather, but March and April are notorious for rainy days as well. This doesn't mean you have to appear any less stylish — just remember these key points when dressing for the rain.

Only Hearts Club at ShopStyle

A classic trench ($200) should be the base of your outfit. Choose one that is lighter in weight and material so you can use throughout spring and summer. In order to combat chilly breezes, layer a sleeveless hoodie ($245) underneath. (This won't add too much bulk, and will offer key hair protection if you forget your umbrella.) Opt for black leggings ($50) as they will dry faster than denim, and wear with a simple, light-colored tunic ($38).

For rainboots, choose ankle-length ($150) over knee-length. These will prove more comfortable in warmer weather and easier to pull on and off. Finally, grab a fun print umbrella ($65) and a patent tote ($398) that will keep your belongings safe, sound, and dry.

 

Check out our Better TV post on other practical, yet stylish rain gear.

What To Wear With: Light Wash Jeans (That Doesn’t Involve Shredded Tees And Keds)

Light wash denim will be everywhere this spring, but this doesn't mean you have to dress like a bad 80s flashback in order to inhabit the trend. Lighter jeans can look surprisingly modern and polished, as long as you don't pair with your favorite Axl Rose tee.

Banana Republic at ShopStyle

Mix a pair of slim light wash ankle jeans ($216) with a no-frills black cardigan ($44); the dark color will help ground the lightness of the jeans. Embrace spring's bohemian resurgence with fun cork wedges ($155) and stacked accessories. Wear one dark ($288) and one light ($28) cuff together with a pair of matte gold hoop earrings ($4). Finally, grab a burnt orange hobo ($635) to add some color to your modern, yet casual, and definitely not 80s ensemble. 

Blazers Are Confusing. Let Us Help You Out.

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Some women seem to be able to throw a blazer over anything, and it always looks like just the right topper for just the right outfit. And then there’s the rest of us.

So we’ve put together this What To Wear With A Blazer Guide to help you figure out how to wear them – blazers actually aren’t that complicated once you get the hang of them, and are quite convenient for all those chilly nights between now and July.

And if you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter and get the latest guides, sales, and deals delivered directly to your inbox. 

What To Wear: When You’re Running Late

Bulova at ShopStyle

We've all been there. You were supposed to have gotten in the shower twenty minutes ago, but you either overslept, or have five (hundred) things to do before you can even think about getting ready. Since today is not the day to waste precious minutes on an outfit decision, you need to rely on this no-fail ensemble.

Opt for a black shift dress ($58), always. Reach for one colorful accessory ($12) that will pop against the black, and layer with a blousy, oversized cardigan ($350). Slip on your ballet flats ($150) and don't forget a modern, understated watch ($200). (You want to make it seem as if you intended to be fashionably late.)

What To Wear With: A Blazer (And Ride The Patriotic Wave)

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Old Navy Black Blazer, $39.50

No longer reserved for the office, the blazer is busting out into evening territory. It can go with anything from jeans and sky-high heels to a formal cocktail dress as seen below. I rarely leave home for a night out without mine.

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If you're dressing up anytime soon, why not ride the patriotic wave that's taken the country by storm and tastefully pair up some red, white, and blue. Start with a bold red dress and tone it town with that black blazer you would normally wear to work. I like to roll up the cuffs and even pop the collar, as long as that collar will stay up (otherwise half of it will flop down, and you'll look silly).

Add a vintage-looking brooch to the lapel for your dash of white, and grab a colorful blue clutch. Lastly, a simple pair of black heels will complete the look without competing with the color palette. 

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Milly Strapless Dress, $279

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Louboutin Pumps, $575

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Vintage White Schreiner Ruffle Pin, $750

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Blue Clutch, $11.69

What To Wear To: Nail The Interview

If you're one of the millions of Americans competing for jobs right now, you'll want to look extra sharp for your next face-to-face. And what you'll need more than anything in the coming months–aside from that stellar job offer–is the outfit to catch your future employer's eye. Here are two looks that are sure to impress, depending on the type of job you're seeking.

Banana Republic at ShopStyle

Corporate: The business world requires you to be conservative, but that doesn't mean you have to wear a boring, buttoned-up suit to the interview.

Show some semblance of a personality with a colorful silk twill blouse ($69) paired with classic black trousers ($55.30, were $79) and a crisp white blazer ($395). Opt for a burgundy patent bag ($190, was $350) big enough to fit your impressive resume, and wear comfortable, attractive pumps ($140, $295) that give you some commanding height.

A.V. Max at ShopStyle

Creative: For a more creative job, try a fashion-forward approach to display your artistic side.

This graphic shift dress ($150) is an ideal choice when worn with matte black tights ($14) and black booties ($198). Add some modern jewelry like a gold cuff ($23) and beaded necklace ($32), and finally, grab your most professional roomy bag ($237, was $525).

What To Wear To: A Fashion Show (That’s Not Attended By PETA)

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We just finished covering a pretty hectic Fashion Week – viewing Fall 09 collections, eyeing celebs, and most importantly, checking out the outfits in the crowd. Below is the uniform we spotted on front rowers, second rowers, and chic randoms posing one foot in front of the other inside the tents. 

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Fur of any kind is of utmost importance if you are going to blend in with the front row. We assume they're all going for the real thing ($455), but a nice faux option could be a refreshing trend to start.

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Go for anything tight and black for your bottom half, like a pair of unforgiving leggings ($58). This will show off the fact that you haven't eaten in months in preparation for the big week.

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Throw your furry jacket over a loose-fitting tunic tee ($98). Just make sure it's lightweight, as pretty much everyone keeps their outerwear on indoors.

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Leather boots ($417) in matching black elongate the leg to help you appear at least half as tall as the freakishly enormous models.

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Pull a knit beanie ($29, was $58) over your head to give off the impression that you didn't try too hard to come up with this expensive, well-thought out outfit.

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Because the majority of your neck and arms are enveloped in fur, the best accessory is a flashy cocktail ring ($130). 

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A Chanel purse ($3080) is pretty much the official handbag of the tents. From the number of sightings, you'd think they were handing them out at the door. (We found this quilted option for those without a Chanel allowance in their budgets.) 

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Finally, you must not forget a pair of sunglasses ($60), and you must definitely not forget to keep them on the entire show. 

What To Wear With: Red And Pink (Yes You Can Wear Them Together)

When I was a little girl, I thought red and pink together was genius. My mother… not so much. But we promise you – and all the mothers out there -red and pink DO look cute together if done right. So here's how to make it work:

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Tone It Down: Use black, metallics or neutrals to help chill a seemingly contradicting color combo. Don't go overboard by matching your outfit to red and pink accessories.

Play: Give this style a chance by experimenting with what you have in your closet and shopping for complementary hues in stores. Don't wait until Monday morning before work to try it out.

Harmonize: Try wearing solid pieces in pinks and reds of the same brightness or intensity to create balance. Don't mix prints of red and pink together–that's just asking for trouble.

For the office, pair a bold red knee-length skirt ($90) with a classic pink ruffle blouse ($54). Wear a crisp black blazer ($138)  over the ensemble and slip on a pair of modern suede heels ($140). Finish the look with some metallic cuffs ($35) that will bring just enough sparkle to the outfit. If you're going for a more toned-down appearance, opt for muted tones and match a baby pink skirt ($117, was $234) with a deep red, almost burgundy, top ($178). Throw on a cozy taupe cardigan ($331.80, was $829.50) and some fun leopard print ballet flats ($134, were $259). Finally, grab an understated metallic bag ($695)  and wear your pink and red combo with pride. 

And check out our post on what to wear with red (it is, after all, National Wear Red Day). 

How To Wear Red So You Don’t Look Like A Cherry Tomato

With National Wear Red Day just around the corner (it's February 6th) we hope women everywhere will want to show their support for heart health by proudly donning this fiery hue. However, this is easier said than done. Red is a tricky color to master; worn incorrectly and you could end up looking like the produce section of Food Emporium, or worse, like you belong on a street corner after hours.

Below are some pointers on how to ease into the red zone one step at a time, and an example of how to rock a red dress for your next cocktail party. 

Forever 21 at ShopStyle

1. Start small.  If you are used to only wearing black or neutrals, start with a red blouse under a blazer, or a red brooch on your LBD à la Michelle Obama. Even carrying a red clutch with your neutral outfit can help you overcome your fear of color.

2. Other bright colors generally do not go with red, like yellow or orange. Also, wearing green will make you look like a Christmas tree.  You want to wear colors that will anchor the look – other loud colors don't do this; they only compete with the red you are wearing.

3. If there's red clothing on your body, do not put red on your face or nails. However, rouge lips alone or a cherry manicure for V-day could be a fun way to show your support – just don't wear both at the same time. 

4. For a red dress, choose something in a classic cut that's not too revealing. Pair it with a black or dark-colored jacket in cooler weather. Jewelry should be minimal, which means either one statement necklace, some chandelier earrings, or a cuff. Gold tends to complement red, but silver jewelry works too, as long as you don't wear too much bling overall. For shoes, opt for something understated but not boring – a matte pewter pump is the perfect choice. And finally grab a black clutch to stash your neutral-colored lipstick. Leave that vampy shade for another night. 

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Nicole Miller Red Sleeveless Dress ($190)

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Ossie Clark Blouse Jacket ($175.50, was $351)

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Dolce Vita Olivia Platform ($100)

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Substance Circle Bib Necklace ($160)

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Faceted Square Clutch ($16.80)