Photograph by Chris Svetlik.

Who: Miranda Smyre, 23, NBC4 Washington intern and fashion blogger

Where we stopped her: Poolside at a Liaison Capitol Hill hotel charity event.

What she’s wearing: Balloon-sleeved blouse from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn (on loan from a friend), Zara pencil skirt, belt from a thrift shop, BCBG round-toe pumps, and L’Oréal True Red lipstick.

We love the big-sleeve-and-sleek-bottom combination. Are you typically attracted to unusual shapes in clothing?
“I’ve always had an eye for dramatic clothing, but I never really knew how to pull it off. As I started focusing more on fashion and lifestyle, I realized that bigger is sometimes better. It’s just important to wear one standout piece, so you won’t look crazy. I also have this black-and-white large-print houndstooth coat that’s pretty loud, but I love it with a contrasting-color belt. I’d even wear it as a dress with a solid black belt and red pumps.”

How would you characterize your getting-dressed philosophy?
“Fashion is so much fun, and women should push the envelope and be willing to try new things. It makes you feel good. The most important thing about being a lady is that you dress for your own comfort. We can all be trendsetters in our own way—it just starts with confidence and killer heels.”

And when it comes to accessories?
“My rule of thumb is to accessorize only when needed. If you have a loud or busy dress, wear muted jewelry to let the piece talk. If you have a simple outfit, make your accessories bling. My favorite would have to be statement necklaces. They give definition to any solid outfit and look so pretty.”

What’s another sure-fire Friday-night look of yours?
“My Elie Tahari blazer is my best friend. I’d wear it as a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a black bra (for some edge), and a skirt. I’d accessorize with gloves, a statement necklace, and sky-high heels.”

Which Washingtonians do you look to for style inspiration?
“My girlfriends—Yvonne Bulimo, Lauren Jillian, and Ashley Stoney—are my divas. They all have amazing style. Yvonne (co-author of the blog My Lifestyle Mude) is similar to me­—girly and edgy. Lauren has an androgynous style that no one can duplicate—she’s fearless. Ashley mixes new trends with old finds. She loves vintage and Marc Jacobs. Victor Ntam, an aspiring musician and good friend, is the quintessential Versace man. His style can be polished and sophisticated, then he’ll switch it up and be rocker-edgy.”

Describe your style in five words or less.
“Conservative edgy with unexpected twists.”

Miranda’s sophisticated outfit proves basic black can be interesting and avant-garde pieces can be approachable. The bold red lipstick stands in for any superfluous accessories, and the artfully tousled hair adds just the right amount of urban funk to her polished silhouette.

Earlier:
Video Sidewalk Style: Hot Nerd
Sidewalk Style: Cute and Crafty
All Sidewalk Styles