Some trends are not universally adored. Take leggings, for example. Crop tops. Harem pants. Denim on denim.
This season, we’d add wedge sneakers to the list of especially divisive, love-’em-or-seriously-hate-’em fashions. (For the record, we’re on the “love ’em” side of the argument. We love us a heel—on anything.)
But we have a theory on one reason a relatively innocuous pair of shoes might incite such emotion: They’re just so very tricky to wear—or wear well, at least. That’s why when we spotted the elevated sneak on the feet of two local style bloggers, we immediately wanted to know their secrets to making this trend look chic, not silly. Read on to see how our brave fashionistas styled theirs, then shop 12 of our fave versions on the market.
“They give a tomboyish edge to any outfit and are a welcome alternative to the flats and heels we’ve seen season after season. I wear mine with skinny jeans and short skirts to really show them off.” Sanaa Ansari Khan, the Style Matrix
Alice + Olivia Catherine gathered skirt A-line dress, $597.
Though the seemingly never-ending cold has managed to push back the peak bloom date of Washington’s tourist-magnet cherry blossoms again (and again, and again), there are still plenty of National Cherry Blossom Festival events happening, with or without the namesake flowers. So obviously you need something appropriately festive to wear, right? Luckily we found this ruffly confection of a cherry-blossom-print sundress right in the nick of time. Apparently Alice + Olivia’s design team was really feeling the DC-centric print this year—check out the brand’s delicate, feminine pumps and this darling (and perhaps more practical) cap-sleeve silk frock. Best part? Even once the pretty pink blossoms are long gone, the dress will still be equally lovely.
Some say that before you plunk down cash for a piece of clothing, you should be able to envision it paired with at least three items already hanging in your closet. Yes, it’s a good way to keep from buying things you don’t need. But we say, why not just build your wardrobe to create three different ways to wear something? Less budget-healthy, perhaps, but WAY more fun.
With that in mind: Maybe you already own one of the omnipresent and oh-so-flattering peplum tops. Or maybe you’re just entertaining the thought of springing for one. Either way, today is your lucky day, because we’ve already done the outfit imagining for you. Here are three ways to work the peplum top—here in perfectly on-trend black leather.
Leather peplum, $295 at the Outnet.
AT WORK
Soften the edgy vibe of black leather by pairing it with delicate, feminine pieces and work-perfect silhouettes, such as a floral pencil skirt and a sharp fitted blazer. Finish things off with a spectator-inspired heel and a structured satchel, all in hazy hues of blush and cream.
Paul Smith pencil skirt, $350 at Farfetch; textured-panel jacket, $119.99 at Mango; Pour La Victoire Darla pumps, $250 at Shopbop; ombré stone statement necklace, $78 at Capwell; canvas-and-vachetta satchel, $140 at Kate Spade Saturday.
Are you as thoroughly over the cold as we are? Thought so.
In hopes that wishful thinking somehow magically turns the temps, we asked local fashion bloggers to show us how to channel spring when it’s not quite as warm as we’d like. Here, E from District of Chic and Elena from Classy and Fabulous show off two entirely different takes on transitional wardrobing.
E of District of Chic
Floral prints are a tried-and-true way to introduce some spring cheer to your wardrobe. A structured black blazer and glossy black accents help temper the sweetness of E’s floral dress, while pops of neon add a playful finish.
Ponte Boyfriend Blazer, $50 at Topshop; Eight Sixty Kona fit-and-flare dress, $94 at Piperlime; faux-suede clutch, $19.80 at Forever 21; Trina Turk City Lights bracelet, $100 at Max & Chloe; Rachel Roy Ana Brogue pumps, $225 at Shopbop; neon ring set, $3.80 at Forever 21; and skinny patent belt, $29.50 at J.Crew.
Stripes, dots, snake, paisley, tie dye . . . for a newbie, parsing out exactly what to wear with your adorable new floral-print jeans can seem like Very Advanced Fashion, indeed.
One wrong move and your au courant look veers right back into the ’80s—or worse. Never fear: Here, three of our fave Washington fashion pros spotlight sophisticated takes on this scene-stealing trend—and we show you how to re-create their looks to perfection.
Spot on
Abbey of District Dress Up transforms playful polka dots into something seriously chic by pairing her colorful spotted denim with a slouchy tee, a sleek leather-sleeved trench, and forever-classic black pumps. A neon necklace and a cheery yellow satchel mirror the whimsical sensibility of the spots without overselling it.
Hot Spot Jeans, $48 at Nasty Gal, T by Alexander Wang pocket tee, $80 at Barneys New York, Blu Bijoux neon necklace, $39 at Max & Chloe, Allen Street Raquelle bag, $278 at Kate Spade, Bishop trench, $1,200 at Rag & Bone, Frited pump, $80 at Aldo, Ray-Ban Folding Aviator, $189 at Piperlime.
Pretty Wild
Leopard + leopard + leopard? Yes, yes, and YES. Ashleigh of The Daleigh manages to tame an otherwise over-the-top pattern mix by tempering the bold pieces with laid-back basics. The gently faded look of her leopard jeans helps, too.
Cotton v-neck tee, $24.50 at J.Crew, Genetic Denim leopard skinny jeans, $242 at Saks, Jessica Simpson Sana T Strap sandals, $62.30 at Macy's, Outbound Jacket, $138 at Madewell, Clare Vivier clutch, $165 at Piperlime.
In Bloom
Balance femme florals by pairing them with simple, ever-so-slightly masculine pieces. Caitlin of Style Within Reach nails it by layering classics in relaxed silhouettes and soft, neutral hues, then works in a dash of glam with dramatic jeweled earrings, sexy black pumps, and oversize sunnies.
Wheelspoke earrings, $108 at Anthropologie, Equipment washed silk shirt, $208 at Net-A-Porter, Floral jeans, $135 at J.Crew, Elizabeth & James Lafayette cat-eye sunglasses, $155 at Shopbop, Banjo & Matilda cashmere sweater, $265 at Net-A-Porter, Black pump, $89.90 at Zara.
Blogger Natalie Pinto of Fashionably Broke demonstrates how she pairs shorts with winter staples, like sweaters and boots.
Living in Washington is expensive—and filling a closet with items appropriate for all four seasons definitely adds to the cost. But according to some of the city’s most fashionable ladies, there are countless ways to incorporate summer and spring staples into your winter wardrobe. So back away from the corduroys and check out these stylish examples from our favorite fashion bloggers.
Pastels
“My favorite pieces are this mint leather jacket (from Closed, a German brand), these
acid jeans, and this white cable-knit sweater. They’re all from their spring collection
but I’ve decided, why not wear them in winter—because who says you can’t wear pastel
colors when it’s freezing? I styled it with these studded Zara booties and fringed
suede YSL bag; the combination of pastel colors with black details makes this winter
look seem warmer.”
Haya Tetroashvili, GoodGoodGorgeous
Bright Dresses
“To pull of a once-summery dress in the colder months, I use layering. I like to throw another shirt over the dress to create a two-piece look or add a sweater or cardigan and belt it.” Natalie Pinto, Fashionably Broke
While many women put a lot of stock into finding the perfect holiday party dress (more on that later), we prefer to begin our wardrobe prep with a beautiful blouse instead. This year, we’re starting early, and singling out Paul & Joe’s beautiful gold brocade top ($320 at Net-a-Porter) as the ultimate multitasker. The luxe fabric can be dressed up or down, and its gamine Peter Pan collar eliminates the need to worry about necklaces (win!). Here are three supremely festive outfits that showcase its versatility.
A night at the ballet calls for a prim peplum, a dressy wool coat, and ladylike accessories. Pearl clusters are a classic addition, and glittery cap-toe heels keep the look knowingly on trend.
Diana Warner clutch, $218 at Metropark USA; Cool Luck Pleats trench, $136.99 at Romwe; peplum pencil skirt, $68 at Topshop; Fragment pearl studs, $68 at Kate Spade; and Every cap-toe pumps, $265 at J.Crew.
Leather is everywhere this season. We’ve seen it pop up on skinny pants, contrast-sleeve coats, and everything in between—and we definitely don’t hate it. The buttery fabric doesn’t have to scream edgy, though—when picked in the right silhouette and properly styled, it can just whisper it. Here, we’ve fashioned three polished outfits using a feminine semi-pleated skirt that’s flattering on everyone.
Leather can look professional, provided you pair it with the right pieces. A a dainty embellished jacket and sparkly studs play off the toughness of the skirt, and contrasting colored heels are a fun surprise.
Rebecca Taylor skirt, $595 at Net-a-Porter; Co-Ord embellished crop jacket, $190 at Topshop; Isla pumps, $49.95 at SoleSociety; rhinestone clip-ons, $5.80 at Forever 21; and Vince silk shirt, $2169.90 at Nordstrom.
Saturday marks the official start of fall, which means it’s time for three of our favorite things: pumpkin spice lattes, cable-knit sweaters, and scoping out the farmers market for a seasonal gourd or two. It also means folding up your tank tops, packing up your sandals, and . . . wait. Not everything has to go into storage just yet! Several of your summer pieces can easily make the transition to fall. (Case in point: last week’s look at how to bundle up a summer sundress) Here, we took three more warm-weather essentials and styled them with plenty of cozy, fashionable layers. Voilà! Consider the shelf life of these items officially extended.
Neon Jeans
Strapless Floral Under a Sweet Sweatshirt
This summer staple looks fresh with a très chic sweater and a turquoise carryall. Pair with poppy suede flats to keep your toes warm.
Thread Social strapless dress, $174 at the Outnet; Zoe Karssen Ooh La La sweater, $160 at Net-a-Porter; suede ballet flats, $38 at Asos; patent-leather carryall pouch, $56 at American Apparel; brass cuff, $100 at Pyramid Collection; Swatch watch, $50 at Macy’s; and earrings, $11 at Go Jane.
