StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

ask us

( have a style question? email us )

Q. I have several solid cardigans (from J.Crew) in bright purples, blues and yellows. Because they are bright I don’t want to pair a bright, printed top with them, but I want something more that just a plain tank or tee. Do you have any ides for a solid tee or casual shirt that has some detail to it?

A. Your bright cardigans are a great way to add color to your fall/winter look. Even better, there are many options for what to wear underneath that are an upgrade from a basic tank or tee. Some ideas to try: a soft chambray button down, a printed blouse, a sequin tank, a tie-front blouse (this season’s must-have), a Peter Pan collar, or a soft drapey top. Look for neutral colors or brights that match well with your cardigan color, or opt for one of fall’s top trends and choose a contrasting bright color for a color-blocked look.

Here are some options for you:

bright-cardigan-pairing-180.jpg

Q. I have seen some ladies wear rain boots as winter boots. Is this okay? I bought some fabulous black Michael Kors rain boots and I bet if I put warm socks on underneath they would be warm enough to double as winter boots here in Washington, D.C. It would be great to get some extra mileage out of them.

A. Yes! Actually, I often wear my rubber rain boots in the winter, especially since they are a tiny bit big on me, so there’s plenty of room for thick socks. Even better, there are rain boot liners or Welly Socks available that are made specifically for the purpose of wearing with your rubber Welly-style rain boots in cooler weather. They come in a variety of fabrications including fleece, faux fur, and cable knit wool in everything from simple colors to wild animal prints. Here are a few to consider:

welly-socks-180.jpg
productWidgetImage?id=261762730&size=XLarge&imageUrl=1fce6a72a9a4871d0d12354400ef9e38

Q. I love polka dots and I know they are a huge trend for fall. I absolutely love polka dot tights but I’m not sure how to wear them without looking silly. Any suggestions?

A. You’ve hit on one of the hottest trends of the season, polka dots, and spotted hosiery is a chic way to incorporate the trend. The obvious looks to pair your polka dot tights with include little black dresses, pencil skirts, and more. But really, you can wear them as you would any pair of black tights: with everything from tweed midi skirts to slinky dresses in bright colors. They’re easiest to pair with monochromatic skirts and dresses, but you can also try mixing them with other prints. Check out our tips on pattern mixing from earlier this week.

How to mix prints

Q. I loved your recent editorial piece on pattern mixing. I actually purchased the ASOS Irregular Striped Midi skirt (one of the featured items). I have not worn it yet because I was unsure what to pair it with but now I’d love to try it with a blouse in a contrasting print. Could you offer some suggestions?

A. Not only is this the perfect skirt to carry you over into fall, it’s also a great print to mix with other prints. Here are some tips to consider when mixing patterns:

1. Mix large prints with smaller prints. Since the skirt features a large graphic stripe print, it will pair easily with smaller prints.

2. Choose prints that match at least one color. The black in the skirt pairs well with a top that also includes black, especially as a background color.

3. Choose prints that are not similar to each other. The vertical stripe of the skirt should not be repeated in the top.

4. Prints that are not next to each other are easier to match. Since the skirt has an all-over print, it pairs easily with a top that only features a print on the upper half of it.

pattern-mixing-tips-180.jpg

Q. I have a beautiful pair of black patent leather pumps that I wore a bit in the spring and not much in the summer. Can I wear them in the fall and winter? If so, what kind of hose? It would be too cold to go bare legged and I don’t think I’d like black tights with the patent leather.

patent-pumps-11-180.jpg

A. You absolutely can wear patent leather in the fall, in fact, you can wear your patent pumps year round. As for hosiery, black tights are a natural fit for your black patent pumps, you can also try a print or patterned tight like lace.

get the scoop


subscribe to our free weekly email! rss feed follow us on Twitter! Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Pinterest!

like us on facebook!

subscribe + win




email:


Around the Web:

Archives