Some prefer wearing a bold item from time to time, or even most of the time. Silhouette, fit, fabrication, colour, pattern, garment detailing, or trim are all things that can make an item bold. Of course, boldness is relative. Something that seems bold to one person, might seem subtle to another.
Here’s a selection of items that are quite bold to my eye. Some of them are available in an assortment of colour options so be sure to take a peek. I bought the bright red cropped jacket from Zara earlier in the season and absolutely LOVE it. It’s been a “go-to” topper for the last few months because of its Modern Retro sensibility and very happy colour. I also added the Stuart Weitzman gold loafers to my Summer flats capsule, and they have become wardrobe workhorses.
- H&M Lyocell Tunic: A swingy high-low trapeze blouse in a soft, drapey tencel. It's voluminous and dramatic, so consider yourself warned. Sleeves can be hemmed for petites. Might run a size big.
- A-Line Sailcloth Coat with Detachable Hood: A happy raincoat in a cool shade of lemon. Fab quality and good price. Unstructured yet streamlined. Works best on those who can fill it out. Has a hood, side entry pockets, and statement tortoise shell buttons that complement brunettes.
- Zara Floral Embroidered Bomber Jacket: A glam and arty bomber with terrific drape. Best left unzipped.
- H&M Ruffled Silk-blend Blouse: A ruffled blouse for the long-necked and small-busted body type. Architectural.
- J.Crew Teddie pant: A trendy pair of trousers that fits an assortment of body types. The gentle stretch makes them work as well for curvier body types as they do for straighter figures. Easy to hem to the desired length. Might run a size big.
- J.Crew Cotton off-the-shoulder top: Alluring, trendy and very pretty. The fabric is cool, crisp and lovely. The neckline does NOT work on the shoulder so you can only wear the top one way. Might run a size big.
- Elie Tahari Violet Lace Floral Pencil Skirt: Diagonal Patterned Lace Fabness.
- Bailey 44 Zaha Dress: A cold shoulder dress that's very structured. The ruching is quite forgiving on the midsection. Good on curvy and less curvy body types.
- Tracy Reese Asymmetric Floral Print Dress: Dramatic Asymmetrical Fabness. Highly structured until you see the flouncy overlay. Not good on a large bust.
- 3/4-Sleeve Blouse, Paradiso: A boho blouse that works best on those who can fill it out in the shoulders and chest. Lovely fabric. Runs big.
- Vince Camuto Floral Lace Pencil Skirt (Regular & Petite): Make a statement with neon lace. Not scratchy. Great length for taller gals.
- Zara Faux Leather Jacket: The green is a little darker in person. Quite hard-edged despite the happy colour because of the heavy moto detailing. Runs small.
- Jeffrey Campbell 'Ximeno' Lace-Up Platform Sandal (Women): A great chunky sandal for Team Hard Edge. Moderately comfortable. Best on wider feet.
- Vince Camuto 'Cascade' Print Sleeveless Keyhole Blouse (Regular & Petite): A modern retro blouse with an asymmetrical pattern. The torso is poufy so consider yourself warned. Best on a small bust. Fun in all the colours. Runs big.
- Bailey 44 'Angelica' Cold Shoulder Top: A uniquely cut cold shoulder with ample coverage on the arms. Moderately forgiving on the midsection. Good on a larger and smaller bust. Wear with a regular bra.
- Elie Tahari Aisley Floral Silk Blouse: This blouse is like a water colour artwork. Check out the back. Great with black trousers or pencil skirt. Nice with jeans too.
- Tania Knit Keyhole Sweater, Noir: A fun swing top for Team Long Neck. The torso fit is very wide, yet tempered by the structured sleeves and neckline. The dolman sleeves do not layer well under jackets.
- Trouvé Cold Shoulder Open Front Cardigan: A cold shoulder cardigan to wear over sleeveless tops. Fun styling, and light as a feather. Gauzy and delicate. Interesting.
- Adrianna Papell Ruffle Front Crepe High/Low Dress: An architectural ruffle dress that can double as a tunic. Great on a larger bust because of excellent drape. Good on apple shaped body types too. Beautiful in motion. Might run a size big.
- Betsey Johnson Print Stretch Midi Dress: This dress has been a winner on each client that has tried if on. Works surprisingly well on a larger bust and curvier lower half. I wasn't too thrilled about the length of the sleeves, but they work!
- Print Chiffon Midi Dress: A classic fit-and-flare for Team Curvy. Great length for tall gals, and easy to layer with a topper. Read the rave reviews.
- Cold-Shoulder Swing Top, Mojito Splash: A good cold shoulder top for apple shaped body types. Fab on tall gals.
- Elie Tahari 'Arena' Open Toe Wedge Sandal (Women): Sneaker Sandal Bootie Fabness. Best on higher volume feet.
- Nic + Zoe 'Seacoast' High/Low Linen Maxi Dress (Regular & Petite): A very breezy high-low dress that works well on a curvier figure. Might run a little big. It's linen so make sure you're at peace with the crease.
- Stuart Weitzman Women's Schooldays Ballet Flat: A beautifully made loafer that's less yellow gold in person. Cushioning and supportive. VERY comfortable. The scalloped edges are quite soft. Works well on both low and higher volume feet. Comfortable for bunions.
- Vince Camuto 'Kade' Cutout Loafer (Women): The cut-out lacy pattern on these pointy toe loafers makes them a breezy option for Summer. Comfy, and works well on lower and higher volume feet.
- Zara Printed Shirt: Asian Parasol Fabness. A soft and lightweight blouse that works well in hot weather if you prefer to stay covered.
- J.Crew Short-sleeve crewneck sweater in stripe: A high-contrast rugby stripe is less of a commitment in a cropped style. The pullover is substantial (not lightweight). Crisp, sporty, trendy AND classic.
- Zara Short Blazer With Zip: A modern retro jacket with a '60s touch. Drapes beautifully despite the boxy cut. Vibrant and happy, but a little less red-orange in person. Best worn open on a straighter figure. Too short on tall gals.
Browse the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.
