Full-time fashion and lifestyle blogger Sylvia (48) lives in Washington D.C. and documents her outfits over at Simply Sylvia. She spent most of her adult life in Paris, and admires the way Parisian women “either abide by or ignore fashion rules.” Sylvia chooses her clothes based on what she thinks will look good on her, and her style is quite eclectic. From dressy to sporty casual, preppy to edgy and Modern Classic, she wears it all with equal aplomb.
“My style has adapted to fit my current lifestyle. I used to work full-time in a law firm, so my day-to-day outfits were pencil skirts and fitted dresses, or pants and blouses, and heels. Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, I dress more casually (but hopefully no less stylishly). I would describe my style as effortless, edgy chic.”
For a trip to London, Sylvia wanted lightweight clothes that allow for easy layering and comfortable shoes for all the city walking. This polished casual outfit fits the bill perfectly. Sylvia casualizes a dressy gold metallic midi skirt with a graphic tee and denim jacket. Tucking the T-shirt lengthens the leg line, especially when you wear flats, and showcases the fab pleated skirt. The white sneakers complement the T-shirt and fun oversized sunnies. So does the eye-catching colour blocked bag, which adds extra polish and outfit interest.
Red and black accents give this on trend jeans and sweater look lots of extra punch. Our blogger is sporting cropped frayed hem jeans with a cream texture-rich cable-knit sweater. The side vents and red and black detailing create playful visual interest and give the look a subtle sporty vibe. Layering the sweater over a tee provides coverage and adds warmth. The stars of the show are Sylvia’s bright red boots and black and white chevron patterned bag. Vibrant graphic fabness!
Sylvia pairs two statement pieces found at Zara to create a bold, feminine look. She’s tucked a gingham blouse into a form-fitting navy midi skirt that hugs her curves. The interesting silhouette of the crisp blue and white gingham blouse with its on trend bell sleeves, high neckline, and bright red embroidery is a statement in itself. Combining the blouse with the elegant frilled skirt and black suede lace-up pumps amps up the style factor even more, and gives the outfit a flamenco dancer vibe. Sylvia’s shoulder bag with the cream, red and blue ribbon further plays up that festive feeling.
This is a wonderful example of Angie’s Easy & Pretty Spring Tweed ensemble. Our 5’4’’ blogger is wearing high-waisted cropped jeans with raw-edge panels. The distressed detailing juxtaposes perfectly with the ladylike Chanel-esque topper. Sylvia has left the pretty confetti coloured tweed jacket open to pattern mix with a nautical blue and white striped marinière tee. Tucking the fluid fit tee showcases a black belt that echoes the tips of the two-toned low-heeled slingback pumps. Her tousled waves and oversized sunnies add just the right amount of nonchalance. Sylvia’s beloved shoulder bag makes its third appearance, and works splendidly with the colours of the jacket. Here’s to remixing favourite pieces!
For this stunning and dramatic tonal look in dove grey Sylvia once again brings together two statement pieces. The wool sleeveless dress with its asymmetrical pleated design, tailored waist and full skirt is a little work of art. The architectural lines of this unique dress contrast beautifully with the gauzy fabric of the billowy blouse. The transparent material and oversized bow provide soft, romantic contrast. Refined pointy-toe patent pumps and a black patent bag with gunmetal chain strap are the ladylike finishing touches.
More gingham fun, this time in a smart casual Modern Classic outfit that remixes several fab pieces featured in the previous looks. Sylvia dresses up her distressed, irregular hem jeans with a girly gingham blouse and refined accessories. Tucking the blouse into the jeans tempers the volume of the pouffy bell sleeves. The elbow-length sleeves show the forearms which also creates structure. Popping the collar adds a preppy touch. Our blogger’s black and white chevron Gucci bag and two-toned slingbacks don’t match but go together brilliantly. Large sunnies and soft pink lipstick finish off the look.
What do you think of Sylvia’s elegant and varied style? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her outfits on her blog, Simply Sylvia.
