This new-to-her outfit formula really resonated with one of my clients at an outfit creation session last week. It combines long over lean with a short topper and pretty footwear. Here is the formula:

Interesting Tunic + Skinnies + Short Topper + Heels

My client’s woven and knitted tunics have interesting asymmetrical detailing and drape like a dream. The one I’m using here is the layered asymmetric tunic from White House Black Market that looks even better in motion. The sleek bottoms, either skinny jeans or Lyssé leggings, offset the volume of the soft, flowing tunic. The footwear was either heeled booties or pumps. The heels offset the length of the tunic at my client’s almost petite height, while the narrow hem of the skinnies showcased the style of the shoe. The toppers were short, faux leather jackets, thereby maximizing the multiple layers of the outfit and the movement of the drapey tunic. 

Here are two renditions of the outfit formula that we put together. All the pieces are the EXACT items that we used from her closet apart from the jeans, black bag and black booties, which are very similar to the pieces owned by my client. 

Outfit 1

We used a column of ink blue and black in the first combination. A black camisole added warmth under the tunic. The extra drapey black faux leather wrap jacket added even more interesting layers and textures to the outfit. My client prefers refined, ladylike and dainty footwear, but you could add a chunky pair of shoes if that’s more to your taste.

We finished off the outfit with a clutch because she was going out that evening, but feel free to use any style of bag. It’s Winter so my client needed her red coat to go over the top while she was outside. The cocoon shape of the coat is a brilliant style because it’s sufficiently roomy to layer over a multilayered outfit.

Outfit 2

As an alternative, we broke up the outer column of colour and added a contrasting topper and booties in taupe and cream. It dressed down the look a little, making it more appropriate for a less dressy setting. To my eye, the contrast pieces made the look a little more unexpected and fun.

We finished off the outfit with the same roomy red cocoon coat but with a more casual black “everyday” satchel.

These are merely two renditions of this extremely comfortable outfit formula that you can take into many different directions. For starters, you can wear straight leg, bootcut or cropped denim jeans with the tunics. You can also choose any colour palette, and there is no need to stick to a column of colour. Create tonal or high-contrast versions instead. The high-contrast versions might need a little more forethought if you’re concerned about a short leg line. Substitute the short jacket for a short cardigan. And last, you can wear flats, but be mindful about how that affects your leg line. Add jewellery, eyewear, scarf, headgear and watch as desired.

The Macy’s huge sale ends today. Here are some of the items that caught my eye when I was in store on Friday. Some worked well on my clients. In many instances the items are available in petite, regular and plus, and in several colours. Thank you Macy’s, for giving us very deep size curves. 

• INC International Concepts Petite Printed Zip-Front Flare Dress, Only at Macy's: A knitted dress WITH LONG SLEEVES in a soft and substantial knitted fabric. Excellent on a curvy petite with a defined waist.
• INC International Concepts Printed Three-Quarter-Sleeve Midi Dress, Only at Macy's: A body-con knit dress in a vibrant pattern with plenty of length for tall girls. The slash neck is good on a long neck. Quite clingy so not good for muffin top.
• Alfani Petite Printed Surplice Blouse, Only at Macy's: A graphic folded wrap blouse in cobalt. Excellent on a curvy body and apple shape. A little wide at the hem for narrow hips. Runs big. The black and mustard colour option is as fab.
• Alfani Draped Side-Zip Top, Only at Macy's: A thick and substantial drape front top with built-in camisole. Runs big, but drapes well. Very good at camouflaging midsection extra bits. Good for travel.
• Alfani Printed Zip-Trim Dolman Sleeve Top, Only at Macy's: A '70s dolman shaped knitted top with fun retro front zipper detailing. Runs big, and is best on a broad shoulder line.
• Alfani Printed Draped Hardware Top, Only at Macy's: A great tailored knit top for curvy hourglasses and pear shaped body types. The front pleat detail is forgiving on tummy extras too. Interesting print placement.
• Anne Klein Jacquard Topper Jacket, Sleeveless Pleated Top & Jacquard-Print Slim-Leg Pants: A statement jacquard dress coat in a fluid fit. Retro and well made. Read the rave reviews.
• Anne Klein Double-Breasted Long Peacoat: A modern classic longer length peacoat in a yummy shade of purple. It works really well on curvy body types, and looks as good left unbuttoned. Read the rave reviews.
• Anne Klein Jacquard-Print Slim-Leg Pants: High-waisted dressy jacquard trousers that fit a curvy figure with a long rise or regular length waist quite well. Fit is quite good on a straighter figure too. Read the rave reviews.
• Alfani Plus Size Textured Zip-Pocket Blazer, Only at Macy's: A tailored blazer that's good on a large bust and curvy figure. Might run big. Great in cobalt.
• Laundry by Shelli Segal Reversible Faux-Fur Quilted Coat: A brilliant fully reversible coat. Puffer on the one side, and fuzzy on the other. Tailored, fun, well made and unique. Read the rave reviews.
• Alfani Printed Chiffon-Trim Tunic Top & Paneled Waist Skinny Pants, Only at Macy's: YAY. At last, some blouses with interesting sleeve treatment. This one is great on a broader shoulder. Plenty of length for tall gals.

You can also see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

André Courrèges and David Bowie pass away, Grace Coddington shifting roles at Vogue, the world’s most sustainable corporations, and other news from the style trenches this month.

• Iris Apfel has teamed up with Wise Wear for a line of wearable tech that looks like real jewellery.
• H&M is launching a collection of eco-friendly skincare products.
• In other news, the Swedish retailer is planning to open 425 more stores worldwide in 2016.
• André Courrèges, the innovative French fashion designer, passed away on January, 7.
• This month we sadly also had to say goodbye to legendary musician, pop chameleon and fashion icon David Bowie.
• For its next fashion collaboration Target has teamed up with spinning giant SoulCycle.
• Grace Coddington is shifting roles at Vogue. She will continue on as Creative Director at Large and take on outside projects.
• An Alexander McQueen biopic is in the works.
• Manolo Blahnik will also be profiled in an in-depth documentary.
• Here’s a first look at the new Uniqlo and Christophe Lemaire Spring collection.
• Mattel is adding tall, curvy and petite body types to its Barbie doll line.
• Two museums dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent are opening in 2017.
• This Summer, Athleta is introducing Athleta Girl, a line for girls aged 6 to 14.
• According to Canadian research group Corporate Knights, Adidas, H&M, and Marks & Spencer are among the world’s most sustainable corporations.
• J.Crew just launched its first full-fledged sunglasses collection.
• Guess has released smart jeans that promise to moisturize and calm your Winter-dry legs.
• Uber is planning to make same-day deliveries in select U.S. cities for retailers like Nordstrom, Rent the Runway, and Cole Haan.

Fun Fashion Fact

French industry legend André Courrèges is credited as the inventor of the miniskirt (together with Mary Quant) and famous for his go-go boots. But did you know he was also one of the first designers to popularize pants for women and make them a high-fashion item, appropriate for formal and business attire.

This ensemble was inspired by an outfit I saw on Pinterest. Since I’m wearing my pearls again, I’m especially interested in this easy-to-pull-together combination. In fact, I’m sure I’ve worn a version of it before. It combines modern classics with trendier pieces. In fact, you’ll probably be able to shop your closet for most of the components. 

The components of the ensemble:

Jeans: Choose any style of jeans in black, blue or grey denim. The wearer in the photo is wearing boyfriend jeans, but feel free to wear skinnies, cropped straight legs, culottes, flares, boot cuts, clamdiggers, shorts or straight legs. Or wear a denim skirt if that’s more your style 

Striped Top: Choose a T-shirt or pullover in black, navy or grey and white stripes. Of course, you can choose any colour in the stripes, but the classic combination in neutrals does look sharp. A white or cream stripe also picks up the colour of white pearls. That said, a grey striped top picks up the colour of grey pearls. 

Moto Jacket: Choose a black, grey, ink or white moto jacket. A denim jacket in black or white is also fab. If you’re not into moto jackets, choose any style of black, grey or white topper that works with the outfit. Feel free to layer a coat over the entire outfit if it’s cold.  

Pearls: Make a statement with baubles! Add a pearl necklace in a chunky style because pearls look more playful and trendy when they are oversized or clustered. If chunky pearls aren’t your cup of tea, stick to a classic strand with small beads. Or choose pearl earrings or a pearl bracelet if necklaces aren’t your thing. 

Footwear: Add any style of fashionable sneaker, boot, pump, loafer, flatform or platform that works with the outfit. Keep the colour black, white, cream, metallic or red. 

Handbag: A red handbag with fringe creates a fun juxtaposition, but you can choose any red or  fringed bag. And if that doesn’t work, choose a bag that completes the outfit your way. Add extra jewellery, eyewear, headgear, hosiery and watch as desired. 

I can put the look together right away with what’s in my wardrobe, and here are the exact pieces.  There might be a denim skirt in the mix soon too.