A new outfit from Kelly of Kelly Augustine, who we introduced to YLF in January 2015.

Kelly is sporting a waist-surrendering sack dress with dipped back hem. There’s nothing easier than throwing on a breezy pull-on-and-go frock on a hot day. Picking a dress in a great pattern, like this black and white marble print, automatically creates effective visual interest. The above-the-knee-length lengthens the leg line. Kelly’s heeled lace-up sandals in bright cobalt pack extra punch paired with the neutral print. Our blogger’s bright pink lipstick matches the intensity of the footwear. The dainty jewellery complements the busy pattern of the dress. Her bouncy curls frame the entire look.

A recent post on high-rise jeans caused a gentle stir in the comments section about the size of your bottom in the silhouette. The concern was that your bottom looks larger in high-rise jeans and trousers when you tuck your top to showcase the waistband. Of course this is not the case when leaving tops untucked, or partially tucked in front, because then your bottom is covered.

It’s true. Showcasing your high rise makes your bottom look larger. Conversely, a lower back rise with a tucked top makes it look smaller.

I’m probably in the minority but I LIKE the look of a longer and larger gluteus maximus in fitted high-rise jeans and trousers. For one thing, it lengthens the leg line from the thighs upward. For another, the accentuated curves and defined waistline are sensual. To my eye, these proportions can be very attractive on petite, regular and plus size women. Gone are the days when reducing the size of your bottom was best.

I do agree that showcasing the waistband of high-rise jeans and trousers with a tucked top looks a bit off when you’re very short-waisted, because the silhouette shortens the torso even further (especially when you’re large in the bust).

So I vote yay for larger butts in high-rise jeans and trousers if it doesn’t make your torso look disproportionately short.

What’s your take?

• Adidas is partnering with the Parley for the Oceans initiative to develop fibres made from marine plastic waste.
• For the second year in a row, Adidas Originals is bringing out a capsule collection for Topshop.
• For its seventh DesigNation collaboration Kohl’s is teaming up with Thakoon Panichgul.
• To coincide with Earth Day, J.Crew launched its second Save the Bees campaign on Wednesday.
• The North Face is rolling out its “Clothes the Loop” recycling programme nationwide. The goal for 2015 is to salvage 100,000 pounds of clothes and footwear.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that Liz Claiborne developed marketing strategies that changed how brands are presented in retail stores. She insisted that her clothing line was displayed separately, as a department to itself, accompanied by all the other items she offered. “This was the first time customers were able to select many types of clothing articles by brand name alone in one location of a department store.”

This ensemble was inspired by an outfit in the Banana Republic lookbook, which I thought was a very fashionable way to sport Summer business casual. You could also wear the outfit out to lunch or dinner. Or out and about with a more casual pair of shoes because there is life after jeans. 

Of course, if wearing sleeveless tops and open sandals to work is not an option, substitute those items with a sleeved blouse and closed toe footwear like pumps or flats.

Banana Republic

BR Monogram Leather Moto Vest

$298.00

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Banana Republic

Sleek Wide-Leg Gaucho Pant

$89.50 $79.98

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Culottes have become a trendy and very wearable mainstream item, but they might not be your cup of tea. So I’ve provided cropped pants (ankle length or shorter) and a pencil skirt as alternatives.

Here are the components of the ensemble:

Bottoms: Think black culottes, harem pants, cropped pants or a pencil skirt. I’ve deliberately kept jeans out of the formula, but feel free to substitute these dressy bottoms with black jeans.  

Tops: Choose a light neutral top with or without sleeves in a silhouette that works with the bottoms. Keep the fabric dressy for business casual, or jersey for a more relaxed vibe. Wear the top untucked in a fluid of tailored fit. Choose a print or solid. I like cobalt matched with black if you’d prefer to wear a colour. Solid pastels look fab too. 

Black Vest: You’ll need a black moto vest in leather or pleather, or a dressier style of black vest in a non-leather fabrication. Layer it over the top and wear it open. 

Footwear: Choose black sandals, peep-toe booties, heeled mules, pumps, ankle strap pumps or flats, or slipper flats. I threw in a pair of sneakers for those who want to interpret the ensemble in a Sporty Luxe way. 

Accessories: Finish off the outfit with a Spring or Summer bag, which means preferably not black. I vote metallic, pastel, dove grey, tan or white. I’ve also included a wristlet because sometimes that’s all you need. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

I have yet to add a structured vest (sleeveless jacket) to my own wardrobe. Perhaps this will be the year I do that. Dressy vests provide practical outfit interest on a hot day when it’s too warm to wear a sleeved jacket.