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Outfit Formula: Patterned Luxe

— by Angie

on February 12, 2021

If you’re in the mood for a luxe, structured, and dressier vibe that is still relatively comfortable, take a look at these outfits. They might inspire you to pull together a similar look from your own wardrobe, put a potentially fab item on your shopping list, or spark an idea for another outfit. These outfits showcase pants, which is quite a practical choice in Winter, but feel free to substitute a skirt. Choose any colour palette and let the creative juices flow.

1. Dramatic Coat and Shoe Sandwich

This is a great formula, especially when you’re out and about and need to keep your outerwear on most of the time. It’s about creating a quiet outfit of neutral wardrobe essentials — like flared jeans and a blouse — and finishing things off with a spectacular topper and pair off shoes that make a statement. When the coat comes off, the wearer keeps things interesting with a pair of gigantic hoops that bookend the gold loafers. I don’t wear earrings so I’d rely on my statement eyewear and essential pearl necklaces to make the outfit look finished without the statement coat.

2. Matching Triple Plaid

This is a hectic look with plenty of harmony. The outfit combines three plaids, which are in a similar palette, and have the same geometric integrity. Therein lies the harmony, because the eye can rest when it finds colour and pattern matching. The topper and pants create a tonal match of sorts, because the plaids are almost the same, albeit across very different scales. The yellow tartan bag picks up the yellow in the other patterns. Simple wardrobe essentials like a neutral top and boots are easy additions that complete the outfit.

3. Three Patterns and a Solid Support Act

A neutral pair of micro-check pants are paired with a striped top in a similar neutral palette. The micro-check is a false plain that functions much like a solid. A scarf that picks up the neutrals in the outfit adds a vibrant touch, and is the focal point because it’s the only place in the look where non-neutrals are represented. That makes them stand out. Wardrobe essentials, like a black coat and oxfords, quietly finish off the outfit and let the rest stand out. The outfit would also look great without the scarf.

4. Playfully Structured and Suited

A suit in a subtle plaid takes the strictness out of the corporate silhouette, without looking unprofessional. The green top matches the green stripe in the plaid and creates a fun pop of colour. It’s also the focal point of the outfit. I like the green, but would probably have kept things neutral and crisp with a cream layering top to match the cream boots. Gorgeous nonetheless. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Formulas

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Weekly Roundup: Dressier Items

— by Angie

on February 11, 2021

Here’s a collection of items that have a lot of potential and can be worn across the seasons. I’ve thrown in some dressier tops because you might be craving just that after eleven months of casual pandemic attire. I know I am. Many of the items have great reviews, and some items are on sale. Happy browsing!

Hobbs Sonya Printed Top: A knitted top made of soft and luxe viscose elastine. Great layering top for under jackets, or to wear on its own. Fitted.
Lois Hill Sterling Silver Scroll Stud Earrings: An elaborate pair of studs when you're in the mood to elevate from simple and minimal earrings.
Hobbs Elva Silk Horse Printed Scarf: If you like horses, jewel tones, and square silk scarves, give this one a go.
Halston Prisma Long-Sleeve Asymmetrical Jersey Dress: A long-sleeved black jersey dress with lots of gorgeous drape and visual ruching interest. You need to showcase the waist in the silhouette, which is fitted. Will look as good worn as a tunic over cropped cigarette pants or flared crops. Comes in white.
M&S Collection Jersey Floral Circle Midi A-Line Skirt: An easy and very comfy jersey midi to pair with a welted or cropped hoodie or sweatshirt and sneakers, or a dressier support act. A tee with knotted hem could work too. Click the link to see some fun sporty styling.
L.K.Bennett Alessandra Purple Bouclé Double-Breasted Coat: A very well-made knee-length purple belted bouclé coat is a rare find and playfully chic. This one is on sale.
L.K.Bennett Ingrid Argyle Merino Cotton Jumper: A cropped sweater for Team Bright Argyle looks awfully fun and this one is on my radar. The fabric blend of cotton and wool is appealing too. It reminds me of a fun golfing outfit.
Kate Spade cat dot top: A classic and pretty blouse for Team Black & White and cat lovers.
Kit & Ace Effortless Merino Wave Long Sleeve Tee: A machine-washable woolly tee that looks a little more polished than a regular jersey tee. Fluid, yet tailored. The structured tapered hem allows it to work well for skirts and wider pants - much like a banded bottom without the band. Layers quite well under jackets. Comes in black and grey. An effective blank canvas for statement jewellery. Great wardrobe essential.
Kit & Ace Featherlight Pants: A VERY lightweight and wrinkle-resistant pair of pants that works well for a curvier body type. Roomy on the thighs. Dress it up or down. Comes in a mid-tone blue.
Kit & Ace Go To Jacket: A unique knee-length fluidly tailored blazer with very long side slits to create a dramatic touch. It's machine-washable, partly made of recycled polyester, and available in dark neutrals. Click the link to see it in motion and styled in a simple yet effective way. Dress it up or down. A good wardrobe essential.
Radley London Baylis Road Suede Multiway: A beautifully made satchel and convertible crossbody in a rich shade of navy. On sale.
Radley London Elia Mews Small Zip Top Crossbody: A casual and robust Spring and Summer crossbody for Team Lilac.
Kit & Ace 3-in-1 Jacket: A topper that can be worn as a short jacket, long belt-less trench coat, or a long vest. Click on the link to see how. Cotton-rich and machine-washable. Comes in tan and black.
Ted Baker London Lyhndi Bergamot Flocked Sweatshirt: This is the type of easy and slightly architectural sweatshirt that looks great with skirts and wider pants. A forgiving silhouette that is structured and tailored in all the right places.
Fuzzi Leopard & Floral Print Ruffle Mesh Skirt: A fun and very comfy skirt that you can wear romantically, or with a hard edge. Works well on a straighter and curvier figure because the mesh follows the contour of the body.
Ted Baker London Decadence Floral Long Sleeve Top: A beautifully crafted navy floral blouse for Team Long Neck and Arms, who like cool colours. Best on a regular size bust. Gorgeous with white pants.
Donna Karan New York Donna Karan Print Tunic: This type of tunic works well on a slew of body types, but you have to be okay with the architectural volume. The pattern cleverly tempers the volume with its diagonal integrity. Make sure it fits on the shoulders and that the sleeves are sufficiently tailored. You can unbutton the collar too.
Ted Baker London Rococco High Neck Blouse: An awfully pretty teal blouse for Team Modern Victoriana. You need to wear and like mock turtlenecks to like the fit of this type of neckline. Wear it untucked over slimmer pants.
Ted Baker London Cannan Woven Peplum Shirt: A shirt with a peplum can look playfully pretty and very crisp. Forgiving on the midsection, breezy, and versatile. I can see it work with a range of bottoms, and layer under a topper. I have my eye on this one, and it's on order.
mDesign Expandable Makeup Organizer for Bathroom Drawers, Vanities, Countertops: Organize Makeup Brushes, Eyeshadow Palettes, Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Blush, Concealer - Adjustable Width - Clear: If you are a make-up minimalist like me, this tray is the bomb, and all you need. It's compact, versatile, easy to use and clean, and awfully neat and tidy. I store all my make-up in this tray with nail files, nail clippers and eye-brow tweezer, with room to spare.
Boden Rosie Jersey Top: I've been looking for a Breton stripe in a trendier silhouette, and this is it. Very roomy on the midsection and with an architectural dropped '80s sleeve. The hem tapers a little and has bound side slits so it works beautifully worn out over bottoms. It has a subtle sleeve cuff, and a bound neck too. Substantial rugby jersey fabric, and well made. Comes in neutrals.
Boden Cashmere Crew Cardigan: This is beautifully refined with gorgeous small tortoise shell buttons. It's tailored, classic, and chic. You might need to size up if you prefer a roomier fit. It's longer, and can be worn buttoned up, which is how I wear the citron. I unbutton the top button and the last two buttons on the bottom to create a different type of "pullover" look with a cardigan. Comes in many colours. It's a versatile item for my style.
Boden Eldon Crop Cardigan: SUPER cute cropped little cotton cardigan with darling gold buttons. VERY comfy. This has a lovely boxy '60s look to it that stole my heart. I wear it all buttoned up like a top with a higher rise or skirt.
Steve Madden Steve Madden: Super fun and comfy perforated sneakers for hotter weather. Airy and ventilating. Comes in three more colours. Might need to size up.
Halogen Argyle Sweater: A fun argyle that comes in SIX colour variations. Some of the variations are subtle, and some very bold. Roomy fit so size down.
Dolce Vita Huey Bootie: Super cute Winter bootie with a crisp white rubber lug sole. To my eye, the white sole MAKES the boot. Not too heavy, and quite comfortable. Add an insole for extra cushioning comfort. Might not work on high insteps because it's a pull-on style. Good for high arches. Chunky yet reasonably refined. Not too wide on the ankle.
L.L.Bean Women's Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt, Relaxed Zip Hoodie: This hooded plaid zip-through shirt comes in eleven plaids and is very size inclusive. It's quite unique, and looks good layered over a long sleeved thermal tee with jeans, joggers or utility pants. Runs roomy.