If the waistband on a pair of trousers or jeans is slightly too large, they will slip down. An alteration can prevent this, and is most effective when there’s a large portion of the waistband that needs taking in and the fit of the bottoms is curvy. 

Sometimes the alteration is not worth the effort and expense because the waistband is only slightly too large, but still sufficiently ill-fitting to make you tug at your bottoms all day. Or they fit well in the morning, but bag out and fall down by the afternoon. That’s when an invisible elastic belt works wonders. 

I have a bit of a swayback, which means that waistbands sometimes don’t fit perfectly closely right at the back of my waist. The space looks negligible to the eye, but it’s big enough to make me tug at my pants and jeans during the day. Annoying. So I bought Beltaway belts in navy and white to wear with a few pairs of jeans, and they work like a charm. The belts are flat, lightweight, unobtrusive, comfortable, and wear like iron. They are not for show, so they only work when you wear tops out and over bottoms to hide the belt.

Invisible belts are also a way to make bottoms that are a little big fit for longer while you’re on a weight loss plan. And last, they can do the trick when you don’t want to risk adjusting the fit on the hips and thighs of a pair of jeans and trousers by altering a slightly too large waistband.

This post is not for the bohemian loving gals who rock their strong boho-chic style. Instead, it’s meant for those who are slightly boho-averse, or need some encouragement to introduce an element of boho into their look. 

I would not describe my style as bohemian. In fact, I used to say that my style is as bohemian as Karl Lagerfeld. But I do find aspects of the bohemian vibe fabulous, and understand the visual and practical appeal. Incorporating a single bohemian item into an outfit creates a vibe that is boho-lite. Here are six things that I find appealing about this look.

1. Casual

Bohemian outfits are casual, which comes in handy when you fear looking too dressed up. A boho-lite look is versatile because it adds a casual edge to a dressier outfit, thereby making it appropriate in more settings.

2. Breezy

Bohemian blouses and knitted tops are roomy and lightweight, making them ideal for hot weather. They’re usually sleeved, which makes them a covered yet ventilating wardrobe item. The A-line silhouette is forgiving and comfortable on the midsection. Bohemian dresses, pants and skirts are equally lightweight and breezy. 

3. Interesting

Bohemian blouses and tops are to my eye a lot more interesting, textural and flattering than a basic T-shirt. Combining shorts with a boho blouse is a smashing way to look fab in the relentless heat. 

4. Pretty

Bohemian style detailing like bell sleeves, flounces, ruffles, gathers, embroideries, smocking and kimono sleeves have a prettiness to them that I personally find very appealing. It’s the romantic and alluring aspect of the boho-lite look that ultimately made me a convert. 

5. Juxtaposition

The irregular juxtaposition of wardrobe items has defined our fashion era. For example, the “pure” Hippy Chic lady might combine a boho blouse with bell-bottoms, wedged cork sandals, and fringed suede bag. The lady creating the boho-lite look might combine the same boho blouse with trendy cropped jeans with staggered hems, fashion sneakers, a string of chunky pearls, and graphic clutch. The irregular juxtaposition of the items in the second outfit is modern, borrowing from many fashion personas. 

6. Trendless 

The bohemian vibe is iconic, Modern Retro, and therefore beyond current fashion trends. Bohemian Hippy Chic has its fashion moments, but is always in style. It’s hard to look dated in a pretty boho blouse, an elegant pair of bell-bottoms, fun fringe bag, or tasseled scarf.

And last, to my eye, a pair of bell-bottom jeans or trousers – think bootcuts on steroids – looks elegant sported at a floor-grazing length with heels. Leg lengthening and slimming. The tailored fit on the thighs is sensual. The swooshing of the wider hems is fun and theatrical. 

I’m a boho-lite convert. How about you?

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Time to check in on the style goals that we set at the beginning of the year. There have been two important updates that have affected my style and shopping strategy since I set my goals in January. First, I can no longer walk comfortably in heels that are higher than an inch and a half. I had to pass on my two-inch heeled boots and pumps, and therefore need to prioritize footwear purchases. Second, I need more casual outfits that I can wear when I visit my darling Dad in the Netherlands every few months to help out.

I set twelve goals in January, and I’ve managed to reach some of them. 

1. Wear outfits that are Modern, Crisp, Soft, Retro and Dressy

Check. My mood for pretty, soft, sleek, refined and polished outfits has not changed, despite a more casual look from time to time. I’m vigilant about adding “the pretty” into every outfit. For example, I wear utility pants with flouncy blouses and dainty pointy toe flats. I wear pretty pink sneakers with a matching soft scarf, and pastels year round. My chunky white pearls adorn most of my outfits which adds a crisp, retro and dressy integrity to my look. I also got a new pair of specs, which are as Modern Retro as can be. Catseye, dark brown and dressy. 

Although I’ve added a casual component to my style, I don’t wear T-shirts and sweatshirts unless they are “stay-at-home” loungewear. I only wear leggings for yoga. I don’t do Athleisure either, which is why my casual style is dressier no matter what.  

2. Explore Maximal style my way

Check. I’m having a ball. After a five year hiatus, I started wearing my pearls 18 months ago and haven’t looked back. I’ve rekindled my fondness for scarves, and am wearing a pearl bracelet with my watch daily. I’m pattern mixing more, and creating matchy-matchy complements with footwear and accessories. 

3. Add more elegant, polished touches to my style

Room for improvement. Over the years, I’ve relied on heeled ankle strap pumps to add a touch of elegance to my outfits. But since I can’t wear footwear like that any more, I have to rethink my strategy. Yes to dressy pointy toe flats and chain handle bags. I HAVE added dressy silk blouses that make me feel elegant for Summer. Keeping most of my coats dressy is one way I plan to feel elegant in Autumn and Winter. 

4. Continue wearing signature colours and add turquoise into the mix

Almost. Yes to buying and wearing my signature colours (sour brights, shades of white, and ink blue,) but I have yet to add more turquoise to the mix. I have my hopes set on finding a turquoise coat.

5. Wear red shoes with matching bags in Spring and Summer 

Check. I’ve been wearing my red complement throughout the Spring and Summer, and loving it. I almost bought another red bag, but decided that my mini chain handle bag was fine. I might add red boots and satchel for Winter. 

After buying a pair of blush sneakers and loafers, I’ve been enjoying my blush complement a lot more than I expected, and wear it at least as much as the red. If not more.

6. Only wear black in small doses

Check. Ink blue and navy are my “black”. I wear black with white, or in a patterned item, and not nearly as regularly as dark blue or white. 

7. Fine-tune my list of wardrobe essentials and add more fashion

Check. I did that in March. 

8. Wear skirts and dresses more frequently year round

Room for improvement. I’ve worn skirts less frequently than I had hoped, favouring pants, jeans and dresses. I’m learning that I prefer dresses to skirts, despite the fact that dresses are harder to fit and find at a knee-covering length. Intuitively, I have NOT added skirts to my wardrobe this year. 

I’m all over wearing my frocks over cropped straights and flares because I feel fabulous and very comfy in the combination. I haven’t worn my lace dresses that often though, and need to give them a whirl before the weather is cold. 

9. Wear dressy trousers more frequently

Room for improvement. I’m still a bit precious over the pairs of trousers that need frequent dry-cleaning. I reach for the styles that I can launder myself, or that don’t need frequent dry-cleaning. Lesson learned. 

10. Continue to mix high-end and low-end items in one outfit

Check. My 2017 purchases reflect the same high-low strategy. 

11. NOT purchase more silver shoes or items with silver hardware

Check. I am very focussed on gold and not all tempted by silver shoes. 

12. Have even MORE fun with fashion

Check. Committing to flats and very low heels, and making them work for my dressy and polished style has been a fun challenge. I look forward to repeating the exercise in Autumn and Winter. I’ve also made a number of wild card purchases, which is exhilarating, and a topic for another day.  

I’m in a very happy place with my evolving style. The practical changes were necessary and I’m making them work without compromising my style aspirations. 

Over to you.

The first permanent Everlane store, a new Birkenstock project, the next H&M designer collaboration, and more style news that made headlines in July.

• Have a look at the trailer for the Manolo Blahnik documentary “Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards.”
• Costume jewellery designer Kenneth Jay Lane has passed away at age 85.
• For its next designer collaboration, H&M is teaming up with Erdem.
• Birkenstock is embarking on a new project with a pop-up store that will travel around the globe. Next stop is the US in August.
• Here’s a peek at the J.W. Anderson for Uniqlo collection.
• Colette, the famed Parisian fashion emporium, is closing its doors after twenty years.
• Nike has launched a pilot programme with Amazon to directly sell a limited product assortment on its website.
• ASOS is being praised for its decision to stop airbrushing its swimsuit and lingerie models.
• Everlane is opening its first permanent flagship store in San Francisco’s Mission neighbourhood.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that it’s not Cyber Monday that is the biggest day for online shopping. This title belongs to Singles’ Day, a Chinese holiday celebrated on November 11. On this day, single people are enouraged to send gifts to themselves, and in 2016 the event broke all previous records with $17.8 billion in sales.