There are many ways to incorporate a faux fur vest into an outfit. With my clients we often fall back on two easy renditions that are flop proof winners. It’s about creating a streamlined column of colour under the vest to offset its bulk. The vest takes centre stage and the support act submits to its glory. 

Choose any colour palette, but you might find it easier to stick to neutrals because of the faux fur. Here are the components of the outfit:

Column of Colour: Create a low contrast between the top and bottom. Wearing a black, charcoal grey or ink blue top with black trousers/skirt or dark blue jeans will create an effective column. Feel free to substitute the separates with a solid sheath dress. Although I’ve shown columns in dark neutrals here, mid-tone and light columns are just as fab. 

Faux Fur Vest: Without the faux fur vest, this formula falls flat. No substitutes. Faux fur vests come in varied silhouettes, and mixed media versions are fun too. Choose any colour in a solid or pattern. Shorter lengths tend to work well with dresses, while longer lengths are good with trousers and jeans.  

Footwear: Choose a footwear style that works with the bottoms, and feel free to add hosiery for insulation.   

Topper: A long arctic puffer usually fits over the bulky outfit if you need warm layers for outside. Another option is to wear a streamlined jacket over the top and under the vest for an interesting layered look. 

Accessories: Finish off the outfit with a bit of bling and a fun bag. Earrings tend to work well here because necklaces can disappear under the vest. Add eyewear, watch, headgear as desired.

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Racked believes that the popular trend of customizing items of clothing has shifted from a come-and-go fad to a thriving, permanent category. They are listing six brands “that specialize in making things your way”.

From Madewell’s denim monogramming service to hand-painted leather jackets, here’s a guide to personalizing, customizing and monogramming your clothes.

Would you consider having your workout leggings customized?

Customization has also reached new heights in the beauty product industry.

Fab Links from Our Members

Janet wanted to share this powerful message on grey hair and other matters of appearance.

Joy thought these suggestions for different ways to knot a too long belt might come in handy.

UmmLila directs us to an article that investigates what we really mean when we say something is ‘flattering’.

Vix recently discovered Refinery29’s “Unstyled” podcast series that explores style, body image, body size, the business of fashion etcetera via interviews with well-known women. 

Sally thought this article, asking if you should have a signature style, was a good read.

What’s better than an ugly holiday sweater, asks Milkshake chugging, burger loving glutton. A 2-person ugly holiday sweater, of course.

While looking at possible ways to pep up a sweater dress that’s in the holding zone, she also came across this roundup of tights the editors at StyleCaster can’t live without.

As we wrap up for cold weather, there’s a common question that my clients ask about how to choose the scarf for their outfits. Should they choose one to match the outfit, or to match the coat? It’s particularly tricky if the scarf matches the outfit but clashes with the coat. And choosing a scarf that matches the coat but not the outfit can leave you feeling off after removing the coat.

My answer is that it’s a personal preference. I strive to choose a scarf that works with both the outfit and the coat. That way I can keep my scarf on indoors when removing the coat, and can even use it as a wrap if I need to. 

When I can’t match both, I choose a scarf that matches the coat but clashes with the outfit. My solution is to remove the scarf with the coat when I’m indoors so that I feel best in the outfit. I also make sure that I’m wearing a top that doesn’t need a scarf to look fabulous. 

Over to you? Do you match your scarf to your coat or outfit, or both?

Dressing up denim is one of the most popular outfit choices to wear to casual holiday bashes these days. It usually means adding dressy sparkle, shine and glitz to jeans, but you could glitz up a denim jacket or skirt too. 

The most important part of the outfit is the bling because that’s what creates a festive vibe, and sets the outfit apart from regular jeans outfits. Incorporate bling by wearing shiny clothing and footwear, and/or add it in the form of accessories, nail polish and make-up. 

Outfits can be colourful or neutral. Metals can be mixed or matching. Footwear can be flat or heeled, as long as it’s at least smart casual. That said, a pair of blingy sneakers could work quite well too. 

Here are the components of the outfit: 

Jeans: Choose a current style of jeans in any wash. Bootcuts, bell bottoms, boyfriends, culottes, skinnies, straight legs, flared crops, straight crops or staggered hem crops – it’s all good. My own preference for this ensemble is for dark blue jeans, but by all means choose light blue and grey jeans too.

Top: Think pullovers, blouses, shell tops and upscale sweatshirts with embellishment and texture. Wear a style that’s alluring like a cold shoulder silhouette. Make sure the top works with the jeans, and tuck or semi-tuck as desired. Or keep the top simple and pile on the jewellery. A simple silky shell with a cardigan plus bling jewellery can work. 

Topper: Add a jacket, coat or wrap that works with the outfit. I vote add some texture like brocade, boiled wool, houndstooth, faux fur, leather, pleather, or simply wear an eye-catching colourful coat. 

Footwear: I vote dressy flats or heels. Shiny shoes are even more festive. Animal print is good too. Add knee-highs, tights or socks for insulation. 

Accessories: As a nod to the Maximal trend, you MUST accessorize the outfit! Add a dressier bag. Statement necklaces, cuffs, bracelets, brooches, rings, earrings and fascinators are fabulous. Glittery belts and furry mufflers are fun. Bold nail polish, mascara, eyeliner and lippie pack extra punch. And a smile on your face is the best accessory of all. 

Feel free to wear an embellished jacket or jeans and keep the top simple. And although I’ve shown neutrals with burgundy and a hint of chartreuse here, remixing ANY colour that makes you happy is fab.

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