Now that we’re eight months into the year it’s time to check in on the style goals that we set back in January. I’ve done more shopping than usual thanks to a few trips abroad and an especially successful Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I’ve bought several wild cards that have worked out well. 

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

#1 To wear Simple outfits that are Modern, Crisp, Dressy and Bold.

Moving away from a Tomboy fashion persona, I’m in the mood for a prettier, softer, sleeker and more ladylike style direction. No hard edge or overly masculine combinations. The style moniker I aspire to is Urban Pretty, and the adjectives I use to describe it are: Simple, Modern, Crisp, Dressy and SOFT (instead of Bold, which I’ve been using for years). 

#2 To continue adding a refined and soft element to my style as I marry my favourite style personas, Modern Classic, Punk, Trendy Fashionista and Androgynous into a cohesive look that is age appropriate and attractive. 

My new soft and pretty style direction has left a large portion of the Androgynous fashion persona behind. I’ve let go of my bold spiked hair and grown out my fringe to a softer ‘80s ‘do. I now prefer to wear blouses and knitwear to boyish button-down shirts, and I’ve added more dresses too. I’m also adding Retro Futurism as a style persona because I’m drawn to the glam looks from the ‘70s and cheeky styles of the ‘60s while ‘80s silhouettes stay close to my heart. I continue to sport modern classics with trends.

#3 To continue mixing high-end and low-end pieces in one outfit. 

Check. 

#4 To continue experimenting with trouser and jeans styles in both solids and patterns throughout the year. 

Check. I’ve moved away from blue boyfriend jeans and I’m sticking to white because they’re prettier, crisper and dressier. I’ve also added skinny pants and jeans, high-waisted cropped pants and jeans, cropped kick flared jeans, red wool trousers and a jumpsuit to my wardrobe.   

#5 To continue experimenting with button-down shirts and knitwear styles because they never let me down. 

I haven’t bought a single modern classic button-down shirt this year. I’ve moved over to soft blouses, all sorts of knitwear, mixed media knitwear, and the occasional knitted top.  

#6 To NOT purchase too many black wardrobe items because I only enjoy black in small doses.

Check. I’ve purchased a solid short-sleeved black turtleneck this year and that’s it. 

#7 To NOT purchase solid grey wardrobe items because the colour does not make me happy. 

Check. I’ve learned that wearing dark and mid-tone grey in a top or topper makes me sad, so no more. But wearing a very light silver grey with white, sea foam and light blue makes me happy, so I’ve purchased two silver grey pullovers and love them. 

#8 To add more tomato red to my wardrobe, because it does make me happy. I had a very pink 2014, and now feel like having a red 2015. 

Check. I’ve added a tomato red dress, bag and pair of trousers to my wardrobe. My new watermelon lace dress is tomato red-lite. 

#9 To add a pair of white specs and a new gold-coloured watch. These are not high-priority goals but fun to have on the list so that the pieces are on my radar. 

I’ve been on the lookout, but haven’t found anything. I did add a new pair of round Retro tortoise shell sunglasses to my style though. 

I’m in a very happy place with my evolving, softer style. My hair will have grown into the the right look in a couple of months, and I’m champing at the bit to inject Retro Futurism into my Fall and Winter outfits.

Over to you.

I’ve been working with clients on how to jazz up their modern classic bootcut trouser outfits for the office in Summer. One option is to wear them with a trendy blouse. This combination eliminates the layering fuss of a jacket or vest (although a camisole is a good idea.) 

Here are four pins that illustrate the concept.

The beauty of the bootcut trouser is that its tailored fit on the thigh provides ample structure to compensate for fluid and oversized tops. This is not the case with wide leg trousers that are wide from thigh to hem. They are harder to pair with fashionably roomy tops without feeling like the outfit is wearing you.

Here are three solid and patterned blouse vibes that work well with a tailored pair of bootcut trousers. Some of the styles are the exact pieces that my clients have used to inject a little fashion into their classic office outfits. They finish off their bootcut trouser outfits with low, mid or high heels. A pointy toe is fab if the shoe is closed, because it effectively peeks out from under the flared hems. Statement necklaces and belts are secondary accessories. Note that black bootcut trousers are not your only option. 

1. Flirty Blouse

For lack of a better word, I’m using “flirty” to describe this style of blouse because it’s soft, romantic, fluid and NOT a basic shape. Take the glam looks of the ‘70s as your inspiration. Think of design details like pussy bows, flounces, ruffles, tiers, lace, ladder lace, banded bottoms, blousoned waists, high-low hemlines, bell sleeves, kimono sleeves and flutter sleeves. Wear the blouse tucked, untucked or semi-tucked, depending on the style of the blouse and the structure required to pull the outfit together. The belt is optional.

Nordstrom

Halogen Tie Neck Sleeveless Blouse (Regular & Petite)

$59.00

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6

Saks Fifth Avenue

3.1 Phillip Lim Ladder-Embroidered Silk Shirt

$425.00 $170.00

Sale

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1

Nordstrom

The Great 'The Frill' Print Silk Tunic

$425.00

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3

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Ruffle Hem Tie Neck Blouse (Regular & Petite)

$89.00 $53.40

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6

Nordstrom

Elie Tahari 'Gracelynn' Print Silk Roll Sleeve Blouse

$298.00 $178.80

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8

Banana Republic

Tiered Flutter Top

$79.50 $74.98

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2

Macy's

Style & Co. Flutter-Sleeve Banded-Hem Top

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3

Macy's

Style & Co. Flutter-Sleeve Banded-Hem Top

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7

6PM.com

Adrianna Papell Flutter Sleeve Top w/ Front Pleat

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3

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Chiffon Flutter-Sleeve Tee, Onyx

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2

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Chiffon Flutter-Sleeve Tee, Industrial Gray

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3

Nordstrom

Pleione High/Low V-Neck Blouse (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$68.00

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8

Macy's

Bar III Layered High-Low Blouse

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3

Saks Fifth Avenue

MILLY Stretch-Silk Butterfly Blouse

$250.00

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6

Banana Republic

Layered Silk Top

$89.50 $49.99

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12

Banana Republic

Multi-Layer Shirt

$98.00 $84.97

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3

Banana Republic

BR Monogram Washed Silk Blouse

$98.00 $89.99

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1

Banana Republic

BR Monogram Washed Silk Blouse

$98.00 $89.99

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15

2. Drape Front Blouse 

The drape front blouse is also referred to as a “wrap blouse”, and last year’s ensemble might refresh your memory. The silhouette is fluid, thereby surrendering the waist, although belted versions that define the waist are gaining momentum. Most styles “wrap” in two sections down the front of the blouse, but some styles drape asymmetrically. Wear the blouse untucked and make sure that there is sufficient structure on the hem for the fluid versions. The opening of these types of blouses can be secured with a snap or fashion tape if they fall open too easily. 

ASOS

V Neck Drape Wrap Blouse

$52.00 $31.00

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8

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Draped Sleeveless Blouse, White

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10

BCBGMaxazria

BCBGMAXAZRIA Jaklyn Draped-Front Blouse

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1

Topshop

Drape Front Blouse

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4

Shopbop

Lola Overlap Drape Front Blouse

$345.00 $241.50

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4

Nordstrom

Lafayette 148 New York Drape Neck Layer Wool Jersey Top

$298.00 $148.97

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17

Amazon

SASSY APPAREL Sassy Apparel Womens Long Sleeve Drape Criss-cross Front Fashion Top

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5

Nordstrom Rack

Topshop Drape Front Blouse

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4

Nordstrom

Democracy Drape Front High/Low Blouse (Plus Size)

$78.00 $46.80

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2

Ann Taylor

Petite Georgette Wrap Blouse

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5

Saks Off 5th

Etro Silk Faux-Wrap Top

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4

Joe Fresh

Wrap Blouse

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5

Neiman Marcus

Sleeveless Wrap-Front Fringe Top, Black

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2

Anthropologie

Byron Lars Beauty Mark Aleta Wrap Top

$168.00 $29.95

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4

6PM.com

Vince Camuto Elbow Sleeve Geo Diamond Wrap Front Blouse

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5

ASOS

Obi Band Wrap Blouse

$58.00

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5

Barneys New York

Sleeveless Wrap-Front Top

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3

3. Tunic 

This option is the most architectural and is less conventionally flattering than the other two. The snug thigh fit of the trousers provides ample structure for the tunic. Think tunics across all sorts of styles, and by all means wear short dresses as tunics too. Petites should wear their tunics a little shorter. 

Tunic styles can be fluid or fitted at the waist. The length of a tunic shortens the length of the leg line because it lengthens the torso. Although not essential, creating a low contrast between the tunic and the trousers does a great job of lengthening the look from neck to hem because it softens the horizontally cutting line of the hem of the tunic. An asymmetrical tunic, or one with a high-low hemline, adds further structure to the outfit because the shape creates magical diagonal lines. 

Anthropologie

Byron Lars Wrapped Silk Blouse

$438.00 $249.95

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7

Anthropologie

Byron Lars Flowerchain Blouse

$198.00 $49.95

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3

Neiman Marcus

Striped Tunic Shirt with Belt, Black/White

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1

Net-A-Porter

Rick Owens Asymmetric Cady Top

$1,570.00 $785.00

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6

Net-A-Porter

Rick Owens Leather-trimmed Belted Crepe Tunic

$1,165.00 $582.50

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3

Nordstrom

ASTR Long Sleeve Wrap Tunic Blouse

$64.00 $31.98

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3

Anthropologie

Byron Lars Plume Tie-Waist Tunic

$338.00 $199.95

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4

John Lewis

Windsmoor Asymmetric Print Tunic Top, Multi Black

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3

John Lewis

Whistles Marisa Loop Print Drape Tunic Top, Multi

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2

John Lewis

Phase Eight Tina Batwing Tunic Dress, Black/Beige

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1

John Lewis

Mint Velvet Ombre Asymmetric Tunic Dress, Multi

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5

John Lewis

Somerset by Alice Temperley Opel Print Tunic Dress, Black / Cream

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2

Anthropologie

Siwan Tunic Dress

$198.00 $119.95

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4

Net-A-Porter

Theory Nurita Crepe Tunic

$315.00 $157.50

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3

Bloomingdale's

Michael by Michael Kors Lace Tunic Top

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4

These combinations look elegant, chic and dressy to my eye, and are quite the refreshing change from skinnies paired with oversized tops. I’m looking to replace my dressy black bootcut trousers this year so I’m excited to try some of these combinations. I’ll also be covering how to wear bootcuts with fashionable knitwear as we head into Autumn. 

A new outfit from Annette Hoeldrich of Lady of Style, whom we introduced to YLF in January 2015.

The black top with gold floral embroidery gives this elegant look a luxurious feel that is perfect for a special dinner or evening out. The sleeveless top is more fitted up top and then gently flows out over Annette’s hips. This silhouette works well with the tapered, ankle-length trousers, while the cut-away shoulder line emphasizes our blogger’s toned shoulders. Ladylike strappy sandals echo the gold in the top. The silky trouser fabric further amps up the dressy factor. With the intricate embroidery there’s no need for lots of accessories. A thin gold bangle, simple earrings and woven clutch with metallic sheen — that adds textural interest and picks up the gold in the outfit — do the trick splendidly. Annette’s sassy shorter ‘do and soft make-up are the stylish icing on the cake.

You are short waisted when the distance between your shoulders and waistline is shorter than average. There are two ways to determine whether this is the case. 

•  Stand up straight and see if you can fit two hand widths into the space from under your bust to your natural waist. Your fingers should not be spread. If you can fit less than two hand widths, you’re short waisted. Some of my clients can only fit one hand width into this space. 

• Measure the length from shoulder to hip bone. Measure the length from hip bone to just below the knee cap. If the former is shorter by about two inches, you’re short waisted. 

Generally, short-waisted people have relatively short torsos and longer legs. More rarely, you can be short in the waist but long in the body when you have a very long rise measurement. And you can also be short in the torso and relatively short in the leg, but this is even more rare. 

The guidelines for dressing short-waisted bodies can be less than useful when they do not take other body modifiers into account. They’re often very general and assume that the rest of your body has typical proportions. They are also focused on creating conventionally flattering proportions, which might not be your style goal. But the guidelines do provide a solid starting point if your goal is to lengthen the torso to create a more balanced visual between the top and bottom parts of your body. Interestingly, the first three tips work equally well to shorten a long torso. 

1. Wear a Well-Fitting Bra

The right bra lifts the bust, creating a waistline while smoothing out the silhouette. Make sure you’re wearing the right bra size and are adequately supported. The wrong bra can make a short-waisted person seem even more short waisted, especially with a larger bust. 

2. Wear a Column of Colour 

This means wearing the same colour on the top and bottom, or wearing a top that creates a very low contrast against the bottom. The column masks where your torso ends and legs begin. A solid dress is an easy way to wear a column of colour. 

3. Wear Empire Cuts 

This sounds counter-intuitive because you might imagine the empire cut will raise the waist, shortening the torso even further. But what it actually does it hide the waist and create a different cutline across the body.

4. Wear Mid or Low-Rise Jeans and Trousers

Dropping the position of the waistband to below the natural waist visually lengthens the torso and shortens the leg line. For this to work you must showcase the waistband of the jeans or trousers by tucking or semi tucking the top. 

5. Wear Garments with a Dropped or Natural Waist 

Wearing dresses and tops with a dropped waist lengthens the torso because it draws the eye downwards. Dresses with a defined natural waist can balance out the length of both a short and a long torso. 

6. Wear Tops with Diagonal Hems

Regular length tops with diagonal hems visually lengthen the torso on the longer side, while the shorter side creates structure. Semi tucking a top into a pair of mid or low-rise bottoms is a more subtle version of the same strategy. 

7. Wear V-Necklines

V-necklines visually lengthen a short neck and short torso. This is especially effective when you are petite with a larger bustline. 

8. Keep Tops UN-Tucked 

Untucked regular and tunic length tops effectively lengthen the torso and shorten the leg line, especially when you create a high contrast between the top and bottom. Short waists look best in skirts with shorter untucked tops. Tucking a top into a high-waisted skirt or pair of pants shortens a short waist even further. 

9. Create Vertical Integrity with Accessories

Wearing long statement necklaces, or necklaces with chunky pendants, visually lengthens the torso in a more suble way. Tying a scarf vertically so that the ends hang down, or wearing an infinity scarf, draws the eye up and down, which achieves the same effect. 

10. Wear Low-Slung Belts 

Low-slung belts reposition the waist by lowering it, which lengthens the torso. Soft skinny belts worn loosely around the waist so that they “dip” lower in front are an excellent way to balance out a short torso. The soft V-shape in front effectively draws the eye up and down. 

11. Wear Self-Colour Belts on the Waist

If you’re going to wear a belt on the natural waist with a high-contrast top, match the belt to the colour of the pants or skirt. That way you’ll soften the cutting horizontal line across the body, thereby lengthening the torso in a subtle way. 

12. Wear Long Layers Over a Belted Waist

Wearing a high-contrast belt on the natural waist shortens an already short waist. By layering a long layer like a tunic cardigan over the belted top, you’ll visually lengthen the torso, offsetting the cutting line of the waisted belt. Belting at the natural waist over a longer jacket also helps to lengthen a shorter waist.

You can use a few of these tips in one outfit: combine an asymmetrical V-necked ink tunic with a pair of black skinny jeans and chunky pendant necklace. Or wear a low-slung, soft, low-contrast belt over a column of colour. Feel free to ask further questions on how to dress a shorter waist in the comments section.