Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Polished Skinnies and Pretty Pastels

Paulina lives in Poland, and blogs about her style over at Daisyline. Her style is elegant, trendy, very polished and pretty, with impeccable make-up and hair. Paulina is Queen Pastels, who also loves dainty jewellery, plaid and leather pants. She doesn’t wear jeans often, but wears skinnies and tailored trousers like it’s nobody’s business. 

Paulina - 1

Paulina’s style persona is extremely polished, and she has a knack for making everything she wears look pretty and ladylike. Here, she’s tucked a pair of skinnies with fun plaid pattern into buckled platform boots. The ink and black mixed media coat picks up the colours in the pants, and echoes the hard-edged vibe of the motorcycle-style ankle boots. Conversely, the pale pink satchel and ruffled blush pullover add girly softness. As do our blogger’s rosy cheeks and lipstick, long bob, and dainty pieces of jewellery. Great irregular outfit juxtaposition.

Paulina - 2

Paulina - 2

I initially thought Paulina was sporting a dress because the top and skirt blend into one another seamlessly. The blouse’s large black and white photographic print injects a good dose of graphic integrity into this on trend look. Unexpected, and a great dressy take on the inherently casual graphic tee. The fluid fit and subtle peplum hemline work beautifully with the full skirt. The flattering above-the-knee length paired with low-vamped pointy toe pumps lengthens the leg line. The baby blue footwear bookends our blogger’s top, and the all-blue outfit highlights Paulina’s beautiful blue eyes. Bright pink lipgloss and a charming mini crossbody finish off the look.

Paulina - 3

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to wear skinnies and tailored trousers, then Paulina is your girl. White skinnies with black tuxedo stripe down the sides are the centrepiece of this outfit. The stripe stops at the knee, which makes for an interesting visual. It’s almost like a flash of lightning. She’s paired the trousers with a simple black drapey blouse with deep V-neck, and amped up the crisp graphic integrity of the look with a structured, colour block bag that echoes the colours of the pants. Our blogger created an even bigger visual statement by throwing on a bright yellow moto jacket and hot pink pumps. Modern and bold!

Paulina - 4

Paulina - 4

This is a fab example of Angie’s Dramatic Maxi Cardigan ensemble. Paulina created a column of colour with black pleather pants and a feminine blouse with sheer panelling. Tucking the skinnies into booties that fit snugly around the ankle makes her legs go on for miles. The steel-tipped stilettos and pleather pants are the tougher looking elements in this outfit, which is offset by the pretty blouse with lace-like detailing and our blogger’s always polished ‘do and make-up. The finer gauge knit and folded down lapels of the cardigan also provide visual softness. The below-the-knee length, low-contrast light grey and long pendant create further vertical integrity. The dark burgundy bag works great with this colour palette. Finally, bright red nail polish adds a playful touch.

Paulina - 5

Sometimes pairing a puff-sleeved top with a full, pleated skirt can look a bit twee, but Paulina cleverly counteracts this by going with a very bold colour combo. The cornflower blue with neon yellow is unexpected and eye-catching. She also picked garments in more rigid fabrications, which juxtaposes brilliantly with the super feminine silhouette. A puff sleeve blouse looks great on a narrower shoulder. This one tapers in towards the elbow so that it doesn’t overwhelm Paulina’s dainty frame. Tucking the blouse into the skirt reins in the overall volume and creates structure, as does the triangle-shaped seam running down the front of the top. The Tiffany blue pumps are less saturated than the rest of the outfit, but the colour works beautifully here. Oversized pearls are the perfect princess-y finishing touch.

Paulina - 6

Doesn’t this pretty peach suit our blogger’s ladylike and polished style to a T. Paulina is our Queen Pastels for sure. She wore this Sporty Luxe look last November, but it transitions easily into Spring. The tailored fit and fabric of the cropped light grey trousers make them dressy. The drawstring closure, sneakers and hat add the sporty touch. The white boat neck top adds crispness, and is a flattering style on our blogger. The round-shouldered coat is fashionably oversized with an androgynous cut that is made more feminine thanks to the delicious sorbet colour. Paulina’s stone satchel further dresses up the outfit, while her rosy lips and cheeks amp up the girly factor.

What do you think of Paulina’s polished and feminine style? Let us know in the comments, and then hop on over to Daisyline to browse the rest of her outfits, or check out what inspires her on Pinterest.

Team Pointy Toes or Team Square Toes

This poll was inspired by the ‘90s footwear styles that are trending for Spring 2015. In the ’90s square toes were extremely popular and quite the change to the pointy toe styles of the ‘80s. Square toe boxes are forgiving and much more comfortable for high volume feet, especially in chunky silhouettes. Pointy toe boxes tend to work well on narrower feet. 

I bat for Team Pointy Toes because I love their refined, dressy and ladylike integrity. They also work well for my low volume feet, and elongate the leg line when I wear flats and low heels. I wasn’t all that fond of square toes back in the day. It’s not because they look more masculine — I love wearing boyish footwear — but there is a harshness to the square toe that I don’t like. I also have a hard time filling out chunky square toed styles, which don’t suit the size and look of my small bony feet.

That said, I do like and wear a “snip toe”, which is a very pointy square toe. The tip of the point has been cut off to create a long square look. 

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Pointy Toes or Team Square Toes? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. There are clams with spaghetti for those who can’t pick a side and need to sit this one out on the bench.

The Espadrille Trend

Espadrilles are an iconic classic, which gives them a high longevity factor (much like Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers). Some seasons though, espadrilles gain momentum and become more fashionable, like they are doing for Spring and Summer 2015. This was not a trend that I forecasted or expected to see, so it’s been fun being caught by surprise. 

There is a vast assortment of espadrille styles this season, taking the classic to a new level. The original espadrille was flat with a cotton or canvas upper and jute rope sole and heel. The classic style is still widely available, but there are many variations on the theme. The uppers can be made of leather, pleather or plastic. They can also be colour blocked, patterned, embroidered and perforated. Some flat styles have been cut into sandal silhouettes with ankle straps, or cut away like d’Orsay styles. Hybrid espadrilles with flat platforms and Birkenstock or sneaker uppers make for interesting combinations. 

Espadrilles with jute rope wedge heels are also popular, and have become another classic. Heel heights vary, as does the style, material, colour and pattern of the upper. Vamps are both high and low. Elastic inserts make for an extra comfortable fit. To my eye, the options in colours and patterns are just as great as the ones in neutrals.

Espadrilles have their fab and not so fab qualities. First, the fab: 

  • They are a very wearable and familiar style of footwear, which makes them easy to combine in outfits.
  • They provide a strictly casual integrity, which dresses down an outfit despite the fabric of the upper and heel height of the shoe. Espadrilles are an effective way to wear casual heels. 
  • Wedge heels are stable heels. 
  • They can be very comfortable.  

Then the not so fab: 

  • They can be unsupportive. 
  • The jute rope footbed can be scratchy if it’s exposed, which is the case with some of the styles. 
  • They are a bad choice of footwear for wet Summer weather because the jute rope heel is not weatherproof. 
  • The jute rope heel can look tatty after one season, especially when you’re hard on your shoes and make them wardrobe workhorses. 

The outfits below provide great inspiration for flat and heeled espadrilles. The flat style is much like wearing a casual loafer whereas the heeled rendition is more like wearing a casual wedge sandal. The flats look great with shorts outfits because the bare exposure of the leg elongates the leg line which offsets the stumpy integrity of the flat and high-vamped ped. Heeled espadrilles are a great way to dress down a dress, skirt or culottes without resorting to flats. I also like the bit of boho chic the heeled espadrille adds to the crisp combination of white jeans and tucked denim shirt. The boho bag works well with the espadrilles too. 

I wore classic flat white canvas espadrilles as a teen in the ‘80s and had multiple pairs of them. I loved them because they were casual and comfy. Today, I am less drawn to their casual integrity, but I do enjoy the look on others. Over to you. What’s your take on the espadrille trend?

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Espachica Satin EspadrillesMULO x David Kafri Printed Cotton-canvas EspadrillesTORY BURCH Paloma Leather and Linen Wedge Sandals

TABITHA SIMMONS Harp Perforated Leather Wedge SandalsLANVIN Satin Wedge EspadrillesTABITHA SIMMONS Jenny Striped Silk Wedge Espadrilles

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Deluxe Pattern Mixing

A new outfit from Catherine Summers of Not Dressed As Lamb, who we introduced to YLF in June 2013.

Catherine is using a few tricks to make this hectic pattern-mixed look work. All three patterns are a similar scale. The dark floral skinnies are the dominant pattern, but are made of the same scuba fabric as the top, which creates textural coherence. The two prints also repeat the same shades of pink and purple. The graphic windowpane pattern of Catherine’s fun ’80s vibe blazer blends into the top because both have a white background. The longer length and volume of the blazer are streamlined by pairing it with skinnies and a tailored top. Finally, suede colour block pumps bring two extra colours into the mix. Bold and colourful.

Catherine Summers - 1

Catherine Summers - 2

Must Haves for Spring & Summer 2015

I love that fashion has become more colourful, comfortable, practical and flexible over the years. We have the freedom to cherry pick from the trends, and wear them in ways that reflect our personal style. Gone are the days that there is only one way to look stylish. 

It’s time for the seasonal must haves list now that Spring collections have hit stores and warmer weather is on the horizon. Three points upfront: 

  1. The best merchandise is available at the start and in the middle of a season. We are heading into the middle of Spring 2015 retail, which is why I am publishing this now. 
  2. Spring and Summer merchandise becomes breezier, skimpier, more sheer and more casual deeper into the season. Make sure you shop early for Summer toppers, tops with more coverage, tops made of thicker fabrications, and dressier pieces. 
  3. Colours that flatter your complexion and make you happy are always in style. Pastels, mid-tones, shades of orange, and all shades of blue are trending at the moment, but wear all brights, muted tones, earth tones, jewel tones and neutrals if that’s more your thing. It’s all good.

With a nod to the warm weather trends for 2015, here’s the list that works for all body types, lifestyles, ages and budgets. Find the version of the trend that works best for you and wear it your way. 

1. Fluid Fits

Wearing your clothes a little looser all over is as fashionable as ever. These fits are roomier than tailored, but not as big as the oversized look. The visual effect is slimming, relaxed, casual and forgiving. Oversized fits are trickier, but very wearable when a little structure is added to the outfit. And it bears repeating that petites and plus sizes can wear fluid and oversized fits with the best of them. 

Think boyfriend jeans, relaxed skinnies, wide cropped tops, slouchy pants, high-low hemlines, cocoon silhouettes, sack dresses, shift dresses, asymmetry, round shoulders, dropped shoulder seams, boyfriend shirts and blouses, big tees, boxy jackets and trapeze blouses. 

2. Tailored Silhouettes  

This is the BIG change this season, and for seasons to come by the looks of what came down the runway for Fall 2015. Tailored fits that define the waistline or follow the contour of the body are just as trendy as slouchier looks. Belt the natural waist, wear shirt dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, belted toppers, and tuck tops into high-waisted bottoms. Wear skinnies and straight legs. Wear tailored jackets, peplum tops, peplum jackets and fitted dresses. 

Do not confuse tailored fits with body con, which is tighter than a tailored fit and usually made of stretchy fabric to make a very snug garment more comfortable. Tailored fits skim the contours of the body, thereby showcasing your shape. The structure of these pieces is usually achieved with darts, princess seams, and panelling techniques to create a close fit. They do not rely on stretchy fabric to fit the curves of your body. 

3. ’70s Inspiration 

There are two ways to incorporate a ‘70s integrity into your style. Boho Chic is hippy inspired, maximal and casual. Sensual Glam is structured, feminine, dressy and quite simple. 

  • Boho Chic means bell sleeves, embroidered and smocked detailing, kimono sleeves, fringe, bucket bags, hobos, high-waisted flared jeans, kaftans, tunics, peasant tops, handkerchief hems, weathered leather, drawstring necklines, lots of gathers, suede booties, textured cottons, cork heels, textured knitwear, pendant necklaces, floppy felt hats, wooden jewellery, and empire cuts.
  • Sensual Glam means silky jumpsuits, flared trousers, fitted trouser suits with flared hems, flared pleated midi skirts, ruffled tops, culottes, fitted blazers worn over fitted shirts, fitted button-down shirts with pointy collars, pussy bow blouses, belted A-line coats and jackets, wrap dresses, flouncy blouses, bootcuts, A-line denim skirts, midi dresses and plunging V-necklines.

4. Cropped Pants 

All styles of pant and jeans are available in cropped lengths these days with either a high or low waist fit, and in patterns or solids. So think cropped cigarette styles, skinnies, wide legs (which are culottes), clamdiggers, leggings, slouchies, harem pants and cross-over styles. 

5. Knitwear

Summer knitwear (or sweaters) in cotton, silk, rayon and linen blends are fashionable to pair with bottoms both as a layering piece or stand-alone item. Think loose knits with lots of holes in both chunky and fine gauges. Wear them fluid and oversized instead of T-shirts.  

6. Sporty Luxe

There is no stopping this HUGE mainstream trend. In terms of clothing, think bomber jackets, trackpants (or joggers), upscale anoraks, hoodies, upscale sweatshirts, cricket jerseys, rugby jerseys, baseball shorts, baseball tops and haute polo shirts. There are fashionable backpacks, haute baseball caps, mesh insets, perforated textures, colour blocking and plenty of neon. And heeled or flat sneakers make up the largest component of the Sporty Luxe trend.

7. White

I say this every season because nothing makes an outfit look quite as fresh and Summery than wearing white. Think white jeans, culottes, cropped pants, shorts, dresses, tees, knitwear, shirts, skirts, blouses, vests, jackets, footwear, bags, belts and hats. Sport white-out if that tickles your fancy. 

8. On Trend Footwear 

Adding trendy footwear to an outfit is an effective way of making it look extra modern. Think espadrilles, loafers, d’Orsay flats, pointy toe pumps and flats, ankle strap sandals and pumps, gladiators, flat and heeled booties, casual wedged platforms, Birkenstocks, flatforms, upscale sneakers, closed-toe sandals, slip-on sneakers (round and pointy toed), chunky wide strap sandals, oxfords, slipper flats, peep-toe booties, sandal booties, platform sandals and caged heels. 

High-vamped Summer footwear is very fashionable, but low-vamped pointy toe ballet flats and pumps don’t look dated either. In fact, to my eye, pointy toe low-vamped ballet flats look quite fresh which is why I added a pair to my wardrobe last week. 

9. Wild Card

Add an item to your wardrobe that is atypical for your style persona, but that speaks to you in some way. This is one way to evolve your style, making it feel extra refreshed for the season. Wild cards can be new colours or styles of clothing, footwear and accessories. Or a new way that you wear your hair, or put together your outfits. 

Not making the main list but also notable are ‘90s footwear styles, menswear inspired looks, wearing skirts and dresses over jeans and trousers, two-piece dresses, skater skirts, moto jackets, moto vests, high-waisted jeans and cropped pants, torn denim, short boxy jackets, long shorts, gingham, floral pants, overalls, neon, front vented skirts, shift blouses, pattern mixing, obi belts, abstract patterns, chain handle bags, bucket bags, mini satchels, mini crossbody bags, sharp shoulders, belt bags, socks with sandals and pumps, D-ring bags, sheer panelling, cold shoulders, one-shouldered styles and Asian patterns. 

Remember that conventionally flattering outfits are always in style, but an unconventional, but “just flattering enough” juxtaposition of items is extra current. Most of all, have fun with fashion.

ERIN erin fetherston Butterfly Print Fit & Flare ShirtdressMadewell Oversized Tunic & Button Front JeansMadewell Hooded Jacket Chambray Shirt & Fatigue Shorts

Lafayette 148 New York Topper, Tank Scarf & Ankle Pants

Karen Kane Faux Wrap Dress

Zara JacketMassimo Dutti Short CoatDirty Ballerina Handkerchief Hem Long Sleeve Dress