Fashion is all about wearing “unstructured structure” at the moment. This often means adding structure to an ensemble that is made up of predominantly unstructured pieces. There are many ways to add structure to an outfit. Some are obvious, like adding a structured item to the mix, but others are more subtle. The method you choose can make all the difference. 

In case you are wondering what I mean by “structure”, let me elaborate on that a little. To me, structure is about two main things. First, it is about revealing the details of your physical structure, like the definition of your waist or the shape of your shoulders. And second, it is about accentuating those details. Like the sharp shoulder seam that accentuates the corner of your shoulder, or the panels on a jacket that draw attention to your hourglass shape. Structured items are normally tailored and often detailed. 

Here are seven ways to add structure to an outfit. You can use them in combination or on their own. 

1. Add a structured jacket to an unstructured top, bottom or dress: It’s amazing how an outer tailored topper reins in the volume of the bottom layers underneath. 
2. Add a structured dress or separates under OPEN unstructured toppers: This method does the opposite thereby creating visual structure on the inside of the volume as opposed to reining in excess fabric from the outside. 
3. Scrunch the sleeves: A bare forearm can instantly add a tailored element to both a casual or dressy ensemble because showcasing skin creates structure. 
4. Tuck or semi-tuck the top: That way we show a little, or a lot of waist definition depending on the style of the top. Tucking or semi-tucking relaxed tops shows some waist definition, while tucking formfitting tops creates stronger waist definition. 
5. Wear banded tops: The band of a top hints at a waistline on the hip and does wonders when you’re wearing unstructured pieces both on the top and bottom. 
6. Wear a belt: A belt can rein in the volume in a dramatic way when worn on the natural waist. But it can also create subtle structure by being worn lower on the hip with a loose top. 
7. Wear tailored footwear: By tailored footwear, I mean sleek styles that fit closely on the foot and leg, be it a sandal, loafer, pump, bootie or knee-high boot. Refined footwear is especially tailored and does a great job of adding structure to an outfit. 

There are street style examples on my pinterest board that illustrate these concepts well. For example, this oversized pullover is both semi-tucked and layered with a tailored jacket to add structure. The banded bottom on the relaxed sweater in this outfit creates the hint of a waist amidst skirt and top volume. The scrunched sleeves in this formal evening outfit and this casual daytime outfit add effective structure by showcasing skin. The skin revealing tailored footwear creates subtle structure for this voluminous outfit, while the pumps and bare ankles do the same for this full skirt and roomy top ensemble. And lastly, a little midriff skin that showcases the waistline creates subtle structure under an oversized bomber worn with wide trousers. 

So when you’re battling with an outfit that looks and feels too unstructured, try one or a combination of the seven approaches above. A little structure can go a long way.

I’m excited to share this new-to-me brand of dresses by Kamalikulture. They are made of a machine washable, matte 95% polyester and 5% spandex jersey knit. I like the way they drape, which might be attributed to their body skimming as opposed to extra tight body con fit. They run true to size or slightly smaller. Reasonably priced, great for the office and travel, and non-crease.

The best part about the frocks are their sleeved options and longer hem length. I am so sick of frocks being sleeveless and too short. I screamed with joy when fitting on a long sleeved style with a 42 inch length. 

The styles are simple, and for the most part modern classic, although some styles are less classic. Of the collection, these are the specific styles I recommend because I have seen them in person and they fit really well.  

• Kamalikulture L/S Crew Neck Tee Dress Extra Large Check: The fit is body skimming and not overly tight. A superb length with ample arm coverage. Great on a straighter body type and regular to small bust. 
• Kamalikulture L/S Crew Neck Tee Dress Bottle Bottoms: It’s the same dress in a different pattern sans the belt. I bought this frock after saying no more patterns and form fitting styles. But it was THAT good, and instantly deserved a place in my wardrobe.
• Kamalikulture L/S  Side Draped Dress Extra Large Check: Ideal for curvier ladies who can fill out the silhouette, and/or on those with a broad shoulder line. It’s got great cleavage coverage and runs a little shorter at 38 inches. It’s also available in patterns like grey parched alligator, cobalt parched alligator, black mesh, bottle bottoms and green brushstroke. 
• Kamalikulture Sleeveless Shirred Waist Dress: A basic sleeveless and ruched sheath that is gorgeous. It has a high scoop neck and fits like a dream. Available in both solids and patterns. Perfect under roomy fashion forward toppers. 

Do browse through the rest of the styles, because there are fit and flares, long gowns, sweetheart necklines, turtlenecks and boat neck styles. There is also an “all in one dress” that looks fun. I haven’t seen all of these styles in person, but judging by the ones I have seen, I’m pretty confident about their fit. 

Modern classic dresses can be taken into edgier territory with fashion forward footwear, toppers, accessories and hairstyles. As I keep on shouting from the rooftops, classic pieces can be molded into another persona, and therein lies their strength. Or wear modern classics just as they are because that’s just as fab.

In my Spring Trend Forecast for 2013, I mentioned my excitement for knee-length shorts, a “new” length that we could look forward to seeing alongside the abundance of short shorts. These shorts are also being called Bermudas or city shorts, but they’re not of the casual cotton twill variety that we see most seasons. Instead they are drapey, made of dressier fabrications, and worn with heels or dressy flats, smarter tops, blazers, bombers, cropped jackets and leather jackets. 

The photos provide great visuals of the dressy long shorts vibe. Most of the styles finish on or just above the knee-cap. The silhouette is generally flat fronted, straight, and tapered through the thigh – although waist pleated versions with wider legs are another option. Those styles look more like culottes, and are just as fab. 

I love this trend, and was hooked as soon as I saw Tommy Hilfiger send a white shorts suit and a blush shorts suit down the runway last September for Spring 2013 Fashion Week. Although I am not opposed to a matching suit made up of a blazer and long dressy shorts, I’m more after the bottom part of that outfit so that I can mix and match as desired. To my eye, these long drapey shorts look clean cut, classically modern, and fun. They are more practical than a skirt or dress, and substantially more covered than short shorts, or shorts that hit mid-thigh. I am in big time and have my eye on the pairs at Club Monaco. I’ll dress up the look with smart tops and toppers and dressy low heels or flats. 

Dressy long shorts are not mainstream at the moment – that honour belongs to shorter shorts and longer cropped pants. But I hope to see this trouser style go mainstream over the next few years because it’s flattering, comfortable and a more casual alternative to the dressy pencil and full skirt. 

Lastly, dressy long shorts are also business casually appropriate in some office settings, provided you dress them up, they are knee-length, and form part of the work dress code. Some offices forbid shorts of any description so in those situations, these dressy darlings won’t work. But I do have clients who can wear this vibe to the office, even if it’s just on Casual Fridays. And l would certainly wear them as a business casual alternative to dresses, trousers and skirts when out and about with clients. 

What’s your take on dressy long shorts? Do you like the look, and would you be comfortable wearing them in business casual settings? Or are they still too casual for your work environment. If so, when would you wear dressy long shorts?

The denim on denim trend, which means wearing denim items both on the top and the bottom, has become a mainstream look that we now see each season. In this case, I’m talking about wearing a denim shirt with denim bottoms, as opposed to wearing a denim jacket with jeans. 

I like the combination of a denim shirt and denim bottoms, but have noticed that it’s quite the acquired taste, and not generally a pairing that my clients love at first sight. But over the years, I’ve managed to encourage more of my clients to wear denim shirts with denim bottoms by adding what I call flair to the outfit. By flair, I mean the ways you can break up the solid blue denim from head to toe. Here are five ways to do that:

1. Wear black, white or grey jeans.
2. Wear boyfriend jeans, cropped jeans or denim shorts to showcase more skin. More skin means less denim.
3. Add high contrast belts and footwear.
4. Wear a bib necklace.
5. Wear girly shoes.

All three tops here can be matched with all the bottoms, as well as all the footwear, and either of the belts and necklaces. So pick your favourite combination.

The components of the ensemble:

• Denim Shirt: I’ve provided three washes of denim shirt because a blue wash that is different to the wash of your jeans creates a contrast that breaks up the blue. But keeping the wash the same both on the top and bottom is also fine. You can break up the blue by adding a belt and/or necklace. Scrunch the sleeves of the shirt to showcase skin, which again breaks up the large surface area of denim. Tuck, semi tuck or untuck the top. 
• Denim Bottoms: Choose blue, grey, white or black denim. Non-blue neutral denim obviously provides a greater contrast to a blue denim top. Choose full length bottoms, cropped or short styles. More skin, less denim. I deliberately kept this formula neutral, and am not including coloured denim in the mix. But of course, that’s another option, and I vote pastel denim this season. 
• Bib Necklace: A large bright necklace worn inside an open shirt collar, or over a closed shirt collar is a super way of breaking up the denim. Think colours, white, black or piles of pearls. The necklace is an ideal option for when you leave your shirt untucked. 
• Belt: Belts are for Team Tuck or Semi Tuck. Patterned belts get my number one vote because they break up the denim in the most dramatic way. But so will a bright belt, either skinny or wide. For maximal effect, wear a belt and a bib necklace. For a more minimal look sport one or the other. 
• Footwear: I like feminine shoes best with this ensemble because they provide a nice contrast to the masculine integrity of a denim on denim look. So think pointy toe pumps, dainty ankle straps and sandals, cage heels, or slipper flats, in neutrals and colours. 
• Bag: Choose a style that tickles your fancy. I’ve chosen a satchel to give daytime clutches a break.

Add extra jewelry as desired. Throw on a jacket to break up the denim in a big way like I did in this outfit a three years ago. This denim on denim outfit on my pinterest board pairs two different denim washes with boyfriend jeans, massive white baubles and high heeled caged sandals. Great look.

Will you be wearing the denim on denim trend?