This might seem like an obvious outfit combination, but frequently my clients are stumped by blue toppers. First, some of them think that they can’t wear blue toppers with blue jeans. And second, they wonder which colour works best layered underneath blue. Well, of course you can wear blue toppers with blue denim! But if that feels like too much blue, black bottoms are the next easy solution. As for the under layer, you have countless options but a shade of white is a good way to go. 

Which brings me to the timeless combination of a blue topper, white layer and black bottoms. The pictures below illustrate the forumla, but let’s break it down by component.

Blue Topper

By topper I mean blazers, leather jackets, coats, denim jackets or sweater coats in any shade of blue. From ink blue and cobalt, to shades of French blue and light blue, and everything in between. The topper needn’t be completely solid. False plain tweeds, seersucker stripes, pinstripes and marbled patterns function much like a solid. On trend, mixed media two-toned toppers in black and blue work well here too.

White Layer

Any shade of white is fab, from optical white to bone and cream. Just choose the white that works for you. Think layering tees, shirts, blouses, knitted tops, or knitwear. Furthermore, no need to keep the layer a solid white. Some of the photos show white tees with grey and black panel prints. Or blouses with black collars. Or a stripe in a soft grey and white could make a good layering piece. 

Black Bottoms

Classic slacks, jeans, Ponte knit stretch pants, cigarette pants, culottes, slouchy pants, leather pants, harem pants, cropped pants, pencil skirts, flared skirts, long shorts, shorts shorts — you name it. Choose any style of black bottom.

You can swap the colours of the bottom and the layering piece around — white bottoms and a black layer — if that’s more your cup of tea. Blue toppers generally look stellar against a black layer, although you lose the lightness and crispness of the white. 

It’s easy to finish off the outfit with black footwear because it picks up the colour of the bottoms, and extends the length of the leg line if you’re wearing black jeans or pants. But white, cream, taupe, chestnut, metallic, or neutrally patterned footwear are more fab options. Accessorize to your taste and you’re done.

A few weeks ago Debbie was kind enough to point out on the forum that nominations were open for the 13th annual Weblog Awards, or Bloggies. The Bloggies are the longest running blog awards on the Internet and every year they recognize blogs in many different categories.

Nominations close on Sunday, so if you think YLF deserves to be in contention, then please consider nominating us.

There are many, many ways to assess the success of an outfit. Does it fit? Are the proportions flattering? Do you like the colour? Is it practical? Is it comfortable? Is it appropriate for the occasion? Is the style integrity in line with your current style goals? Does it meet your laundry requirements? And importantly, do you feel great wearing this look, or just so-so?  In other words, what is the “happiness-factor” of the outfit. 

I believe that a high happiness-factor increases the style quotient of an outfit. Fashion and style, although extremely visual, are also wrapped up in an attitude and state of mind. As the happiness-factor of your outfit increases, so does your confidence. You hold your head up higher, there’s an extra spring in your step, and you are quite invincible. It often even has a ripple effect on others because people react positively to your state of mind. It’s a powerful feeling. 

I know that with my own outfits, the happiness-factor starts slipping when I wear heels higher than one and half inches. Although my three inch heeled Kate Spade pumps look fashionable, elongating, calf-muscle enhancing and appropriate with dressy outfits, I’d be much happier wearing a lower heel or flats. My happiness-factor also increases as soon as I’m wearing a top with a turtleneck or shirt collar. Or when I wear black and white combinations, ink blue, or sour brights.

As soon as I wear ultra trendy pieces from head to toe, my happiness-factor decreases. Add a modern classic component to the outfit and the happiness-factor is back. Wearing body con pieces, apart from a form fitting turtleneck, decreases my happiness-factor. Add in a bit of slouch, roomy tailoring, and it skyrockets. Wearing many visible outfit components decreases it. Pare down the look and we’re back up there. 

The more we are in tune with who we are, what makes us happy and unhappy, the more our style becomes a no-fuss natural extension of our personality. All of a sudden life becomes less complicated and it’s a joy to get dressed each day. 

I am continuously asking my clients how they feel when they wear certain outfits because the happiness-factor is as important as its fit, colour and proportions. Sometimes it takes a while to pinpoint what it is about an outfit that makes you happy, but it’s worth pondering this question for future reference. After all, a big part of life is about reaching a state of happiness.

Models with short hair are so few and far between. That’s why I especially enjoyed the Max Mara campaign for their Spring 2013 Studio line.

Refinery29 has asked the pros for tips on the best tools for your hair type.

I’ve always been fascinated with film director David Lynch’s hair and this comparison to fine art equivalents had me in stitches.

Fab Links from Our Members

If anyone over fifty needs some style inspiration, then look no further than Linda Rodin, says CocoLion.

Vildy was almost seduced to buy a Made In Lieu sweater when she realized she doesn’t actually wear sweatshirts…

Qfbrenda is not a commuter but loved Alison’s suggestions on how to look good in bad weather.

In light of Angie’s Jeans Q&A, RoseandJoan recommends Paula Cocozza’s article on the success of the skinny jean.

David Bowie turned 66. The perfect time to look back at his eclectic style, says Caro, who loves Mr. Bowie in a suit.

Velvetychocolate was surprised to learn that much higher numbers of men are battling eating disorders than previously thought.

Mrs. Obama’s inauguration outfit launched Kyle into orbit. She refers us to The Huffington Post for more details about the First Family’s style choices.

And for those of us who admire Michelle Obama’s approachable and doable style, Vicki found this blog dedicated to her current and past looks.

Nadya is very taken with the idea to limit either your colours or your shapes to help build a more cohesive wardrobe.

Angie is impressed with this extreme commitment to slouch, and wonders (as do I) how those trousers stay up.

“Celliant is a new type of fabric that increases circulation and blood oxygen levels by converting visible and invisible light to energy.” JulieJohn is particularly interested in its practical applications.

The Big Picture brings news stories in photographs. Krista thought this set of photos from famous and obscure fashion shows absolutely brilliant.