Reader Request: Making Blazers Fun

by Sally on December 9, 2019 in the category: reader requests, style, tutorial

How to make sure your blazer outfits look fun instead of frumpy!

Reader Erin e-mailed me this request:

Every style blogger makes blazers look great, but I find them hard to style. They seem so versatile on the rack, but then seem frumpy (I’m 24), too dressy/formal, or occasionally too equestrian when I try to create an outfit with them. I’ve asked some stylish friends and several of them have run into the same issues. Do you have any tips or suggestions for styling blazers well?

It took me a while to feel like I could make blazers work within the context of my style, so I can relate to Erin’s frustrations. Blazers get a lot of play in fashion mags and advice columns, but they CAN feel a bit challenging. Especially if you’re still exploring your own personal style while trying to embrace the flattering and eschew the formal. read more

Originally posted 2012-01-30 06:23:06.

How to Step Outside Your Sartorial Comfort Zone

by Sally on December 6, 2019 in the category: style, tutorial

fashion comfort zone

I’ve written several times and at great length about my fears of androgynous dressing, but I believe I’ve made great strides in the past few years. In fact, my entire style has shifted toward more tomboyish, androgynous looks in some ways, though there are still links to my old style which relied on heels and full skirts. Making the switch from one style to the other pushed me pretty far outside my sartorial comfort zone for a long time.

Some people are perfectly happy to locate their zone, create a wardrobe that works within that zone, and dress impeccably within its parameters. Not a thing wrong with that … until you get bored, or feel stagnant, or just want to explore. It’s all down to your preferences and choices. So if you’re currently feeling a bit stylistically restless but unsure how to reach beyond your established looks into more challenging ones, here are a few ways to test the waters: read more

Originally posted 2012-01-26 06:15:56.

Reader Request: Styling Your Graphic Tees

by Sally on December 4, 2019 in the category: reader requests, style, tutorial

Reader Kim e-mailed me this query:

I was wondering if you could do a post with suggestions on how to work graphic t-shirts into a wardrobe with a little style. I must confess that I have a total threadless.com obsession. As a result, I have a ridiculous number of crew neck graphic print shirts, that while they tend to be pretty fitted (a left-over from their former patronage of American Apparel base shirts), are really obviously nerd-a-licious t-shirts. I have pretty good success incorporating t-shirts with other stylish details (various necklines like boat, v’s, scoops, yoke details, sequins, beading, etc) into outfits that look more thought-out. But lately the graphic t-shirts are throwing me for a loop. I usually just default to my t-shirt, boot cut jeans and running shoes (maybe a track jacket for extra layering). All of this is feeling very tired and uninspired. Can you please suggest some ways to make my nerd shirts feel a little more sartorially inspired? read more

Originally posted 2012-01-18 06:37:50.