Fashion

Subterms

    More stories

    • 100 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      18 Outfits That Prove Sneakers Go With Everything

      by

      Let me take a stab in the dark here: you currently have at least one pair of sneakers on your shoe rack. Maybe they’re the least exciting item in your closet, or maybe you love them for going on walks or running errands, but they’re not your go-to fashion accessory. However, I’d like to make a case that sneakers are potentially the most fashionable item in your closet because they go with everything.Think about it: they make any preppy look cooler or any fancy outfit more casual, and they work for every season. Plus, they’re super comfortable, which means no hobbling around in high heels or patching up blisters (because nothing’s more fashionable than a confident strut). Still unsure if sneakers go with everything? Here are 18 reasons that prove they do. Copy these ridiculously stylish outfit formulas for your next sneaker #OOTD. 

      1. With a maxi skirt and graphic tee
      Source: @hikarimurakami

      Think you can’t pair athletic sneakers with flowy and feminine pieces? Think again. A classic sneaker is the perfect pair of shoes to wear with a maxi skirt that hits just above the ankle. Pair with a slightly oversized graphic tee for a casual-cool look from head to toe (that also happens to be crazy comfortable).

      2. With a midi skirt and crop top
      Source: @menzabolamba

      Trust me: I go on Pinterest a lot. One of the most popular Pinterest outfits (and my personal favorite)? A silky midi skirt, a pair of white sneakers, and a cropped tank (bonus points for a knotted detail). When the temperatures start to drop and we officially hit fall weather, throw on a denim jacket for an outfit formula you’ll want to wear for months. 

      3. With your favorite workout ensemble
      Source: @sarahmian

      Sneakers and leggings go together like peanut butter and jelly. Obviously, the athletic shoe was originally designed for exactly that: athletics. It’s a no-brainer to wear the coolest pair of sneakers you have with your favorite workout-wear. To make it more #OOTD-worthy, think of incorporating interesting details like mesh or bright colors in subtle spots throughout the ensemble. 

      4. With a silk midi dress
      Source: @chloepierreldn

      I never thought I’d see the day, but old-school sneakers, a silky midi dress, and dad socks (“dad socks” are a thing right?) officially go together perfectly. A luxurious fabric like silk or satin (bonus points for a thigh-high slit!) balance out the retro look of sneakers. 

      5. With a classic button-up and trouser shorts
      Source: @seeratsaini_

      What do you wear for workdays (at the office or home) when it’s just too hot for trousers, but you still want to look professional? The answer: trouser shorts and a crisp, lightweight button-up. Luckily for us (and our walking commutes), a pair of white sneakers make the look more business-casual and stylish. 

      6. With an A-line mini skirt and tee 
      Source: @juliesfi

      If Blair Waldorf wore sneakers, this is how she would do it. Grab the chicest plaid skirt in your closet (any flap pockets, buttons, or attached belts would be ideal, thank you), and pair with a simple tee and lace-up sneakers. Blair would be so proud (headband optional). 

      7. With a maxi dress
      Source: @lvernon2000

      You get the point: long hemlines are perfect with casual sneakers. In fact, it’s kind of the ideal way to make maxi dresses more casual without going too boho (if that’s not your style). Try a maxi in a bright color (like this of-the-moment citrus shade) and pair with crisp, white sneakers. 

      8. With turtleneck and your favorite work pants
      Source: @marintia_goto_williams

      Sometimes, pretty dresses and feminine skirts just won’t cut it (or just aren’t your style). Luckily for the menswear-inspired pieces that are staples in our closets, chunky and athletic sneakers look just as cool with a pair of straight-leg trousers as they look pretty with a skirt or dress. Think: Annie Hall, reimagined for 2020. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your sneaker choice, while keeping the rest of the outfit simple and tailored. 

      9. With a blazer and ladylike accessories
      Source: @lydiajanetomlinson

      It’s like your grandma’s wardrobe just got much more stylish; lace-up sneakers even out the elegance of fitted blazers, quilted purses, and gold jewelry. When it comes to fashion, opposites certainly attract, and the perfect example is piling on your most elegant pieces with a basic gym shoe to make the ensemble more Instagram-cool and less country-club-chic. Pair with our favorite go-to, the silky midi skirt. 

      10. With leather trousers and pops of color
      Source: @thekittyluxe

      You might have seen on your Instagram feed or favorite fashion magazine that faux leather is in. However, in 2020, faux leather is no longer reserved for a basic jacket. Instead, fashion girls are wearing the faux fabric in reimagined pieces like trousers and waistband pants. Thankfully (for the comfort of our feet and the purpose of this article) they pair perfectly with white sneakers. Throw on a jacket or sweater in a pop of color for the perfect fall look. 
       
       
      11. With your favorite printed blouse and pants rolled at the ankle
      Source: @kat.shearer

      You know those dad sneakers that are so in style, but you have no idea how to wear them? This outfit is proof that you can wear your chunkiest dad sneakers with just about anything, including some rolled-up trousers and your favorite floral blouse. Try matching the color of the shoes to the color palette of the blouse, like this muted beige, above. 

      12. With a cropped sweater and wide-leg pants
      Source: @sopharsosnaps

      Add sneakers to the list of shoes you can wear with wide-leg pants (anyone who owns wide-leg pants knows this list is limited). Just make sure the hem hits slightly above the ankle to elongate the body and keep a fitted silhouette up top to balance out the width of the pants. If it’s still 90 degrees where you are, wear with a tank top or bodysuit, and transition into fall and winter months with a cozy cropped sweater.

      13. With boyfriend jeans and a distressed jacket
      Source: @sincerelyjules

      I used to think that baggier pieces had to be paired with feminine pieces or fitted silhouettes to look stylish (it’s all about balance, you know?). But against all odds, this look proves that slouchy boyfriend jeans, oversized tees, and distressed jackets can all work in harmony. Is it because she’s rocking a killer pony, or is it because sneakers are magical? Either way, it’s working. Try playing around with glam jewelry (like these chandelier earrings) to make the look more intentional than I-woke-up-like-this. 

      14. With a feminine dress and bold accessories
      Source: @newtexacali

      If you’re interested in trying a bold trend (like a bucket hat, zebra print, or both), sneakers are the perfect way to test it out. Think about it: they’re as basic, neutral, and universal as it gets. They can make an #extra trend more casual and a bold trend more low-key. Pair with an easy, breezy dress and get ready to rock the trend you never knew you could pull off. 

      15. With distressed jeans and a trench coat
      Source: @fashion_jackson

      Sneakers are not just the perfect summer shoe. They can also flawlessly transition into fall. Wear sneakers like a Parisian with distressed denim and a chic trench coat for a go-to outfit formula that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is appropriate when the temperatures start to drop. 

      16. With white jeans and a floor-length cardigan
      Source: @crystalinmarie

      Yes, sneakers also go with the iconic Everygirl favorite, white jeans. A floor-length cardigan is not only the coziest item we own (it’s like wearing a blanket, but it’s chicer than a Snuggie!), but can update any sneakers and white jeans outfit for fall. 

      17. With your favorite stay-at-home sweatpants, crop top, and a jacket
      Source: @kayla_seah

      Maybe you’re tired of wearing sweatpants by now, or maybe sweatpants feel like second-skin after wearing them for five months straight. Either way, at least staying at home has brought us a style trend we can get behind: sweatpants as high-fashion. Pair with a cropped top and toss on a blazer to look stylish whether you’re bingeing Netflix or on a Zoom call. 

      18. With head-to-toe white
      Source: @taylasnts

      Though we’re big fans of following the rules in 2020 (wear a mask!!), the one we’re partial to breaking? No white after labor day. We love white as a year-round color, and this monochrome look is the perfect example. Pair your whitest sneakers with white jeans and a basic tee (even after August), or replace with a cozy white knit when transitioning into fall temperatures. No matter what season we’re in, a good pair of sneakers will always have our backs. 

      SHOP OUR FAVORITES

      What’s your favorite way to wear white sneakers? More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      The must-have swimwear brand that’s doing something totally different

      by

      Sometimes the best things in life come from being totally unplanned. For swimwear designer extraordinaire Georgiana Huddart, Founder of Hunza G, this was exactly the case, in fact, she never knew she would have her own brand.
      After coming across the unique crinkle-stretch fabric, which all of the brand’s swimsuits are made in, at a young age, Huddart never stopped thinking about how good it was.

      “I revisited it in my early 20s and just thought it was crazy that no one was making pieces in this fabric,” she tells Emirates Woman. Having started her career in fashion straight out of university working for a menswear designer, Huddart moved on to a career in interior design, which she had committed herself to, but she could never forget about the crinkle fabric.
      “I decide to try and start brand using it,” she explains. “I thought it would be small side project, more of a thing to satisfy my love and want to wear things in the fabric, but once I got started I realised that a lot of people wanted it but there was just nowhere to buy it.”

      The brand was originally launched in 1984 and just known as ‘Hunza’ under the direction of Peter Meadows. It became well-known for its signature Hunza dress which is worn by Julia Roberts in the iconic film Pretty Woman. Then, 30 years later, Huddart relaunched the brand – which is based in London – with swimwear in mind and restyled as Hunza G, which is now a huge hit amongst the celebrity crowd including Rihanna, Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Aniston just to name a few.

      EW recently caught up with Huddart to learn everything about starting a brand from the ground-up, as well as hurdles she’s had to overcome and her new collection – The Rainbow Collection.
      As part of starting your brand from the ground up, what were the unforeseen challenges you came across?
      Managing a team was something I had to learn, being a good boss. At the beginning, I assumed people were either good at their job or not, but actually it requires delicate and patient managing to get the best out of people and make them feel supported.
      Also being copied! We get copied by so many brands, even some that are really credible have totally ripped us off and it’s hard not to get frustrated or depressed by this. The reality is that you just need to keep moving forward. When someone copies your design and fabric you just need to move on to something new and better and not waste too much energy on fighting it.
      How do the designs of your brand differ from competitors?
      I try not to be to faddy, or ‘of the moment’. Lots of the styles we sell have been part of collections from 3 -5 years ago. I don’t want everything to become ‘old season’ after five months. I find the way fashion and works, in that respect, quite depressing and alarming.
      The ‘Domino Swim’ had been around for 2.5 years before Rosie Huntington-Whiteley posted a picture of herself in it. That is probably our most copied style and colour way now. I like the idea of people revisiting their Hunza G over and over again for years!
      I also try not to make them too complicated or adorned – some brands do the bejewelled type swimwear so well, but it’s just not our aesthetic – its quite simple and clean ad sporty, with good coverage but still trying to emphasize the body shape. Nothing is very skimpy.

      Can you talk us through what the latest collection represents?
      The Rainbow Collection was meant to be cheerful, uplifting and a nod to our 80’s heritage without being too literal. There is bad 80s and good 80s! And I wanted it to have the bright colours without being to ravey. I wanted to it to be inclusive and true to us as a brand. My mum, for example, doesn’t want to wear a bubblegum pink high rise swimming costume anymore, but there are pieces in the collection she does wear, which just nod to the bright fabric with a neon trim or contrast crinkle detail. So if bright colours aren’t your thing, you can join in without having to commit to it!
      It was fun to design and shoot- the shoot was done in lockdown and dramatically changed from the original brief. The photographer, Kate Bellm, did an amazing job and adapted to what was a really strange situation.
      You’ve clearly worked incredibly hard to get where you are today, where do you get your motivation from?
      Honestly, I have never worked so hard in my life, but I have never enjoyed something as much in my life. As cliché as it sounds, you don’t notice how hard you work when you love it. I am one of six children and my mum is a total wonder woman, she never stops! So I suppose a huge amount is from her.
      Who would you say your mentor and who do you look up to in terms of entrepreneurial-ship?
      It’s amazing how many friends I have who have started businesses – all in completely different fields. I think motivation and hard work rarely are a waste of time, as you always learn something. Not all businesses work out, but everything you learn is invaluable for the next thing you do.
      My partner on Hunza G, Peter, is pretty amazing – not just in a business sense but also just in the way you treat people and I think it makes it a really nice place to work. We rarely have people leaving or who don’t enjoy being here- it’s a really good vibe.
      I honestly think that treating people well is the key for success and longevity and not enough businesses do this, they just think about numbers which is short term in my opinion.
      What advice do you wish you had received on the beginning of your journey to success?
      Make sure you write everything down and send email recaps after every conversation! The amount of crossed wires at the beginning because I assumed people had understood what I meant or wanted etc was crazy. It was quite naïve of me. And oversee everything yourself. I kept having imposter syndrome so letting a stylist on a shoot do exactly what they wanted because I kept thinking ‘oh what do I know’ but then the shoot would be rubbish because I hadn’t had the confidence to say what I wanted. The minute I started to get more confident in myself, the better and more succinct the brand got.
      As the founder of a swimwear brand, it’s fair to assume you love to travel. How has it been with travel having been on hold this year?
      I had a baby 10 months ago so I haven’t been away for nearly two years and I have a real urge to submerge myself in the sea… that’s the only way I can describe it – I need to swim in the sea. I am going to do this in about two weeks but in the UK. I am really excited about a UK summer, England is the best place to be when the weather is nice, and it’s been amazing during the pandemic.
      I am excited about going abroad again, but it just feels so far away and unnecessary right now. I was meant to get married in Andalucía in September but we have changed it to Somerset in 2021, and that was because we have both fallen in love with the UK again.

      How has the pandemic affected business for you and your ways of working?
      We have never been busier! Apparently all anyone wants to buy in a pandemic is swimming costumes! It’s been amazing, very stressful and so unpredictable. We have had the team on rotation throughout the week to ensure social distancing rules apply. We sent the machines to all the seamstresses at home – it’s been a huge juggling act.
      You’re also a massive hit with the celebrity crowd including Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Are there any other celebrities who are big fans?
      Dua Lipa, Gisele, Kate Hudson, Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, Chrissy Teigen. I am really keen for someone like Judi Dench to wear it though… that would be the dream.
      How does it feel having so many A-listers love your pieces?
      It’s amazing, we are so lucky! Its what everyone dreams of happening when they start a brand.
      Looking back over your career, can you tell us about three major hurdles you’ve had to overcome?
      Not losing confidence and patience in what you are trying to achieve or your vision of it.
      Not listening to too much advice – I had completely conflicting advice when I said I wanted to start Hunza G. One of the most famous stylists in the world told me it was a ‘—- idea’! Another friend told me the name was awful and no one would buy from a brand with that name.
      Making sure the balance is right. I love it – but I also need to switch off and make time for my family and that can be difficult. I find reading really helpful.
      On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are your top three milestones from your career, so far?
      When Net-A-Porter placed their first order and then emailed about a month later saying it had all sold out and they wanted more.
      Being on a holiday and sitting on a beach and seeing 60 per cent of the beach in Hunza G.
      Being able to give all the team bonuses twice a year when we started to make money.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Supplied More

    • 125 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      All the Fashion Pieces Under $50 That We Love RN

      by

      Is anyone else online shopping as a sport right now? It’s like scouring the internet for discounts and finding secret gems on Amazon have become my hobbies, since rewatching Riverdale for the third time in a row is starting to get old (I take that back, Jughead. I’ll never get tired of you!). Here’s the thing: sometimes we want a little pick-me-up in the form of a blouse we’ve been eyeing or luxurious sweater we’ll want to live in. But that doesn’t mean any of us should (or can) pay the hefty price tag that quickly racks up when online shopping. So instead, I’m sharing the pieces I’m obsessing over RN, each under $50 (yes, you read that right). Whether you’re looking for trendy #OOTD upgrades, pieces that will transition your wardrobe into fall, or comfortable basics that are a little bit softer (and cuter) than the sweatpants you’ve been wearing for months, opt for items that are as affordable as they are adorable. Shop everything we’re obsessed with right now, all for less than the price of your weekly Trader Joe’s run. 

      Of-the-Moment Trends For Less

      Summer-to-Fall Transition Pieces

       
      Updated Loungewear

        More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Repossi dedicates jewellery piece to raise money for Beirut explosion victims

      by

      In the wake of the devastating blast that took place in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday evening, many stars have come forward to share their devastation, and many have also taken the opportunity to donate money to helping those who have been severely affected.
      One brand that is leading the way to help raise money for the Lebanese Red Cross is jewellery house Repossi.

      Taking to their official Instagram page, the brand confirmed that 100 per cent of the profits raised from the sale of their new Berbere Chromatic ring which is retailing for €2,900 (approximately Dhs12,654).

      All of the profits from the sale of the ring will go to the Lebanese Red Cross, which is currently aiding the thousands of people that have been injured in across Lebanon’s capital due to the explosion.
      With Lebanon being a dear country to the brand founder Gaia Repossi’s heart, as well as the rest of the team, it was important for the Repossi team to help support in any way they could.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 125 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      The TV Character I’m Basing My Entire Wardrobe Off Of

      by

      As a 24-year-old, it’s been a while since ladies my age have had a true, pop-culture fashion icon. Most of the fictionally fabulous characters we’ve aspired to be have come from decades past—Carrie Bradshaw, Elle Woods, Rachel Green, Raven Baxter (may we never, ever forget that intro look). And when you take a step back and look at their similarities, they all had one thing in common: they wore whatever the hell they wanted.In my book, characters who rise to have a place in the proverbial Fashion Hall of Fame have a certain je ne sais quoi to their looks that make it feel like they took a quick look at their closet, threw things on without thinking much of it, and headed out the door. Of course this isn’t reality, but capturing the essence of effortless effort in eclectic outfits is something that’s inspiring, to say the least. And to my absolute relief, I think that the new icon of our generation is here: Astrid Sloan, played by Lucy Boynton in Netflix’s The Politican.

      Source: Netflix

      Last year, the show’s debut season was a hit straight out of the gate—no surprise considering its star-studded cast and uber-entertaining storyline of golden boy Payton Hobart (played by Ben Platt), who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his dream of becoming the President of the United States, but only after he becomes the president of his Santa Barbara high school.
      The fashion throughout the entire series is stellar without fail—from Georgina Hobart’s all-too-appropriate mumu collection to McAfee Westbrook’s never-ending series of impeccable pantsuits to Skye Leighton’s edgy looks paired with corresponding, colorful makeup. It’s all damn near perfect, and no character is an exception. But from the start, Astrid’s wardrobe made my heart skip a beat and gave me a newfound will to live—and really, how often can that be said?

      Source: Netflix

      Source: Netflix

      In Season 1, when she’s running against Payton for High School President, Astrid’s wardrobe is impeccably reminiscent of a modern Jackie O—full of high-cut blouses adorned with bows and paired with lots of pattern. They master a balance of peppiness and edginess by pairing classic silhouettes and tailoring with trendy accessories, at least one unexpected piece per outfit, and even an occasional faux-hawk. It’s a dream come true for a Californian cool-girl presidential candidate—but Season 2, when the series takes to New York, is when her style really shines. From the second she appears on-screen there (pictured below) her character’s transition is apparent through her edgy looks that have ditched all signs of prep.

      Source: Netflix

      eason 2 is filmed during a cooler season, so Astrid’s wardrobe veers away from the warm, California days she was dressed for in Season 1, and instead gives us the fall wardrobe of dreams: fur coats, texture, deep colors, and lots of leopard. All of her looks are the perfect example of mixing patterns and colors that, if went by the book, wouldn’t necessarily go together. By pairing things like hot pink with a pastel blue and leopard with a bright purple, every single look is interesting and unique—and the eclectic-ness of each is exactly what makes it feel so effortless. By being less cohesive and matchy-matchy, everything simultaneously looks both more fashionable and less planned.

      Source: Netflix

      Most streetwear and high-fashion looks have this same principle in common: they look randomly put together, but somehow cohesive. While Astrid’s wardrobe achieves this, it still feels done in a way that’s completely attainable, if only with a little more fearlessness when dressing. Her accessories are also a statement on their own, and when paired with outfits that are otherwise full of drama, they take them to another level.

      Source: Netflix

      Source: Netflix

      The Politician is set to have a third season, and while I can’t wait to see if, ahem, Payton takes Didi Standish’s offer (no spoilers here), I think I’m even more excited for what Astrid wears when the gang (hopefully) takes Washington. But for now, this fall, I’ll be snatching up a fur, knee-length, leopard coat and some acrylic heart earrings quicker than you can say, “Congratulations, Senator Hobart.”

      Source: Netflix More

    • 100 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      Everything We Know About the 2020 Nordstrom Sale

      by

      If we had to rank our favorite holidays, it would go: Christmas, Halloween, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale got its reputation for being the sale of the year for one major reason: everything that’s discounted is a brand-new arrival. It isn’t picking through rack’s of last season’s pieces picking things up that you won’t be able to wear until next year; it’s next season’s pieces (fall and winter) that were all just released.
      Usually the sale takes place in July, but this year, it’s happening this month (and we’re not mad at it because it just means we’re one month closer to being able to wear our purchases!). The preview is out, the sale is nearing, and we’re breaking down everything you need to know to snag your dream pieces for 2020.

      When is it?
      Usually, the sale opens up to Nordstrom Cardholders, followed by the public. But this year, it’s broken down based on Nordstrom Card status (what you spend in a year). The opening dates are as follows:
      August 4: Icon access (cardholders that spend $15,000+ per year)
      August 7: Ambassador access (cardholders that spend $5,000+ per year)
      August 10: Influencer access (cardholders that spend $2,000+ per year)
      August 13: Insider access (all Nordstrom cardholders)
      August 18: Public access 
      The sale will run through Sunday, August 30th.

      How can I shop it?
      This year’s sale is obviously also different in the fact that, yes, there is a pandemic happening, which puts a wrench in rushing to the store to shop amongst large crowds.
      Nordstrom has reopened their stores to the public with extra precautions that protect both shoppers and employees. They’re also offering safe, contactless curbside pickup for online orders.
      If you don’t feel comfortable physically going to a store, as always, the entire sale will be available online and orders are shipped directly to you.

      What’s on sale?
      Just about everything—coats, top, boots, bras, activewear—are available; all from brands we love like Madewell, Topshop, Vince, Adidas, and more. Nordstrom took it upon itself to also offer more picks for our recent situations, which include a lot more lounging and a lot less dressing up for work. The best part, though? The more business-casual picks are all timeless enough that they can be worn year after year.
      Beyond clothes, there are incredible shoes, accessories, and beauty items (some of which are created exclusively for the event) on sale. 
      You can preview the entire sale now—but these are some of the things we already have on our wish lists. More

    • 125 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      I Styled My Boss for a Week—Here’s How It Went

      by

      A Note from Maddie
      If there’s one thing I’ve learned from writing about fashion for a living, it’s that while trends universally come and go, style is anything but objective.
      Much of my days are spent styling the outfit graphics you see on The Everygirl’s website and social media, and writing about the season’s hottest trends and colors and accessories and everything in-between. While I know my personal style, I try my hardest to get outside of that for everything I write—from past experiences in the fashion industry, I know that one of the main reasons the best fashion editors are so great is that they can look at clothing from an eye that’s outside of, “Would I wear this?”
      But it goes without saying that this is often easier said than done. I’ve discovered that some of my best work comes from thinking outside of my own day-to-day with things like what trends Meghan Markle might be wearing and what Rachel Green might have worn if Friends took place in 2019. So when my boss, Alaina, came up with the idea for me to style a full week of outfits for her, I couldn’t have been more excited for the challenge.
      Alaina and I are at very different points in life, have very different personal style, and have different aspects of our bodies to consider while dressing ourselves (read: she has boobs, and I don’t.)
      I also had two main dictators for the outfits I wanted to choose for her: we’re still working from home, and she has two kids under 2. What she’s wearing from home while wrangling her two kids and working during the hot, 90-degree summer in Chicago is quite specific—much different than, say, what she’d be wearing if we were working from the office in the days of yore. Everything needed to be comfortable, breathable, and realistic, but still chic, put-together, and something she might not gravitate toward herself.
      As with any experiment, you win some, and you lose some—but our week of outfits taught both of us unexpected lessons about personal style and a little about the magic that can happen when we get out of our comfort zones.

       A Note from Alaina
      I’ve never considered myself stylish, per se. But I didn’t think I was that bad. And never did I think I’d find myself in such a fashion rut that I’d pitch myself for my own personal makeover story on The Everymom and The Everygirl.
      But two babies in two years via C-section, a stay-at-home order that has me reaching for loungewear day in and day out, and my recent purchase of six identical $7 tees from Target was the wake-up call that had me say, “Hey, Maddie, can you help me? What should I wear? What could I wear?”
      Enter Maddie, as in Madeline Galassi: our 24-year-old fashion guru who produces top-performing fashion article after another for The Everygirl (and she’s done quite a bit for The Everymom). I was elated when she was up for the challenge.
      To give you a sense of what I wear on any given day the past five months, I am in some version of what you see below.

      I open my trusty top drawer overflowing with comfortable, machine-washable tees. Well, I personally forced the more delicate ones to become machine-washable because #whohastimeforthat.
      Is it chilly? Hello, leggings and sweatshirt. Is it day 11 in a string of 100 degree days in Chicagoland this summer? Hi, stretchy-waist shorts and tee.

      Ooo, stripes. I’m fancy.
      (Pile of laundry–another constant in my life–but that is neither here nor there.)
      I see these beautiful fashion stories and graphics show up on our sites and Instagram accounts and think, So cute! But that wouldn’t work on me. And I wanted to put that negative thinking to the test. But I needed help. So, I asked Maddie if she would style me for a week. I know. Super lucky me, with a personal stylist at my fingertips.
      Here is what we made happen!
       

      THE OUTFIT PLAN

      linen jumpsuit / white sneakers / straw bag

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: So cute. But that color will never work on me and jumpsuits are tricky.

      THE OUTFIT REALITY

      Alaina is wearing a Size 8 in the jumpsuit.

      Maddie: When I saw this jumpsuit on Madewell’s website, I knew I wanted to see Alaina in it. I personally have a couple of linen jumpsuits that I’ve been living in lately, and this one looked like it would be both comfortable and flattering (and it was in a color I thought she wouldn’t choose for herself). And I loved it on her! Paired with a pair of white sneakers, it looked put-together and casual, and I thought it was a great “day of Zoom meetings” summer look.
      Alaina: Love. Love. Love. What a way to start the week! I felt so confident and stylish in this outfit. I was SHOCKED. 1. That it fit, and 2. that this color actually worked on my skin tone. And I was so excited to have something new that was this chic and comfortable. Great for work meetings, errands, working from home, anything.
      Also want to comment on the sneakers, because I’ve always thought “a white sneaker is a white sneaker. What’s the difference?” Um. This. The leather and this detail made these Madewell sneakers so chic. Also–huge props to Maddie because I tried this outfit on with my typical flat sandal (which is how I would have styled it), but the sneaker really elevates the style factor of this look.

      THE OUTFIT PLAN

      knit tank / paperbag shorts / python sandals

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: It’s super cute and trendy, and I love the color palette. But for me personally, I hope I can button the waist on those shorts. Also, I haven’t worn a tank top in years. Also, I’ve never worn anything snakeskin. But sure, why not?!

      THE OUTFIT REALITY

      Alaina is wearing a size large in both the top and shorts.

      Maddie: Sticking with the breezy linen theme, I thought these shorts were another perfect work-from-home summer staple. I live for a monochrome moment and think it’s a great way to make something casual (like these paperbag shorts) look more elevated and sophisticated. Knitted tanks are everywhere this season, and you can see why here: they couldn’t be more flattering. Both paired with these python sandals, the beige color was consistent from head to toe, and was an outfit I thought was ultra-flattering on Alaina.
      Alaina: I surprisingly really liked this outfit on! Especially the shorts. I could not believe how comfortable they were. And they buttoned easily because of a sneaky elastic bit in the back of the waist. I am not going to lie, I am not super comfortable with how large my chest is post-babies, and this shirt definitely highlights it, but overall I feel really good in this. The top is not too fitted which I like, but it’s light for summer.

      THE OUTFIT PLAN

      tan tank / white straight jeans / acetate belt / black sandals

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: Love, love, love. This looks like something I’d pick out for myself before I had kids.

      THE OUTFIT REALITY

      Alaina is wearing a size medium in the top and a Size 30 in the jeans. 

      Maddie: After working with Alaina for the past two years, I know that she’s partial to skinny jeans—something I don’t blame her for, but that made me want to try other fits of jeans on her body. Different neutrals paired together always looks chic—even if it’s just a combination of basics—and that’s what I was going for here.
      This amazing belt ended up being sold out in Alaina’s size, and I know that personally if I’m tucking a tighter shirt into jeans, I like having a belt on to complete the look and cinch in my waist a bit, so I do wish we had that incorporated here. These jeans ended up being a bit big on Alaina—but I still could see the gist, and thought if they had fit right, they could have been a winner. Nothing in this outfit is too crazy or trendy—it’s just a few elevated basics that you could throw on in the morning without much thought.
      Alaina: This was probably our biggest miss (aside from the date night looks you’ll see below). It’s surprising because this was the look I would have probably bought for myself. I love the outfit, but not on me. I just don’t think it’s flattering. The white denim did not fit right. The size I ordered was actually a size too big, but it was still snug around my mid-section, highlighting my C-section pouch which made me feel insecure. I feel like the SNL Mom Jeans video in them.
      I was excited to try the straight leg denim because I paired it with skinny jeans at first and that was, by and large, an even greater fail. The straight leg made this look much more stylish, and I probably would have liked it more on my pre-baby body when I carried less weight in my chest and midsection.

      THE OUTFIT PLAN

      puff-sleeve blouse / denim shorts / mint sandals

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: [giggling to myself] This is never going to work … I am too old for this. Maddie, this would look great on you, but it will never work on me.

      THE OUTFIT REALITY

      Alaina in the size medium top–more fitting and flattering but a bit too tight. 

      Another shot of the size medium–the buttons were holding for on dear life!

      Switched to the wearing the size large top–room to breathe!

      Maddie: Another thing I wanted to see Alaina in was—you guessed it—a puffy sleeve. Puffy sleeves have been everywhere for over a year now, and I had never seen Alaina in one. They give everything they touch a little more femininity and elevation and are pretty foolproof with their styling—throw them on with some jeans (or jean shorts), and you’re good to go.
      I think Alaina might disagree with me on this one, but I loved this top on her. I think it was flattering—albeit a bit tight on her chest—and paired with these slightly longer jean shorts was a great option for a summer barbecue or socially-distanced get-together. She had two sizes of this—the larger of which definitely fit better.
      Alaina: I’m still torn on this look! First, I should say I was delightfully surprised at how I felt with it on. I felt good! The size medium top was definitely a bit more flattering and I think if I lost 5-10 pounds, I’d prefer that to the way the large fits, but for now the large is where my comfort zone is. Not too fitted. But I still look at it and question, does it look too young for me? Do I look like a mom trying to feel 16 again? Haha, I guess the jury’s still out.

      THE OUTFIT PLAN

      green midi dress / colorful sandals / gold hoops

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: [again giggling] Super cute look for summer! If only I could wear something like that … spaghetti straps and anything overflowing just does not work on me. I’ll end up looking like a sack of potatoes. But again, I am up to try anything!

      Maddie: Here at The Everygirl, our style leans heavily toward neutral colors—so during this, one of my missions was to dress Alaina in brighter colors that I knew she wouldn’t gravitate toward herself. This dress was the first outfit I picked for her. I knew the color would look amazing with her dark hair and fair skin, and that it would be as comfortable as pajamas while remaining a versatile closet staple. Everyone needs a couple of lightweight, flowing midi dresses in their closet, and this jewel tone is a fun way to make it not as basic as a classic white one.
      When I saw the picture of these fun, colorful, python sandals, I thought they’d be perfect for this dress—they made the whole look more exciting than say, a pair of basic brown sandals. Topped off with a simple pair of gold hoops, it’s a chic two-minute look for a busy mom; throw on the dress and sandals, and you’re done.
      Alaina: Um … love. This outfit had me feeling impossibly chic in that effortless way as if summer is just my season, and this is how I am most comfortable dressing. (Even though it absolutely is not, and oversized sweaters and leggings in winter is actually my most comfortable way of dressing.) This outfit turned heads, mostly because of the beautiful, bold color. I felt stylish without being super dressy. I basically want to live in this dress.
      AND the gold earrings are the best everyday staple that zhush up your face for daily Zoom calls. Again, THANK YOU, Maddie, for opening my eyes to the possibility of color and trying new things!

      THE OUTFIT PLAN

      yellow midi dress / white sandals / rattan bag

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: Hmm … I loved the yellow dress post we ran on The Everygirl. Love the neckline. I like that it’s fitted–that should be more flattering on my curvy figure. I’m hopeful! But the always lingering question in the back of my mind is, will it zip up all the way?

      Maddie: Ah, this dress—where to begin? Looking back, it was a pretty audacious choice, but hindsight is 20/20. Light yellow is one of the hottest colors of this summer, and when I saw this dress on the Nordstrom model, I thought it would be sophisticated and breezy and a little something different—but the result ended up looking like Alaina would need to be singing that “she wants much more than this provincial life” when she was wearing it.
      This dress is an amazing example of how you really never know what something online might look like in person. The model they showed this dress on was a tall, Size 0 woman with no cleavage to worry about. Here, you can see that it’s much longer, where instead of hitting mid-calf, it’s hitting at Alaina’s ankles; and while the neckline is gorgeous, it doesn’t leave too much to the imagination on someone with a bigger chest. It’s a whole lot of yellow—and let’s just say it was a very clear fail.
      Alaina: Wrinkles aside, this dress was a weird combination of sexy/farmgirl Belle. And it was a miss. The length was off–would realistically need to get it hemmed if I was trying to make this work. The slit in the skirt was not open enough and there was not enough movement in the skirt, creating this effect that I was wearing a giant sheet of yellow fabric as opposed to showing skin to break up all the fabric. Remember Angelina’s weird leg pose years ago? I felt that that was how I had to stand to make this work. I did like the neckline but that was the only thing working for me in this dress. My husband’s response was, “Ooo that’s sexy. You look like Belle. Wait are you supposed to wear that out in public?” So, even he was confused. Haha.

      THE BACKUP PLAN

      white midi dress / peach sandals / rattan bag

      Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: After the yellow dress fail, Maddie sent me three options, and I chose this one! I thought it looked summery fresh and had an equally flattering neckline with straps that would hide my bra straps. Loved!

      Maddie: Another dress that looked gorgeous online, but like a literal sheet that should be worn to a college toga party in real life. Again, on the model, I thought this dress had much more shape and structure to it—but in person, it does absolutely nothing for the body. It looks like a linen dress you have at the back of your closet just in case you have one too many graduation parties to attend that summer. It’s the clothing version of “womp womp.” Not even a pair of strappy coral sandals and a gorgeous structured bag could save this one.
      Lesson: pay attention to product descriptions—not just what they appear to look like on the model.
      Alaina: I never even got the shoes on because let’s face it, I was wearing a nightgown. Or so it looked. And not in a good way. The material felt cheap and was almost see-through. The fit was off, the length was wrong (again)–and I’m not short. I’m 5’6″! Nothing about this dress worked on me, and we were ready to throw in the towel. Quite frankly–I loved the green dress for date night, as much as I loved it for daytime! So, that was a success enough! More

    • 63 Shares

      in beauty and fashion

      My Favorite Transitional Fall Pieces

      by

      If seasonal fashion were a friend, summer would be your childhood best friend; the one you can call after being too busy to talk for two months and pick back up like you didn’t miss a moment. They’re easy, lovable, loyal, and there’s really no complaints to be had. But fall? Fall is your highfalutin friend that you text when you want to have a good time. They’re the one you see once in a while, but when you do, you have a night that you’re talking about for weeks to come. Summer fashion is great while it’s here—it’s breezy, effortless, and simple—but in my opinion, it stays a little past its welcome. The first couple of weeks you can wander outside in only shorts and a T-shirt are exciting and all, but with the potential of fall lurking just around the corner, it gets old—fast. 
      While you’d think that once September and October roll around that fall fashion would be in full force, more often than not, that’s not the case. 80 degree days can stick around until Halloween, and it leaves us with the question: what exactly do we wear?
      That’s where transitional fall clothes come into play. The key is to retire some ride-or-die summer clothes in exchange for seasonally appropriate ones that still are comfortable for the weather—but it’s easier said than done. Here are my five favorite transitional fall pieces (that you can bet I’ll be wearing come the end of August).

      1. A knitted tank

      For the days you’re feeling particularly autumnal but it’s still hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, a knitted tank is the answer. It feels like a safe, transitional step toward fall, but will let you breathe—and will look incredible layered under jackets once fall actually comes to town.

      2. An oversized blazer

      Blazers have been all the rage for a few seasons now, and luckily for those of us that have been hoarding them, the menswear staple is back for another round this year. Save your textured tweed ones for the cooler months, and opt for a lighter-weight, oversized one for September and October. Paired with a T-shirt and denim, it makes a perfect outfit recipe for a 60-something degree day.

      3. A denim dress

      Unconventional denim always has the ability to be practically seasonless, so a denim dress like this one is perfect to wear this time of year. It’s the perfect patio attire for a cooler evening and veers toward fall dressing without being too hot. Just like a knitted tank, this can be layered up for cooler temperatures so you get use of it from now until December.

      4. A cropped cardigan

      I know, I know, “cropped cardigan” is kind of like jumbo shrimp. Prior to last year, I was never exactly a cardigan girl. Bigger, chunkier ones were never my style, and ones like these were retired once I graduated from middle school—but now that they’re in style, they’re a great piece to add to your transitional collection. This one has subtle, puffy sleeves, and I’ve even worn it with shorts on chillier nights this summer when I’m sitting outside. It provides just the right amount of warmth without being too bulky, and in a fall-appropriate color like this, will make you feel like you want to sit down with a PSL.

      5. Straight, white denim

      By now, we’ve debunked the myth that you can’t wear white after Labor Day, and in my opinion, white denim is a great way to usher out summer and welcome in fall. This pair is my go-to, with a straight fit and distressed, cropped hem. Pair them with sweaters and your favorite jackets all season, and if you’re really feeling bold, wear them into the colder seasons for a winter white moment. *Chef’s kiss* More