Tip # 1: Update your wardrobe with a printed shorts suit.
While there are always ways to spice up your existing wardrobe, sometimes a new and exciting option can serve as a welcome break from your usual suspects. If you're wondering what your next purchase should be, we suggest taking a cue from Zoe Saldana. The actress attended the Los Angeles Premiere ofCaptain America: The First Avenger at the El Capitan Theatre last month wearing a Balmain shorts suit paired with Kain's Classic V-Neck Tee ($85). Saldana finished her red carpet look with studded, sky-high Brian Atwood pumps and a structured Lanvin clutch, taking her outfit from simply stylish to completely fabulous. We think Saldana's updated nighttime look exudes an always-stylish air of nonchalance, which fits perfectly with her cool-girl aesthetic. If you're searching for some additional options to try, we recommend checking out Rag & Bone's Sullivan Jacket ($375) and Tennis Shorts($80), which have a similar silky texture and cool black and tan print. If you're seeking something bolder, Topshop's Multi Co-Ord Ditsy Floral Print Blazer ($60) and Multi Acid Ditsy Print Shorts ($76) are must-have picks for achieving a likeminded shorts suit.
While there are always ways to spice up your existing wardrobe, sometimes a new and exciting option can serve as a welcome break from your usual suspects. If you're wondering what your next purchase should be, we suggest taking a cue from Zoe Saldana. The actress attended the Los Angeles Premiere ofCaptain America: The First Avenger at the El Capitan Theatre last month wearing a Balmain shorts suit paired with Kain's Classic V-Neck Tee ($85). Saldana finished her red carpet look with studded, sky-high Brian Atwood pumps and a structured Lanvin clutch, taking her outfit from simply stylish to completely fabulous. We think Saldana's updated nighttime look exudes an always-stylish air of nonchalance, which fits perfectly with her cool-girl aesthetic. If you're searching for some additional options to try, we recommend checking out Rag & Bone's Sullivan Jacket ($375) and Tennis Shorts($80), which have a similar silky texture and cool black and tan print. If you're seeking something bolder, Topshop's Multi Co-Ord Ditsy Floral Print Blazer ($60) and Multi Acid Ditsy Print Shorts ($76) are must-have picks for achieving a likeminded shorts suit.
Tip # 2: Amp up mixed prints with bright, bold accents.
Here at Who What Wear, we're all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking risks with your wardrobe. That's why we approve of the way Jade Williams upped the fashion ante with a daring and well-executed outfit at a Net-a-Porter party for Dolce & Gabbana in London last month. Williams wore a leopard-and-star print dress from said brand's F/W 11 collection, and took the look to another level by adding Aldo's Capecoral Pumps ($80), accompanied by an equally eye-catching red manicure. We love how Williams refused to limit herself to just one statement piece, instead building an entire ensemble comprised solely of show-stopping options. To recreate this high-impact look, we suggest pairing Forever 21's Leopard & Zipper Top ($16) with Moschino Cheap and Chic's Dot Pencil Skirt ($455), then introduce a sultry pop of color into the mix with her exact Aldo shoes or DV by Dolce Vita's Briar Pumps ($90). Now, if you want to further achieve William's smart mix, pick up Dior's new-for-fall Vernis Nail Lacquer ($22) in Red Royalty today!
Tip # 3: Balance a ladylike top with leather pieces.
Feminine pieces are necessary staples in every woman's wardrobe, and while ladylike separates obviously work well when worn together, there's something very now about adding a little edge to the equation. Take, for example, the outfit that Coco Rocha wore to the David Yurman Summer Soiree in New York City last month. Rocha paired a black and white, printed button-up with an orange-red blazer (both vintage Louis Feraud), and did we mention the matching pocket square? The model took the look up a notch with a pair of sleek leather leggings by Reiss and patent leather oxfords. Rocha's look is uptown meets downtown, and we find the merging of the two worlds to be quite charming. If you feel the same way, then you must try Whistles' Cutie Spot & Stripe Blouse ($164) with Gap's Faux Leather Leggings ($80) and Forever 21's Patent Leatherette Oxfords ($25). Just be sure to throw on ALICE by Temperley's Cropped Jersey Jacket ($340) to brighten up your look a la Rocha.
Tip # 4: Elevate a basic tee with a high-waisted skirt.
Dree Hemingway is a mainstay in our Styling Tips series due to her impeccable taste and ability to elevate basic pieces to create memorable and fashion-forward ensembles. Such is the case with the outfit she donned for lunch at The Brant Foundation Art Study Center back in June. The model transformed a basic white t-shirt—specifically the T-Shirt 2 ($50) from Johan Lindeberg's new line BLK DNM's—into a luncheon-worthy option by pairing it with the black, high-waisted Skirt 1 ($400) from the same collection, and adding a seasonal pop of color to her otherwise neutral palette with an orange Marc Jacobs bag. We appreciate Hemingway's relaxed and minimal sensibilities, as they allow her to create outfits that are refreshing and not a bit stuffy. Fortunately, this smart combo is easy to pull off! If you're in need of a new white tee, we suggest picking up her exact t-shirt or National Jean Company's St Vincent Burnout V-Neck Shirt ($73), and pairing either top with Alfie's Maxi Column Skirt ($240) or Mason by Michelle Maison's Skirt ($185). We promise the resulting outfit will be equally chic!
Tip # 5: Put together an ombre colorblock look for fall.
When we spotted up-and-coming actress Brit Marling in Preen at the New York City premiere ofAnother Earth last month, we knew that her uber-chic look was fashion's newest answer to color blocking. Instead of a harsh juxtaposition of hues, Marling's dress featured a fluid, ombre shift in tones, moving from hot pink to peony, and culminating in a lush cherry red. We love to see updated versions of popular trends, and this ombre ensemble is no exception—it retains a slightly understated quality that allows for a successful trend-transition, allowing us to carry colorblocking into the fall/winter season. While finding a similar ombre colorblock dress may prove challenging, you can create a similar look with a skirt and top combo. For example, we think Three Dots' V-Neck Tee ($30) in Pink Punch would look great worn with Zara's Skirt with Slit ($80) in Red. Of course, if you prefer a dress you can always try Diane von Furstenberg's Olivia Dress ($325), which transitions from light pink to orange, or Topshop's sunny-hued Cream Colour Block Pleated Dress ($110).
Tip # 6: Punch up a white blouse with a statement necklace.
Seeing as we are always on the hunt for fresh and of-the-moment ways to bring life to our basic wardrobe staples, it should come as no surprise we're completely enamored with Elizabeth Olsen's latest outfit. The actress (and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's younger sis) caught our eye at a Hollywood Foreign Press Association luncheon in Beverly Hills earlier this month when she accessorized her white button-down blouse with statement necklaces! It's important to note that she kept the multi-colored, textured baubles in the spotlight by opting for minimalist separates—a clever styling trick indeed! To punch up your next office outfit, snag Forever 21's Cloudy Beaded Necklace($5) and layer it with a visually intriguing piece, like Avant et Apres' Multi Strand Antique Silver Beaded Necklace ($288) and Sorrelli's Aurora Sky Multi-Crystal Circular Bib Necklace ($128), and all eyes will be on you.
Tip # 7: Create a high-impact outfit with a head-to-toe print.
We've already established that mixing prints is a great option for creating a standout look, but it's also important to note that choosing separates that feature matching prints produces a similar head-turning effect. Giovanna Battaglia proved this point at a launch party for Bottega Veneta's new fragrance—held at The Academy Mansion in New York last month—when she showed up in a head-to-toe, bird-bedecked look from No. 21's S/S 11 collection. The L'Uomo Vogue fashion editor chose to wear the outfit in its original runway form, pairing the printed short sleeve top with matching, cropped pants, and set off the ensemble with a pair of color-coordinated Fendi sandals and a bag designed by her sister, Sara Battaglia. We think that this is definitely a risk worth taking, as the result, especially in Battaglia's case, is an undeniably fashion-forward look. Happily, we've found an in-store alternative that is sure to please all you adventurous dressers out there. We'd like to direct you to Boutique by Topshop's Peony Print Silk Sheer Panel Crop Top ($90) and Wide-Leg Trousers ($200). Not only are these separates incredibly comfortable, but they also happen to be perfect in keeping with this season's big florals trend—just another reason we're currently obsessed!
Tip # 8: Try a single-hued look with minimal separates.
Monochromatic dressing is undoubtedly chic, but putting together a successful single-hued ensemble can be tricky. Luckily, the outfit that model Jessica Hart wore to the New York premiere of Sarah's Key last month provides a paint-by-numbers reference for anyone looking to pull off this trend with aplomb. Instead of opting for a singular shade, Hart chose to pair her periwinkle blue Diane von Furstenberg dress with a jacket (also DVF) in a slightly darker variation. Hart demonstrated further knowledge of the color spectrum by accessorizing with a Sass and Bide clutch in blue's complementary color cohort, orange. We love the color gradient, as well as Hart's choice to use minimal pieces to build her monochromatic outfit. The result is a cool and modern take on a tried-and-true technique. To put together a look-a-like ensemble, start with Alice + Olivia's Fierra T Back Dress ($198) or Silence & Noise's Layered Tank Dress ($69) and layer on a chic option in a lighter or darker blue hue. We are huge fans of Kimichi Blue's Mix Fabric Crepe Jacket ($59) and Silence & Noise's Boyfriend Blazer($78).—Calin Van Paris
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