tutorial

Reader Request: Layered Warm Weather Looks

by Sal on May 17, 2012 · 20 comments

Reader Pamela e-mailed me this question:

I’m fairly successful at putting together composed outfits in the fall and winter, when I can utilize several layers. In the warmer months, (and I live in Tennessee, so the warmer months make up the majority of my year), I have much more trouble. I’d love some advice on how to utilize layers in the warmer months. What sort of layers can I use? Should I be incorporating light scarves and vests, or just layering short sleeve pieces? What basic pieces should I have?

A while back, I offered up some options for covered-up warm weather looks, but Pamela is looking for more general guidance on summer layering. And I’ll admit that I, too, have a tougher time crafting fun and interesting outfits in the blazing heat when layering becomes uncomfortable. In fact, if it gets hot enough, I look like this:

When the Minnesota summer gets humid, sticky, and unbearably hot, it’s a sleeveless dress and sandals. Period. Anything more makes me an unbearable grouch. But here are a few ideas for days that fall somewhere between “pleasantly warm” and “infuriatingly hot,” when layers are a possibility.

Layer your skirts

A few summers back, I thrifted up a whole mess of printed, silky, knee-length skirts specifically for layering. It won’t always work, but allowing a fun print to peek out at a dress or skirt hemline is a great way to add interest to a summer outfit without adding too much bulk.

Consider cropped cardigans

Long cardigans hold virtually no appeal in hot weather, and sometimes traditional ones seem equally unsavory. But cropped cardigans and boleros can add interest to a summery frock without bogging you down. This short-sleeved version is ideal for truly hot weather, but 3/4 and long sleeves are typically bearable in all but the hottest weather.

Try wraps and ponchos

A more daring option, to be sure, but worth exploring. Especially if you’re desperate for an option other than tee + shorts + sandals. Lightweight wraps can be draped and tied in many ways that add interest to your upper torso, and ponchos can be worn over spaghetti strap tank tops and no one will be the wiser. (If you go the poncho route, steer clear of heavy, tasseled wool, of course.)

Play with printed scarves

This was a day when it was so hot and humid, the camera lens refused to remain fog-free for more than a few moments. So it was sleeveless dress and sandals … though I grudgingly added a long, lightweight, PRINTED scarf. I believe that printed scarves are ideal for summer wear since so many of us rely on solids for our actual clothing, and a vibrant print goes a long way toward spicing up an otherwise plain ensemble.

Count accessories as layers

Sometimes adding more cloth to an outfit tips it out of balance. Other times it’s too darned hot. So consider counting your accessories as layers. A necklace, belt, and bangles can add all the additional interest necessary to elevate a simple summer outfit. Don’t kill yourself over layering if you just can’t hack it.

How do you incorporate layers during the warm months of the year?

{ 20 comments }

How to Play Up Your Assets

by Sal on May 15, 2012 · 10 comments

Assets are relative, ya know? Each woman gets to decide for herself which aspects of her figure she’d like to highlight and play up, regardless of what various magazines may say. And, remarkably, there are some simple techniques for drawing attention to your bodily assets that work regardless of what those assets may be! If you’d like the observing world to take note of a specific feature, try:

CONTRAST

Whether you generate contrast by pairing colors with drastically different values, or adding a splash of color in an otherwise neutral ensemble, the place of contrast will become a point of interest. If you want to highlight your waist, make sure there’s high contrast at your waistline. If you want to highlight your legs, try wearing a black dress and shoes with hot pink tights. Color contrast is a fantastic way to play up a cherished asset.

EMBELLISHMENT

Sequins, embroidery, beading, even an inset of pattern or texture can serve as embellishment on a garment. And wherever that embellishment goes, so goes the eye. If you’d like to highlight your derrière, go for jeans with flap or embroidered pockets. To draw attention to your shoulders, pick jacket with epaulets. Embellish those assets, my friends!

EXPOSURE

Naturally, you’ll want to temper this one with your own modesty preferences and knowledge of social mores. But baring skin is a classic technique for asset highlighting. Should you wish to play up your rear end or thighs, you may need to see another method. (At least if you’re going out in public.) But most other figure bits can be intentionally exposed under the right circumstances. If you want to highlight your arms, wear a scarf with a sleeveless maxi dress so your arms take center stage. If you want to highlight your legs, wear them bare with an above-the-knee skirt.

Since nothing is universal or foolproof, these techniques won’t work across the board. It’s tough to do contrast at the bust line or embellishment at the ankles. But all three of these work across a huge variety of scenarios, highlighting assets as they go.

Do you use any of these techniques to play up your assets? Which ones, and for which amazing assets?

{ 10 comments }

Reader Request: Employing Underthings

by Sal on May 11, 2012 · 92 comments

Kenzie dropped this one into the suggestion box:

can you do a post on underwear? like the right kind of bras and panties to help avoid lumps, bumps, and lines on different outfit types, as well as employing slips and camisoles when necessary.

Whew. This one is a toughie for me. I defer to K-Line on all things bra, and must refer you to her amazing guest post on bra fittings to get started. I won’t claim to be an expert at underthings, and know from experience that folks get VERY TOUCHY when this topic is discussed. So here’s the requisite boatload of caveats: No two bodies are alike, so no two women will require the same undergarments for the same purposes. I’ll tell you what I know has worked for my clients and worked for me. I trust you to use your judgment. And I trust you to take what applies to you, discard the rest, and assume positive intent.

All righty then. Let’s dig in.

What I know about bras

I know that what looks adorable on the rack may look atrocious under a tight tee shirt. I know that small breasts sometimes do better in full coverage cups. I know that absolutely NO ONE agrees upon how to measure for a bra, but that I’ve never been able to puzzle out any of the DIY instructions and have far better luck getting help from department store employees. Bras are tough. They just are. I don’t know a single woman who can sail into her local Vicky’s Secret and buy a new brassiere without trying it on. And probably some agonizing.

In terms of universals? There aren’t any. But here are some personal observations that might help:

“Back fat” is a term that was created by people who market and sell stuff. Bras dig. I’ve seen professional athletes with less than 5% body fat whose bras dig into their backs. Try not to get too wound up about it.

That said, remember that a bra with a wide band is less likely to subdivide you than a bra with a narrow band. (Assuming you are slightly less squishy a bit further down your torso.) This is why longline bras were the norm for ages – less digging.

Try a variety of cup styles to see what works. Try them while wearing a fitted tee shirt, the ultimate tester of a bra’s prowess. I wore demi cups for AGES until the good folks at Bali put me into one of their One Smooth U Lift Bras (pictured above), and blew my mind. I need a padded bra for nipple-related reasons, but the demi cups jutted out from my bust. This full coverage bra has a profile that sits closer to my frame. No more visible bra lines! Moral: If you can find more than one style in your size, try as many as you can.

If you’re going to invest big bucks, do it on a bra that fits you beautifully – even under a single, tight layer of clothing – in a color that matches your skin tone. If you ever wear white, you’ll need it. Pretty is nice, nude is necessary.

Strapless and convertible bras often fit differently than standard bras. Get professional help, if you can. (I own neither. I simply tuck my straps into my cups. The joys of being a small-busted gal who wears padding!)

In terms of different bras for different outfits? I don’t know, friends, I feel like the aforementioned fabulously fitting nude bra should cover most of your bases. You can employ various other underthings to deal with potential issues.

What I know about panties

What I know about panties makes me feel old. Since I have a list of reproductive issues that would turn your head around, I am forced to stick to Cotton Hi-Cuts. And every gynecologist I’ve ever seen has reinforced the idea that 100% cotton is best, best, best for your health. So.

100% cotton panties are best for vaginal health. Seductive they ain’t, but if you get yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or any other recurring infection or pain-related issue, they’re the way. The only way. I know that has nothing to do with fitting/flattery, but allow me a brief stint on the soapbox.

Thongs work for many people in terms of seamlessness, but there are two caveats. A properly fitting thong doesn’t dig into you. If it digs into your hips, you’ve just negated any assumed pantyline invisibility. Also thongs aren’t good for anyone yeast-prone, so be aware.

Unless you are wearing thin or tight pants, a thin or tight dress, or a thin or tight skirt, you can wear just about any style of properly fitting panty and no one will know. Full and a-line skirts are especially forgiving, so bring on the briefs!

I got into a minor scuffle with two lingerie experts over panty fitting once. One maintained that I should be wearing size medium panties because, well, I’m relatively medium-sized. The other agreed with ME, and I maintain that I should wear panties that sit flat and quiet against my hips and rear end without pinching or subdividing me. In most cases that’s a size extra-large. I’m not saying that everyone should size up three full sizes, just sharing my own experience and preference. Undies that dig are uncomfortable, and they show through your clothes. That is all.

If you’ve got on tights or shape wear, there’s nothing wrong with going commando. (Assuming that doing so won’t make you uncomfortable/squeamish.)

If, like most women, you get bloated over the course of the month, keep a few styles and sizes of panties on-hand. What sits flat on the 5th may squeeze your parts by the 28th.

As is the case with bras, it will benefit you to own at least one pair of perfectly fitting panties that match your skin tone. Sometimes pants are white, sometimes skirts are sheer. If all your panties are leopard print, that may become a problem.

What I know about slips and pettipants

I know that an unlined skirt and pair of tights will fight each other without a slip to keep the peace. I know that some decoratively edged slips show through thin or tight dresses. I know that slips can cause their own sets of fitting woes. More specifically:

Buy a slip that is comfortable around your waist. Many slips have teeny tiny elastic waistbands that love to dig into your midsection. I prefer versions with flat, wide, stretch lace waistbands – like this one - which may migrate around me a bit but do NOT dig.

If your thighs rub against each other and that irritates you, try pettipants instead of a slip. Actually, even if you’re not fussed about thigh chafing, consider pettipants. They’re pretty amazing. And offer a bit more protection should you saunter across a breezy subway grate, Marilyn-style.

I have never, ever successfully deployed a full slip. I know they must be good for something – probably some sort of complex dress – but eesh, they just never work for me. I tend to wear fitted stuff up top and volume on the bottom with a cinched waist, so full slips just get wadded up and mangled under all that.

I don’t believe that slips are necessary any time skirts or dresses are worn. Obviously, a lined skirt or dress doesn’t need an additional layer shoved under there, but even unlined skirts don’t always require a slip. If I’m cold, if I’m wearing tights, or if I just feel I need the extra coverage, that’s one thing. But so long as I’m not wearing a flippy full skirt and going panty-free (which has literally never happened ever), I skip the slip.

What I know about shape wear

Holy moly, you wanna talk hot topic? I know that shape wear is controversial, and that many folks feel it’s a tool of oppression. I know that I waffle on it myself. I know that I own a couple of pieces and they’re helpful at times. I know that for me, they are NOT for every day wear. A few more thoughts:

I honestly don’t see the point of anything less than a high-waisted, mid-thigh piece like the one shown above. (Which I own and recommend.) I know there must be some body types out there who can benefit from simple shape wear briefs or who only want a cami, but I figure if I’m going to bother pouring myself into this kind of thing, I might as well smooth out everything from bust to legs.

Actually, since many women would rather include the portion of the back where their bra band rests, this one-piece is a great idea. HOWEVER, it will only work if you have a statistically proportionate torso. And you may not know that until you try it on. Frustrating.

Shape wear should not be so horrifyingly uncomfortable that you are in misery while wearing it. Yes, it will feel snug and yes, it should offer compression. But if you can’t breathe, feel faint, or experience any other severe discomfort, you are wearing the wrong size. Do not buy shape wear a size smaller than you should wear in hopes of making yourself appear smaller. You’ll just be miserable and possibly make yourself ill.

Shape wear will not make you look a size smaller. I don’t care what anyone says. It will smooth you out, and firm you up and is wonderful for outfits where you might worry about The Jiggle. It will not help you fit into a dress that is too small, and it will not compress you into looking 10 pounds lighter.

What I know about camisoles

I know that I don’t think all camisoles should be shape wear, although most of them seem to be. I know that the only kind I’ve found useful are slippery nylon blends. Furthermore:

A slippery camisole that matches your skin tone is a very useful piece to have. It can make many sheer garments appear more opaque, and can add warmth on cold days.

If you are experiencing some minor bra digging and don’t feel like dealing with shape wear, sometimes a fitted cami can even things out a bit. This will only work if your outer layer isn’t skin-tight.

Unless they’re going to show, I’ve never seen the point of lacy or embellished camis. That stuff just makes for lumps and bumps under your clothing. But then, I’m an old stick in the mud.

What I know about specialty lingerie

Zilch. Zippo. Nada. I’ve never worn a longline, don’t own a garter belt, and all my panties have crotches. Cant’ be of much help here, I’m afraid.

DAMN that got long. Hopefully I covered most of the bases and dispensed some helpful – or, at least, amusing – information about my own views on and experiences with underthings. Again, I do my utmost to be all-inclusive, all-encompassing, and all-loving because I want everyone who reads this blog to feel welcome and respected and important and gorgeous and worthy. If you felt omitted from this post, it was not an intentional, malicious, or judgmental exclusion. I am human. I try to consider all the angles, but I can’t always see them.

Related post: The Perils of Undergarments

So, what are your key undergarments? Views on how they should fit? Which pieces do you use for which occasions? Or do you do the same set regardless of your outfit? Any resources or wisdom to share?

Top image courtesy Dianamite420. And yes, it’s meant to be amusing.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

{ 92 comments }

Reader Request: Styling Stripes

by Sal on April 24, 2012 · 16 comments

Lisa popped a question about styling stripes in unusual ways into the Suggestion Box, and as a bona-fide stripe addict, I’m thrilled to tackle it!

With florals

Although I’m still a pattern-mixing newbie, the pairing I feel most comfortable wearing is definitely stripes and florals. Make sure that both patterns include a common, dominant color so the mix appears cohesive. (In this case, both contain white.) If possible add another, solid item that draws out a color from one pattern or another. (In this case, the moto jacket!)

As outer layers

The classic is a simple, boat necked, Breton top. But stripes are showing up in cardigans, coats, blazers, and other outer layers and can make fabulous toppers. If you fear the potential figure-widening properties of horizontal stripes – which are grossly exaggerated, in my opinion – picking a striped top layer can allow you to cinch or otherwise accentuate a slimmer-fitting inner layer.

With serious jewelry

If pattern mixes feel too overwhelming but you’d like to try something bolder than a striped top and solid cardigan, try a big, chunky necklace or two. You can pick up a color within the striped pattern or stick to clear stones and classic metals, or go even bolder with a contrasting color.

With tough accents

Stripes are typically considered a preppy staple, but they’re sliding quickly into neutral territory which means that they can play nicely off of other style genres. Try some tough boots, a motorcycle jacket, or big bold chain necklaces with your stripes.

In accessories

If striped garments feel too bold, consider accessories. OK, I know that striped tights are still pretty durned bold, but there are plenty of other options: Scarves, hats, socks, even handbags can bring some stripy goodness into your life!

What’s your favorite way to wear stripes? Do you employ any of these techniques yourself? Others to suggest?

{ 16 comments }

A Timid Gal’s Guide to Booties

by Sal on April 20, 2012 · 12 comments

I hesitated when booties first hit the scene. They looked so odd and awkward and stumpifying. But then my eye adjusted to the look, and I swung around to the bootie-love camp. I started snapping up pairs left and right, and amassed a nice little collection. And THEN I realized they were still tricky to style.

I still can’t quite do ankle boots and a skirt or dress. I love the look on others, but whenever I try it myself, I feel unfinished. Off. Wrong. But I’ve found a few ways to keep my booties in rotation, and I’d love to hear some more suggestions, too!

Wear them with pants

I know: Obvious. But worth mentioning, since all options are worthy of consideration. Some women tuck skinny pants into their booties and look extremely cool. I look bizarre. I prefer to let my pant hem drape over the bootie top.

Wear them with like-colored legwear

Ankle boots and booties often look odd and mess with your leg-line because of the unexpected contrast: We expect to see shoes that end below the ankle, boots that end at the knee. Other spots along the calf are less traditional, and can monkey with your proportions. Choosing like-colored tights or hose decreases the contrast and makes booties seem like a more natural choice.

Wear them with socks

I adore this sculptural pair of booties, but they are pretty tough to style. I found that adding a pair of black ankle socks makes them seem more casual and softens their line. I’ve also done scrunched socks with booties worn with leggings, and the addition of the visible sock creates a more unified look.

And that’s it. That’s my tiny bootie-wearing arsenal. So, obviously, I’d love to hear a few more ideas! Do you wear this style of footwear? Find it to be challenging? How do YOU style ankle boots and booties?

{ 12 comments }

Print Mixing for Beginners

by Sal on April 11, 2012 · 21 comments

I admired the look of print mixing for AGES before I finally felt comfortable enough to give it a whirl myself. And I’m still a total novice, and I still play it safe, and I still believe that this post from Unusual Form is just about the perfect primer for aspiring print mixers. But since I’m still a beginner myself, I thought I’d share a few simple tips for those of you who feel curious but unsure. Most of these are far less daring than the three-plus mixes that some folks concoct, which may make them feel tame … but hopefully will also make them feel do-able!

Separate prints with solids

This outfit includes a big geometric print in the scarf, a varied houndstooth in the skirt, and snakeskin on the pumps. All three prints are broken up by big swaths of solid black, so they just barely interact. It may be a bit warm for tights just now, but this outfit would also work with bare legs. Try incorporating several patterns, but separate them with solids.

Add a printed bag/accessory

Don’t feel comfortable doing multiple printed garments in a single outfit, but still inclined to dabble? Add a print bag to an outfit that includes printed clothing. Such an easy shortcut to print mixing!

Combine prints with shared colors

As you move into mixing printed garments, it helps to remember that they often work best if they’ve got at least one element in mind. Color is an easy one, and prints that share colors often mix well. Here, the stripes in the jacket share a pale blue with the delicate floral of the tunic.

Try stripes with florals

Of course, the print mix I use most is one that combines prints that have very little in common! Stripes work well in many print mixes because they read as neutral to most observing eyes. Pairing them with organic, flowy florals works beautifully, more often than not.

Mix two versions of identical prints

This technique requires you to have to identical – or near-identical – printed garments that can also be worn together. (You may have two pairs of polka-dot pants in two different colorways, but you’d be hard pressed to wear them together!) But when it can be done, it looks amazing. Dots, stripes, and other regular geometrics are often easiest to track down in identical prints but different colors.

Let Desigual do the work for you

And if none of those appeal, just track down a Desigual dress that features a perfect mix of prints, and call it a day!

How do you feel about mixed prints? Is your eye still adjusting? Like the look on others, but not sure it’d suit you? Already mixing like a madwoman? Would any of these beginner techniques work for you?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Reader Request: How to Soften Your Look

by Sal on April 9, 2012 · 24 comments

Anne from Modern Mrs. Darcy e-mailed me this request:

This past year I’ve been trying to “soften” up my image: for years I’ve dressed in crisp basics–dark denim, jewel-neck cardis, jackets, white tees. (I just can’t help it–I worked in the legal field for too many years!!) I think the look is pretty but it’s also pretty no-nonsense, and I want to inject some softness and flowy-ness and easy-going-ness (howdya like all those adjectives?) into my appearance. So I’ve been experimenting with long necklaces and wispy bangs and long open cardigans and flowing scarves. I think I’m making progress, but I would love some tips from the pros.

Anne has already hit on some classic techniques for adding softness to your overall look: Flowy jewelry and hair, long layers, and, of course, scarves. So she’s well on her way! But here are a few other ideas that might further her goal of taking the edge off her current style:

Romantic prints

Most prints will actually read a bit softer than solids, but there are definitely some stark abstracts that are incredibly edgy in appearance, so let’s say “romantic” to play it safe! Think florals, small geometrics, watercolors. Anything that gives the same impression as those scarves and long necklaces; That of movement, flowing water, rounded edges.

Low contrast

Black looks amazing with bright, cool colors like hot pink and turquoise, but outfits that contain those shades will have hard breaks and loads of contrast. If you choose colors that have roughly the same value – brightness, dustiness, darkness, etc. – you’ll create outfits that seem naturally softer. Collections of jewel tones, pastels, earth tones, and neutrals worn together look sophisticated and welcoming.

Long, flowy garments

You’ve got flowing down, but how about long? Are you doing waterfall cardigans that hit mid-thigh? Dusters? Jersey-knit maxi skirts? Soft tunics? Very few stark, hard-edged ensembles incorporate long, liquid layers, so throw a few of those into the mix to create visible softness.

Those are my suggestions, aside from the group that Anne is already – very wisely – implementing. What else would you recommend to her? How do you soften your own looks? What garments and accessories are your main tools for taking the hard edge off of outfits?

{ 24 comments }

How to Style Printed Shoes

by Sal on April 3, 2012 · 34 comments

I’ve been drooling over the various printed shoes and sandals that are flooding the shops this season, and since the amazing folks at ideeli were kind enough to send me a pair of pumps from Desigual’s new line of footwear,* I thought I’d whip up a post about printed shoes. Mostly because – if I’m being honest – they challenge me.

And by “challenge,” I mean “stymie.”

Now, I realize that this is subject to taste and preference, but I find animal prints to be far easier to style:

Animal prints are typically done up in neutral colors, and read fairly neutral themselves. They can be incorporated into colorful mixes, neutral ensembles, or any hybrid with relative ease.

It’s colorful prints that trip me up. The shoes themselves are gorgeous, but working them seamlessly into a sophisticated ensemble is no mean feat. Here are the three main tricks I use to style my printed shoes:

MIX PRINTS

It’s not exactly polka dots and plaid, but there IS a print mix going on within this outfit. Printed shoes are energetic and eye-catching, and a great way to balance them out is to incorporate pattern elsewhere in your ensemble. A printed top is ideal – like this striped button-front shirt – but a printed scarf can do the job just as well.

Printed shoes can also be worn with printed dresses, but make sure that the two prints create a harmonious mix. For instance, these brightly colored pumps have a fairly large scale floral print, so they complement their print opposites: Fairly neutral regular geometrics like polka dots, stripes, or even gingham.

GO MATCHY

If your printed shoes will be the lone printed item in your outfit, picking colors from the shoes’ print and utilizing those colors in solids will create a unified look. Depending upon the print in question, this can allow for some very bold color pairings, but you could certainly choose to temper them with a neutral or two.

This particular outfit was designed to showcase the shoes, but it could be tweaked to be less shoe-centric. Remove the tights, and add a bold statement necklace up top to balance the printed pumps and you’ll achieve a more even distribution of focus.

REPEAT PRINTS

This option may be the trickiest, but it’s awfully fun when it works. If you happen to have a pair of printed shoes with a pattern that occurs elsewhere in your wardrobe, throw it into the mix and see what happens! Florals, polka dots, stripes, and even plaid have been known to show up on the occasional pair of shoes, and those prints are common enough that they may also lurk within your closet.

Here, I’ve picked up the stripes on the platform of my Desigual peeptoes, and repeated it by wearing a seersucker dress. Both striped patterns include white, so they pair well and create a very spring-y mix. If you’re interested in picking up a pair from the new Desigual line of shoes, be sure to check ideeli on April 4!

So! That’s what I’ve got for yas. Not much, but it’s a start. Now I’d love to hear from you folks Are you drawn to printed shoes? Do you find your pairs a bit challenging to style? Got any tips or tricks you can share with the rest of us? Do tell!

*CMP.ly/2

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