Wednesday, December 1, 2010

WARDROBE STAPLES

See HarpersBazaar.com

These stylish girls are wearing pieces that most of us already have in our closets. Neutrals, leggings, skinny jeans, a turtle neck and converse sneaks can look super chic when on the go and in the right combination.

THE RIGHT BALANCE


Too many guys think that dressing is just a t-shirt and jeans or a suit. This obliging guy shows that there's the perfect place right in between. We like his small collar, the loose tie and mix of flattering autumnal colors.

POLKA DOTS






I like throwing a jacket on over a dress that can't stand on it's own in the cooler weather. To avoid this blazer looking too corporate (unless, that is, you're a working girl and have a dress code) I like to flip the collar up and push the sleeves back to keep it young. Polka dots are hot this season and we chose caged heels, red lips, and leopard glasses to give the look some punch. I think a lot of girls play it a little safe with the caged heels because they are afraid of appearing too aggressive. Don't worry! A strong heel is the Modest Girl's best friend. When you're not making a statement by showing a lot of skin, you have a lot of room, style-wise, to make a statement with your shoe. A black cage heel is a great way to go.

MIX MASTER



We need to forget about matching our shoes to our bags. This cute girl we met on the street knew how to mix her accessories. We love her burgundy western boots paired with the vibrant structured bag. I think mixing the style and color of accessories adds interest and depth to an outfit. I also love the simple tunic dress over leggings and the sweet detail on her jacket. This could be a very simple, yet stylish and modest, winter uniform. Let your accessories do the talking while you run around town cozy and comfortable.

THE DRAPE



Baggy blouses are the look de rigueur now, and one of the biggest fashion trends. I looked for a while to find the perfect blouse with a great drape. I wanted it to look effortless but have a high end feel. Funny enough, I ended up finding this one at a thrift store. One of my sneaky tactics with full blouses is to tuck part of it in, to give some definition, and in the process maintain that laissez-faire attitude (a la style icon Kate Lanphear). I think the baggy blouse will be my new uniform well into spring and summer for many reasons. It obviously has great coverage for us Modest Girls and it is the easiest way to be on the cutting edge. I'm going to wear them with skirts and baggy trousers, even denim cutoff shorts when the weather mercifully warms up (or if I ever take that exotic vacation I'm dying for).

SLOUCHY PANT




We are seeing these trousers everywhere right now. I picked this pair up at h&m, but Topshop also has a great selection. What's important to keep in mind if you are going to try this look, is proportion. Make sure the pant is slouchy at the hip but tapers near the ankle. Also watch the length. If you're going to wear some killer heels, as we've shown here, make sure the pant is slightly cropped. If you're going to go with a flatter shoe (like a menswear oxford) keep the length slightly lower on the ankle, but not touching the top of your shoe. I love a tough little screen or concert t-shirt to keep the look young and modern (also helping to avoid a too literal reference to the 90's). And voila! The perfect rakish look.