Fashion – Page 4 – Ensemble of Elan

Super Simple Styling Tips You (Yes, You) Need to Be Using

Have you ever noticed that even when you buy the same clothes as fashion bloggers and Instagrammers, they just don’t look the same on you?

The reason why? Styling.

Employing a few easy styling techniques can completely transform your wardrobe without you having to spend a penny. Here are five tips we personally use on a daily basis!

1. Tuck in your shirt.

One of the easiest ways to take your outfit from “college kid running late to her 8 am class” to “sophisticated woman who has her life together” is to tuck or half-tuck your shirt/sweater. Doing so defines your waistline, creates better proportions (longer legs, smaller waist), and gives you the ability to show off a stylish belt.

2. Show off your socks.

You can make even the most boring of pair of shoes feel fresh again by pairing them with statement socks. (Or, make weird shoes even weirder, which is the path we tend to take.) Fishnet, solid black, and striped socks are all good options to show off above your sneakers or ankle boots.

3. Wear your dress as a skirt.

Are you bored of your dresses because there are only so many jackets you can pair with them to create different looks? Well, you are about to feel like you have an entirely new wardrobe with this trick. Layer a sweater or sweatshirt over your dress to make that dress feel like a new skirt!

4. Cuff your jeans.

Unless you are wearing cropped jeans, you should almost always cuff your jeans. A single or double cuff prevents bunching at your ankles and allows a killer pair of shoes to shine. You can roll up your jeans evenly, or do an imperfect, asymmetric roll if you are looking for a little edginess.

5. Drape your jacket over your shoulders.

If you ever see a street style star IRL, you can bet that her jacket will be draped over her shoulders instead of with her arms in the sleeves. Wearing a jacket like this keeps you warm, but still allows you to show off your outfit underneath. Plus, it makes you feel powerful, as though you’re wearing a superhero cape!

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

Addison’s Wearing:

How to Wear White After Labor Day

Remember that old rule about not wearing white after Labor Day? Today’s the day to forget it.

If you style this color right, you can rock it all year round. Personally, we love white in the fall and winter even more than in the spring or summer. It provides a feeling of freshness in a colorscape (Is that a word? It is now.) that is almost always dark in the colder months.

Here are four of our tried-and-true tips for pulling off white this fall season:

1. Choose interesting textures.

Instead of trying to style a plain white tee for fall, opt for something with a little more texture, like a mini skirt with a slightly rough, woolen feel. Pair that textured skirt (or pants, if that’s how you roll) with a white knit sweater and a leather jacket for a look that feels light and easy, yet far from basic.

2. Pair with darker colors.

If you have a white or off-white blouse that feels summery on its own, wear it with darker colors. Throw a black bomber jacket over the blouse and pair it with some trendy plaid trousers. Top off your look with metallic footwear and an embroidered purse, and you’re done!

3. Look for trendy details.

To make a white top feel in-season, look for one that has a trendy detail, like ruffles on the shoulders. Then, pair that top with more classic pieces, like a knit pencil skirt, black ankle boots, and a simple crossbody bag, to toe the line between timeless and trendsetting.

4. Layer white-on-white knits

When all else fails, go for white on white! Layering a chunky white sweater over a white knit dress feels fashion forward while also looking simple and clean-cut.

Wearing white after Labor Day is no longer a fashion faux pas, so don’t tuck away your favorite white pieces just yet. All you have to do is style them thoughtfully, wear them with confidence, and most importantly, avoid red wine and spaghetti sauce like the plague. ❤

Featured models: Callie Barnett and Erin Spann

Bienvenue en France: The Fashion Capital of the World (And Our Hearts)

There are many things that inspire me about France. From France being the first to ban “too thin” models (a monumental step in the right direction of lowering the rates of eating disorders in the modeling industry) to electing President Macron instead of succumbing to the nationalism that is sweeping the rest of the world, France always seems to come through as a beacon of hope in our modern world.

Recently, France announced legislation that will require French fashion magazines that photoshop or retouch their photos to mark those images that have been retouched.

It’s empowering to see such the home of the global fashion capital make such a bold move. Exposing young girls to impossible body standards has resulted in extremely high rates of anorexia and bulimia in the fashion industry.

France is the first to embark to this journey towards a more body-positive world of modeling, and I hope America follows the same path.

-H

Did you know the word “culture” actually comes from France?

Cristina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barney and Southgate College in London, told Live Science, “ ‘Culture’ derives from the same French term, which in turn derives from the Latin ‘colere’, meaning to tend to the earth, grow, cultivate, and nurture.

I love how the French embrace their culture through style and sophistication. Their public spaces strike such a regal tone. Paris, for example, is known to many as the home to high-end fashion houses, such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel. Many French people dress in an elegant, professional and fashionable style, but it is never over-elaborate. A few of my favorite typical outfits include long coats, scarves and berets, which make me feel as though I could be in Paris.

-Emily Moore

I was lucky enough to visit France four years ago when I studied abroad in Europe.

One moment I will never forget is lying the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower, nibbling on pain au chocolate and watching this icon of Paris sparkle against the night sky.

What I love about Paris is that it somehow—impossibly—feels both timeless and cutting-edge, especially when it comes to fashion. I’m sure you’ve heard the term “effortless French girl style” more times than you can count and have never been quite sure what it meant. But this is what I think it means.
French women know how to be sexy without necessarily being too revealing. They tend to wear fewer, higher-quality clothes, and they have an inclination towards menswear-inspired pieces, which makes every outfit feel as though it has a story.

I absolutely adore this oversized blazer, but I think a piece like this only works when it is paired with something a little sexier, like a little black dress. I imagine this as something a French girl would wear after she goes out to dinner at Pierre Gagnaire and steals her man’s blazer for warmth while they place a lock symbolizing their love on the Pont Des Arts bridge. (*Sighs wistfully*)

Anyways, after writing this and reminiscing, I think I’m going to have to drown my inner travel bug with a giant glass of merlot, macarons, and Chanel No. 5. Otherwise, I will definitely blow my entire paycheck on the next flight to Paris. Cheers!

-S

Fall Pants: Beyond the Skinny Jean

Quick poll: When you think of ‘fall pants’, what is the first item in your closet that comes to mind?

…Skinny jeans?

If that was your answer, we want to demonstrate how you can unleash the full potential fall fashion has to offer by looking beyond the skinny jean.

I love a good pair of skinny jeans as much as the next girl, but I’m honestly happy the fashion world is shifting focus away from this style for the time being. You may have noticed that the majority of fashion it girls only sparingly post photos of skinny jeans, even in their downtime. They moreso post shots of vintage-inspired jeans, trousers, and track pants.

For this shoot, I paired my favorite track pants with this funky button-down from Goodwill (I’m pretty hung up on those eye-shaped buttons) and a pair of black pumps with a metallic heel. I could have just as easily worn a pair of skinny jeans with this look, but track pants make this look feel fresh, instead of something I’ve worn literally hundreds of times.

This fall, don’t confine yourself to the box of strictly wearing skinny jeans with your cold-weather favorites. Wear your trousers with chunky sweaters and leather jackets. Wear your favorite pair of vintage jeans with an off-the-shoulder top. Or, as I did, wear track pants with your favorite button down and heels for a sporty twist on a classic look.

-S

It’s the rise of the high rise trousers this year! Only a year ago, you probably would have found me in black skinny jeans, booties, and a sweater nearly every day. This fall I decided I wanted to challenge myself to be more versatile in my wardrobe and not remain in my comfort zone.

This ensemble was inspired by my favorite blogger, Mary Lee (formerly Mary Seng) of Happily Grey. She recently wore an off-the-shoulder knit sweater with long fringe hanging off the sleeves and a high-waisted, gingham trouser. I took this inspiration and added my own twist with an aztec scarf and maroon accessories. It’s probably no surprise that I have been fawning over her ‘tomboy chic’ style–with its menswear-inspired details and straight leg trousers–all season.

If you want to rock your own version of this look, take these tips on high-waisted pants to heart. First off, never fear the crop. A structured black crop top with a pair of high-waisted pants is flattering on most body types! Second, to make your outfit look more finished, throw a cropped jacket or vintage blazer over your shoulders. And lastly, I’ll leave you with the holy grail of high-waisted pant styling tips: tuck in your shirt!

-H

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, for which we will receive a small commission if you click on our link and buy a clothing or accessory item. Our opinions on those pieces are always our own! ❤

How to Dress Like a Fashion Blogger

Have you ever wondered how fashion bloggers manage to look a cut above the rest when it comes to everyday style?

We as bloggers do have a carefully honed ability to put together intriguing outfits, but there are a few easy secrets that you can also use to make yourself look and feel like a street style star.

Look for pieces that are ‘funky’.

Instead of searching for yet another pair of basic blue jeans or run-of-the-mill black booties the next time you’re out shopping, look for pieces that have some character. Buy jeans that have embroidery on the hip, or look for eye-catching white ankle boots to give your outfits more visual intrigue.

Never wear the same outfit twice.

Fashion bloggers look as though they are always wearing something new, but in reality, we are just good at mixing and matching our clothes to make them feel fresh. If you have a favorite statement sleeve top, don’t wear the same bottoms or accessories with it every time. Try out new combinations and mix it up!

Add something.

Coco Chanel used to say, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” We are going to have to disagree. To make your outfits look ‘Instagram-worthy,’ you have to add something to your basic outfit formula. Top off your jeans and a tee outfit or your favorite LBD with a cozy cardigan, a pair of statement earrings, or some futuristic sunglasses.

Always put in effort.

No matter if you’re going to your 8 am class or making a quick trip to the grocery store, always put in a little effort. Not a lot, but a little. Instead of throwing on a headband and wearing baggy sweatpants, quickly put your hair in a braid, pair some track pants with a soft t-shirt, and swipe on some tinted lip balm.

Clean out your closet.

It’s difficult to create great outfits if you are still hanging on to a bunch of pieces that you don’t love/don’t fit well. Donate every piece of clothing you haven’t worn in the last year, and at the end of it, you’ll find that it’s much easier to throw something amazing together when you love everything in your closet.

The main thing to remember is that you need to push yourself creatively.

Look for inspiration everywhere: Pinterest, Instagram, people walking down the street! Try everything; you never know what top with what skirt could surprise you. And finally, just have fun with it!

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing: