The Cardigan 3 Ways

The Cardigan-3 Ways by Style Clarity featuring flat sandals

Cardigans may be the best fashion item you can ever own. When else can you tote it along to work, to a wedding, an afternoon full of shopping, and on a beach vacation? It’s versatile and always in style. Invest in many colors, cuts, and styles of cardigans so you can wear one year round.

The first look features a gorgeous, drool worthy cardi that is great to bring as an evening cover up after a barbeque or glamorous get together with friends. It’s made out of light linen so it’s great for spring, summer, and early fall use (what an investment!). The sparkly gold embellishment gives it an interesting and fashionable touch. Since the glitz glams it up a bit, pair it with a casual pair of denim shorts and a basic striped t in neutral colors like black and white.

The second look is pretty for a wedding or formal outdoor event. Use the cardigan as an accessory, meaning it will pull the outfit together to easily go from afternoon to evening, or to warm up in style in the cool spring or summer evening air. Each tone in the look is neutral and reminiscent of spring and summer flowers. The three quarter length sleeves are ideal for warmer weather that also sees cool evenings.

The last look features the cardigan as the casual star. Great to wear on a rainy day running errands, lounging around the house, or shopping with your friends; this casual cotton cardigan boasts draping, large pockets, and a front-tie detail. Great to pair with capri jeans and a textured white top, you’ll look pulled together and sophisticated even on the most relaxed and carefree days.

You can never have too many cardigans. Stock up on sophisticated and flattering cover ups that enhance your figure and your style!

The Strappy Sandal

The Strappy Sandal by Style Clarity featuring jelly flat shoes

Strappy sandals have been around for decades and they certainly are not going anywhere anytime soon. Also known as the season’s hottest shoes, they are spotted in many colors, styles, and strap thicknesses. The strappy sandal is versatile enough to be dressed up or worn casual from a stroll on the boardwalk to attendance of an outdoor wedding.

The first look features a jelly, flat plastic strap that lies vertically on the foot. Its strap wraps around the ankle and has a subtle, look at me sheen. Great to wear on the beach or poolside, the tone of the sandal will complement bronze bodies and add an element of interest to a bathing suit and cover up combo. 

The next look features a gorgeous outfit to wear shopping, running errands, or meeting with friends for an afternoon lunch, leaving the strappy sandal to be the star of the show. Similar to the jelly style strappy sandal, the white leather and taupe-brown T-bar strap and gold tone embellishments dress up the outfit making it ideal to go from day to nighttime events. The flat style of the sandal make it perfect for pairing with a maxi dress. The colors are blocked, summery, and overall visually appealing.

The last look has a nautical feel. It’s perfect for sightseeing on vacation, an afternoon boat ride, or the perfect look at your next barbeque get together with friends. The wedge sandal has a braided rope bottom and displays a pop of bright and playful, but neutral color. The strappy wedges feature a front and ankle strap, creating an elongated leg look which is ideal when wearing a knee-length skirt, shorts, or capris.

Strappy wedges can be paired with virtually anything when you select a style, color, and thickness that enhance whichever look you choose to showcase.

The Basic of Personal Style: Black Pencil Skirt

Black Pencil Skirt by Style Clarity featuring bow tops

Little black dress? How about little black pencil skirt. In addition to the L.B.D. the black pencil skirt certainly is a fashion staple for any woman and has earned a permanent spot next to the L.B.D. in your closet! While many women view a black skirt as plain, basic, and even boring; the three looks above show anything but that!

first look is a great look for work or a business meeting with a potential client (with whom you will wow). The skirt is embroidered cotton lace and it sits slightly above the knee-perfect for work or work functions. Its scalloped edges gives it some interest and shape. It’s A line cut will look great on most body types and of course, black is always flattering. Pair it with a pair of leather wedges and a fun accessory, like a watch wrap bracelet and off to work you go.

The next look is great to wear when you are attending a late afternoon event that will transition into the depths of the evening. The black pencil skirt has a ponte belted waist, which will help define and show off a small waistline and is made out of material that is form fitting. In some cases, women may want to go up a size and have the skirt tailored to fit their needs of their body type. You can balance the curves this skirt creates by wearing a blazer (plus it’s always great to dress in layers) that sits right above the hips and cinches at the waist. Dress this skirt up with a jacket, which is great to wear inside a restaurant, and then loose it for some night time fun and more of a flirty, going out look. A great heel can add a pop of color to the outfit and a shimmering clutch is a must.

Finally, if you are sick of wearing dresses to weddings and other formal affairs, invest in a sequined pencil skirt. It will add the drama and glamor you desire and can be paired easily with virtually any color of the rainbow. Opt for a top you can tuck, creating the illusion of a dress. Go all out and pair it with a statement necklace and neutral pair of heels in a black or silver. Remember, a shining skirt like this needs to be the star of the show, so keep to one accessory and a neutral toned clutch. You can glam out in a pencil skirt because it comes in many cuts, styles, textures, and colors but classic black will never go out of style and will make you look sleek and chic no matter where you go.

The Basics of Personal Style - Trench Coats-3 Ways

Trench Coats-3 Looks by heather-aulisio featuring leather handbags

April showers bring May flowers. They also bring your trench coat out of the closet! Beat the showers by putting some “spring” in your step. Whether you are going to work, the grocery store, or out for a night with your friends, you can wear and accessorize a trench that is going to look great on your body and also be appropriate for any occasion. Why not leave your old coat in the “trenches” and opt for a new one this season? When shopping, think about your body type. There are certain coats that are cut in ways that are flattering on each body type.

The first look is appropriate for work. The coat is cut classically, is double breasted, and features epaulette and button detailing. It has a belted closure. To give this look a more modern update, instead of fastening the belt, crisscross it and secure it at the waist. This coat is also structured to create a waist line and flatter hips. The crisp white color screams spring and can be paired beautifully with a patterned and sophisticated pair of galoshes-perfect to wear to work on a rainy day.

 The second look is a bit more casual and playful and showcases the notorious khaki color of the trench. It is a great and stylish full skirted coat to wear to run errands in or meet friends at the mall. Great for curvy girls, the full skirt balances out hips and hides larger thighs. The double breasted design also draws the eye upward (however, if you are large busted; look for a trench coat that is single breasted. It will take emphasis away from your larger parts). Pair this look with a pair of rain boots that gives the outfit a punch of color and fun.

Finally, the last look is ideal for a night out with friends. Pick a dramatic or royal looking color for evening use like black, navy, scarlet, or emerald green. Embellishments also can make a bold, “notice me” statement. The cut of this last look is great for athletic or straight body types because it creates instant curves. The asymmetric tulip front hem will also make shorter legs appear longer and leaner. Pair them with a shiny ankle length rain boot and a glittery clutch.

 Remember, when it rains, it pours! Be prepared for the spring time in a trench coat that can “weather” your body, in style!

The Basics of Personal Style: Dark Wash Jeans

Dark Wash Jeans-3 Looks by Style Clarity featuring gold chain jewelry

Dark wash jeans today have become the new little black dress. They can be paired with virtually anything and can be worn casual or glammed up. They also transition easily from day to night.

Every "must own list" that has been developed since the mid-nineties has suggested a pair of darkwash bootcut jeans. While this item is practical, its also important that everything we buy fit into our personal style. What is the best way to incorporate our dark-wash jeans into the rest of our wardrobe. Here are a few examples, remember, not everyone needs a bootcut! :)

The first look featuring dark wash jeans is a great look for running errands, going on an afternoon shopping trip, or out for a Sunday brunch. The dark skinny jeans pair nicely with a long, cinched, button up cotton shirt and a pair of comfortable but stylish flats. The darkness of the jean, in addition to the skinny cut creates a long and lean visual effect.

The second look features a dark wash, fit and flare jean. This look proves jeans are versatile enough to dress up any outfit. This look, featuring the jeans is perfect for a date night or girl’s night out. Wear the strappy tank alone or underneath a printed jacket. Dressing in layers is great for classing up a diner and transitioning into a fun night out.

The final look shows dark wash boot leg jeans make a perfect neutral blank canvas for color blocking-one of the season’s hottest trends. The jeans pair beautifully with the orange, red, and pink colors. When color blocking, always stick to colors on the same side of the color wheel.

Dark wash jeans are a fashion staple for any girl’s closet and can be used recurrently-whether to make comfort look fashionable or play up the latest color trend. Pick up a pair that fits your personal style (and lifestyle!). Each of these outfits has dark jeans, but the clothing choices are as versatile as the owners.

The Basics of Personal Style: Pencil Skirts

Continuing in our series of claiming basics for your own, lets look at the pencil skirt.  The pencil skirt or straight skirt is a true business basic, and often recommended in black, navy or charcoal. However, if you are developing your personal style, you may want to consider choosing one that fits best with your overall look. Below are some examples of pencil skirts that while still can be work to work, also have a little dose of something different. 

The Basics: The Quintessential Blouse

Look in any style guide, and you will see every one recommends a white blouse / button down shirt as one of the most versatile items in your closet. For some people this is 100% true.  A beautifully simple button down with a collar is perfect for their closet. But before you drop into your local Brooks Brothers, consider what fits into your life and your closet. Will that very conservative blouse match your whimsical skirts, or your denim skinny jeans? If not, think about an option that will. Alternatives can be found in just about any style, and at any price point. Take a look at some of these examples. Would something like one of these fit your closet and lifestyle better?

Button Front Tops by Arden B Longsleeve Tops by By Malene Birger