Category Archives: Dresses

3 Unexpected Ways to Wear Floral Print

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Spring is around the corner, and while florals for warm weather isn’t exactly a groundbreaking style move, it’s certainly a  classic. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t fresh ways to wear flowery print, though; stash away your floral sundresses and ankle pants for now, and try one of your personal stylist’s takes on how to rock floral:

1. Floral cocktail dress

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Even after the weather warms up, florals aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind for cocktail attire. Floral sundresses are ubiquitous in the spring, but if you want to mix things up, try a little floral dress (LFD) for a spring night out.

2. Accessories

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Floral accessories are a more affordable way to carry your winter wear into the spring. A floral print handbag (like this Mulberry satchel) can brighten up an drab ensemble without breaking the bank. Don’t shy away from other floral accessories, either. Jewelry, sunglasses and scarves all add a cheerful touch to spring looks.

3. Outerwear

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Fresh and unexpected, a floral jacket is a investment piece that will get you through the warmer months with ease. Use one to add a burst of color to a jean-and-tee combo, or to stand out among the sea of sundresses on the weekends.

Which celeb rocks a floral blazer best?

…is it Lauren Conrad, who uses a girly print to counteract the toughness of her leather leggings?

…or is it Blake Lively, who uses her blazer to brighten up a gray romper?

Be sure to visit Elan Image Management’s website for more style tips. If you find yourself struggling with how to coordinate your spring wardrobe Contact Us to explore how we can help you with one of our image consulting services.

Be Fabulous!

For the Love of Style: Three Fabulous Valentine’s Day Outfits

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, which means that for may of us, reservations have been made, gifts have been purchased, and nights have been meticulously planned. Whether you’re going on the fifth or fiftieth date with a special someone, your personal image consultant has some outfit inspiration for everyone.

Elegant Evening

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One of the oft-overlooked benefits of Valentine’s Day is that you get to swap out your LBD for a shocking red or pink stunner like this lipstick-colored Pucci dress. No worries–this is pink for grownups. The high neckline keeps the hue from looking too over-the-top, while a figure-flattering peplum accent makes the look current. A look like this is ideal for a date to the ballet and an upscale restaurant.

Quiet Night In

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For a cozy night of take-out and movies, velvet and chambray are a winning combination. Romantic red velvet skinnies are a trendy and touchable alternative to your usual loungewear.

Fun Night Out

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For a night that’s more downtown and dancing than the opera or symphony, a daring leather pencil paired with sky-high heels is the way to go. A soft chiffon blouse counters the toughness of the skirt, while a gold cuff adds shine.

For more styling tips, check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.

3 Ways to Style Shift Dresses

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Shift dresses have been in vogue since Twiggy rocked them in 1960s London, but many women today seem to avoid them. It’s easy to choose the wrong accents to go with a boxy silhouette (say no to ankle boots and shifts!) and end up looking frumpy. Shift dresses are flattering to most figures on the spectrum, from petites to curvy ladies, so don’t be afraid! Check out Elan’s 3 favorite ways to style a shift:

1. Day (wedding, afternoon party, corporate luncheon)

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This rose-colored shift from Phillip Lim proves that pink can be for grown-ups, too. Keep your accessories classic and timeless to draw focus to the vibrant dress. Beige pumps and nail polish, which usually look matronly when worn together, are chic and keep the bright pink from looking childish. Add nude lace tights if you’re looking for more texture.

2. Night (Cocktail party, birthday dinner, dancing)

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A boxy silhouette can give your LBD a fresh makeover for the new year. Sheer sleeves and a short hemline add sexiness to this ($55!) Dorothy Perkins shift without showing loads of skin. Make sure you slick on some scarlet lipstick to avoid getting washed out by this all-black ensemble.
3. The office (Presentation, work trip, interview) 
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Boxy shift dresses are great for the office, because you don’t have to think twice about form-fitting silhouettes or looking office-appropriate. Grab one in a smart fabric like tweed (we found this one at Kohl’s for less than $30!), add a watch and your red power bag, and voila! You’ve got a boardroom-ready outfit in seconds.

For more styling tips, check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.

Holiday Dresses to Flatter your Figure

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These days holiday party invites start rolling in come early November. This year instead of wallowing in sheer, what-to-wear panic, be prepared to dress your party best this season—no matter what your shape. Whether you’re curvy, boyish, petite, or full-figured, we’ve got a few red-carpet looks that are both festive and flattering.

Reaching for a sack dress might be a natural reflex, but a loose shape will only add pounds. Enhance your figure in a form-shaping sheath dress or a forgiving wrap dress. And black is not your only choice hue this season: Embrace navy, gunmetal gray, and Bordeaux—all of which are rich and slimming. Reward your newfound bravery with a bold, statement accessory and fabulous heels.

Play up your figure’s best asset in the holiday party staple: the LBD. Victoria Beckham’s bone structure is not a requirement for this season’s modern dress shapes; the focus is simply on tailoring aka perfect fit. A structured black dress with top and bottom slits and a strong cinched waist is a flattering and fun alternative to the ubiquitous, long and flowy LBD.

You can’t go wrong with a simple LBD, but where’s the fun in that? Show off your personal style with peplum, lace, and bows—it’s all about the placement. A peplum will cinch your waist and add a gentle flare at the hip to make you look more curvaceous; bows add an ultra femme touch at the shoulder; and lace is always feminine especially when the scalloped edge accents a skirt or dress.

Lastly, the final touches of your holiday dress are the most crucial and most fun to put together: the accessories! Whether you opt for opulent and sparkly gems for a classic touch or bold, metal pieces for a modern look, the same approach goes with your holiday dress of choice – make sure you are comfortable in it and it speaks true to you.

For more tips on styling for the holidays and right on into the New Year, check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.

Festive and Fabulous: Five Great Holiday Dresses

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‘Tis the season for eggnog and gift exchanges, and along with those comes a great deal of outfit-planning. Whether it’s for an office soiree or a cocktail party, we’ve got you covered. Here are our favorite dresses for the holiday season:

We all know that the Little Black Dress is a wardrobe staple, and this lace number  is no exception. Lace is always a perfect bet this time of year and forever a classic choice. Rock it like Eva Mendes and you’re sure to fee like the star you are this holiday season.

Dare to buck the black trend by wearing a dress in an expected hue like this satin sheath from Donna Ricco in midnight royal. This conservative dress is perfect  for many figure types with its longer sleeve and side ruching. Pair with nude pumps and add a signature necklace and you’re ready to party.

Turn heads at the office holiday party with this elegant Michael Kors shift. A gold belt adds shine for a festive look.

Light up the room with this goldleaf cocktail dress from Anthropologie. Let the dress be the main focus; pair it with opaque black tights to tone down the sparkle, and keep jewelry simple to avoid looking too busy.

While red, green, and gold are tried and true colors for the holiday season, why not switch things up with a deep navy hue? Brocade and peplum add flair to this sheath from Adrianna Papell.

For more styling tips, check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.