Tag Archives: skirts

Glam Up your Fall Wardrobe with Vibrant Skirts

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Starting that new-season wardrobe can be tricky business. Even though fall usually means grays, browns, or rusty shades, if you want to bring some fun to your outfits, think bold hues of yellow, purple, hot pink, blue, green, orange, fuchsia, and turquoise. Extremely popular this season, bright colors remain firmly on the fashion radar. It’s time to forget all those dull, monotonous autumnal shades and shop hot hues which are an amazing way to liven up your looks. From comfy coats, blazers and cozy knits to chic skirts, vibrant shades represent a love story this season.

Bight Colored Pencil SkirtI love a bright colored pencil skirt I can wear all year round. You have two choices on top when wearing color on your bottom half: go bold (top left) or tone your bright skirt down with neutrals (top center). For a more subtle style statement that is sleek and sassy on its own, opt for a trend-right color-blocked pencil skirt (top right). Focusing on a neutral heel or a handbag, along with minimal-to-no accessories, these are just a couple of ways show off your sense of style with this trend.

Printed Skirts

What’s the secret to pulling off a busy print on your lower half? Keep the rest of your ensemble crisp and clean, and opt for sleek accessories to provide some extra polish. Use a pair of edgy collar tips to modernize a classic sleeveless button-up (top center) or throw on a cropped jacket (top left), and finish the look with a structured bag and a glam, leg-lengthening strappy sandal or ankle bootie (top right).

Skirts with TightsKeeping warm is a definite factor this season when rocking a colored skirt. No need to fret. Tights can do so much for an outfit: pulls it all together, adds some punch (with different textures) and, of course, keep your legs toasty warm.

Skirts seem tailor-made to make a woman feel sophisticated and ladylike with clean lines and the suggestion of a dress. They’re perfect for a luncheon, board meeting or work holiday parties. I prefer my skirts to be knee length or to hang just past the knee. The cut is about elongation so wear your skirt as high as possible on the waist and embrace a little length. For a woman with a thicker waist, I would suggest wearing your skirt on your hips instead of the waist to minimize tummy bulge. Think head-to-toe, attention-grabbing outfits. Win the spotlight this season with these wow-worthy colored skirts and add an instant hit of boldness and sophistication to your fall wardrobe.

For more tips on adding color, pattern, and texture to your fall and winter wardrobe 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.

Dressing for Success: Fabulous Skirts for the Office

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Fall is here, and with that comes an array of great new ensembles to wear to work. Since most of us haven’t reached sub-zero temperatures yet, there’s still plenty of time to sport chic skirts to work. Take a look at some of our favorite skirts for the office:

J. Crew kicks up the classic pencil with shiny satin and a vibrant emerald hue. Pair it with a subtle navy or gray to avoid an over-the-top look.

Trumpet hems are everywhere this season, and the office is no exception. A beige blouse would be the perfect addition to this violet skirt from Nanette Lepore; the deep jewel tone is perfect for autumn.

For the more daring fashionistas out there, leather can be worn in the office when styled correctly. Command attention by pairing this Zara skirt with a pair of severe black pumps and a structured blazer for a modern take on the power suit. After hours, counter the toughness of the leather with a feminine chiffon blouse.

We’ve already touched on the colorblock trend for sweaters, but don’t be afraid to focus on other areas as well. This colorblocked a-line from J. Crew is equal parts elegant, fun, and fashionable. Top it off with your go-to white oxford for a simple and sophisticated look.

For more outfit ideas for the office, 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.

Leather Jackets or Skirts at Work? Thumbs up or down?

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Leather is a big trend for the fall season—leather skirts, jackets, even dresses. So the question is,  is wearing leather (or faux leather) work appropriate?

 

There is no argument that context, preferences and goals play a huge role in ALL our clothing choices. At work, context plays a significant role, so any fashion trend should be incorporated into one’s wardrobe judiciously, whether it is leather or polka dots. Each professional has to understand their position, career goals, professional context, and industry and make smart choices about how “outside the box” they can take their style.

Great leather jacket from Hinge that can be paired with skirts or slacks

What I am pleased to see as an image consultant, with the new leather designs is their versatility– there are so many great options available this season to suit many tastes and preferences. This is the case in small doses, such as leather accents in a jacket (collar, sleeve, waistband etc.) which I believe for women with a more dramatic flair can be so on point. It is also the case with a tailored leather (or faux leather) jacket paired with a coordinating skirt or slacks. This type of ensemble is great for the non-conformist, and those looking for an edgier, more provocative style statement. I see no reason why a female CEO of a company who matches this style profile, cannot rock such a look.

Pair this Lafeyette 148 banded leather skirt with a peplum jacket and stand out!

After all, I for one do not want to look like a clone of hundreds of women. I want to stand out and project attributes that match my specific persona and goals. If I am going to wear a coordinated suit, it better have something very distinctive and unique about it–which might include leather, but could also include other fabrics, textures, colors, prints, design. The point is, it is in these very details that we project our individual personal brand, even in a suit. In my work with women,  I take such pleasure in finding those signature pieces that reflect a professional woman’s singular taste and love the obvious positive response she gets when she dresses authentically to who she is. There is no more power than that!

 

Great professional ensemble for the woman with more unique style sensibilities

So when is wearing leather to work appropriate? I think it’s important to note that many women are employed in a vast array of fields and positions that are not that “formal”. Women are artists, entrepreneurs,  store owners, realtors, coaches, CEOs of traditional and non-traditional companies, architects, consultants, graphic designers, advertising directors, technology gurus etc…We are industry rock stars! Looking at it from that perspective, leather and its derivatives are not so outside the box when the field is so wide open. I think the more important question if you work in a creative field or are your own boss is whether an edgy style statement reflects you. If it reinforces your personal brand, I say rock on!

Have fun with fashion trends, be appropriate, be professional but most importantly be true to yourself!

 

Natalie

Natalie@elanimagemanagement.com

What to Wear when it’s Hot, Hot, Hot?

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Before we can start pulling out our favorite fall jackets and sweaters, we still have to get through high summer. The days are longer and the temperatures are higher (and in this year’s case, record-breaking). It’s hard to resist throwing on a loose tee and a pair of cutoffs to keep cool, but what about when you’re in the office? We gave you a few tips a couple weeks ago on making sure your style is as high as the temperature. If you missed it, you’re going to want to read it. After all, helping you look polished and pulled together at work is a number 1 priority at Flaunting It With The Image Diva.

We wanted to share even more ideas with you because it HAS been so especially hot this year, and we know it’s a challenge to look cool while you’re wanting to jump into a body of water to cool off! So here are a few ways to keep cool in a professional setting without shedding too much. The ideas here work particularly well for the young professional in a more relaxed office environment.

Firstly, dresses and skirts are your friends. If you’re experiencing scorching temperatures, you’re definitely better off saving the pants for cooler days. This striped dress from Madewell manages to be both airy and polished for casual Friday. The short sleeves are perfect for hot days, while the high neckline keeps it work-appropriate.

When it’s hot and humid out, a pencil skirt can feel almost suffocating. Opt for more floaty, a-line cuts in a lighter fabric, like this pleated a-line from Ann Taylor LOFT.

This tie-neck top from J. Crew is the perfect example of a work shirt for climbing temperatures. It won’t absorb light as much as a darker colored shirt would, it has short sleeves, and it manages to be chic and professional without showing too much skin. Pair with the skirt above for a kewl and cool professional look.

A shirtdress is an always reliable go-to for business in summer, and can even take you straight to a dinner party after hours. This a-line silk shirtdress from J. Crew is both breathable and elegant.  A note on hair: the model above can use a little hair spray to prevent flyaways…make sure YOUR hair is as flawless as your outfit.

For more useful style tips for the office, 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.

Rock Summer’s Top 3 Trends with… Maturity

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We think summertime can be a great time for self-expression with your clothing. The vibe is more relaxed, you’re on vacation with the kids, there are all these great outdoorsy events to indulge in, and it’s simply a fun time of the year when you can let your hair down a little more. Right? This summer, there are quite a few trends that might make you wonder if designers have lost their collective minds. But sometimes it’s these very brow raising trends that can challenge us to think outside the box a little and experiment with some new looks. Within reason :-)

So while there are a few trends circulating now that might look like they are just for the teens, we want you to have a little fun too. Here are 3 we think you can rock at any age with grace and style. And without looking like you’re trying too hard!

So follow our tips below to rock some of the fun trends en vogue now and add a dose of playful youthfulness to your style regime.

1- Nail Art
Source: google.com via Kristen on Pinterest

One rule this summer seems to be, if you can paint it you can wear it on your nails. Nail art has become a huge trend! This is not the acrylic painted nails either. This is individuals getting creative with their polish. The younger set are taping off their nails like we’d tape a wall for painting! Not to fear, we found a way for you to shimmy along side this trend with a little grace. Ombre nails! They are the perfect way to embrace the trend without looking like a teeny bopper.

Louboutin nails

Another fab idea is the notion of modeling after every woman’s favorite shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, and painting the backs of your black nails red. This is just plain cool and a great conversation starter if nothing else. See, the idea is to use ANYTHING as inspiration. Go for it!

2- High Low Skirts

Another biggy this summer is the high low skirt. While some are taking it to exaggerated extremes, it is possible to wear this trend with a little more subtlety. This neutral sheer skirt is a great example of how to make this style more ladylike. We’d go for a simpler shoe though! We also found a sophisticated summer dress with the same idea. Isn’t it gorg? And look how long her legs look in those nude heels. That’s an asymmetric hemline worth rocking!

OK so above would be taking the look too far. We think you get the idea!

3- Floral Denim
We know you’ve seen girls walking around in skin tight jeans with floral prints. It can be cute on the right body type. We say skip the denim skinnies and go for a trouser with a flattering pattern and fit. This cropped style is great for the weekend with ballet flats or sandals and a simple blouse.

Have we opened your eyes to some new possibilities with this summer’s trends? It’s all about how you style the looks to fit your personal image. Think just outside of the trend and we’re certain you can find a way to make it fabulous for you! Flaunt It!

For more tips on how to create stylish summer ensembles, 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.