Spring Pants and Skirt Trends: Pro/Con

Forget the statement tops for a second, because it’s time to add some color and ruffles below the belt now! More is always more!

Colored Jeans

Pro: A comfy way dress up jeans a little, you could probably fool some people at work if jeans are usually considered too casual (above from Banana)

Con: I love standard denim because it goes with almost everything, but adding color narrows those options

Verdict: I’m thinking something in a mint

Embroidered Jeans

Pro: A fresh take on denim with a retro vibe (above from Nordstrom)

Con: Definitely a statement that might look dated in five minutes

Verdict: Hard pass

Tie Waist Pants or Shorts

Pro: Makes a shorts and a tee shirt look more of a thoughtful outfit since the shorts are more interesting (above from Loft)

Con: You have to be ok with drawing attention to your waist, and you might have to tuck in your shirt to make it work (or at least a half tuck)

Verdict: Not sold, but never say never

Accordion Pleat Midi Skirt

Pro: A breezy, feminine option that is comfortable and forgiving (above from Nordstrom)

Con: This is going to be the focal point of your outfit, so you have to plan everything else around it. It’s not like throwing on a pair of skinny jeans

Verdict: This skews a little too girly for me, but I won’t rule it out

Wrap/Ruffle Skirt

Pro: A nice flirty twist on the classic skirt silhouettes (above from Loft)

Con: Depending on the style, if you’re pear shaped this might throw proportions in the wrong direction for you

Verdict: I’ve seen some pencil skirt versions with a front diagonal ruffle that would be great with a very simple shirt for work

What trends are you trying this Spring?

Spring Blouse Trends: Pro/Con

When I’m considering trying a new trend, I run a pro/con list (in my head) to make a decision. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but blouses are crazy right now. Statement blouses are IN. Here are my thoughts on some of the big blouse trends right now.

Off the Shoulder

Pro: Classic silhouette but also an instant statement piece (above from JCrew)

Con: Need specific undergarments

Pro: Highlights your clavicle which is a great feature for most women

Con: Neckline tends to move around during the day or when you add a jacket and you need to adjust it

Verdict: I’m trying it, but not spending a lot of $$. The nice thing is that it’s so popular right now, it’s easy to find a fabric, color, pattern that will work for you.

Cold Shoulder

Pro: Shows some skin without requiring a special bra or being overly exposed (above from Anthro)

Con: Not really work appropriate (in my opinion) unless you have a more causal dress code

Pro: Shows off the shoulder which is flattering, but still covers the other parts of the arm

Con: You might get the side eye from your less fashion forward friends and family, and it could be a totally dated look in a year or two

Verdict: Meh. Maybe if I had more dressy weekend occasions and I wanted to mix it up.

Waist Tie

 

Pro: A retro reference with a contemporary spin (above from Banana)

Con: Adds volume and attention to the waist line

Pro: Your look finished without tucking in your shirt

Con: A lot of the ties of the front tie shirts out there look kind of dinky and lame, especially on the cheaper versions

Verdict: I wear side tie workout tops but I’m not dying to try this version.

Twist Front

Pro: A lot of these are done in a really soft jersey or flowey fabric, aka very comfortable (above from Nordstrom)

Con: Draws your eye to the hips

Pro: Very forgiving if you’re headed out to a big brunch but stylish at the same time

Con: Because the drop waist look, not great if you’re trying to accentuate a small waist

Verdict: I’m not opposed to it, because it seems comfortable and perfect with jeans, but it’s not on my immediate shopping list.

Crazy Sleeves

Pro: Easy way to make jeans and a blouse into a real statement (above from Anthro)

Con: Definitely throws off proportions and makes your arms look huge

Pro: You won’t need fancy jewelry, hair, or shoes, because no one will notice anything else

Con: You need to watch your sleeves when you reach across the dinner table because they’ll end up in the side dishes or the candle

Verdict: Too much for me. I tried a couple on, they make my arms look huge.

Looks like all you’ll need this spring and summer is a couple pairs of simple skinny jeans or shorts to pair with some fun blouses. Volume seems to be the name of the game right now so if you’re going big on top, go slim on the bottom and vice versa. I’ll take a look at bottoms and dresses soon.

What blouse trends are you trying right now?

2017 Golden Globes: Best and Worst Dressed

I’m back from hibernation, because it’s the beginning of awards season! Starting with the Golden Globes tonight, as always there were some great outfits, and some that left me scratching my head. There was a real range of trends this year because there were a lot of romantic, flowy, flowery gowns, but then also really simple, well structured dresses as well. There were even several pants suits on the women this year! Lots of really pretty outfits and people out there!

As usual, all the pics are from People.com.

Best

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

As always, Reese Witherspoon is doing it, and doing it, and doing it well. This dress is so simple, but so flawless. Yellow was big on the carpet, and she chose a great shade with a great bodice. It’s fashionable, flattering, and on point!

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

Pink seemed to be a big trend on the red carpet this week, and I love the cool detail on the bodice of Carrie Underwood‘s dress. It’s great because it’s both fashion forward and really flattering for her. And PS- she has abs for days!

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 08 Jan 2017

This is everything! I love that Lily Collins went all the way with this. It’s all the good stuff in one dress and she makes it work. I always think it’s fun when someone goes with a ballgown, but they don’t usually have this much fabulous details. It’s just awesome.

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 08 Jan 2017

YASSSS! Felicity Huffman is giving me so much Jane Fonda with this look and I love it! Sparkle, jumpsuit, what else do you need?

NBC's "74th Annual Golden Globe Awards" - Red Carpet Arrivals

I’m not always in love with Mandy Moore because she maintains kind of a retro, romantic vibe on the red carpet. This dress, however, is a great nod to some retro trends, but done in a really chic, flattering way. It’s quite simple but quite perfect.

Worst

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 08 Jan 2017

This is a weird one from Jessica Biel. There’s a lot a random going here, and I’m sure it’s supposed to be high fashion, but it’s just not that cute.

NBC's "74th Annual Golden Globe Awards" - Red Carpet Arrivals

This dress on SJP seems both over whelming and under whelming to me. I expect better from you SJP. Her eyes always look a little alien when she goes with heavy liner. The hair also isn’t helping anything.

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 08 Jan 2017

This dress seems like it’s supposed to be drapey and glam, but it just seems like such a mess to me. It also seems like Anna Chlumsky did not put a lot of thought in the entire look. It’s just kind of, meh for me.

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 08 Jan 2017

First, let the record show, I think she looks very good. Second, I think Bri Larson could have easily worn this to her high school prom and fit right in. It fits like a dream but it’s just not that fabulous.

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

Keri Russell, let’s be honest, do you have a permit to wear animal print. She looks like she’s in a little over her head in this dress. This is a lot. Dial it back sweetie, stay in your lane.

 

Who were your faves?