model2 fashion 2014

What I Learned at Blogwarts: Layering

So, it turns out that Blogwarts is totally a real thing and they let me audit a class on layering. Since many of you indicated on Wednesday�s post that you also have trouble layering dresses and blouses, so I thought I�d share what I learned.

Let�s talk first about the dress.

It should be a heavier-weight fabric. I, personally, prefer ponte, a tightly-woven and therefore, heavier knit.

It should not be skin tight. Especially in your curvier areas. As I mentioned Wednesday, I went with a fit and flare dress because it gave me extra room around the thighs which is where I need it.

It should be structured (but not tight). A more structured silhouette will help keep the look sleek. A fit and flare dress, for example, will look sleeker layered over a blouse than a sack dress.

Now for the blouse.

Unlike the dress, the blouse should be lightweight. Sheer blouses are very good for layering because they add very little bulk, especially under a heavier knit.

Like the dress, the blouse should be fitted. This is especially important if the blouse is not sheer; a fitted blouse will help keep the bulk down. Gap has some very cute fitted/shrunken boyfriend button-downs that I think would work. They are available in Tall as well.

I also love the Caslon shirts from Nordstrom for this concept. They don�t come in �Tall� but tend to have long-enough sleeves and are well-fitted.

For some suggestions on what to layer how, I created some Polyvore sets, all featuring the Mossimo Fit and Flare Ponte Knit dress from Target which is the same dress I wore in my post Wednesday.

Mossimo dress, Ruche "Giselle" Pleated Necktie blouse &Lulu's d'Orsay flats

Mossimo dress, Modcloth "First Class Cabin" blouse & "Both Feet on the Playground" flats

Mossimo dress, Nordstrom Caslon shirt, Sole Society booties

A couple more tips.

If you can't find a bow blouse you like, you can always add a lady-tie to your look.

Belts are your friends; a wide belt, especially, can help keep the volume down.

And, if you're still not looking as sleek as you like, try this trick from Franziska at Franish; she's a genius.

So, what do you think, Reader Friends? Would you try any of these looks?

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Gracey

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Labels: Advice, Animal Print, Black, Booties, Color, Flats, How To, Layering, Layers, Modcloth, Mossimo, polyvore, Ruche, Sole Society, Stripes, Target

Trends to Try: Neon

Like many fashion trends that have been here before, neon has come back around. It first cropped back up a year or so ago and is still going strong today.

So, how do you try this trend without looking as though you're starring in a Wham! video? Well, for one, avoid wearing it with feathered hair and short shorts. Agreed? Good, now here are some other tips that might help you try this trend.

A little goes a long way. Try this trend in small doses such as jewelry, belts, small handbags and shoes. I think you'll find that a even the smallest pop, such as studs, or nail polish, is still fun.
Wear it with mid-tones. Especially if you're not sure about this trend, you may find that pairing neon with too strong of a color might be too much look. Try pairing your neon with mid-tones such as gray, khaki, navy and olive to keep your look modern.
Stick to neon in colors you love. I wear a lot of pink and orange so I naturally gravitated to neon pink, neon orange and, my personal favorite, neon peach. If you wear neon in shades you like, you'll be more comfortable trying this trend.
If you choose to wear more substantial neon pieces, like skirts, dresses or sweaters, make sure you wear them in a modern shape and/or with equally modern pieces.
Wear it with denim. In the form of a belt, shoes, sweater or clutch, neon anything looks good with denim everything.

Looks to Try: