How to Rock the Denim Jacket

Denim Jackets…they’re baaack. Once ubiquitous, then démodé, now the rough and tumble rebel on the must-have list.  The jean jacket has roared its way back into our hearts and closets. Gone are the boxy, stiff cuts of previous eras, the look of this wild child is cut high and tight, generally in a soft cotton with a touch of elastayne to give it some stretch. This new breed has a fit that hugs, making it ideal for layering or sufficient on its own. Here are three quick ways to work this piece into your wardrobe.

1. Ditzy florals are a nice contrast against the toughness of the denim jacket. Try a floral mini dress or romper belted in the center, add ankle boots for a chic flair, throw on the jacket in a cropped variety, and you’ve got a look that’s very now.

2. Work in an office with a relaxed Casual Friday dress code? Then rock a sophisticated interpretation of the denim jacket.  Try a hip length, dark wash, pointed-collared version over a crisp white dress shirt, and satin-sheen chinos that hit at the ankle. A kitten or 3″ heel  will make a purr-fect shoe choice.

3. Want to go old-school with the sassy cowgirl look? You’re in luck, cowboy hats are hip as ever (and flattering on most face shapes!). 3″  or 5″ inseam shorts—denim or khaki—will do the trick, add an oversize tank or deep v-neck, your stompin’ boots, and you’ve got the look. To make it au courant, circle a lightweight scarf around your neck or swap the jacket for a denim vest.

 

How to Rock the Tribe

If you haven’t noticed, you now will. The tribal look is it. While it’s not a style trend I would wear more than once every ten days, I love, LOVE, the concept in matte golds, java browns, sunset oranges, and blocks of black. See my style inspiration sheet here.

Tips?

But of course.

If You Have a Small Framed Silhouette

Geometric shapes of tribal designs can overwhelm your silhouette, so if you have a small frame, less is more. Try a solid colored tee—I like the toughness of sleeveless one—and pair it with an orange or gold skirt that hits above your knee in your skinniest thigh point (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, see me directly).  Now accessorize to your heart’s content…think scarf, chunky cuff, bold earrings, feathered gladiators.

If You Prefer Jewel Tones over Earth Tones

If you’re not a warm colored creature, you can substitute ethnic for tribal. Think traditional Indian saris…ooh, that just gave me goose bumps…and you immediately feel the need to break that old don’t-mix-gold-and-silver rule, right? Indian jewelry is one of my top five faves when it comes to accessories…and yes, both eastern AND western Indian. Whether it’s a chunky silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace or an intricately beaded panja, I am ALL about it. Makes me swoon.

If You Have a Medium-Large Framed Silhouette

Go sister. Unless you’re a super curvy type, you can easily do this look in just about any want you want.  Consult with me if you need any help at all. The only thing I’d avoid doing is animal print as it feels a little cliché. Don’t get me wrong, I adore cheetah, zebra, and tigers, but not when effecting a tribal look (see future post on How to Rock the Wild Cats…and the hooved, striped, horse-looking creature).

If You Have Chic and Dangerous Curves

You can easily pull off this look, just use caution with the angular edges of some of the prints. In general, you look best in rounded and flowing forms but, girlfriend, have at it with chunky statement accessories and shoes. This concept is one of your best looks. You get to play canvas with an endless flow of creative expressions.

You Wear It Well and the Little Black Dress Club

I was privileged to talk style and had so much fun with the ladies from the Little Black Dress Club at their privately hosted You Wear It Well Party. We covered dozens of topics, I can’t remember them all, but some of the night’s most enlightening moments came from the following one-on-one interactions.

Hem and A-ha!
Believe it or not, your hemlines do matter. Make sure your hemlines don’t hit the widest part of your body as this is where you’re directing the eye’s peripheral perspective. Raising your hemline a couple of inches can make you appear to be a couple of inches taller and a few pounds lighter…it really does work!

Think Thirds
Do you know the rule of thirds? Well, the LBD ladies learned all about it and realized that it does make a lot of sense. Artists and designers have been using the rule of thirds for centuries. There’s a long (and overly cerebral) theory about the rule of thirds, but all you really need to know is that the human eye generally prefers to view objects in a ratio of 1/3 to 2/3. Using this rule can be your secret weapon in making you look longer and leaner.

You Got It, Now Flaunt It
Sometimes we just don’t give ourselves permission to stand out of the crowd. So often we’re held back by old rules we learned as kids or from our own dread of sticking out and someone not liking it. My job as a stylist is to help my clients take their first steps into their own world of fabulous. Emerging into a new look doesn’t happen overnight, rather, it’s an evolution and a process because the new look must feel authentic to you and your objectives. One thing is certain, though, each and every person I meet has something beautiful to highlight and share with the world and this is where we start. What’s your favorite thing about you?

It’s Personal
Ever heard the expression “That dress is wearing you.”? Your personal coloring has a lot to do with this statement. Color theory and color psychology do have their place building a workable wardrobe, but an equally important point is to understand your personal coloring and if you are high or low contrast. Having this unique perspective will help you choose colors, prints, patterns, and accessories that will work in harmony with your natural features.

Each of the above topics deserves in depth consideration but I know that bite-size is best. I invite you to pick a couple of these tips and consider how you can put them to work for you. If you need any help, you know where to find me!

You Wear It Well

Come Party With Us!

Madame Coco’s got nothing on you, honey.

Every gal has one outfit that makes her feel like a million bucks, but she’s also got a dozen items that offer negative return on inspiration.

Fret no more, fabulosity is yours. Our You Wear It Well party keeps you au courant and cutting edge. We answer your “Keeper or Donor?” questions and help make your favorite outfits even better.

You pick the spot with nine of your girls. We’ll provide two hours of personalized style tips and unforgettable fun!

$199 per party of ten

For details and bookings call 480.766.1924

Travel charges may apply. Want to invite more friends to your event? It’s easy. Just ask and we’ll tell you how!