“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.”
– Gianni Versace
What is the difference between boyfriend jeans and girlfriend jeans?
While the phrases “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” suggest cherished pieces borrowed from a swoon-worthy beau or your stylish bestie, the terms actually refer to the cut. Boyfriend jeans offer a looser shape in the leg, but still cleverly fit in the waist and seat. Along with boyfriend-cut chinos, cardigans, and blazers, these relaxed items give a casual stylish look. But, one must sport the pieces proportionally with slimmer companions, such as a boyfriend blazer with skinny jeans. Easier to style, “girlfriend” cut clothing offers a comfortable and relaxed fit with a more feminine silhouette. Girlfriend jeans are tighter in the hip and higher in the waist. The looser fitting leg is straight like the boyfriend, but slimmer. They are most often cuffed, looking great dressed up with heels or down with sneakers. Either way you choose, both trends seem to have staying power (and hopefully the relationships follow suit)!
I don’t know how to let go of my clothes…. I’m overwhelmed!
Do you need a crowbar every morning to pry apart items in your walk-in closet? Do clothes become buried (and then forgotten) in your overcrowded drawers? Follow these tips to ease your sartorial situation. Work in groups sorted by color and type (for example, black tops), and bring the items out of your closet for closer examination. Sort by sleeve length. Are there duplicates? Are pieces older, or worn? Do they no longer fit? Did someone gift you a heartfelt but unappealing item? If the answer is “yes” to any of those questions, consider giving this closet clogger a new home! If you love the piece despite its flaws, take a photo and search for the closest replacement. (Use Google Image Search, or show the photo to a store associate.) Repeat the process with other groups of clothing, making note of your favorite pieces. They are a blueprint of your signature style!
How do I not look boring in button-down cardigans?
Women today have a love-hate relationship with the humble cardigan, visualizing 1950s sweater twinsets with pearls. Modern women may not seek that look, but shouldn’t abandon the outer partner of this timeless wardrobe duo! Style the easy-to-find staple in unconventional ways. Button the cardigan completely over a collared shirt and pull the collar out to create a faux crew-neck sweater. Or, gently remove the tags from the neck of the sweater and slip it on reversed, fastening up the back for a cute detail. Play with the silhouette by using an open, long cardigan. Fold over the two ends as if you were going to tie a knot and button the last button into its hole. Adjust to form a dropped-waist look. Or try donning a v-neck, shorter cardigan buttoned under a suit jacket to mimic a vest. There are many ways to take advantage of this hardworking classic if you think outside the box!
I work from home. What should I wear to feel good and look good?
For small business owners or remote company employees, working from home means no dress code. But with that often comes confusion, along with the temptation to visit Lycra Town! While you don’t need to telecommute in a suit and heels, strategically differentiate what you wear on workdays versus personal. Will you have business-related meetings? A video call? Be seen in public? If your answer is no to the first two questions but yes to the third, take heed. You never know who you will bump into, and of course you want to look like you’re neck deep in an exciting new professional endeavor! Adding a blazer to almost any outfit can create instant polish. Rothy’s shoes are colorful, chic, sustainably made and versatile enough to wear every day. And for clothes that are work-worthy but still comfortable, try crowdfunding online clothing community Betabrand for classic styles with a modern twist (bonus: they carry a wide range of sizes, including petite and long).
Do you have questions for Carrie? Email her at carrie@carriemfashionconsulting.com
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A dressmaker in a former life, Knoxville Fashion Consultant Carrie McConkey is a “clothes whisperer” for her clients, taking great pleasure in helping them unlock their signature style.