Chicer Than Sneakers

Stylings for the average Jane.

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Happy holidays, one and all! Whew-- long time no see, but we are BACK with another style guide.

For some, winter can be the most fun season for putting together outfits-- with all the layering one has to do, there is so much room for creativity! Here at Chicer Than Sneakers, we have been carefully watching those winter trends, and have for you a handy-dandy list of our top finds for this year.

[Remember: the true key is to have the right coat!]





1. The black turtleneck + denim jacket combination. The classic black sweater paired with a dark wash denim is texture heaven, in both our personal and professional opinions. (And this tip applies to both men and women.)




2. Over-sized plaid blazers. In the gray check pattern, we're seeing this everywhere-- and you probably have been, too. The formality of the blazer, bumped up against the casual feeling of the over-size, brings a professional and unifying touch to an outfit. Use a blazer or other nice jacket to level up.







3. Mock/high neck top + a simple gold necklace. Again with the turtlenecks (can you tell we're obsessed?)! Sometimes all you need to complete an ensemble is a little extra something, and a minimalist pendant on a simple chain is often the perfect addition, not too much but just right.






4. Boots and socks. Mid-calf boots with a hint of sock have been on our list for multiple years, and they're not saying goodbye anytime soon.




5. Big scarves. A big, nice scarf and long coat can take any outfit and give it a classy spin. An easy way to look more intentional and stylish.







Bonus (not practical in all winter climates): Sheer tights. In places where the weather isn't too extreme, sheer tights under a skirt or dress add a certain "je ne sais quoi" and tie it all together. A good way to transition an otherwise spring/summer outfit into the colder months.





What is your go-to winter trick? How do you cope with the cold months? Share your advice in the comments below!

As always, photos on this blog were found on Pinterest and are not the property of the author.
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If you read my post last year about the benefits of thrift shopping, you know that secondhand is the way to go-- why buy one, mass-produced item for $40+ when you can go on an adventure and discover something unique for $2?

Thrifting gives me such a good feeling-- all that possibility and history in one cramped space stimulates my creativity, and I love discovering that one great item, for a great price. Want to make the most of your thrifting adventure? We've made the beginner mistakes so you don't have to. 

Whether you take it or leave it, here's my best advice for thrifters, no matter your level of experience.

1. Wear clothes that are easy to take off and put back on again, including shoes. You'll want to try things on, so save yourself time and trouble by leaving those difficult pieces at home.

2. If you wear sandals to the thrift store, bring a pair of socks along with you, in a pocket or a purse. When you check out the shoe section, you'll be glad you have them.

3. Always give yourself enough time-- usually an hour or more. You don't want to feel rushed, and the best part is looking through every rack. How can you know if there's anything new if you don't go through everything?

4. For optimal fun, go with a friend. Sure, you can thrift by yourself, but part of why I love thrifting is how much you can laugh at the things you find. The craziest pieces end up in thrift stores. Model the most ridiculous outfits for each other, giggle over how certain shirts ever made it into production. And, you can talk each other in and out of reckless buying: it's easy to over-purchase when everything is cheap. A friend can offer a second opinion on whether or not you really need that 80s denim dress.

5. Be organized. Start at one end of the store and work your way systematically along the rows, so you don't miss anything.

6. Try everything on. I've mentioned this earlier, but I repeat, you'll want to try things on. It's cheap, it looks good on the hanger, but will it look good on you? I know used clothes can seem really sketchy, but its worth it to try it on quickly, then buy and wash it. Otherwise, you'll end up with a lot of junk you'll never use. As you see things you think you like, grab them, and try them on either periodically or after you finish the clothes section.

7. Always browse the book section! When I thrift, I always comb through the clothes, books, CDs, and DVDs. You can find great quality books, especially classics, in thrift stores.

8. Try not to go with expectations! If you're looking for something specific, odds are you'll leave disappointed. Thrift with an open mind. Focus more on the journey--searching through a store's hidden treasures--than on any preferred result.

9. Don't buy things you don't really like. Yes, it's super inexpensive, and that can make you reckless-- especially your first time thrifting. Resist the urge to buy something you only kind of love, just because it's $5. Will you wear it? Will you wear it often? $5 of closet space is still closet space, no matter how little it cost you.

10. Return often! When new donations or inventory are put out on the racks, it's an entirely new adventure, ripe with entirely new treasures.

Thrifting makes me so happy, and I hope you can derive some joy from it, too. Happy hunting!

Got any other tips? What are your thoughts on thrifting--stories, opinions? Share with us in the comments!
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Wow, where has the past year gone? And you know what that means: a new list of essentials, based on our favorite style trends of 2017-18. Consider this list an add-on to the previous year's essentials, in no way invalidating how necessary last year's staples may still continue to be. But there's no fun in repeats, now is there?

Without any further suspense...our Fall/Winter favorites for the upcoming season.

Classic, black turtleneck. Long sleeves, able to be paired with absolutely anything.

Denim jacket. I prefer a darker wash, but it is up to you.

Leather jacket. Leather is an easy addition to make you look a little bit extra put-together.

White sneakers. Who ever said they make you look like a tourist? (It's a myth.) Add clean, bright footwear for a simple, sleek statement.

At least one pair of straight-leg pants. Either jeans or plain black pants, extra points if you cuff them. Skinnies are not on our favorites' list--make your go-to a semi-fitted pair of cigarette pants or mom jeans. You can mix-n-match 'em with anything! (And another tip: high-waisted not only feels great to wear, but also looks fabulous.)

Top tip: Pair the turtleneck with the denim jacket to create combo with which we are currently obsessed.

Tell us down below: What are your style staples for Fall/Winter 2018-19?


As always, photos on this blog were found on Pinterest and are not the property of the author.
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White pants are a no-go for me. Before or after Labor Day, it does not matter--I very seldom see a white-pants-outfit that works.

The issue is this: white draws too much attention. While black is a slimming color, white is blinding. It draws the eye, it is too bright and big and glaring. In my opinion, white is too loud for pants. There are a few exceptions (check out our fashion Pinterest board), but the general rule is this: white pants don't have a place in my style.

There are also the logistical problems. White dirties easily, undergarment colors show through, and it's all-around stressful--which is, again, something fashion should not be. Fashion is an escape, not a box.

My philosophy: let white be your go-to for interior decorating--paint, furniture, etc. But for clothes, pick black.


 

 

 

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of the author, nor of this blog.

If you like white pants, tell us why! We'd love to hear your perspective. If you don't, share with us your thoughts. Thanks for reading our blog, and keep on keeping it chic!
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As I've grown older and paid more and more attention to how I dress and why I dress the way I do, I have come to notice that my style, although not dictated by any initial rules, inherently follows several unwritten, unintentional guidelines. Through deliberate introspection, I have isolated twenty of these, and outlined them below to give you, reader, a better sense of what sort of fashionista I am. *Just remember, style is individual-- you don't have to follow any "rules" unless you so desire. Keep in mind, too, that there are always exceptions to every "rule."*

Now, without further ado...CTS's 20 Clothing Commandments:

1. Pair a loose article with something tight, not loose and loose or tight and tight. 

2. Wear neutrals and add one taste of an accent color. 

3. No white pants. (They're too bright and therefore too loud.)

4. Base outfits in the default color black, not white. Build up from a foundation of black.

5. Wear jewelry/accessories only if they contribute to an outfit’s overall completeness. Be as minimalist as possible, or you may look as though you are trying too hard. I only add a simple necklace if it is something the outfit needs.

6. Be simple, but choose minimalist pieces which are unique and fashion-forward. Why buy three pairs of ordinary jeans when you can buy one pair of cool but simple navy culottes? Your unique basic pieces are what will set you apart from the crowd.

7. Don’t buy anything in any material you don’t enjoy feeling on your body. Don't buy something unless you'll be excited to put it on in the morning and then to wear it all day. Fashion should make you happy, or else it you are doing it wrong.

8. Don’t buy/wear anything which required large alterations (for modesty, for example). An application: shrug sweaters are tacky, nine times out of ten. Just wear something else. Don't buy something unless it is absolutely ready to wear, as is, or will be after only minimal work. If you want a project, go for it, but don't try to force a square peg into a round hole.

9. Too much skin is not cute. Moderation in fashion is so important, in order to introduce and preserve class. Really great stylists and fashion icons recognize the happy medium, when it looks good to show a bit of leg or arm. (Related to tip no. 1.)

10. Balance is key. (See no. 1 and 9.)

11. Don’t mix patterns. That creates an outfit that is too busy, too loud, too confusing, too distracting...

12. Don’t mix colors unless all but one is a neutral. Maintain subtlety.

13. Don’t mix varying shades.


14. No denim on denim. I don't care what ASOS wants to sell you; only the greatest of talents can make it work.

15. Don’t shop when you’re feeling rushed or stressed. Not good for the creative juices, nor for your wallet, nor your closet.

16. Make trends work for you, not the other way around. Pick and choose, rather than miserably fitting yourself into the mold. My fashion journey began as a way to fit in-- I picked trends that were the most popular, even when they made me miserable. For example, jeans in cold weather irritate my skin horribly, but everyone at school was wearing skinnies in December. What did I do? I wore leggings under skinny jeans and was horrifically uncomfortable all through high school. Then, I changed my mind. Now, I follow trends only so far as they are serving me, not the other way around. If you are a slave to trends, you're doing it wrong. Fashion and style should enlarge you, complete you, magnify you and your happiness, bring you absolute joy...not make you shrink down into a cramped mold.

17. Always add a special touch that is all your own. Plain, average outfit? Add a dash of the unexpected, a signature flare. Interesting socks poking out of your shoes, a silk scarf, a vest...the possibilities, as I like to say so often, are endless.

18. Always dress a little nicer rather than a little more casual. Sets you apart from the masses, and gives you a safety net for social situations. An easy way to eliminate the worry of accidentally dressing down.

19. Don’t go outside unless you feel confident in your outfit. A good presentation means one less thing to worry about during the day and can really help you to have a positive experience in whatever you do. As a girl with anxiety, this philosophy goes a long way for me.

20. Turn a problem into a fashion statement. Approach everything with the mindset of meeting a creative and artistic challenge. Hitting some limits or wardrobe constrictions? Let those issues stimulate your imagination and do something truly fantastic.

Of course, my cardinal rule is: dress for you, not for anyone else. Happy creating, artists!

Got any "rules" or philosophies of your own? What unwritten beliefs guide your style? We'd love to know! Share in the comments.
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Trench coats date back to Britain of the 1850s, created for use by soldiers and later adapted for (you can probably guess) the trenches of World War I. The coat soon caught on with civilians of both genders, in part as a way to show patriotism and support for the war effort.

First meant to be useful in the worst of environments, the trench coat remained long after the shelling stopped. Now iconic, a trench coat is one of the most fashionable items a girl, or boy, can buy, and an instant step up to the next level of style. A trench coat is class and sophistication, with little to no effort required on the wearer's part, and it seems they'll never go away. Timeless.











Seriously, a nice coat can transform almost any less-chic outfit (i.e. leggings + a hoodie, or sometimes even sweatpants) into a stylish ensemble.



"But...trenches look incredible because they're so nice...and therefore high-end and pricey." Not wanting to drop a fortune for a Burberry trench? Never fear! I got my London Fog trench at a Salvation Army for only $7, and it looks brand-new. Look around and see what you can find. Happy hunting!

Please, share your trench tips with us! Got outfit ideas? Comment below.

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of this blog, nor of its author.
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Getting bored? Hot tip: bandanas are not just for cowboys and pirates. Recycle old Halloween costume pieces this spring/summer (or use a silk scarf) and add je ne sais quoi to whatever you're wearing.

1. Around your ankle...


2. Tie back your trench coat...


3. Around your neck...



And 4. In your hair...


How will you tie your bandana? Leave us a comment and let us know!

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of this blog, nor of its author.
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About me

Harriet Norcross. BYU. Communications. My style inspiration: street fashion of the great European capitals such as Paris, London, and Rome. I don't leave the house if I don't feel confident in my clothing decisions, and I'm here to help you feel great about your look, too.

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