Chicer Than Sneakers

Stylings for the average Jane.

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As I have discussed previously, there is a fine line between looking stylish and looking silly. Just as in the art of rhetoric and persuasion, it is necessary in the art of fashionably dressing to gauge your audience. An important part of fashion is analysis.

For example, in Europe, trench coats are all the rage. It is perfectly normal to see a person walking down the street in a long, beige coat. However, in Middle-of-Nowhere, Wyoming, where cowboy boots and denim and hats are the more common accessories, a trench would cause you to stick out like a sore thumb. You'd receive odd looks and may or may not be mocked.

When deciding what to wear, consider: Where am I going today? What sort of clothing will be appropriate in those situations? With whom will I be interacting?

For example, for a job interview, pass on the jeans and joggers. Go for a dressy look, not an artistically casual one. For a picnic, however, you most likely should dress down. In the places where you'll be, are tennis shoes the norm? Or will it be offensive to be wearing anything less than patent-leather loafers? Don't show up to a symphony concert in leggings and a long sweater. Just as you'd wear a swimsuit to the beach, you would not wear a swimsuit to a graduation ceremony. Pay attention to dress codes. (Tip: it's always better to be more dressed up than too dressed down.)

Another, oft-cited example is Europe: don't wear cargo shorts or Nike sneakers or hoodies or fanny packs...because it will make you stand out as an American tourist and you will be in greater danger of theft from pickpockets. Do your homework, blend in.

By "blend in," I do not mean "look the same as everyone else." I simply mean, play by and follow the rules of the society, for your own safety and sanity as well as others'. You can dress in your own style, but rein it into the appropriate category for the circumstance. True fashionistas can make any type of outfit their own and dress appropriately without losing that unique touch.

Be bold, but not insensitive. If you don't mind looking moderately to extremely absurd, then wear that trench coat in rural western America. But if you'd like to dress smartly, observe the style dynamic of the area first. Partly, it's respect for local culture and, partly, self-preservation. Push boundaries, but do it with sensitivity and foresight.
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One of the more atypical trends we are seeing EVERYWHERE is the slip dress (most commonly silk or velvet, and either long or short), worn over a top. This outfit is one of the more difficult to style, but never fear! We are here to help you out.

The most common combination is the black, silk or satin slip dress and a white, short-sleeved t-shirt.




Or, you could:

Pair the slip dress with a simple, monochrome, short-sleeved tee.


Wear it with a striped t-shirt.





Try a turtleneck.






Switch in a button-up shirt.



Combine a tame tee with a more creatively colored slip dress.





Wear it over a graphic t-shirt.


Accessorize the ensemble with a denim or leather jacket, sweater, or hat. Wear with sneakers, boots, heels, flats, or sandals. Anything goes-- just keep it fairly simple and you can't lose.

Looking to buy a slip dress? Check out ASOS.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Like, love, hate? How would you style it? Share in the comments!

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of this blog, nor of its author.
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Honestly, fashion has nothing to do with the clothes you wear-- it's all about how confident you are wearing them.

That's why crazy outfits like jeans + a t-shirt + a dress (see below) get fashion week coverage. If I were to have worn that to school in any grade, I have no doubt that I would have been ridiculed from the building. However, high fashion names are able to sport such "out-there" ensembles because, besides the fact that they have fashion credibility, they act as though their outfit is already the peak of style. The world is their runway. With confidence, a person (male or female) can get away with wearing anything. (Note: this rule especially applies in big cities-- more to be said on this in an article coming soon.) Style is about combining the unexpected and wearing it against all odds. Confidence is ultimately what determines whether you look dumb or daring.







As Eleanor Roosevelt (and Joe from The Princess Diaries) is attributed to have said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." No one can make you feel unstylish without the decision from you that they can. You give them that power. They don't appreciate your outfit? Too bad. They must not understand your deep artistic taste and intentional stylistic choices. Dress for you, and no one else.

I have very specific personal tastes, which I share here. There are some combinations and articles which I personally do not like, and I will say so on this blog with great fervor. However, it is up to you to decide what you think is stylish on your body. Fashion is an art, and art's worthiness, although some say otherwise, is not decided only by its audience but also by its creator. Even when I disagree, remember to do with your style what you love.

My journey into the world of fashion began as an attempt to fit in with the people around me. In the time since, as I began to research street style and trends, however, I have developed and nurtured a love for clothing and the creative art of fashion (which led to the birth of this blog!). Now, I love fashion as a way to stand out.

Many of the world's fashionistas agree with me, that fashion is meant to set one apart. (For example, google the ballerina Maria Kochetkova.) Explore with me some more unique and bold combinations of clothing:





What's the quirkiest thing you've ever dared to wear? Comment below!

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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