Chicer Than Sneakers

Stylings for the average Jane.

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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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Getting tired of the basic jackets and sweaters? Feeling a need to change it up? Stick a blazer over your outfit! Whether it matches your ensemble, with coordinating fabric and pattern, or not, don't be afraid to experiment.

Check out these top-notch outfits which feature various blazers:









Thoughts? We'd love to hear them. Share with us in the comments below!

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of this blog, nor of its author.
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A popular fashion trend occurring now is the unique sleeve. It has gained speed over the past year and is sure to continue into 2018-- the ruffled long- and short-sleeved sweaters, bell-sleeved tops, etc. Take an ordinary outfit and give it an extra wow factor; just change up the sleeves to make an otherwise plain top extraordinary. It's simple, adding an extra feminine touch, and the result is an explosive phenomenon.

The most commonly seen example is the tiered flare sleeve.





Next, the bell sleeve.



Plus, two bonus examples of embellished sleeves. Here, the tiered ruffle/flare sleeve was combined with pleats:


Bows + flare:


Fun sleeves add that little extra. Do you agree? What sort of sleeves have caught your eye? Share your thoughts with us in the comments down below!

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of this blog, nor of its author.
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You know what they say...history repeats itself. Several retro pieces are currently making a comeback and we couldn't be happier! Let's take a look at five of our favorites:

1. Neck scarves. Roman Holiday, anyone? So classy, neck scarves and kerchiefs add a darling touch to an outfit and need no longer be confined to flight attendants' uniforms.






2. Midi skirts. Not long, not short, just perfect.




3. The mock neck. Less restrictive than a real turtleneck but still so comfy and classic, these are making appearances on both tops and dresses.




4. Ruffled button-ups. Is this Little House on the Prairie or real life? A ruffled shirt brings a romantic, vintage air to an otherwise contemporary ensemble with ease.





5. Loose pants. So long, skinny pants! Much more comfortable, less restrictive, and showing off less of every curve, cigarette pants and other, slightly baggier trousers are "in" again. Welcome back to the fifties and sixties.







What's your favorite retro style, popular now? Or, what vintage item/style would you like to come back? Share with us 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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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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