I love this pairing of a cape blazer and a pencil skirt. And while some women hate the idea of black and navy blue together, I certainly see no problem with it.
Zara Cape Jacket (white) / J.Crew 120s Wool Telegraph Skirt (similar here and here) / Ann Taylor Mila Pumps (Camel) / 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel (Black, Large, here in Medium) / Forever21 rings / Banana Republic Triple Wrap Leather Bracelet / Bauble Bar Choker Necklace (gold, similar)
I am pretty good and skipping trends when they don’t fall into the so-called “confines” of my personal style. While I do not believe in staying away from all the trends of the moment, I do think it’s important to take a look at a trendy item and see how it fits into the rest of your wardrobe. All season I’ve tried to avoid this “fluffy sleeve” trend, but I came across this particular off the shoulder top by 1.State and thought that maybe I could make it fit into an edgy, minimalist wardrobe and still feel like myself. I haven’t done one of these five-ways posts in a long while, but here it is!
Typical outfit, with my favorite destroyed/distressed jeans:
Some petites may not like the cropped hem paired with some ankle strap heels, but I’ve never been one to worry about the ankle strap. But in case you are, here is the outfit paired with some nude heels:
Sam Edelman Rodney Pointy Toe Flats (Leopard) / Hudson Wide Leg Denim (very old) / Madewell Bucket Bag (newer version, love in dark cabernet) / Zara Choker (old) / Banana Republic triple wrap leather bracelet
I’ve always been obsessed with super wide-leg pants. I’m not sure what it is, but if I see a pair hanging on the rack, I’ll come running. Petites tend to shy away from a super wide-leg in fear of being shortened, but I don’t see a need to avoid them. I’m wearing them with flats, but a great way to lengthen the leg is to wear them with heels and keep the hem as long as possible.
Babaton Trench Vest (sold out, similar) / Banana Republic Cut out wrap booties (last season) / J.Crew Martie Pant in Stretch Wool (see here in Stretch Cotton) / Apple Watch Series 2 / 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Medium Clutch / Forever21 Rings
I was trying to think of a cool way to add layers, while still making it obvious that it was actually an off-the-shoulder top. I thought it would be visually interesting to add a vest, and I’m pretty happy with the look. I’m also loving the mix of a feminine blouse with an edgy shoe.
An outfit that is a bit more care-free and easy, is to pair with shorts. I did a little mullet-tuck of the top so it actually looked like I was wearing bottoms. Because really, what’s worse than looking like you aren’t wearing any pants? =)
The one thought that consistently pops into my head every time I do a little online shopping to update my wardrobe for this coming spring is, “Holy ruffles”. I have yet to decide if I want to partake in this trend (probably not), but at least for now, I will continue to wear the classic bow blouse. This Banana Republic version was purchased during the fall season last year and I’m quite a bit late posting about it, but is actually quite nice. It has a good amount of stretch, but it definitely runs on the small side. I went a size larger than my usual 0P, and I feel as if going up another size would still be quite comfortable without looking sloppy.
