Teach those old clothes some new tricks

It’s funny how shamelessly I can walk up to celebrities and ask for interviews and photos, but when it comes to approaching mere mortals like myself I get attacks of pointless shyness. A pity, too, since it would have been lovely to take a photo of the outfit I saw on one woman today as she passed me on the sidewalk.

Words don’t do it justice, but here goes: A black, knit mini-tube-dress with an empire waste over a crisp, white button down shirt, cute wedge heels and a shiny, red Louis Vuitton bag. She looked as though she had just come from her job at an art gallery and was on her way to a dinner party with equally chic friends. At least that’s what I’d like to imagine!

But it just got me thinking about great outfit “recipes,” or how a little extra thought and fearlessness can turn a couple of basic pieces and a standout accessory or two into a truly inspiring look. Yeah, yeah, you all know this already. But hey, it takes a lot for me to admit that any outfit that’s office appropriate and involves a logo bag is fabulous!

While I’m still riding vicariously on some other chick’s fashion high, here are some other fashion recipes that might be fun to try this summer:

* With the leggings trend not going anywhere any time soon, a basic black pair of leggings could be livened up with a patterned scarf tied around the waist and hips. Wrap it around evenly so it appears to be a short skirt rather than draping it loosely, which would make it look more like a sarong.

* Short pants with high heels. And no I don’t mean tight capris with pumps, although I do like that look, too. Clamdiggers, the loose version of the capri tend not to be sexy looking unless paired with something tight and very flattering. Match a pair of clams with some sky-high heels and you don’t even need to put on your slut shirt to be cute. This outfit works best if one of the items (whether it’s the pants or shoes) has a striking material or pattern. With the pants, think stripes or camouflage. With the shoes, think patent leather pumps or peep-toes with bows rather than the expected sandals or wedges.

* Short shorts with a feminine, long-sleeved top whether it’s rouched with bubble hem sleeves or retro-looking with buttons and a tie bow front. Then throw on a string of pearls around your neck or pearl earrings. While there’s nothing “new” about a desire to go retro it’s not generally matched with a casual look that shows a lot of skin like shorts. Just channel Marilyn Monroe and you’re on the right track: Golden glamour, but done in a way that seems effortless and natural.



Pic found on Angry Pink Cupcake