DEAR Mattie:
How can I look fashionable and casual at the same time?
Looking for Casual Ideas in Deep Cove
Dear Deep Cove:
If you don't like "dressing up" all the time, I suggest you get a few pieces that work well with your current wardrobe and kick it up a notch. Basic pieces include a T-shirt, a sweater and a pair of jeans. I know this may sound boring at first, but there are some excellent options.
Everyone has T-shirts, but do you have the right ones?
T-shirts have become popular as long as they are fresh and not sloppy. For a sophisticated look, get a single colour, with a collar that you like. From v-neck to round neck, they all are in fashion. All T's need to be loose but fitted. Fitted T-shirts work well with a sweater, so that this layering look is not bulky. When you wear a single colour T-shirt, accessorize with a statement piece around your neck.
Graphic T-shirts are bolder and have a few colours that are either repetitive or abstract patterns. T-shirts have a short sleeve that is slightly longer than a cap sleeve. These T-shirts look great with a cardigan that complements the vibrant colours. For this look, I would opt for statement earrings with a matching statement ring.
The retro or concert T is making a comeback. The images to look for are something from the '70s like The Rolling Stones, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The T-shirt that you got at Neil Young's fabulous concert would work. I would wear this T with a bulky sweater, so that when you take off the sweater, there is an element of funky casual surprise.
Now that we have our base, let's look at bottoms. Jeans are always popular. Look for mid to darker washes. Dark coloured five-pocket jeans are trending. Rust, green, indigo and of course black should work well with your current wardrobe. Faded jeans are not as trendy this season.
The two most popular fits for jeans this season are the slim and the flare. The slim can be bunched up to the ankle or cropped to the top of your anklebone. In both scenarios, you need statement shoes. The flare fit is long enough to cover your whole shoe. The seam at the bottom of the jeans resembles a cuff. This allows you to roll up your jeans (once) to accommodate a lower heel. Single rolled up jeans, creating a thin detail, are coming back in fashion.
The sweater is the ultimate layering piece. All sweaters are in fashion, so choose the colours and patterns in the knit weight that you like. The look that I like best is the sweaters that layer. Vests, cardigans and v-necks allow you to see the under layer and make your outfit look casual yet trendy. Sweaters are fitted and not bulky. I also like the idea of an indulgent fabric. Cashmere and silk feel and look great while being investment pieces.
All of these pieces work well together. I like the look of edgy and sophisticated together. You decide how much you want to kick it up.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie a la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached by email: mattiealamode@gmail. com. Or you can follow her on pinterest.com/ mattiealamode/
