There’s nothing like making a statement when going out and about; although we tend to do this to a lesser degree in Chicago vs. New York, in Europe, or even L.A. It seems our conservative Midwestern values keep us from going out on a limb with our wardrobe choices. Take a look at these looks of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City…
I cannot imagine anyone I know being caught dead walking around Chicago looking like this, especially in the dress on the right. Yes, she looks fabulous (I know, a little Samantha tone there), but it’s a little too much for our everyday lifestyle here.
Perhaps we are just not there yet, or never will be, but there are ways you can add a little pizzazz to your wardrobe without going overboard. Adding accessories and “pops” of prints and colors is the perfect way to flex your own personal style while still staying within our Midwestern fashion boundaries.
Caution: The following items were not necessarily meant to be worn together. The idea is to integrate 1 or 2 items into your (otherwise mostly subdued) outfit, not look like a bag lady.
The Main Event. One way to make a statement this spring is to pick one of the main pieces of your ensemble and jazz it up with print and/or color. Wear a printed dress such as this floral print tube dress or a brightly colored coat, like this pineapple yellow trench (if you missed it, see my article on the hottest colors this spring). Or wear printed shoes, such as these lemon striped flats with a neutral, coral, or green colored plain dress.
Accessorize…Accessorize…Accessorize. You can’t go wrong flexing your individual style with accessories. If you like working your own look out of celeb favorites, try these Tom Ford criss-cross gold trimmed sunglasses, which have been spotted on various celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Gwen Stefani recently. Rock out with this edgy grommet bow headband from SHE Boutique, or integrate a bold multi-colored necklace or multi-patterned, lightweight scarf to make a plain dress pop.
A Handbag Can Transform Any Outfit. For some people, it’s all about the bag. I saw someone the other day who was dressed in goth from head to toe. The bag? Vintage Chanel. Be bold and either embrace turquoise, the color of the year, as a sophisticated clutch; or tote (pun intended) around this Trina Turk printed bag for fun.
What do you think — do you think Chicagoans dress more conservatively than other major fashion cities? Why or why not?
Thu, Mar 25, 2010
Style Trends