One thing made abundantly clear by our readers last week, is that weaning ourselves away from bootcut jeans is a scary, scary prospect. (See our second style rules article for all of the great comments). So I wanted to highlight some momiform style inspiration that focuses on straight-leg jeans (although skinnies would work just as well).
Remember Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk? We profiled her last winter, due to her spot-on advice regarding the tricky flats-with-tights pairing.
We're featuring her again, with an outfit that she created last February. One, I think, that is even more relevant this Fall (talk about setting the trend - Go Kyla!)
Let's discuss:
One of the key elements to this look is the drapey sweatshirt paired with a glam, girly necklace. It's downtown/uptown pairing at its best.
Additionally, I love how she warms up her rolled straight-leg jeans for winter by adding socks to her ballet flats. You know how much I love rolled jeans, and visible socks are so very relevant for Fall 2010.
Crazy-cute outfit for moms, no bootcuts needed.
Soooo...how to recreate?
Look for an Upscale Version of the Sweatshirt
The most flattering sweatshirt is thin and drapey, and often made out of a soft wool blend (but with sweatshirt styling). The thin, drapey fabric keeps the look feminine and soft, and skims over curves without extra bulk. Extra points for a banded-waist bottom (pooch hiding properties!).
A note for the busty: look for sweatshirts with great drape and a lower neckline. In fact, a boyfriend-style, merino wool v-neck might be a better option for this look (I found one at Madewell, below).
Here are a few of my current favorite sweatshirt picks:
$58 - madewell.com
Tank tops »
$58 - madewell.com
Sweatshirt tops »
$68 - madewell.com
Madewell sweaters »
Find a Stunning Statement Necklace
Kyla is wearing Stella and Dot's Sophia Bib Necklace, $118, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Here's a few that keep calling my name (at all price points):
The Jeans, The Shoes, The Socks
Finish off the look with a cool pair of straight-leg jeans (skinnies also work), your favorite ballet flats, and trouser socks. I've heard good things about Madewell's 1937 socks, but I suspect Target's trouser socks made from bamboo would work just as well. I'd wear gray trouser socks instead of the white ones Kyla's wearing....but I seem to have problems avoiding mud (even in crazy-dry Denver).
You can either cuff your jeans like Kyla (if they are still long), or, if your jeans are already hemmed for flats, just leave them down. Another option is to roll them twice, exposing only your ankle bone.
One Final Twist
Last February, I fell in love with this pic of Emmy Rossum as she was attempting to catch a plane. She's wearing the Madewell sweatshirt I featured above, ballet flats and skinny jeans. Instead of accessorizing with a statement necklace, she rocks it with a fedora and cross-body bag. If the Fedora is more your thing, then try Urban Outfitter's Tweed Fedora, $28, or their Straw Fedora with Menswear Band, $48.
These straight-leg jeans are sooooo not scary, right?
xo,
S
