Fashion Week might be swirling around Europe currently, but we at Closet Couture are currently concerned with what to wear now. I especially love fall weather and the sweaters and jackets that come out of closets everywhere.
Street Style is a big theme with publishers everywhere – and why not? It is always so interesting to see how individuals consider and put together their outfits. Strong personalities come out, points of view are not watered down with group thought… the result? Some are great, some are a bit much, and others are fun. But in the day to day of how to look great in your life, not all of them are helpful. I have picked through some of my favorites for personal inspiration from the most excellent blog of New York Magazine, The Cut (Thank you, the source for all the below photos). Opinions, of course, are mine. See the entire slideshow of The Cut’s 50 best street style outfits from Paris here.
Which outfit is your favorite?
Tilda Lindstam wears a brightened up version of a traditional ensemble. Blue trousers and a black jacket with silver beading, complemented by a pop of color with the red bag. It works on many levels, primarily that blue and black together is a chic and timeless combination. It is easily complimented by a range of accent colors - imagine a green or pink bag instead. I would wear something similar to work, especially in an office that is more conservative.
Shala Monroque puts together the best of summer and fall in this outfit. A diaphanous white skirt paired with a heavy beige sweater and detailed heels is an excellent balance between heavy and light weights. Don't think I didn't notice the turtleneck lurking at the top of her sweater collar. A pop of white to accent and tie in the skirt color provides more visual balance. I love this.
Karlie Kloss has a simple but elegant look that is timeless and can be the base for any number of accent pieces. Her Chanel bag and crew neck T are both timeless and would go with a jacket or cardigan if the weather calls for it. One can pair denim or a tailored skirt or trouser beneath. Ballet flats, heeled loafer or slipper would compliment. Perhaps a less visible bra for those who work with the guys...
A camel coat with a fur collar? Perfection. Ginta Lapina keeps her look clean with a sophisticated, elegant outfit. One could include a colored bag (navy, red, pink, green?) for a pop pf color - or else make sure a red Vespa follows you around wherever you go!
The overcoat is the fall workhorse. And a chic one makes all the difference. Frida Gustavsson ties the coat just so, over a black ensemble. But what makes the outfit is the neckline details (that and a tiny waist!). Her button down shirt opening echoes the V of the coat neckline. To counter the V, a gold-toned collar is added for softness and to move the eye upwards to the face. It's not revealing or prudish, just stylish and an idea that would work for most everyone on any budget.
The new editrix of French Vogue, Emmanuelle Alt, wears a combination that works for so many occassions, dressed up or down accordingly. A basic but interestingly cut trouser, basic T top, and a jacket that shows attention to detail and an interesting graphic texture. The boot is conservative in everything but the shape and height of the heel. Sometimes the tiniest details jump start an entire outfit, no?
I was in a meeting last fall with Amanda Brooks and a room full of guys, and she and I had a conversation about the weather (it was freezing and gray) while waiting for the others and we said at the same time "It's the perfect day for a fur vest". I was wearing a black rabbit one that is casual and more work appropriate. The photo above illustrates a fashion forward color and length. But if your day can accommodate it, a black, gray or brown vest will suit anyone well.
Ines De La Fressange wears blue tones in stripes and dots. This model and muse (currently to Roger Vivier) has a studied practicality to her outfits which in no way decreases her incredible taste and style. The flipped up cuffs and the visible hem of her shirt provide strong graphics to the solids of her denim, blazer and sweater. The softer pattern on her scarf provides the perfect amount of balance to the visually heavier stripe. On an interiors note, I would do a library in this color and texture palette - imagine a navy velvet couch with side chairs in the dots and a bench in front of a fireplace in the stripes? Love.
We adore Melrose! She's amazing at styling new trends, like the strong shoulder, into real-world looks. This Chic of the Week is a “Libby Arts Major” (her words – LOL) from Tampa, Florida and what she loves working with right now is, “Leather, purple, 1940's opulence, Blazers, Slouchy t's.” Just FYI, the picture above is the REAL Melrose and the one to the left is her user picture on Closet Couture.
The new Chic of the Week is 
Londoner
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