dressy

Quick Style Guide: Mens Casual stepped up!

 A few days a go I had a twitter follower ask for a few tips on how to dress up a casual wardrobe. Pretty easy right? Well this follower happens to be male!  Men’s fashion is an area that I usually don’t do, but let’s try it out. 

 Just to be clear, I judge Men’s fashion on if my boyfriend would wear it or not.   I love some of the runway looks, admire them, and then think “he would never wear that”  So these tips come as if my boyfriend asked me.

 Quick Tips for dressing up a Causal Wardrobe

watchThrow on a big metal watch!

                  Never underestimate the power of a watch.  The bigger the better.  I have a friend who is a t-shirt, jeans, boots wearing guy (its Texas, they all wear boots).  But when he puts on a gold watch, I always find myself commenting on hdark jeansow good it looks.   It instantly adds a sleek “man-with-things-to-do, must- have-watch-to keep-track” vibe.

 Try a darker wash jean!

Darker denim is just sleeker.  That’s just the fact.  Women can get away with dressing up darker jeans for a more put together look.  It works the same way for men.  A darker wash of denim will seem more formal.shoes

 Try a different pair of shoes!

                  Always wear tennis shoes with your button down shirts? That instantly makes an “outfit” more casual. Trade for a nice pair of loafers or slip on shoes.  Another way to instantly add a touch of dress, wear the same color shoes and belt.  Makes you looks incredibly well put together, thus dressier.

 shirt

 Go graphic, but not logo!

                  Take your t-shirt to a new level.  Try a graphic print.  AVOID logo tees, phrases tees, and certain brands.  (These are the brands I recommend avoiding and why….you however are allowed to make your own decisions. —Ed Hardy, Christian Audiger, Affliction, Tapout)  These brands sometimes make the wearer look like a wannabe UFC fighter or just a plain d-bag. 

 There ya go! How to dress up a causal wardrobe-Men’s edition! Maybe I’ll try Men tips more often…..

 Got any more tips? Let me know I’ll add them!

PHOTO SOURCES

Watch:http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=180112&CategoryID=23928

Jeans:http://www.buckle.com/product/product_detail.jsp?bmUID=1268172600777&prd=39520M02009D40&sku=2129103632&N=23+42

Shoes:http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3070412?tuid=000006cb-006f-0861-6c61-726765727669&id=10496212&largeImg=0&tname=product

Tshirt:http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=438171&CategoryID=45961

 

 

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Winter Weddings…what do you wear?!

So we’ve talked about winter weddings/bridesmaids dresses, but what about when you are a guest to a winter wedding. What do you wear? Heck I have trouble picking out what to wear to any wedding. This question has come up quite a few times lately, by me and a reader. So, Lets figure it out! 

First off, think of dressing this way. If the bride weren’t getting married, but just attending the wedding what would she wear? (Applicable if you know her only) Might help you get an idea of the appropriateness. Now, let’s break it down

 Semi-Casual Wedding
I was faced with this problem last weekend. My friends had one of the most unique/memorable weddings I’ll ever attend (She wore a black dress, he wore jeans, it was so them!) Anyway it was a semi-casual day and I had a super super hard time deciding what to wear. I didn’t want to be too dressy or too casual. And decided that I just couldn’t wear flats to a wedding, it’s against my nature. So I ended up with black leggings, a grey/white pinstriped shirtdress slightly pulled over a red belt around my hips and black patent pumps. The leggings made it a little more casual but the shirt dress made it appropriate. If you attend a semi-casual wedding, keep it pretty simple but in your comfort zone.

Options:

  • A nice sweater with slacks
  • A shirt dress with flats
  • A loose fitting tee with a fitted skirt
  • A long tunic with leggings or patterned tights

semi casual weddingsemi casual wedding 2

 

Day/Inside Wedding

All weddings are hard to dress for. Unless you’re in the wedding party, cause you’re pretty much set. Day/Inside weddings are no exception. I usually consider these among the “something you wear to church” appropriateness. To amp it up just a notch and be totally on trend, pair this outfit with black tights, or a boyfriend blazer. Also belt it. Add one over your cardigan, dress, jacket, or skirt. HOMERUN! (Michelle Obama does this fabulously!) You’ll look fashionable without being inappropriately dressed. 

Options:

  • A dress with a pretty cardigan
  • A pencil skirt with a flowy/ruffly top (one fitted/one voluminous piece work well)
  • A print skirt and nice fitted blazer
  • A broached cardigan/blouse with sharp black pants

day inside 1day inside 2

Day/Outside Wedding
No one should be having and outside wedding in winter. It’s cold! But if you do attend one, wear a cute warm jacket with some great lines. Try some of these options for a dressier approach:

outside 1outside 2

Evening/Cocktail Wedding

Here’s where you can have a little fun! Wear sparkly, statement jewelry! Wear fun shoes! Just make sure you look conservative and put together. You shouldn’t look like you’re headed out for the nearest club. Cover all your parts! Especially in winter, jewel tones and metallic are lovely! Avoid too much black. Though we all know the right LBD can be amazing!

Options:

cocktail 1cocktail 2

Here’s a quick review: To be super trendy add black tights, a belt and/or a boyfriend blazer. Hello chic! Jewelry and shoes are your friends. Wear a simple outfit and dress it up or down by changing your shoes and jewelry. Its not your day, it’s the Bride’s. Never wear too much black or too much white/cream. You don’t want to upstage the bride!! Simple is better sometimes!

 And if all else fails, wear your little black dress accessorizing and finishing accordingly to the wedding type.

 Good luck dressing for your next wedding!

All photos and products are from LuLus.com, visit for more great finds!

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