How To Wear A Black Dress Casually - Tips For Women

How To Wear A Black Dress Casually - Tips For Women

A little black dress can by ultra-sexy.

A little black dress doesn't have to be basic! pretty details like lace, cutouts, sheer panels and strappy necklines can turn a little black dress into a serious statement.

Wear a statement coat with your little black dress.

Let your outerwear do the talking, and try wearing a statement coat with your little black dress.

 

Add a Jacket to Your Little Black Dress.

An easy way to make your cocktail dress a little edgier is by adding a jacket.

Wear Nude Shoes with a Little Black Dress.

Want to make your legs look miles long? Wear nude shoes with your little black dress,. This is a great trick to keep in mind for weddings and special events where you can rock bare legs and you know you'll be having your photo taken.

Wear your little black dress with black tights this winter.

When the chill of winter sets in, a pair of black tights are a woman's best friend. We love the streamlined look of a pair of black tights worn with your favorite little black dress this time of year. This sleek look is perfect for holiday parties and the office—and can be equally dressed up or down for day and night.

Flaunt your curves in a tight little black dress.

If you've got curves—whether they're from a baby bump or just good genes—they will always look amazing in a fitted black dress.

 

A little black dress can go below your knees!

The constraints on just what defines a 'little black dress' have become increasingly wider as fashion itself has become more inclusive. A shiny midi dress like this is still very much an LBD in our book—just an unusual and unique one. We love this daring neckline and pleated skirt combination because it's equal parts 

Try a little (lace) black dress.

Little black lace dresses are perhaps our favorite take on this iconic frock. Lace adds an element of femininity and whimsy, which we love. There are plenty of ways you can dress a lace dress up

How to wear Pretty Pastels

How to wear Pretty Pastels

WEARING PASTELS

It’s true what they say; all things old become new again and isn’t that true for the timeless, ever-so feminine and beautifully classic pastel trend. Pastels always find their way onto our radar at this time of year. Pale, romantic and pretty pastels are a simple yet playful colour palette to keep in your closet. Soft and gentle, pastels can give you the ultimate feminine look. Pastels are a reoccurring feature in summer fashion so it's no great surprise that they are back on the high street again. However, this year sees even paler tones.

Look for colours such as pale yellow, blush pink, icy blue, or light lavender, it's both pretty and appropriate for the season. Feminine and pristine this trend is probably one of the most suited to summer as it looks beautiful combined with subtle ditsy floral prints. This trend will ensure that you look cool, girly and stylish. 

Here are just a few fashion tips to help you wear this popular trend:

I am a massive fan of casual dresses which come up in pastel hues for that luxe carefree look. If you’re looking for the ideal way to look sweet and pretty, then aim for a solid pastel dress. A delicate pastel piece can be used in a variety of ways and is unbelievably versatile. Add a tan bag for the perfect finishing touch.


One of the easiest ways to wear pastels is wearing prints, if you prefer not to go for an all-over print choose one pastel printed item such as a skirt and team this with a neutral coloured top with no print! 

You can separate an all over pastel outfit by keeping neutral shades in your accessories. Turn to tan or grey in particular with belts, shoes, handbags and hats. These break up the colour and help you avoid looking washed out.


Pastels can be mixed with darker colours such as navy and grey. These muted tones are a great slimming technique if you’re worried pastels highlight problem areas.  

Wearing pastel coloured pants would be the most timeless option. It can easily be worn with a neutral top; white, grey, black, etc. All depending on the chosen colour! try wearing your trousers with pumps of the same colour but in a darker shade. 

Choose one colour and stick with it throughout your outfit. Pastel coloured clothing itself looks good without too many finishes – the simpler your pastel tone clothing, the better.

You can never go wrong with denim, and pairing your pastel top with a pair of jeans, it adds a touch of sweetness and modernity to the look. A darker wash will give it a more formal look, so if you want something fresher, a lighter wash like chambray will do the trick.

Wear Pastels as Accessories, Wear a neutral outfit-it makes pale accessories really pop.  Choose a statement necklace or a light-coloured handbag. Cream and beige tones are the most versatile of all the pastel shades. They go with any other pastel or neutral shade. 

Yet another way to tackle the pastel trend is to colourblock.  Wear Pastels with Other Pales but Make sure all your pieces are in the same colour family and Make sure that pastel tones you pick do not look like a continuation of your skin.

The most important rule of pastel shades is not to overdo it with all the sweetness. Instead, try to tone it down by accessorising your pastel clothes with pieces in black, white or other neutral tones. Beige and grey shades will also help you balance things out.  

Here are a few chic pastel pieces that will ensure you are on trend this season.

ASOS UK Cord Jacket in Pastel Blue

ASOS UK - Pastel Stripe Rib ruffle bodysuit top

ASOS UK Pimkie Pastel Pink Ripped Detail Skinny Jeans

Zeagoo Women's Loose Ruffle Sleeveless Chiffon Pastel Blouse

AX PARIS Bodycon Midi Dress Pink

DOLCIS BEATRIX Sandal Pastel Pink

CALL IT SPRING Mateare Sandals Blue

For a little more inspiration, take a look at how these fashion bloggers are styling their pastel colour this season.

Elle fanning pastel fashion

Kristina Bazan - Paris Fashion Week street style

I hope these style tips on wearing pastel colours has given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo





WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Editors notes:  This post was originally posted in August 2012 and has been updated

Cute Outfits For Curvy Figures - Spring Trends

Cute Outfits For Curvy Figures - Spring Trends

Curvy girls have it tough when it comes to dressing. But, there are no set rules in fashion which you should stick to, and the fashion gods will not come crashing down on top of you. Dare to make a statement this season with all the apt fashion essentials in town. Most importantly, you need to know how to hide the ample curves.

Read on to find out how in a few easy ways you can transform yourself into a slimmer self. Here’s how you can easily enhance your best assets.
Vital Fashion Staples

The rule is to opt for solid hues instead of crazy or neon colours or large prints. Sleek, simple, non-ruffled outfits will complement you.

    Have a few button up shirts and feminine tops in your closet, it can make you look feminine and classy. In fact, it would look good on any body type.

Fabulous Spring Trends for the Curvy Girl

    Opt for full-printed jumpsuits or rompers. These should be in every curvy girl’s wardrobe. The prints camouflage the not so great parts, giving a toned look.

    Get yourself a skater dress in varied hues or floral prints, it beautifully hides you waist down if you are well-endowed, camouflages the bottom and makes your waist look thinner. Skater dresses in fit and flare styles also make you look feminine and skim over your hips.

    Sheath dresses flatter your figure type. This is almost a staple, works from day to night so go pick a few in black, navy blue, slate grey or maroon.

    Maxi skirts and maxi dresses are always appealing and flatter curvy women. They are easy, breezy, and casual so why not make them your best friend. Get them in chiffon, georgettes, satin and knife pleats.

    Embrace midi-skirts like it’s your go-to item in your wardrobe. These skirts preferably in A-line or pencil skirts can hide the flab on your thighs and buttocks. Pair it up with a shirt or a plain tee and you are instantly transformed.

    If you wish to go short, don’t fear! Simply shop around for chino shorts or Bermuda shorts or Capri instead of the teeny weeny hot pants. They are comfortable and high on style quotient.

    Go retro! The 70’s style fashion can hide those extra kilos with ease. From high-waisted pants to bell bottoms, just let go of your inhibitions.

    Do you want a piece which serves serious glamour moments? Well, embrace the fringes. Fringes on a top or dress or skirt can hide extra flab and give you a cool look.

    If you like denims then opt for darker versions and not the light ones. Make sure you refrain from the slim fit or skinny ones as they can draw attention to wide hips and thighs, the regular fit or high-waisted or wide legged would suit you better.

    Off shoulder or peasant tops are having a moment. They highlight your shoulders and hide the flaws waist-up. If you are top heavy, this is quite the ideal clothing for you.

    For party wear, you can actually pick a one shoulder top, scoop neck or slightly loose tube top which again camouflage the upper body flaws/flab or curves. Even a halter top frames a large body beautifully well.

    Avoid over-sized or loose clothing as it would invariably make you look big, however you should also steer clear of figure hugging outfits. Well fitting and tailored clothes are just what you need to get the apt look.

    If you are going holidaying, make sure you carry along a printed or bold coloured one piece bikini and tie a sarong on it.

    Tailored blazers can give you a chic and classy look. Needless to say, they make a difference to your look and flatter the figure.

    Now, here is a must-have to go every attire that you have in your wardrobe – the waist belt! This miraculous piece can make you look slender by adding definition to your curves.

Fashion trend: The slip dress

Fashion trend: The slip dress

HOW TO WEAR A SLIP DRESS

A fashionable feature of the 90’s, is the slip dress and it is making an effortless impression as this season’s must-have item.  Alexander Wang, Burberry and Paco Rabanne have all featured this classic dress in their latest collections.  

It can be quite daunting trying to wear a dress which quite frankly looks like lingerie.  Here are some fantastic tips so that you can wear the slip dress with a new found confidence.

Keep it cool, relaxed and simple. Try wearing a basic black slip dress with thin spaghetti straps and style it with strappy sandals.

There are hundreds of ways to wear a slip dress but one of the simplest and most classic ways to be styled daytime, you can wear turtleneck pullovers long sleeve shirts, blouses or basic shirts underneath your slip dress.  If you're not prepared to go braless then a T-shirt worn underneath will give you the coverage you need.

Take your dress to dinner by wearing with an open cardigan. I really like the contrast and the mix of materials.  For maximum effect add a pop of colour.  Rock this elegant look with a pair of this season's sexy mules.

The slip dress lends itself extremely well to layering, and I could easily wear one underneath a jumper, or over a t-shirt.

Length is key. Too short and it looks too close to sleepwear; midi or floor-length looks more modern. Try wearing one under a skirt or another dress so you can see a bit of lace poking out underneath the hem. Or just opt for a silk camisole worn under a biker jacket with jeans.

Don’t be afraid to hide that waist, grab a belt, wrap it around the slip dress and show off your features.

The cut is key, anything on the bias is usually really flattering as it hugs the small part of your waist and skims over your hips and a good fabric is essential, too, a good quality silk will smooth out lumps and bumps, not accentuate them. 

Here are a few chic slip dress pieces that will ensure you are on trend this season.

VICTORIA VICTORIA BECKHAM Slip dress with beaded embroidery

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Embellished Slip Dress

T BY ALEXANDER WANG Draped Slip Dress in Jersey

GALVAN Floor length panty dress with satin

BRETT ROBSON cassey velour slip dress with chain straps & crop tee blush

For a little more inspiration, take a look at how these fashion bloggers are styling their slip dresses this season.

I hope these style tips on wearing the slip dress have given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo



WHAT DO YOU THINK?



Editors notes:  This post was originally posted in October 2016 and has been updated