6 Tips for Finding Your Personal Style

Image courtesy of styleclinic.com

Personal style goes beyond fashion trends and clothing brands. It is a person’s way of using clothes and external accessories to express themselves. If you’re on the journey to discovering your personal style, here are six tips to help you with the process.

Evaluate your closet

The first step to finding your personal style is by auditing your closet. Go through your wardrobe, identify the core pieces you usually wear, and remove those that haven’t seen the light of day. Be honest with yourself when scrutinizing your clothing and resist the urge to keep pieces for nostalgic purposes. Decluttering your wardrobe not only helps you establish your signature look but also allows you to responsibly dispose of clothing that others can still use.

Invest in the basics

If you’re still unsure where to start or have a tight budget, go for basics or classic pieces. When clothes shopping, choose pieces in neutral shades and with minimal to zero prints. Select clothing items that you can re-wear often and those that can be paired with different outfits. Choose a reliable clothing brand, such as Scarlet Avenue, as they offer quality pieces at reasonable rates. Scarlet Avenue Boutique adds new clothing and accessories twice a month!

Look for inspiration

Searching for inspiration is essential when developing your personal style. Aside from fashion magazines, you can utilize social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to gather inspiration. Whenever you see appealing outfits, save them digitally so you can revisit them anytime. You can also create a fashion mood board with your collected photos to help you efficiently distinguish your overall style.

Explore your sources options

Clothes can be expensive, especially if you prefer branded items. You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe during your style search, as there are various clothing sources you can explore. Shopping for secondhand or vintage clothing can help you identify the clothing type you usually gravitate towards. Buying secondhand clothing is not only economical but also sustainable and eco-friendly

Aside from thrifting, consider borrowing clothes from trusted loved ones with a great fashion sense. You can play dress up and experiment with various styles without spending a dime. If you have an upcoming event, consider renting clothes from a clothing rental company to save you from spending unnecessarily.

Focus on the fit

Fit is an integral element that is frequently underestimated. You must clearly understand your body size and type to help you choose clothing that complements your figure. Select pieces that fit you well and increase your confidence. Prioritizing fit doesn’t mean you always need to purchase expensive tailored-fit items but ensuring that your chosen clothes are comfortable and in good condition.

Adopt a flexible mindset

Finding your personal style is a continuous learning process. Be patient with yourself and adopt a positive mindset. Don’t hesitate to try something new and avoid confining yourself to the perception of others.

Discovering your personal style need not be a daunting task. Follow these valuable style tips and enjoy the process.

Staff

 

 

Six Hot Sunglass Trends for Spring 2023

It’s a good year for sunglasses. Sunglass lovers have a dizzying array of options to mull over to up their fashion game this spring and summer. The sporty styles that Formula 1 racers and champion bikers wear have pushed their way front and center with active men.

For those who have the Y2K nostalgia bug, there are extreme and modernized versions of the shades worn by the gang on the 1989 hit TV show, Saved by the Bell. Designer fashion lovers have stand-out styles that are straight off the Milan and Paris runways that embrace exaggerated oversize shapes and an array of seemingly every color in the rainbow. With these many exciting options, the hardest part will be deciding which style to adopt for the coming months.

Below, Fashion Reverie rounds-up our top nine sunglass trends for spring/summer 2023.

TREND 1: SPORTY:  Sporty is not going away, so start your engines!

Whether you opt for the actual sunglasses that Blenders Eyewear created for the Formula 1 Oracle Red Bull Racing team, (yes, the same ones worn by F1 superstars Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez), or the super trendy Pit Vipers, the brand of choice with the younger biking and skater crowd, you’ll have a bit of a champ’s confident swagger when you slip your shades on. 

Blenders Eyewear is a part of the mighty Safilo Group, one of the eyewear industry’s key players. Safilo plays in the more moderate price range and carries brands such as Kate Spade New York, Missoni, Juicy Couture, and Under Armour.  As such, a pair of Blenders run under $100 a pair. The ace F1 team have been spotted wearing Millenia X2, Meister X2, and Exposé models on the track. The Blenders Eyewear x Oracle Red Bull Racing Collection features its PureBlend Lens that echoes the Red Bull’s racing team’s signature colors of their cars and uniforms.

Pit Viper was founded in 2012, but according to www.bicycling.com, the brand has only recently caught the wave of popularity with the male high school and college crowd. The sunglasses are designed for extreme sports and mimic styles that were popular with skiers and cyclists in the eighties and nineties, but with a modern edge. A lively and engaging Instagram account as well as an opening price point of $69 seals the deal.

 

TREND 2: Y2K NOSTALGIA – Rimless mask styles are back

Dior’s “Diorclub M4U” mask sunglasses in a soft grey and Alexander McQueen’s rose-pink shades with signature silver skull detailing are masks of sorts. These new versions have shaded lenses that act as a soft filter as opposed to the intimidating impenetrable black lenses from past seasons. These glasses are reminiscent of the pastel-colored sunglasses Paris Hilton wore back in the early 2000s, but with larger dimensions.

 

TREND 3: VINTAGE FUTURISTIC – The fifties cat eye frame in futurist colors

There’s little else that screams “fifties style” more than a pair of cat eye sunglasses, like the ones Audrey Hepburn famously wore for a publicity photo shoot early in her career. She’d doubtless be amazed and delighted by the new options now available seventy years later. Like us, she’d have a hard time choosing from all the colorful options available at Loewe: bright navy, marigold yellow, and shiny violet, to name only a few. For those who aren’t 100% sure they want to go all-in, why not pick up a pair of Wild Fable’s angular cat-eye sunglasses at Target for $12 to try this trend on for size?

TREND 4: EXAGGERATED GEOMETRIC SHAPES – It’s hip to be square

Last year Louis Vuitton’s oversize “millionaire” sunglasses flew off the shelves, despite the $800 and up price tag. For spring, Dior has the “30 Montaigne” (the address of Dior HQ). The gold on gold mirrored giant square lenses manage to have a delicate look, thanks to the barely—there wire rim stems. The glasses are noticeably bling-free save for the large matching gold CD logo on the stems.

TREND 5:  WRAP FRAMES AKA “Wrap arounds”

Think back to your beloved Oakley’s from the 1990s but bigger, much bigger. Then, inject some bright jewel tone color and you have Bottega Venetta’s statement wrap-frame acetate glases with gradient lenses. Another plus is that acetate, a nylon-based plastic, is exceptionally strong, hypoallergenic, and comfortable enough to wear all day long. These showstoppers come in amethyst purple and emerald green and are just the thing for those who want to be noticed.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

TREND 6: ROUND GLASSES – THE CLASSIC CHOICE

 And finally, for those who can’t decide which of the above trends to try, designer, Remo Tulliani, offers this advice. “The absolute classic go-to is the one that covers most of your eyes. Usually that shape is round. The idea is to block the most harmful light you can; it’s the reason to wear sunglasses to begin with and usually the failsafe is round. For men, I recommend the “Smooth,” a cross between a round and aviator style. For the women, my choice would be the “Joy,” an exaggerated round shape whereas “Faith” is a more classic round shape.

—Vivian Kelly

 

SHOPPING GUIDE

Blenders – available at www.blenderseyewear.com

Pit Vipers – available at www.pitviper.com

Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Gucci, Loewe – available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Wild Fable – available at www.target.com

Remo Tulliani – available at www.tulliani.com

Bridal Beauty Trends Straight from New York Bridal Week from Spring 2024 Season

 

New York Bridal Week is well known for being a fantastic place to scope out all the most amazing wedding dress trends, but it’s also the perfect spot to discover bridal beauty as well.  If you’re planning your upcoming nuptials and want a fresh bridal look, be sure to save this list to share with your makeup artist!

Images courtesy of Ines di Santo

Watercolors

We all have that image of the blushing bride in a long white dress on their wedding day.  Gowns made in shades of ecru and ivory lace, makeup soft and romantic … the only real pop of color might be a hidden blue garter as the traditional “something blue.”

While we adore a classic, if you’re a bride that’s not afraid to mix things up, there are so many ways to incorporate a little color into your wedding look.  This season, designers including Badgley Mischka, Ines di Santo, and Anne Barge showed off gorgeous dresses in hues of blue, violet, and lilac for spring 2024, featuring both fabric and hand-painted florals, tiers of tulle, and ruffles, which provided subtle touches of spring hues, as well as full-on pastel-colored gowns.

If you love a touch of color but a baby blue or purple dress is a bit too modern for you, add the colors to your makeup.  Cassandra Garcia, Global Pro Artist for Bobbi Brown at Ines di Santo’s, took inspiration from the gorgeous colors of the collection; however, you could recreate this stunning eye and wear it with any bridal ensemble.  Garcia created a “watercolor eye” for a monochromatic romantic style using Bobbi Brown’s eyeshadow in Heather.  “This is perfect for the bride who wants to dip their toe in color. It’s soft and subtle,” explains Cassandra Garcia. 

Images courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Add a little Shine

Beads and sequins are a great way to incorporate a little glitz, whether it be on the dress’ bodice, part of an amazing scalloped, crop top, 2-piece set, such as the amazing one Sachin & Babi designed or on a fun accessory, such as a stunning hood like at Cinq.

However, even if your dress is lacking in sparkle, a good highlighter is the perfect way to add that subtle reflection to your complexion for a lit-from-within glow.  At Sachin & Babi, Rhona Samuels and Rafael German with Valentino Beauty, focused on giving each model a little extra radiance with Valentino’s V-Lighter.  According to German, V-Lighter is a must have on your wedding day as it’s a primer and highlighter in one.  “It literally reflects light without being shiny. So, it will mattify, but will also blur all the pores, blur all imperfections, and correct redness.”

Samuels stresses that it also contains hyaluronic acid for continuous hydration “… you can put a little bit into your moisturizer … You can use it on the décolletage, and legs. You can mix the two together [for the perfect hint of shimmer.]”

While you can tone down the glow, a very strong highlighter also looks amazing for any bride.  The models at Badgley Mischka wore a very iridescent highlighter for maximum radiance. However, for an extra shimmery touch, metallic shadows were swiped across their lids for a beautiful modern and high-shine bridal look.

Images courtesy of Reem Acra

Keep it Casual

Gone are the days of runways filled with French twists and stiff, complicated up-dos.  Now it’s true that brides have been trending towards relaxed hair for a while, but this season the simpler the better. The spring bride is all about casual elegance, whether it’s wearing their hair down in loose waves or in the perfect stunning messy bun style.

Want to add a little something extra? Use strands of hair (real or extensions) to create braided headbands for additional interest in the hair like they did at Anne Barge.  Another idea is to add flowers, Fashion Reverie loves the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms tucked into the models’ buns at Reem Acra.  Flowers are an easy way to bring feminine touches and update a basic style.

 

Pretty in Pink

While pink wasn’t reflected much in the wedding gowns or accessories for the spring 2024 bridal season, shades of pink were unsurprisingly incorporated into almost every beauty look.

From the most traditional pink blushes for that flushed look to simple, demure pink manicures.  However, this season to add a soft elegance, many designers opted for pink eyeshadows to complete their bridal looks. According to Samuels, pink is the go-to shade for eyeshadow for brides right now.  At Sachin & Babi, Samuels used Valentino’s color flip in the pink shade, but stresses the fluidity of a perfect blush into that perfect pink shadow.  “You can use the primer on the eyelid and put a little bit of the blush on top, which is eye to cheek. And you can create that soft but very feminine look on the eye without looking so harsh,” Samuels suggests.  And for the perfect pink blush, German recommends mixing Valentino blushes in Numbers 1 Born in Rome and 3 for the perfect wedding day flush.

Classic or modern, it’s important that you wear whatever makes you feel beautiful!  After all, it’s your day!

Janine Silver

 

The Best Bridal Shoe Trends for Spring 2023: Chat-in with Shoe Designer Vanessa Noel

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

For the past few seasons, bridal shoe trends have been heavily slanted towards the razzle dazzle and extremes.  And when it comes to embellishments, the more pearl and crystal detailing, the better!

White shoes were noticeably absent but gold and silver options were aplenty as were clear PVC “Cinderella” heels in lieu of the classic white shoe. That said there is a shift in the air with a renewed focus on classic designs such as modern versions of the streamlined white satin pump fashion icon Jacqueline Bouvier wore to her Newport Rhode Island wedding to John F. Kennedy in 1953.

Fashion Reverie turned to Vanessa Noel, who has been one of the bridal industry’s preeminent wedding shoe designers from the time she began designing bridal shoes at the start of the 1990s. Already a red-carpet favorite, her decision to branch out into bridal was a calculated one.

The decision to delve into bridal footwear paid off with legions of brides flocking to her for the most up-to-the-moment and beautiful shoes on the market. To this day, discerning brides who want luxurious fashion -forward shoes turn to Vanessa Noel for the perfect shoe that reflects their lifestyle, from a classic pump for urban girls, to white satin cowboy boots for Aspen brides and committed horsewomen.

Vanessa Noel shared four shoe trends her brides, who are shopping for their spring/summer 2024 weddings, have been clamoring for and scooping up.

Image courtesy of Vanessa Noel

Trend 1: Pumps – The Classic Pretty Choice. “For my brides, there is a very marked return to the classic coming in and it’s back to a pretty shoe. The pleasing silhouette of a pump with pretty and whimsical embellishment is a favorite.” The “Zenith” fits the bill, a forties retro wrap around style with a tasteful sprinkling of crystals around the ankle.

Image courtesy of Vanessa Noel

Trend 2. Platforms – The Thick 3-inch-High Heel. “Younger brides are favoring destination weddings and are lusting after a very high platform strappy sandal.” Tops in this category are Noel’s white satin platform with a Swarovski crystal buckle, and the “frisk,” a high heel platform crystal cage sandal with a white satin bow detail at the back of the ankle. For minimalist brides, the “Dover,” a silk satin cross-strap high heel platform is the perfect choice.

Images courtesy of Vanessa Noel

Trend 3. White – It’s Always Right. “Brides come to us desperate for a white wedding shoe; there’s an abundance of gold and silver in the market, but very little white to choose from.”

Continues Noel, “If you’ve committed to getting married in a white or cream gown, what looks best is a shoe that matches.” This could be an option as simple as the elevated silk satin “jet set” lug sole docksider for sporty brides who love sailing, to the “Apollo,” a mid-calf white boot with a detachable gladiator style crystal shin guard for those who want a modern twist on the Greco-Roman goddess look.

Trend 4. Toned-down Embellishment. Noel notes a turn away from the “more is more” embellishment trend that has consumed the bridal market for the past few years. “It’s all about placement—where the embellishment is; a shoe is not a cake.” She notes that a pretty shoe that enhances the foot and the leg with well-placed touches of crystals is far more flattering than a shoe that boasts more embellishment than shoe.

The beauty of the shoes that fall into the four trends outlined above is that they are “forever” shoes, ones so beautiful that they could be kept and passed on to the next generation. Brides planning their 2023 weddings have everything to look forward to when shopping in the coming months for themselves and their bridal party.

—Vivian Kelly

Rock It or Leave It: 2021 Trends to Embrace or Abandon in 2022

Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

We survived 2021!! Remember when we used to look forward to the New Year rather than breathing a sigh of relief that we survived the previous one? Well, not all of us made it—Betty White you were 99, yet you managed to die too young. 2021 was quite different from 2020 due to vaccines. (Fashion Reverie implores you to get vaccinated. More than 500 million people have been vaccinated and only a handful have had serious reactions. It’s SAFE.) We saw some celebrity red carpets come back—well, kind of. And with a renewed ability to leave the house, trends did emerge. Some were awesome, some, not so much. Here’s what you should embrace and what should be on the trash heap for 2022.

Images are courtesy of popsugar.com and whowhatwear.com

Knee High Boots – Rock It

Knee high boots started strong as a trend for fall 2021 and it’s such a fun one; hopefully, this trend will stick around for a while. Knee high boots are so versatile and a practical way to keep one’s legs warm in winter, even when wearing skirts. A tip: When you take off your boots and put them in your closet, don’t let them fold over. Over time the leather or fabric can wear and peel. If you don’t have boot stays, put a tall empty water bottle in the boot to keep it standing upright.

Image courtesy of fashionof30.com

Bra tops with Jackets – Leave It

In 2021 Rosanna Getty, Jason Wu, and Tom Ford all put outfits on the runway that featured bra tops with jackets aka the “I forgot my blouse” look. But the truth is very few women would feel comfortable showing that much skin nor would that look be appropriate for most of their day-to-day lives, particularly if you have work in an office. This one is a hard pass.

Image courtesy of Vogue India

Ecofashion/Upcycling – Rock It

The past few years have made it clear that climate change is very real. This forced the fashion industry to take a hard look at the number of resources it consumes and consider ways to reduce it. Entire companies are now devoted to using sustainable resources for their clothes. Some are finding ways to utilize fabric from discarded clothing. Consumers are realizing that it doesn’t take much effort to reduce their carbon footprints. Onward and upward.

Images courtesy town&country.com and wwd.com

Comfortable footwear – Rock It

When the pandemic started, and we couldn’t leave the house, women everywhere abandoned their high heels for chunky sneakers. While the chunky sneakers craze has died down, women still want flat, comfortable footwear. Now sleek oxfords and chic loafers are all the rage. These shoes look and feel good. Let’s keep the comfy trend going.

Images courtesy of fountainof30.com

Shoulder-length earrings – Leave It

Holy Cow, who decided to start this trend? Well, we know it was all over the runways in 2021 including JW Andersen, Dolce & Gabanna, and Ulla Johnson. Yes, consumers are willing to be uncomfortable for fashion but there are limits! Not only would shoulder-length earrings make it difficult to move around, but it could also be very dangerous. If it catches on something a woman could end up needing surgery! Nobody wants to become an actual fashion victim.

Images courtesy of beChuzi.com

Skinny Jeans – Leave It

The demand for comfort claims another victim. Skinny jeans aren’t just uncomfortable; a few medical professionals are now saying wearing them regularly can cause nerve damage and advise patients to wear them once a week, at most. Or maybe you could just stop wearing them, period!!

Images courtesy of them.com and wwd.com

Gender Neutral Fashion – Rock It

Great strides have been made with society and communities becoming more accepting of gender nonconformity. A big leap has been the trend of clothes labeled masculine or feminine are being looked at as gender neutral, free to be worn by anyone who feels comfortable in them. People are realizing it has nothing to do with sexual orientation. Candace Owens received HUGE backlash when she criticized Harry Styles for wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue saying she preferred “manly men.” The fashion industry agrees; wear what you like!

Image courtesy of courtesy.com

Knits – Rock It

Another fabulous trend. Oversized knit sweaters were a cozy, warm, comfortable—is the trend for 2022 just going to be feeling comfortable in your clothes—practical trend for fall 2021, so let’s keep this up! Knits are going to be huge in 2022 and it’s great. While their popularity goes up and down, knits are chic and practical. If you care for them properly, they will last for years.  

—Cameron Grey Rose

New Year’s Eve 2021 Styleout

Image courtesy of theindependent.co.uk

With all the chaos on the planet, we all need something to look forward to. If we’re not looking forward to 2022, at least we’re looking to get away from 2021. If you are going to attend a New Year’s Eve celebration, please do so safely, responsibly, and fashionably.

If you need help putting together your last look for 2021, and your first look for 2022, look no further. Fashion Reverie has put together a few outfit ideas that are festive and timeless. From classic color themes to new, relaxed approaches, we’re covering all fashion bases so that you are snazzy and comfortable at midnight. Cheers!

Jacket: 12 Storez $304
Blouse: Open Edit $55
Pants: Federica Tosi $378
Shoes: Dee Ocleppo $356
Earrings: Maria Black $81
Ring: Federica Tosi $164
Purse: Salar $334

2021 New Year’s Eve Outfit – Black and Gold

Nothing is as stylish as a black and gold outfit. The color combo oozes class and sophistication. And isn’t that how you want to be remembered in 2021 and seen in 2022? For a little flair, add an animal print and watch everyone take notice.

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg $469
Earrings: Tory Burch $195
Ring: : Forte Forte$195
Bracelet: Fendi $390
Boots: Giannico $389
Bow purse: Red (V) $304

2021 New Year’s Eve Outfit– Blue and Silver

Blue and silver are the traditional colors of the New Year, so of course it should be the theme of your midnight outfit. The color pairing is both elegant and festive, and by combining chic items with more edgier ones, you are stepping into the new year aiming to claim “best dressed” honors.

Blouse: MGSM $231
Pants: Kiki de Montparnasse $210
Slippers: Sophia Webster $228
Earrings: Loveness Lee $213
Necklace: Forte Forte $208
Bracelet: Salvatore Ferragamo $255

2021 New Year’s Eve Outfit – Winter White

Gone are the rules that dictate white can only be worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Walk into the New Year in your winter white. Clean, simple, and streamlined, it is an easy way to enjoy the celebration without all of the hassle of getting done up for the occasion.

Sleeveless turtleneck: Cushnie $303
Skirt: Karl Lagerfeld $345
Earrings: Roxanna Assoulin $116
Necklace: MGSM$126
Ankle boots: Sam Edelman $242
Purse: Saint Laurent $375

2021 New Year’s Eve Outfit – Sparkle

What is a New Year’s Eve party without a little bling? Light up the room with some sparkle in your outfit. But don’t overdo it. One show-stopping garment is all you need. Let the other elements of your outfit enhance and highlight your featured piece; don’t make them fight for the spotlight.

Pajama top: Soma $33
Pajama pants: Soma $33
Slippers: J. Crew $25
Blanket: Lands’ End $18
New Year Glasses: Party City $8
Happy New Year mug: Wayfair $15

2021 New Year’s Eve Outfit – Pajamas

Spending New Year’s Eve at home? There’s nothing wrong with that. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to dress for the occasion. If you’re safely turning the clock from your couch, you can still look the part in your pajamas. And if it’s a family affair, you can buy matching sets or let everyone go rogue and put together their own at-home ensemble.

Sweater: Tee Shirt Place $35
Leggings: Koral $92
Boots: Mou $297
Bag: Pinko $298

2021 New Year’s Eve Outfit – Ugly Sweater

Ugly sweaters are a good time laugh that deserves more credit. They are usually reserved for Christmas, but you can extend the party for a week with an ugly sweater for New Year’s Eve. You won’t need to add much more to your outfit; the sweater will be more than enough. So just throw on some pants and shoes and head out the door in your faux ugly chic attire.

—Carl Ayers

Fall 2021 Styleout

Images courtesy of youtube.com

In fashion, we often look to see what the big style trends will be for the fall and winter months. Lush garments, big boots, heavy coats … The September issue of most magazines is often dubbed their “fashion issue” for good reason. It’s frequently the largest issue of the year, filled with scores of pages of high-end advertisers, aspirational editorials, and wishful shopping guides.

While these autumn magazine issues enlighten us of the latest fashion crazes, you can almost predict them yourself … if you’ve been paying attention months before. Although fall fashion trends are often revealed on the January and February runways, shoppers are given a slight preview during the late spring months. That is when the pre-fall collections hit the stores, and the pre-fall collections often give us an idea of what the designers and retailers have planned for us when the weather dips.

Fashion Reverie previously published our pre-fall 2021 trend shopping guide, but now we’re taking it one step further. As we have stepped into fall, this style-out shows how your pre-fall wardrobe can make the same seamless transition, bringing its style trends along with it into the colder months.

Fall 2021 Womenswear Trend – Cutouts

Dress: WeWoreWhat $125 Coat: Kaos $194 Shoes: Laura Biagiotti $124 Purse: Isla $261 Shell Earrings: Nach $52 Star Ring: First People First $65

The temps may be slightly dropping, but you don’t always want to be fully covered up. You can still play peek-a-boo with your wardrobe, just have something to cover yourself up when you get a little chilly.

Blouse: Relish $54
Skirt: Berna $134
Boots: Lola Cruz $184
Bag: Yuzefi $406
Earrings: Fossil $47
Watch: Fossil $126

Fall 2021 Womenswear Trend – Soft Leather

Leather is always a go-to material for the cold. But you don’t have to reserve the material just for jackets, boots, and gloves. You can get in on the stylish action with a leather shirt, skirt, or pants. And venture away from the traditional black. Experiment with some color, whether bright or subdued.

Dress: Chinti and Parker $294
Boots: Dr. Martens $340
Bag: Marc Jacobs $333
Earrings: Jennifer Behr $236
Watch: Bering $224
Ring: Wilhelmina Garcia $104

Fall 2021 Womenswear Trend – Rainbow

Rainbows are not just for the summer. They are year-round pick me ups. We don’t see many rainbows in the fall and winter, so you may have to be your own bowl of sunshine. Let that good energy radiate from within, but literally wear it on your sleeve. Don traditional rainbows or play with color blocking options for a cheerful vibe on the dreary days.

Dress: MSGM $620
Boots: Stuart Weitzman $363
Purse: Shrimps $420
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban $180
Earrings: Federica Tosi $131
Ring: Voodoo Jewels $151

Fall 2021 Womenswear Trend – Midi Dress (Calf Length)

You don’t have to go from summertime miniskirts directly to full length dresses for the fall. Have fun with a midi dress—that comes midway down your legs. Show off your calves and your boots for a subtle flash of style. To really make your outfit pop, opt for a contrasting footwear color.

Top: 8 By Yoox $49
Skirt: Vicolo $63
Boots: Tila March $215
Bag: Verdi $205
Earrings: Kurshuni $39
Necklace: Lauren Ralph Lauren $77

Fall 2021 Womenswear Trend – Pinks and Prints

The ultimate style finesse is when you can wear two trends at once. Shades of pink paired with printed designs are a beautiful touch of feminine sophistication. You can accentuate the look with neutral-colored accessories so that the blush tones can shine through and take center stage.

Top: 8 By Yoox $49
Skirt: Vicolo $63
Boots: Tila March $215
Bag: Verdi $205
Earrings: Kurshuni $39
Necklace: Lauren Ralph Lauren $77

Fall 2021 Womenswear Trend – Dark Florals and Leggings

Another two-for-one look is combining dark florals with your leggings. We know you’re not ready to give up your leggings, so instead of looking like you’re going to spin class, look like you’re going to brunch. You don’t have to do a full head-to-toe look, opting for a dark floral top and solid color leggings, or vice versa, is perfectly fine. Just step it up from athleisure to head turner.

—Carl Ayers

Pre-fall 2021 Trend Shopping Guide

Image courtesy of runwaymagazine.com

Though it doesn’t feel like it, summer is almost over. As seasons change, so does our wardrobe. But not everyone is ready to change over their closets for the autumn weather. Luckily for us, there are the pre-fall collections—the bridge collections that help us gently transition from summer to fall. The pre-fall collections usually give us a sneak peak of what designers and retailers have in mind for the colder months, but these collections also give consumers a jump on the upcoming fall trends.

So, to prepare you for your seasonal style makeover, Fashion Reverie has put together our seven favorite fashion trends from the pre-fall collections. These tips will give you a head start on your friends, and these items will serve you well into the spring.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Rainbow Sweaters

This year has been a doozy, and we can all use a pick me up. Brighten up your day with a little rainbow of fun. We know outfits can help elevate our moods, so why not give yourself an extra boost with multi-colored rays of sun. You can opt for just a little shine with this sweater from Boden, or you can go full out with an all-over color explosion by The Elder Statesman.

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Dark Florals

In “The Devil Wears Prada,” Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly famously says “Florals … for spring. Groundbreaking.” But who knew that florals for fall could actually be so exciting? But we’re not talking about bright, beaming florals. No, we’re talking about dark florals that are just as vivid and vibrant as their radiant counterparts. A clear standout are these silk floral pants by Escada and equally surprising is the gray Dries Van Noten trench with pink roses.

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Pink

Speaking of pink, it seems to be the color of the season. Interestingly, about a century ago, pink was associated with boys and blue was associated with girls. In the 1920’s that changed as people started to buy more pink clothes for little girls. Now, pink isn’t just for little girls, anymore. Women are seemingly replacing some of their vibrant reds with dainty pinks to express their demure side. Don’t get it twisted, these pinks may be toned down, but they can be just as sexy as red and as impactful as blue. You’re guaranteed to get a few double takes when you walk by in this body-hugging Chiari Boni dress or this dazzling Naeem Khan top.

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Cutout Details

It’s not just the color of your outfit that gets attention, but the subtle details also make someone take a second glance. Cutout details lead the eye to where you want people to focus. Maybe you want to show off your sexy belly button, like with this Burberry tee. Maybe your back is your strong feature, and you want everyone to know it in this Alice + Olivia dress. Or maybe you want to play a little skin peekaboo with this Gabriela Hearst jacket. With cutouts, you can choose whether to show a little, or show a lot. You can even layer them over other items (including a bodysuit) if you just like the illusion, but don’t want to show your skin.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Midi Dresses

Not everyone wants to show skin. Miniskirts isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and some women don’t want to wear a maxi dress. The midi dress is a wonderful compromise. The hem of the dress comes down to your calves, the dress still accentuates your shape, and you’re comfortably covered up as much as you want to be. Some midi dresses cover your legs and let you highlight other parts of your body, like this dress from Farm Rio. Others cover you from neck to knee, and let their beautiful design speak for you, like this Teri Jon by Rickies Freeman dress.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Eye-catching Leggings

What if you want your legs to be the star of the show? You’ve been putting in extra work in your spin classes, and you want to celebrate your efforts. Forego the skirts and dresses, and put your yams and gams (butt and legs) on display. You’ve earned it! We’re not saying walk around in your gym tights. No. In all things, be stylish. So turn heads with leggings that make a statement. Tell people you’re haute without saying a word by sporting these logo’d leggings by Balmain. Turn your outfit up a notch in these latex stirrup leggings by Wolford; they are slick and sexy, and make Sandy from “Grease” look like an amateur.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Soft Leather

Leather is for lovers, and you’ll fall in lust with these soft leather items for the fall. Save your thick moto-style jackets for November. Until then, style and profile in soft leather tops and bottoms. The Gestuz shorts feel great on your skin, as does the cropped top by St. John. Whether you opt of real leather or vegan leather, you will looks and feel amazing. And as sure as winter is coming, this aesthetic will aid your style transition into the new year.

—Carl Ayers

Summer of Love – Style Out

Music is a universal unifier. Coupled with fashion, music is a language of love and expression. There are songs made about fashion from Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and Paul McCartney’s “Vintage Clothes” to Run-D.M.C.’s “My Adidas” and Beyonce’s “Freakum Dress.” Even fashion editor Anna Dello Russo released “Fashion Shower” to promote her collaboration with H&M.  Music and fashion feed off of one another, and, together, they fuel us.

This style out features outfits inspired by popular love songs. Fashion allows us to dress up as the person we see ourselves as or whoever we want to be. Music is the hype man that provides extra encouragement and reassurance. However, one of the biggest motivators is love. Love has built empires and toppled kingdoms. Love has mended hearts and crushed souls. Oh, what you won’t do for love! (And fashion.)

Shirt: Jonathan Simkhai $195
Skirt: Marni $225
Shoes: Paul Andrew $398
Hat: Lack of Color $139
Sunglasses: Coach $140
Clutch: Isla $296

“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring Sza

In early 2021, Doja Cat and Sza teamed up for the bubblegum pop hit “Kiss Me More.” At a time when the world was still socially distancing, a song about kissing was a welcome respite.

Sampling Olivia Newton John’s 1981 hit “Physical,” MTV states the song has “romance, passion, bold sexual desires, and tenderness all at once.” A little flirting won’t hurt, and this sexy ensemble may land you a peck or two.

Dress: DSquared2 $518
Belt: Karl Lagerfeld $120
Handbag: Covers $301
Boots: GCDS $294
Silver bracelet: Gas Bijoux $202
Blue bracelet: Lizzie Fortunado Jewels $195
Ring: Loveness Lee $192

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith

Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” from the soundtrack of the 1998 blockbuster “Armageddon,” was the rock bands first number one hit in the USA. The movie, which stars Liv Tyler (daughter of Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler), is about blue-collar deep-core drillers sent to outer space by NASA to stop a huge asteroid barreling toward Earth.

A trip to the heavens is what almost everyone dreams of, but not like this. It’s safer to stay planted on the ground, daydream about the skies above while in the arms of your loved one, and just dress like a fashionable sky traveler.

Dress: Love Moschino $212
Shoes: Tory Burch $274
Clutch: Giorgio Armani $307
Orange heart necklace: Seems $107
Silver heart bracelet: Shaun Leane $209
Silver sapphire ring: Monica Vinader $95

“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion

“My Heart Will Go On” from the movie “Titanic” is one of the most memorable love songs ever written. What else is memorable from that movie is the Heart of the Ocean necklace, a blue diamond encircled by white diamonds. Many replicas and homage pieces have been created to celebrate the real necklace, which was actually a blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds and named the Love of the Sea. Throughout the years, the movie and remains near and dear to our hearts, and the song is a heavy karaoke favorite.

Bodysuit: Adidas Originals $40
Shorts: Levi’s $78
Belt: Emporio Armani $156
Socks: Marni $85
Sneakers: Diadora $290
Backpack: Bapy by *A BATHING Ape $410

“Peaches”  – Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon

Justin Bieber’s “Peaches” is a mellow love song whose lyrics talk about travel and spending time with the one you love.  It’s an easy listen while the two are you are just driving with no destination in mind.

No hype. No pretense. No need to get dolled up, you’ll look good even in your casual attire.  This is just about good vibes and having each other.

Mesh top: Ann Demeulemeester $382
Bra: Ernest Leoty $60
Necklace: Dannijo $129
Bracelet: Junya Watanabe $284
Black panther print jeans: R13 $276
Mesh boots: Stuart Weitzman $356

“That’s the Way Love Goes” – Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is known for being sexy and sultry, but she is also known for tempting us with innuendo. “That’s the Way Love Goes” is one of her tamer love songs, but she gets directly to the point.

Sometimes having a rough and tough exterior only masks the soft and sensual being underneath. With Janet, you can get the best of both worlds … and oh what a world that must be.

Jumpsuit: Lygia & Nanny $269
Necklace: Astley Clarke $207
Earrings: Valet $109
Bracelet: Gas Bijoux $218
Handbag: Themoirè $420
Shoes: Jimmy Choo $398

“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green

Is slow dancing still a thing? Let’s take it back to the 70’s for some real baby-making music.

 Al Green is the epitome of smooth, and “Let’s Stay Together” is the epitome of groove. Fifty years after its release, this song still gets hips moving and crowds singing. They say what’s old will become new again, but this hit has never gone out of style.

—Carl Ayers

 

 

Spring 2021 Trend Styleout

Image courtesy of fashionmagazine.com

It appears that parts of the world are slowly opening and adjusting to their new normal. People are dining out, shopping, and traveling, all in hopes that we are rounding the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic. As we start to socialize again, our minds are turning toward that looming question, what am I going to wear?

We missed most of our social opportunities for 2020, so a lot of us are planning to double up in 2021. Twice as much traveling, twice as much time with family and friends, and twice as many lewks to be seen in. There are more than 25 projected fashion trends for spring 2021, so it may be a little tricky to stay on top of things this season, but Fashion Reverie has found a way to do it! We’ve taken the twelve best trends for spring 2021, broke them down into duos, and created an easy style out for each pair.

This guide will help you tackle the trends, get your money’s worth from your closet, and stay on your friends’ best dressed list.

Polo Ralph Lauren maxi dress: $243
Jonathan Simkhai cropped cardigan: $385
Gas Bijoux earrings: $109
Aurelie Bidermann bracelet: $252
Paris Texas shoes: $297
MLouye bag: $381

Maxi Dresses & Stripes

Maxi dresses are a springtime staple. They are an unceremonious way of sloughing off the winter layers, and allowing your wardrobe to give way to lighter, freer fabrics. They come in a variety of colors, prints, and patterns, but stripes are what spring 2021 is calling for. This season, don’t limit stripes to just your attire. Add striped elements to all parts of your outfit including your jewelry and bags … but don’t overdo it.

Heron Preston x Calvin Klein bra: $52
Liviana Conti wide leg pants: $167
Alo bomber jacket: $119
Maria Black earrings: $53
Nialaya Jewelry necklace: $99
Dee Ocleppo purse: $231
Patrizia Pepe heels: $201

Wide Leg Pants & Bralettes

This is like a game of peek-a-boo. Bralettes as shirts are a warm weather aesthetic. It shows how smoking hot your body is, but also keeps you cooler when the temps are too turned up. Wide leg pants also let air circulate and help you cool down quicker than tight, form-fitting clothes. Put it all together with a pair of statement heels, and you have a funky, artsy outfit that could have Rihanna taking notes.

Vanessa Scott sheer blouse: $64
Hanro bra: $59
Dry Lake sequin pants: $114
A.W.A.K.E Mode bag: $257
Estella Bartlett bracelet $38
8 By Yoox heels: $110

Sheer & Sequins

In another game of hide and seek, opt for the two trends of sheer and sequins. The sparkle will certainly catch their eye, but the transparency will make them do a double take. Sequined clothes can be fun and playful or chic and sophisticated, so try both ends of the spectrum. Sheer clothes are sexy, but be sure to wear under garments that match either your flesh or the outer garment. You don’t necessarily want to show all your goods, but you want to keep them guessing.

Alice + Olivia top: $141
LHD shorts: $188
Borsalino hat: $184
Missoni earrings: $111
Roger Vivier fringe bag: $378
Birkenstock shoes: $301

Folks-Inspired and Fringe Bags

Not everyone is ready to jump back into futuristic and fashion-forward attire. Some people want to continue taking life slow and easy. During this pandemic, a lot of us took stock of our place in the world. We learned more about various cultures around the globe, and we revisited our own heritages. There’s a resurging fondness for where we come from, and that appreciation also trickles down to fashion. There’s an uptick in interest in responsibly sourced clothing, and a lot of that clothing comes from small, local manufacturers whose design aesthetic comes from their indigenous culture. It’s always good to celebrate and support different cultures, but just make sure it is an appreciation, not an appropriation.

Alexis top: $253
Sportmax skirt: $375
Alison Lou earrings: $145
Ports 1961 ring: $182
Furla purse: $430
Sandro Paris sneakers: $245

Monochromatic & Pastels

What, on the surface, seems like the easiest trend can actually be one of the most difficult to execute. Monochromatic outfits look beautiful when well done, but they can look like a tragedy if done poorly. Luckily, pastels make it easier. The soft colors simplify the blending of hues, thereby allowing you a better chance of pulling off the monochromatic look. It is incredibly difficult to find an outfit where everything matches perfectly—you must take into consideration color, material, and sheen. But when you do find that holy grail of garb, it’s like a chef’s kiss. Pastels are an easy cheat code. Go for it!

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania shirt: $181
DSquared2 shorts: $249
Kasun London necklace: $248
Bering watch: $215
See by Chloe purse: $423
Amina Muaddi boots: $1,775
MM6 Maison Margiela bracelet (used as an ankle bracelet over the boots) $114

Screen Prints and White Thigh-High Boots

What used to be called ghetto fabulous would now be considered urban chic. The mix of downtown elements, like graphic tees and denim, with uptown elements, like accents of precious metals, is the beautiful melding of two worlds. When you add short shorts and tall boots into the equation, the result is a sexy outfit worth its weight in gold. Thigh high boots are a serious matter, and when they are all white, they are making a bold statement. That’s also what screen-printed shirts do. So, if you’re going to wear them, especially together, you might as well give the people something to talk about.

—Carl Ayers

 

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