When I saw these looks from Paris fashion week, I pretty much wanted to throw every patterned/printed/bright item I own into a garbage bag and only wear simple, elegant, adult pieces in black, white/nude, and red. (Please excuse the hideous hooves on the woman in the last picture on the right. Barf. I even considered photoshopping those out and replacing with an elegant pump, but…alas.)
So I’m thinking something along the lines of this dramatic skirt (MSGM, on sale for $178) with a polka dot blouse ($128):
Finish with those dreamy Choos ($1,150 — O.M.G.):
Alternately, tell me this isn’t the most sophisticated dress you’ve ever seen (Malene Birger, ~$350)?! Perfect with oversized earrings (Miriam Haskell, $380):
You know you’ve got to finish with some classic Louboutins ($695):
Meanwhile, this elegant apricot-pink dress is absolute perfection (Theory, $345). I love everything about it — the interesting shoulder detailing, the zippered pockets, the cinched waist, the collarless top. Lovely, lovely. Perfect worn beneath this leather-sleeved Jason Wu stunner (on sale for ~$900):
I’d pair with these stud-accented t-straps (Schutz, $185) to add a little edge to the look:
I’m still hung up on the chic, boxy style of the Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique ($1,190), so I’d add that:
Nail the elegant-but-dressed-down look with this form-fitting peplum top ($128) and leather skinnies:
And these amazing printed booties (Rosegold, on sale for $221):
Chic add-ons? These stud-framed shades (Valentino, $295); this chic nude watch (Kate Spade, $195); a polka-dotted scarf (Joseph M., ~$100); and a Smythson jotter ($60):
Anyone else feeling it?
sometimes i get overstimulated by all the prints and colors. i love it, but at my true core i’m most drawn to classic cuts and colors. or lack there of…give me black, white, navy, or gray any day of the week. i love to add interest in my shoes, be it from a pattern or pop of color. even one of my “resolutions” for this year was to take it back to basics and invest in quality, tailored pieces that i can wear and like for years. i’m keeping my trendy items cheap, thankful for forever21 and target!
That’s the smartest strategy, Summer. I need to jump on board with you…but it is SO HARD for me. I see something I want — that hot pink pair of Louboutins — and that’s all I can think about. I know, though, that I’d get so much more use out of a classic Burberry trench. Ah. Decisions, decisions.
I love Anna Dello Russo’s heels!
Thatta girl, Juliana! LOVE that you are sticking to your own fashion guns here. ADR is pretty much the most fearless fashionista out there, so perhaps I was remiss in the negative tone of my comment. Would you wear those bad boys?
I want every single item on this post! Everything looks so devinely FRENCH! 🙂
Eee! I’m the hugest Francophile ever, Chrissie, so I’m totes on board with that.
YES!! I know what you mean! I struggle with that too. I really feel amazing in simple palettes and neutrals yet feel like I need color to brighten things up. Red is always a great add and now getting into cobalt blue. You examples are great (minus hooves).
I have decided to concentrate on simple backdrop and single color pop. So much easier to put together and always classic. I will stop worrying about if I look too old and make sure my accessories keep me current.
Thanks, darlin! Glad I’m not the only one who goes through periods of wanting to trash all of her closet in deference to more “grown up” / “sophisticated” pieces. I like the idea of concentrating on a classic/simple backdrop and adding one pop of color. Tres chic, ca.