ROCKIN' THE RED...LADIES & GENTS

As V-Day, aka Valentine's Day, approaches every girl is wanting that perfect look to wear either for a date with their special someone or for a night out with friends.  "Red Dress" parties have become trendy as of late, so don't be last to the style game.  All reds are not the same so be careful if trying to coordinate accessories, shoes, etc. (no matching...that is dated!).  Red is always in style so rock your red look again!

Style Tip:  Accentuate one area of your body, typically chest or legs.  A short, tight-fitted dress with cleavage can look to revealing and cheap.  

Draped neckline and sexy back will grab someone's attention.  BCBG, $198

Perfect to go from the office with a blazer and tights then change into sexy heels and jewels for night.  Mango, $39.99

The deep V neck enhances your bossom and draws your eye.  Hot way to wear lace! Nightcap Dress, $352

Marciano Emilina Red Dress, $228

 

Betsy & Adam Square Neck Lace Overlay Sheath Dress, $69.75 (size 2-14) at Nordstrom's

For older women or ladies who like a more classic look, this dress is perfect for you.  The belt cinches in your waist yet the dramatic neckline draws attention to your face.  Black Halo Classic Jackie O Dress, $327

Another sexy style for the classic woman.  The ruching is slimming and the neckline shows skin and draws attention to your face.  Diane von Furstenberg Bentley Short Dress, $298

Fit and Flare dresses look great on women who are well-endowed in the chest.  The flowy skirt draws attention away from your hips and tummy area while the gathered waist creates a waist line for you.  

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique, $78.98 (sizes 2-16) at Nordstrom's

Men's Looks:  Plain red can look a bit dated, so add so flare to your look with a cool neckline and cuffs, add a blazer over top, or a long scarf.  You don't have to mix red with black.  Think navy, chocolate brown, or gunmetal gray.

Pair this shirt with a deep gray blazer leaving the neckline unbuttoned.  Try a black blazer with a contrasting thin knit shirt underneath.  Dark denim and cool shoes complete the look. Topman shirt, $60 at Nordstrom's

A fitted red v neck shirt looks great under a blazer as well as a leather jacket. En Avance Shirt, $78

Stripes or patterns with red in them are a great option.  Roll the cuffs up and add a leather cuff or cool watch.  Pair with a blazer or zip neck sweater as well.  Daniel Cremieux Shirt, $42.50

SEXY SUITING FOR MEN

No matter what your style is, or how corporate your work look may need to be, add flair to your look to show your personal style.  Mixing prints, textures, fabrics, with scarves, gloves, watches, belts, and pocket squares adds depth to your look and takes you from a store mannequin to catching someone's eye.  

Mixing textures and patterns staying in the same color family creates interest and depth to your look without being too bold.  Perfect for a business dinner or dressy evening affair or to the office if you dare!

 

For the serious dresser, pocket squares make your look.  Pair a patterned pocket square in a contrasting color to add elements of interest to your look.  Stripes, paisley, plaid, or polka dots look fabulous with monotone suit jackets or shirts.

From lighter shades of gray to deep gunmetal gray, a black and gray combination always looks sharp and very current.  Go from the office to a night on town in these looks.

 

Color allows you to express yourself.  Don't be afraid to try bold colors and prints.  

 

This would pop more with a bold striped shirt.

Layer your look to add depth and style.  Sweaters, vests, scarves...the more the merrier!  Texture and prints are key to rocking this look!

For edgier night on the town looks, or for the hipster guys, belts, cool cuffs, watches and chains, and embellishment such as zippers, buttons, and pins make you look casual cool.

Edge this look up with by partially tucking in the shirt and adding belt with a cool buckle.  A leather cuff completes the look.

Style Tip:  How a suit fits you is just as important if not more important than what you wear.  Proper tailoring is key.  It should fit exactly to your proportions, no matter what your build is.  Custom suits are your best friend.  Clothier's offer this but be clear that a lot carry "ready to wear" which is not to your exact proportions or built for your body.  If you have clothier questions or are looking for recommendations of whom to work with, contact Divine Style DC.  I have relationships and partnerships with many in Washington, DC and nationwide.

Here's to looking Sexy in your Suits!

Divine Style DC

A CHAIN REACTION: STACKABLE CHAIN NECKLACES

Add pizzazz to your outfit by staking your chain necklaces.  Incorporate mixed metals together, i.e. gold, silver, gunmetal, bronze, in your individual necklaces or by multi-strand chains that include numerous shades. This is a fabulous way to wear your goodies and look very on trend!  Dress up a plain top or add it to a bold print.  Either way the style works!

Style Tip:  Vary the length and size and style of the necklaces to create interest.  Thin chains mix well with crystal chains and large rope chains.

Sarah Jessica Parker rocking the stackable chain necklace look.

Sandra Bullock stacking multi-length necklaces with mixed metals and pearls to "glam" up her dress.

 

Office Attire:  Substitute a statement necklace with multi-stacked chain necklaces for a trendy vibe.  Paired with a bright colored simple top lets the jewelry to the talking!

Working this trend does not mean you have to go purchase new necklaces.  Look at what you already own and trying pairing different types together. 

Milly, Dannijo, Bop Bijoux, Adia Kibur-2010

Send the trend mixed chain necklace, $28

Have a style question?  Contact Divine Style DC for style tips and tricks!

COLOR TREND: BLACK & GOLD

Black and Gold looks both sleek and modern when paired together in your look.  Great for the office to a night on the town.  Black and Gold gives an upscale, classy style.  Incorporate black and gold into your clothing, with skirts, dresses, sweaters, and pants, or finish your look with black and gold touches.  Make bold choices in your belts, shoes, and handbags to complete your look and rock the black and gold trend.  This trend is perfect for all sizes and ages, from teenagers to mature women.

Baroque patters are big this season, which is the all over print.  If you are easing into the style, look for gold embellishments or black embellishments added to tops, skirts, and dresses.  Sweaters and blazers lined with gold are perfect to finish off your look but still be subtle!

Celebs showing how to work the Black and Gold trend!

 

Modcloth Dress, $95.99

Asos Skinny Jeans in Metallic Baroque Print, $70.36

Bebe Rita Jacquard Peplum Bustier, $98

Alice + Olivia "Caci" Velvet and Gold Burnout Top, $101.20

Rag & Bone Tuxedo Blazer, $234

Perfect blouse to pair with a patterned pant or with a bold colored pencil skirt!

Vince Camuto Tie Front Blouse, $77.40 

Donna Ricco Sequined Faux Wrap Dress (Plus Size), $158

Zara Studded Ankle Boot, $159

Jeffrey Campbell Black Suede and Gold Boot, $478

Forever 21 studded flat, $24.80

Chemjoy Black and Gold Tassel Bib Necklace, $10.69

Beauty Bar  Large Black and Gold Chandelier Earrings, $125

Here's to looking stylish and chic!

XOXO,

Divine Style DC

MEN'S STYLING "CASUAL ELEGANCE" LOOKS

Going out for a night on the town, drinks or dinner with clients, or to an event at night means looking put together and stylish.  You aren't working so business suits aren't what you should be reaching for.  Jersey's, sweats and t-shirts are only for game watching (preferably at home) so step up your style with these key pieces.

Must haves:  dark blazer (black, smoke grey, or printed-i.e. stripes or small plaid grey or black), scarves (long ones to layer outside jackets and sweaters, and short ones to wear around your collar), button down shirts (crisp white-can get this in a pattern, bright colors-pink, purple, blue, and black), cool belt (your buckle makes all the difference), and trendy loafers (suede, tassels, and colors such as blue, green, and camel are versatile).

This trench coat look with bold buttons, layered with a chambray denim shirt and scarf around the collar is very casual cool.  I would change the belt to add some flare to the look.  A big watch and cool loafers complete the look.

For the preppier gentlemen, this is your look.  The cuffed slim fit pants make this look trendy.  Patterned/colored socks and casual suede loafers are right on trend.

Older gentlemen can still look casual and elegant too.  Take your tie off and add dark denim to a blazer.  Cuff the sleeves and push them up and add a nice chunky watch to complete your look.  

This look screams casual elegance.  With a European flare, the open collar button down shirt (a favorite!), with a deep v cardigan, over a blazer with a small pocket square, hip belt, and contrasting watch seal the style award.

Take inspiration from these looks to change up your look for a night out and appear casual and elegant!

XOXO,

Divine Style DC