'Tis the Season to be Stylish: Challenge 2

     

     Rain deer sweaters not necessary.

      Christmas break is just around the corner for many of us, and this is usually the time when social events are at its peak. I love Christmas season not only because of the immense joy I feel from the people around me, but because of the outfits I can experiment with!

      Seize those opportunities when you are invited to a a quaint lunch or even a fancy dinner--- they're your moments to exercise your style wits. And so, this post is dedicated to celebration and its gift of bringing together our loved ones. May you get together in all the sparkle and shimmer your heart desires! Cheers!

A DAY OUT WITH FRIENDS

A chill day with friends doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style.

BOHO

For my first suggestion, Boho, avoid looking like you came from Coachella. My take on Boho is modern with just a hint of gypsy. You can wear a long printed maxi dress and pair it with nude stilettos. Or, you can be a whimsy Daisy Dream girl that Marc Jacobs will approve of: flowy peasant blouses in intricate prints. If you just want to add subtle flair, go for capes with fringes. 

NORMCORE

I love normcore to my very core because I just feel so comfortable in black, white, denim, and slouchy separates. If you haven't tried one of 2014's biggest style trends, then here are some suggestions!

It's all about nonchalance. Grab some basic tops in black or white, with silhouettes that stray away from the body. Distressed denim, boyfriend jeans, or culottes are also a must. Lastly, the cherry on top of a deliciously normcore outfit would be SANDALS. 

LUNCH

Ladies who lunch? Well now, it's all about 'millenials who lunch'. Here are some on-trend looks!

PREPPY

Do you feel comfortable in collared shirts or polos? Then maybe this athleisure + preppy style is for you. It's perfect for lunch because it's casual but very sharp. For a look that doesn't scream Ralph Lauren, go for athleisure pants that are slightly baggy and tapered at the ankles. Graphic prints such as grids are en pointe. If you're heading out to a sophisticated lunch, then match a cool white blazer with a pastel skirt and brightly-hued trainers! 

GLAM

A more feminine look for lunch would be a simple red top; either a skin-tight one or a boxy one. Look city chic with simple jeans and rockin' heels! Bold accessories will give this outfit the glam stamp.

DINNER

Tra-la-la-la! A dinner with your barkada or your family calls for some major style wattage.

MONOCHROMATIC 

Nothing says understated fabulous more than monochromatic dressing. Be wise, and mix and match pieces of different textures and cuts. Go for a school-girl inspired outfit a la Cher Horowitz, or a vampy siren like Candice Swanepoel. 

Another big trend for 2014 would be keeping makeup minimal or au naturel. This goes really well with a monochromatic outfit. 

CLASSIC GLAM

My second suggestion for a dinner outfit would be classic glam! Think ruby red lips, winged eyeliner, and glorious gold accessories. I think a jumpsuit in a bright and bold color like crimson or cobalt would look fantastic. If you want to tone it down, wear a blush pink jumpsuit and just layer on the accessories. 

FAMILY REUNION

Show all your family members how confident you are! (But don't wear ultra-revealing clothing)

UNEXPECTED DETAILS

Have some fun yet be conservative by accentuating just one of your assets. Show off your back, your waist, or maybe some leg! If you want to go for an overall dramatic effect, matching separates with laser cut details will do the trick. 

Smart Casual vs. Semi-formal

This article is dedicated to my two batch mates who have asked me to write an article to elaborate on smart casual and semi-formal attire. 

EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY:

1) CASUAL: 

           your everyday outfit consisting of shorts, t-shirts, flats or sneakers

2) SMART CASUAL: 

           your everyday outfit, ONLY DRESSIER and more put-together

3) SEMI-FORMAL:

           think cocktail dresses, heels, and jewelry 

4) FORMAL: 

           long gowns, and that va-va-voom factor 

For those who have trouble in dressing up for parties with a specific dress code, this one's for you! All you need is pretty much in your closet already. It's just a matter of knowing how to mix and match accordingly. 

THE BLACK CAMISOLE

Switch your denim shorts for pleated ones to look more presentable in a get-together or dinner party.

THE WHITE TOP

Take your white top to the next level by wearing the hot-right-now culottes! This will still go well with stark white sandals. 

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The smart casual outfit is kept simple with pointy flats and simple jewelry. Vamp up the clinical outfit and transform it into a semi-formal one by changing accessories. It's all in the details! Studded flats and chain necklaces give a more vivacious vibe, which will really stand out among a party crowd.

THE PENCIL SKIRT

The best smart casual outfit is a top and skirt combo. To look less "ninang", be daring and go for a skirt with a slit! If you don't want to pile on accessories, metallic flats will go a long way.

Layering also works for semi-formal attires, if you haven't got a cocktail dress in your closet.

Flowy top + pencil skirt + blazer = BOOM PANES

Blazers and pumps definitely make any outfit more formal.

Still feeling lost? Here are some examples if you need a shopping guide. 

SMART CASUAL BOTTOMS

Tapered pants, skater skirt, origami skirt, pencil skirt

SMART CASUAL TOPS

These babies will never fail you, when matched with the right bottoms!

Beaded knits, beaded sheer tops, flowy camisoles, kimono jackets

SEMI-FORMAL

Mid-length hemlines are safe. When wearing shorter hemlines, keep it classy with rich details or rich fabrics. If you would want to go for floor length dresses or skirts, keep it simple; lest you want to look TOO overdressed. 

Tulle, draping, pleats, ruffles, and anything sparkly will make your outfit extraordinary.

Main Image: Henrick Sorensen / Iconica

Challenge 1: Rev up your denim

      I know the drill: SHORTS, A TEE, AND ALL-STARS. 

      I do not gravitate towards these things. I tend to dress differently from my peers. Okay I'm going to say it--- I am a big non-conformist. Never have I liked wearing the same things my friends would wear, even when I was still in grade school. And yes, they would make fun of me because I liked to wear pants, and not itsy bitsy denim shorts. Well I'm here to tell all of you who are afraid to stand up to the norm, that IT IS OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT. Wear pants. Wear slouchy tops. Wear mens' polos and button-downs. Wear mom jeans. Do all of these things and not give a damn what other people think. 

      With that being said, I am here to present a challenge to those who live in "the uniform". Here are three basic examples of denim preferences. I nominate YOU to take these simple steps into making fashion your own. Though you may be "breaking the rules", you'll definitely look cool doing so. 

EXHIBIT A: 

Muscle tee + denim shorts + All-Stars

EXHIBIT B: 

Crop top + bleached skinny jeans + sling bag with thin strap + loafers

EXHIBIT C: 

Denim jacket + black shorts + army boots