This time of year always has a way of making style-conscious girls like us feel like our closets need a full-on makeover, when in actuality, all we need is a handful of new styling tricks to try. That’s where ladies like Karolina Kurkova, Cara Delevingne, and Diane Kruger come in. Whether it’s how to dress up a pair of distressed jeans or the best way to ground a girly frock, we could all learn a lesson or two from these outfit experts. Keep reading for inspiration.
Tip: Add polish to a chunky knit with fitted jeans and pointy-toe pumps.
It’s all about proportion here, specifically balancing the oversized fit of the turtleneck sweater with more streamlined pieces below. Larter did precisely that while running errands in Los Angeles last month when she paired Paper Denim & Cloth’s Jay Turtleneck ($271) in Merlot with Isabel Marant ankle crop jeans and sharp grey stilettos.
Reiss Asto Chunky Roll Neck Jumper ($76)
This turtleneck is all work and yes, all play too. Try it with tailored trousers for the office and boyfriend jeans on the weekend.
Stuart Weitzman Power Pointy-Toe Pumps ($350)
Subtle snake-embossed detailing takes these pumps to a whole new level of chic.
Tip: Ground a fancy dress with leather ankle boots.
Kruger knows how to do feminine glamour on the red carpet, but she can easily imbue her look with edge, too. At The Better Angels photocall during the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this month, she opted for patent leather Chanel boots over traditional heels, which lent a cool-girl touch to her Giambattista Valli fit and flare dress from the Pre-Fall 14 collection.
Tibi Raffia Organza Dress ($575)
Wear this swingy dress now with opaque tights and ankle boots, and then come spring, sub in neon sandals and a cross-body bag.
Zara Leather Ankle Boots ($159)
A low, chunky heel ensures comfortable (and stylish) city jaunts morning ‘til night—what more could you ask for in a pair of boots?
Tip: Try the new silhouette: an oversized, un-tucked sweater + midi skirt.
Your natural inclination may be to tuck your top into your skirt, but Tao Okamoto is offering up a new silhouette for spring: the un-tucked sweater and midi skirt combo. Spotted at the Jonathan Saunders F/W 14 show during London Fashion Week, the model/actress—wearing Jonathan Saunders Pre-Fall 14 and Nicholas Kirkwood Hexagon Pumps ($1065)—exuded a nonchalant femininity we love.
Topshop Knitted V Neck Cashmere Jumper ($190)
We recommend buying up a size with this cosy knit to achieve that strategically undone look.
Love Midi Skater Skirt ($60)
The midi skirt is here to stay, so pick one up in every colour, especially white.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix bold colours for maximum impact.
The quickest way to statement-making results is easy: just combine two vibrant colours, like red and pink. Mustaparta did this at the Miu Miu Spark & Light screening during New York Fashion Week in a Carven sweater and Miu Miu patent leather skirt from the S/S 13 collection, and we can assure you all eyes were on her.
J Brand Auden Scuba-Fabric Top ($195)
This isn’t your average pink top. Touchable neoprene lends cool structure and a modern look.
Reiss Dene A Line Mini Skirt ($210)
You can never go wrong with a jersey A-line skirt—it’s both flattering and flirtatious.
Tip: Dress up distressed denim with a menswear coat and sleek pumps.
You love your ripped boyfriend jeans, but how do you keep them from feeling sloppy? Follow Kurkova’s lead and style them with a tailored coat—in the model’s case, Joe’s Jeans’ Noelle Brocade Jacket ($285)—and sleek pumps, like her Nicholas Kirkwood Zig Zag Printed Suede Pumps ($750).
Mango Wide Lapel Coat ($150)
Think it’s too late in the season to invest in outerwear? Consider this: a black menswear-inspired coat in a seasonless fabric will never go out style, taking you stylishly from one season to the next.
Rag & Bone The Boyfriend Distressed Jeans ($220)
A low-slung fit and perfectly worn-in wash make these jeans simply irresistible.
Tip: Achieve instant chic with a silk blouse tucked into wide-leg trousers.
If your work wardrobe needs a pick-me-up, invest in a pair of pastel-hued wide leg trousers. As seen on actress Cobie Smulders, wearing an A.L.C. blouse (similar style here) and trousers at the Los Angeles premiere of The Lego Movie, the spring hue can instantly pull together your look.
Club Monaco Connor Shirt ($140)
Your work wardrobe is calling and it wants a new blouse! An of-the-moment mint hue makes this silky iteration a top pick.
By Malene Birger Firoza Stretch-Crepe Wide-Leg Pants ($450)
Balance the inherent dressiness of these pants with a tucked-in white t-shirt.
Tip: Let your shoes do all the talking with printed flats.
Sometimes your shoes are meant to be the star of your look, especially when they feature a standout motif. Pared-down separates helped keep Delevingne’s Burberry Prorsum heart-print flats, which are no longer available, in the spotlight.
Forever 21 Retro Polka Dot Loafers ($20)
The best thing about these charming loafers is that they only look expensive—wink, wink!
Carven Printed Satin Slingback Flats ($490)
Carven’s beloved slingbacks get an update with a vacation-ready tropical print.
Tip: Give your work wardrobe a spring boost with a floral pencil skirt.
By now your go-to black pencil skirt is starting to feel tired, which is why we recommend replacing it with a floral version a la Witherspoon. The Wild actress selected J.Crew’s Collection No. 2 Pencil Skirt ($198) in Antique Floral while grabbing lunch in Hollywood, which was the perfect nod to the season ahead.
Nanette Lepore Wipeout Floral Skirt ($298)
A floral-print skirt is a sure way to spiff up your nine-to-five attire.
Michael Kors Floral-Print Pencil Skirt ($945)
If a bright bouquet is not your thing, go for a neutral print instead.
Tip: Take your suit from day to night with a sultry bustier top.
Going sans shirt is one way to take your suit into after-hours territory, and thanks to Cara Delevingne, we now know of another: sub your button-down for a bustier. The model chose La Perla’s Eden Corset ($1664) for the lingerie brand’s London store opening in London earlier this month, giving her look just the right amount of sex appeal.
H&M Tuxedo Jacket ($35)
It’s always a good idea to have a fitted tuxedo jacket on standby. If you don’t already have one, H&M’s version will do the trick, plus the price is right.
Catherine Malandrino Black Label Aidi Busiter Peplum Top ($255)
Skip the dress for your next GNO, and try a semi-sheer bustier top and leather pants combo instead.
Tip: Belt your winter jacket to create a figure flattering silhouette.
It’s amazing what a belt can do for your winter jacket. At the Miu Miu Spark & Light screening, the Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Paris used the accessory to reign in her shearling outerwear, creating a flattering silhouette while also making it appropriate for an evening event.
Minkpink Always and Forever Biker Faux Shearling Jacket ($87)
Lusting after Acne’s $3,000 shearling biker jacket? We found the next best thing for a fraction of the cost.
Everlane The Essential Belt ($40)
Go ahead and file this one under accessory essential.
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