How To Dress Up Your Pants

In the summertime, you throw on a dress and you are good to go. Well, we think that mantra should be carried into every season. All you have to do is add a pair of pants. Seriously, it’s that simple. And yes, you can totally pull it off. The silhouette plays a starring role for Resort 2017 too, with designers like Apiece Apart, Suno and Tibi showcasing the look. Wearing dresses over pants is not only just a fresh styling trick, the pairing is totally practical. Pants keep your legs warm – even warmer than those tights that are always catching runs and getting holes in the toes. They’re avoiding tights for as long as possible over on Man Repeller, and taking note from the dress-over-pants queen herself, we’ve learned that it pays to be adventurous while keeping things comfortable. We’ve pulled together some of our favortie dress and pants pairings so get creative, take your pick and put down the tights.

THE DRESSES

BLACK CRANE PAINTER DRESS

With generous cocoon proportions and an above the knee length, this dress is pretty much perfect for layering over pants. It’s one of those styles that will work with everything, but we especially love this with a wide leg pant like these. Plus, who doesn’t love a raw edge?

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DEVLYN VAN LOON SWEATER DRESS

This dress is a step up from your usual sweatshirt but still has that comfy feel. The rolled sleeves and baseball hem keep it casual, so pair it with your fave jeans. Try these B Sides patchwork denim for an all around easygoing look.

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VOZ SILK TWO-PANEL DRESS

This dress is perfect for when you feel a little fancy. The soft, billowy material and slit at the front makes it easy to pair with almost any pants, but we’ll be pulling these ones on for a night out. We love how the long length will keep your covered while the high slit shows off your pants.

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WOLCOTT : TAKEMOTO HAMLET DRESS

We can’t get enough of this classic t-shirt dress. It’s a great basic to throw on with any pair of pants, just an elevated take on your usual t-shirt and jeans. The side slit would be perfect for showing off the patchwork on these jeans. Plus, the subtle button detail adds a little extra something to an outfit.

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CARON CALLAHAN MARIA SHIRT DRESS

We’re loving this feminine take on the classic button-up shirt. It’s playful, flattering and has endless styling options. You could even wear it to the office, guys! Keep it buttoned up and pair it with the Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s perfectly draped pant for a complete contemporary look.

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Fuzzy: Our Current Texture Obsession

It’s like wearing your pyjamas around all day. Or carrying around your favorite blanket. Fuzzy texture is pretty much one of the most comfortable things to happen to fashion ever, not to mention it’s also a really interesting detail. Materials like faux fur and shearling add both a luxurious and casual element to jackets and bags, plus they’re super soft to the touch. We love how Bronze Age does it with their plush babouches (a stylish way to wear your slippers in public, anyone?) and Carleen nails it with making a whole shirt out of fleece. Need we say more?

A Micro Trend We Love: Borrowing From The Boys

We don’t know if it’s the structure, the oversized cuts, or our love affair with the ’80s lately, but men’s wear has taken a firm hold on our hearts for the moment. The silhouettes are just so classic — from slouchy jeans to work shirts — and they’re so easy it wear, it’s no wonder that it’s far less laborious for guys to throw together an outfit. You literally can’t go wrong. And what’s not to love about that? Here, we break down some of our favorite pieces from this Fall trend that borrows from the boys.

LOAFERS

New York-based footwear line Dieppa Restrepo is known for taking style cues from men’s wear, so it’s no surprise that the brand is behind these perfect loafers. Inspired by the classic gentleman’s shoe, the Gaston Soft Onix Tassel Loafer has a rounded toe, tassel detailing and a low stacked heel. Don’t be surprised if your boyfriend steals them.

RELAXED BLAZERS

Vintage-inspired, oversized and in a medium grey hue, this Seeker Studios Essential Oversized Blazer screams Working Girl (remember that movie from the ’80s?). Made from 100% handwoven cotton, the fabric is supple, soft and super comfortable to wear during long days at the office.

DENIM SHIRTS

So simple, yet so good. The denim shirt is seasonless, ageless, gender-less and always good. Wear untucked or tucked. This 69 Stevie Shirt has a frayed pocket for a little something extra.

CABLE KNIT SWEATERS

Sorry, Grandpa. We’re gonna have to raid your closet, because a good cable knit sweater is perfect for adding a comfortable accent to a more structured outfit or for just cozying up on dreary Fall days. We love this unisex one from Intentionally Blank.

BASEBALL HATS

Bye-bye, bad hair days. Well, actually, you’re gonna be wishing for them just so that you can wear this super cute cap all the time. A baseball hat is great way to add some low-key androgynous elegance to your ensemble and this Reality Studio Mario Cap, with its linen/cotton fabric and streamlined shape, is a home run.

OVERSIZED JACKETS

This is the ultimate layering piece (because there’s just so much damn room) and Intentionally Blank nails the secret to not getting lost in the shape with their Moss Jacket — proportions with just enough structure. We’re talking giant cuffs and a matching giant hem.

BUTTON UP SHIRTS

Can you get any more classic than a men’s work shirt? Worn as a top, a dress or a night shirt, this silhouette is just effortless. The Squad Navy Poplin Quincy has a little something extra, with Mother of Pearl buttons and an unstructured hem.

DAD JEANS

Not just any jeans, though. We’re talking perfectly imperfect and loose-fitting ones. The Olderbrother Patched Five Pocket feel like you stole them from, yes, your older brother, complete with the patchwork detail.

STRUCTURED COATS

Double breasted, with structured shoulders and a tailored fit, the Won Hundred Therese Jacket makes for a sophisticated topper. Like a men’s wear coat, the fit is relaxed enough to provide room for movement and layering, yet is shaped in just the right ways to maintain serious style. Dad would be jealous.

Vintage Picks For Our Favorite Fall Trends

We’ve already tapped into the key ways to freshen up your Fall wardrobe this season, but since it’s Vintage Month, we thought we would apply some of the seasonal trends to a few of our favorite vintage picks. Because, after all, not only is shopping vintage a great way to shop sustainably and integrate one-of-a-kind character into your closet, it also provides an opportunity to be more fashion forward than ever. Read on and swoon.

METALLICS

Metallics are a super simple way to add a little bit extra oomph to any outfit. These beautiful ivory vintage Stuart Weitzman pumps do just that in the most subtle yet effective way, while checking off all the other details we love in a shoe right now: sleek silhouette, almond toe and blocked heel. It’s ’90s minimalism to a tee.

For those wanting to really dive into this trend, this taupe metallic shirt makes a big splash. No pockets, front button enclosure and insanely easy to style. Plus, the rich color basically makes it a neutral, so it goes with everything. Try it with disco dance moves.

OVERSIZED OUTERWEAR

A large, comfy coat is a win in two ways: it keeps you warm on crisp days and it’s the perfect pulled-together topper. The men’s wear-inspired piece also channels one of our favorite shapes from the ’80s, like this vintage, calf-skimming, oatmeal one by Pepe does. Okay, that’s three ways.

This vintage cotton hooded coat offers a lightweight option in the trend, with its relaxed fit and straight hem.

SOFT TEXTURE

It’s all about texture this season and this vintage tank does it totally right. Super soft and in a classic cut, it is as adorable as it is easy to wear (and easy on the skin… ahhh).

SHEARLING

Okay, so who didn’t want to be Penny in Almost Famous? Well, now you can channel your inner groupie in this perfect Penny Lane Jacket. In a rich burnt orange color and with a shearling collar, everything about it is also right on trend.

PINK

Halston was THE brand of the ’70s and this vintage Halston cashmere knit dress is relieving all of our era envy, while staying totally contemporary. The luxurious dress, which has a buttoned up mandarin collar, comes in a dusty pink — one of this season’s most coveted shades.

For a more structured take on the soft hue, there’s this linen service jacket. Wear it layered or buttoned up all on its own. We’re blushing at all the options.

TURTLENECKS

Turtlenecks really are the best — you can layer them, wear them on their own and they’re multi-seasonal, working for fall all the way through to winter. This vintage ribbed silk mockneck is pure perfection, with its luxurious fabric, short sleeves and hip-hitting hem.

Needed more proof at how amazing turtlenecks are? Here’s this nude cashmere and silk sweater.

WIDE LEG PANTS

These vintage trousers may be straight from the 1970s, but they feel completely current. Tapping into this season’s love affair with the wide leg, the double knit polyester pant is right on the money with its high waist, easy silhouette and bright color.

COLOR BLOCKING

Why have just one color when you could have two? We’re being greedy with our hues this season and this perfectly oversized pocket pullover, which combines cream and brown, is everything we’ve been lusting over. Like something grandpa would wear, only better.

For more amazing vintage, head this way!

An ode to the Canadian tuxedo

Let’s face it: Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake didn’t do this look any favors when they hit the red carpet in matching denim on denim outfits back in 2001. But ironically, they kind of revived it. Ever since then the Canadian tuxedo went from being mocked to being adored. Much of that, luckily, is due to style stars doing it better. From the runway to the street, the denim on denim trend just keeps building. Now? We’re pretty much sold on the fact that it’s a look that won’t ever go out of style. The fable goes that Bing Crosby was the first to sport one after getting trouble for wearing all denim at a fancy Canadian establishment in 1951. So of course Levi Strauss & Co. made him an actual denim tuxedo. While we don’t necessarily condone the literal take on this (although Caron Callahan makes something that’s pretty close and pretty amazing), we do recommend wearing the denim on denim style that feels right for you. Canadian tuxedos can involve skirts, t-shirts, crop tops, whatever feels right for your personal style really. Of course, we thought you might heed the expertise of a few people doing it so right below.

Everything but skinny jeans

After all that time it took getting used to skinny jeans, it’s hard to let them go. We get it! They’re comfy and you know yourself in them now! You know what shoes to wear, what kind of shirt works best for the kind of mood you’re in. But isn’t it time for a little leg room? Mom jeans, dad jeans, flares, wide leg, sailor pants… whatever you choose there’s a whole wide (pun intended) world of jeans out there. If there was ever a time to embrace denim’s new silhouette, it would be this season. Whether you’re ready to dip your toe in with a slightly relaxed version of your skinny jeans or looking for a denim wardrobe makeover, we’ve got you. Here are nine of our favorite jeans that are anything but skinny.

Why the slide sandal is our official shoe of summer

Go with anything, wear anywhere and works every time are just a few reasons why we love the slide sandal. Who knew that the original Adidas sport slide, the Adilette, would spark fashion’s interest when it was launched back in 1972. It was the official sandal of sport, something you wear in the showers and around the pool.

And then there was the mule. The closed-toe version goes back centuries – more of a slipper than a trend – but found popularity in the French court during Marie Antoinette’s time. As any style does, the mule went through a few iterations. Marilyn Monroe wore them open toed, the clog style took over in the ’70s and Manolo Blahnik put his signature on them throughout the ’80s.

Slides and mules first became ubiquitous in fashion in the ’90s with shower shoes in every price range and various sightings on the runway and on the red carpet, with minimalist beauties like Gwyneth Paltrow sporting a chunky mule. Today, they pretty much rule together. Maryam Nassir Zadeh‘s Sophie Slide is a bit of a mule/slide hybrid with a low, sturdy heel and sleek styling. We loved the elegant Caelum Slide by The Palatines so much we had to get our own version.

’90s beauty trends we love all over again

Everyone has a favorite era when it comes to style inspiration, but there’s something about the ’90s lately that just feels so right. From American sportswear, the original supermodels, grunge, the first return of flared jeans, we could go on and on. Those of us who have already spent our teen years smearing on makeup à la Cindy, Naomi and Kate by way of Sassy how-tos are going to be wayyyy better at it the second time around. The looks we loved so much then are back and ready to wear. From Winona-inspired matte lips to French braids, it’s time to go back to our roots with these four nostalgic spring beauty trends.

BRAID BABE: This classic style was shown on the runways for designers like Celine, Suno and Public School and we were instantly hooked. From French and fishtail to the sporty boxer braid, there are a zillion ways to rock this easy do. For extra credit, sleep with your hair in braids and wake up with perfectly tousled, crimped waves.

90s-inspired-braids — via Vanessa Jackman

LADY IN RED: There is no doubt that a crimson pout is a beauty classic, but this season’s vampy look has a specific matte finish. From Acne and Giles Deacon to Jason Wu and Oscar de la Renta, they were all putting their money where their mouth is with rich shades of scarlet, tomato and merlot.

SLICKED HAIR: Channel your inner Bond girl with this slicked back, fresh from the sea do. Models were rocking this “wet hair, don’t care” look all the way down the runways at Kenzo and Missoni. Creating this look is simple. All you need is a a sh*t ton of gel, a comb and you’re done.

BLUE CRUSH: Blue eye shadow is a rite of passage. Thankfully this year it’s not the frosty blue you bought with your allowance at the drugstore. This season’s look is just as electric but can be understated. Think subtle blue liner or mascara instead of lash to brow turquoise. Design houses like Chanel and Dries Van Noten all put the spotlight on this bold trend with cool hues that ranged from pale periwinkle to cobalt.

Paying homage to the perfumes we loved in the 90s (we love you CK One) we’ve rounded up fragrances with notes that channel the raw, gritty vibe of the decade – think ozonic notes, leather, bourbon, and patchouli.

Buyers’ Guide to Spring: Best Sellers

Being a buyer in the fashion industry is kind of like having access to a crystal ball. You know exactly what your customers will get to shop in a few months and you know which items are going to fly off the racks as soon as they land. The second part of that can and should be credited to their advanced skill at reading said ball. No number of seasonal previews we get on Instagram and live streaming runways can beat the way boutique buyers curate the perfect mix, the coolest pieces. We’re lucky enough to work with a lot of them here at Garmentory, so we had to ask: what will be your best sellers this spring? Of course they knew the answer.

“Samantha Pleet bathing suits. This season she has done a bunch of separates to mix and match to best compliment different body types. Her prints are always so much fun. Maison Louis Marie oils are always a best seller for us – we can’t keep #4 in stock.” – Hannah Factor and Zai Rajkotwala, Easy Tiger Goods

“Our best-selling items will probably continue to be the basics from all our designers, girls love premium sweatpants and tees! It’s great having a few options available from Baserange, Norse Projects or Wood Wood. Our favourite items from Wood Wood for SS16 are the Bess Blouse, the Willow Cornstalk sweater, the Desi tote bag, and the classic Manet sweater. We just can’t get enough of Wood Wood this season. Plus, the brilliant (and super practical) rain jackets from Rains will continue to sell out.” – Sophie Rees and Lucie Towndrow, Finch

“Typically our dresses sell the best in spring (somewhat a no-brainer). We went very hard on easy day dresses from brands like Carleen, CF. Goldman, Nomia, Silvae, and more.” – Ivan Gilkes, In Support Of

“Issey Miyake Origami Bomber Jacket. The basic shape is getting a lot of play right now, but the treatment is so special while remaining easy to wear. It’s also unisex, and looks so great on guys as well. Simon Miller Denim. There’s a deep knowledge of denim and its history with this line. They concentrate on fit and silhouette rather than a bunch of trendy washes. The Bora is slightly belled, cropped style in a soft black.” – Diana Kim, Stand Up Comedy

“Kowtow dresses because they’re so easy to wear and flatter many body types, Mr. Larkin culottes because they’ll be cute with sandals or sneakers, and everything by Black Crane because spring is when they really shine.” – Andi Bakos, West End Select Shop

Buyers’ Guide to Spring: Jewelry Trends

Whether you’re into just a glint of something on your wrist or a full stack, we’ve all been attending the arm party for quite some time. This spring, we’re up for something a little different. So we asked the experts: what jewelry trends are you most excited about this season? They came up with four fresh ways to approach your jewelry game for spring.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

“Simple, minimalist design is our favorite type of jewelry at Finch. We currently stock the brand Still With You from Copenhagen and we absolutely love their stackable textured rings, simple chains and dainty pendants.” – Sophie Rees and Lucie Towndrow, Finch

“Hoops, simple, clean, everyday… but noticeable.” – Michelle Rizzardo, One of a Few

“This season’s jewelry is simple, timeless and perfectly unique…. Simple, organic shapes make perfect subtle adornments that you can wear everyday.” – Stephanie Gorrell, Umeboshi

EAR PARTY

“Earrings have been building in momentum for the past couple years but this spring they’re really having their moment. We’re looking forward to new pieces from WWake, Winden, Faris, Fay Andrada and Catbird.” – Hannah Factor and Zai Rajkotwala, Easy Tiger

WHITE OUT

“This spring I’m most excited for white jewelry.” – Lina Rinnell, Beklina

UPDATED CHOKER

“Like a true 90’s child, I am thrilled that chokers have made a comeback, but in a more elegant way then what I remember wearing as a teen. I had forgotten how versatile they are!” – Cecilia Marquez, Saint Cloud

“For jewelry we’re very excited about the new ARC collection from Tara 4779. The designer’s line is really minimal and concept based, but the way that she created her newest collection is very special. We especially love the choker in silver with a 5pt diamond.” – Tanya Sheikh and Ivan Gilkes, In Support Of