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Find Your Style: Classic With a Twist
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Getting dressed these days just seems more complicated than it used to be. Whether it's lack of inhibition or that we happily embraced experimentation when we were young, once we get north of 40 we often go from “I am going to a party tonight, I want to feel fun, current and cool” to “I need to figure out what to wear to this party tonight because none of my pants fit.” The result? We end up feeling mediocre the whole evening.
I say, no more mediocre this year!
I want to encourage you to begin figuring out how to find your style where you are TODAY!
This month I want to show you an inspiring style combination that I call CLASSIC + DRAMATIC. It’s rooted in the classic fashion archetype that so many women identify with (wearing garments that are classically tailored in neutral colors) but it’s infused with a bit of drama (an unexpected or interesting element). The result of this combo is a look that offers comfort and expresses what makes you uniquely YOU.
My recommendation? Find your drama in the details: mix different silhouettes, integrate a bold pattern, or add a pop of color. You’ll give your classic style a bit of energy and attitude (Note: like the amount of salt in a recipe, the amount of drama you add will be yours to decide).
Understanding this style combination might tap into a part of you that has been wanting to be seen. Let’s just see…
Classic With a Twist: Weekend
I love this very classic and dramatic weekend look because it’s comfy and casual yet it has a great amount of energy and interest. The straight-leg pants, the pea coat, the crewneck sweater, and the traditional athletic shoes are all classic elements.
What makes this more of a dramatic, classic style is the mix of geometric and organic floral patterns as well as the pop of red.
- Pro Tip: Combining patterns in the same color palate keeps the total look more classic and approachable.
CHIFFON TOP: J.CREW ($79.50)
PANTS: SYSEA ($35.98 - $36.99)
PEARL RING: J.CREW ($28)
SIGNET RING: J.CREW ($19.50)
Classic With a Twist: Work
I love this look for going to work, your volunteer job, or whatever meeting you have. The pants, silk blouse, kitten heel boot, and turtleneck sweater are classic elements, but the use of color in the pants and the handbag, along with a bomber jacket instead of a blazer, takes this look to another level and makes it more dramatic.
- Pro Tip: When color blocking amongst a neutral backdrop, seek out a similar saturation of color. In this case, bright and highly saturated.
EARRINGS: IPPOLITA ($450) or BONY LEVY ($95)
JACKET: & OTHER STORIES ($149)
SWEATER: & OTHER STORIES ($219)
BLOUSE: & OTHER STORIES ($89)
PANTS: L’AGENCE ($276) or MANGO ($25.99)
PURSE: REBECCA MINKOFF ($398)
Classic With a Twist: Night Out
Who doesn’t want to feel sexy in an elegant way yet full of personality on your next night out?
What’s the trick to making the classic + dramatic combination work? It’s all in the details. A silk skirt and cowl neck sweater paired with tall boots are a classic combination that will never go out of style. Mixing in stacked bracelets and an unexpected bag in unique yet complementary colors creates a classically sophisticated yet style-forward outfit to go out and have some fun!
EARRINGS: ARGENTO VIVO STERLING SILVER ($48) or MADEWELL ($28)
SWEATER: CLUB MONACO ($249) or ARITZIA ($138)
SKIRT: VINCE ($395) or ARITZIA ($98)
CUFF BRACELET: DEEPA GURNANI ($98)
TURQUOISE BRACELET: CHRISTINA GREENE ($268) or LUCKY BRAND ($34.50)
BACKPACK: HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. ($70)
After battling breast cancer, Hardie Cobbs pivoted from artist to certified Style Coach and founded A Year In Style, a brand she created to help women embrace midlife with confidence. She works with clients all over the world to help them reconnect with themselves and how they want to live this exciting second half of life.
All products featured on Six to Sunday are independently selected by our editors and contributors. We may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, we recommend products based on our independent research and point of view, and the decisions we make regarding the products we feature on our site are always driven by what we believe our community will love, first and foremost.
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