How to wear a Romper

There are definitely (more than) a few key points to consider.

1. Age

I wouldn’t say that you have to be a certain age to wear a romper. Age is definitely a state of mind. I’ve seen 60 year old women totally pull off looks that I otherwise thought were for teeny boppers. It’s all about attitude and confidence.
I will say that if you are over 25, just make sure you have the attitude and confidence to pull off a romper. If you don’t feel comfortable with the style, don’t wear it. Of course, this pretty much goes for any style.

2. Length

One of the reasons rompers look so pre-school is because many of the styles are incredibly short. I’m talking bloomer short. So, if the bottoms look like bloomers, step away. If you’re worried the bottoms may not cover your panties, step away. The rompers that are most stylish are the ones where the bottoms are longer and not bloomerish.

3. Cover-ups

The best way to wear a romper if you’re on the fence is as a cover-up. Pretty must the most casual of outfits, you can get away with A LOT more if you have a bathing suit on underneath. And, you’ll probably feel more confident about what you’re wearing. Many of the romper styles look like cover-ups. Choose a t-shirt material that’s loose and cozy.

4. No Elastic Waist

The worst romper styles are the ones with elastic waists. There’s something about elastic waists that just screams ‘I’m 5′ or ‘I’m over 70′. It’s like velcro. Stay away.
The natural waist silhouette is definitely helpful here, but not via elastic.

5. Belted Waist

Speaking of the natural waist silhouette…
Create a much more sophisticated look with a belted waist. The belt can be an actual leather belt or a tie. Like I said above, just don’t go for the elastic waist.

5. Contrasting Top & Bottom

While there are attractive rompers that utilize one fabric color for the entire piece, going with a contrasting top & bottom is a nice in-between option. You’ll still get the playful look of the romper, but you also have the appearance of wearing two pieces.

6. Dressy

If you are not wearing your romper as a cover-up, another stylish option is to wear a dressy romper. Find one in a high-quality fabric, at a comfortable length, that is well-tailored and belted. Wear with a great pair of Summer heels and accessorize with a couple of key pieces. You’ll look totally put together and very on-trend. And, best of all, far removed from your playground days.

Classy Rompers for Ladies with Adult Taste

{of course, these are inherently still quite playful}

Thoughts?

So, what do you think? Are you game to try a romper this Summer?
Personally, I think I’ll try the cover-up version first. Perhaps one of the dressier ones shown above next. How about you?

Wedge

A fun, Summer-time wedge is pretty much a no-brainer. Perfect with shorts, skirts and dresses, wedges are easy to walk in and make your legs look fantastic. Really, it’s the best of both worlds!
What’s best, though is that most styles can readily be dressed up or down. It’s definitely a must-have.

Updated Gladiator

Yes, gladiators are still in style this Summer. However, they’ve been updated with new styles, embellishments, woven leather and hooded ankles. Ditch your basic gladiator for something a little more sassy this Summer.

Sporty Flat

Preppy flats are stylish in a big way this Summer. Think boat shoes, canvas shoes, even men-inspired dress shoes…
Find one that fits your playful side. Go-to brands are Sperry, Converse and Keds.

Nude Heels

As my Sister-In-Law says, every woman must own a great pair of nude heels. Have to say I agree. Especially for Summer. If you don’t spend much time in an office, you can make this style more Summer-y by finding a nude sandal instead.

Statement Platforms

What makes a platform a statement platform? It can be a huge embellishment, an outrageous design or even just a bright color. Find a statement platform that is perfect for Summer Nights. Most of these styles are perfect for going out outfits, but they are also the perfect accessory to a simple t-shirt and shorts.

Other Noteworthy Trends

As you can see from the styles above, there are also some recurring trends that are incorporated into these styles. For instance, you might find a woven wedge or a tribal platform.

Woven

Tribal

Hooded

Wood Heels

What’s your favorite shoe style for Summer 2010? Will you be wearing one style more than others or will you attempt each one?

How To Wear a Shirt Dress

Cutesy

For a cute, demure look, wear a shirt dress with opaque tights and ballet flats. This is a good look for class, a casual work setting, a lunch date or a girls day of shopping.

Casual

In the heat of the Summer, go bare-legged and wear your shirt dress with flat gladiator sandals or a pair of topsiders. This look is a bit less feminine than the one described above, but is appropriate for all of the same settings.

Sophisticated

To really dress up a shirt dress, belt it with a skinny belt and wear heels. A ruffled tank underneath can also add a feminine touch. This look works for the office, a lunch meeting, happy hour or a second date.

Fashionista

For a super put together, I-should-be-a-stylist look, wear your shirtdress with a wide belt (for the best look, find a belt with an interesting buckle or a funky woven pattern) and tall boots. This look is ideal for plaid shirt dresses.

Types of Shirt Dresses

Dressy

Utility

Draw String

Thoughts?

What’s your favorite way to wear a shirt dress? Have you already picked your dress out for Spring?

Neutral Colors

Camel browns, creams and even earthy pastels are perfect for Spring.

White

While it’s always a popular color for Spring handbags, white is particularly popular this Spring. In fact, if you get one handbag this Spring, go for a white one.

Crossbody

Though super practical, this style has never been very stylish. It’s not the way you wear this purse that has kept it from being stylish; it’s just that designers were not making attractive crossbody purses until now.

Satchel

Satchels are the predominant style this Spring. Find an oversized satchel in one of the season’s top colors and you can’t go wrong.

Metallic Hardware

Studs, chains, exposed zippers and other metallic embellishments are making even neutral colored bags look rocker-chic.

Which style of handbag will you wear this Spring?

Sparkly rhinestones, cut gems and huge brooches are reminiscent of your grandma’s 1960′s costume jewelry.


While you can totally get away with resurrecting the forgotten baubles in her jewelry box (and really, what’s more fun or meaningful than wearing your grandma or great-grandma’s costume jewelry?) or searching for finds at your favorite vintage store, the new versions being sold in retail stores are a bit different.


Whereas the 1960′s version of a cocktail necklace was most likely a short rhinestone or pearl strand, the recent statement necklace trend has influenced the 2010 version, giving us long strands, multi-strands and bib designs of rhinestones, pearls and cut gems.

Characteristics of the Vintage Inspired Jewelry Trend

Ribbons: Though not so popular in the 1960′s, ribbons are being used with pearls, rhinestones and cut gems to gather multi-strand necklaces, serve in place of a necklace clasp and accent earrings and brooches.

Pearls: Pearls in various colors just scream vintage jewelry. In strands, ribbon-necklaces or in conjunction with other baubles, pearls are a popular component in this style.

Rhinestones: What’s more fun than rhinestone jewelry? Most of the rhinestones being used in this style are fairly large and are often interestingly shaped.

Cut Gems: Usually glass rather than gems, cut gems in pastels and smoky shades are key in vintage inspired jewelry.

Types of Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Thoughts?

A huge fan of this trend, I’ve been wearing some cherished pieces from my great-grandmother and my grandmother, my classic pearl necklace (though new, also a bit of a family heirloom) as well as some newly purchased pieces. It’s a fun way to look glamorous, classic and trendy all at the same time. And, every SINGLE time I wear one of my inherited rhinestone brooches, I get at least a few compliments. It’s fun stuff and such a great way to remember and honor my grandma and great-grandma.
What do you think?