MyShingle Fashion: Sleek & Chic Fashion Finds!

Styles this season are swerving in a decidedly minimalist direction: lots of tailored looks that create sleek silhouettes for an effortlessly chic look. I say ‘tailored’ instead of ‘tight,’ because I do firmly believe there’s a difference, although if you asked my mother, she’d be horrified by both words and insist they were an affront to a woman’s modesty. Eh, can’t win ’em all.

So today, I’m pulling together a bunch of items – sweaters, dresses, tops – in different price ranges that emphasize this minimalist style. Have a look!

I generally try not to use ASOS items here (generally), because its merchandise skews a little younger – not unlike, say, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, etc – but what the hey. I love this simple, structured dress, no doubt inspired by Victoria Beckham’s designs, and the designs of whoever she stole her designs from.

(There was a thing about that when her fashion line debuted a couple years ago. I don’t just make up potentially defamatory things.)

Not, er, entirely minimalistic. But I liked it anyway. It looks really comfortable and light (I’d totally wear a fuzzy white wool sweater over this in winter or fall and pair it with brown boots if I could get away with them at the office, or just brown pumps and some funky wooden type jewelry, maybe), and that color is actually a camouflage/olive green. Again, olive green is pretty much the most versatile color ever, because it goes with everything.

I thought this was pretty fun. I like the shape and color of the dress a lot – it’s a nice, deep, but still bright plum, which looks great on so many different skin tones, and the little cut-outs up top are pretty and interesting without being inappropriate. I mean, they’re so teeny. Come on.

I’m going through kind of a printed-dress-phase right now, and normally the ones I like are bright-ish, and really fun, but I like this one, too! It’s darker and professional, sure, but I just like the way the colors work together, as well as the size of the print. Size is pretty important when you’re looking at print dresses – especially if you’re checking out a floral dress, pay attention to the general size of the floral print itself, as well as the amount of space between the printed parts, if that makes sense. I’ll probably discuss that in another post.

I hate turtlenecks, but a lot of people don’t. The Limited has a great bunch up right now, so if the turtleneck is a wardrobe staple, head on over.

Cropped cardigans are a great extra touch, especially in a cool or chilly office. I’ve worn them often over camisoles or silky shells because they keep me warm and covered up, but the camisole or shell always pokes out underneath so I keep that pop of color. I’m all about color.

This is available in different colors and it kind of looks better in those other colors. What I really liked here was the square neck. I’m a big fan of square and boat necks, but some aren’t appropriate for work because they end up looking like off-the-shoulder tops.

In related news, I have no shoulders, apparently, and this saddens me greatly. All my purses just slip right off, so I carry everything in my pockets like a boy.

Oh, wrap tops. They’re so easy, aren’t they? I don’t think I own any real wrap tops, but I own enough faux-wrap-tops. They’re kind of a fall or spring thing for me because I can just toss them on without worrying about adjusting them all day or anything, and they’re generally long-sleeved and I find them less constricting than scoop or crewnecks.

I like the boat neck and I like that fancy but not too fancy pleating or whatever is going on up top. Plus, I think the whole outfit in this picture is really pretty – that herringbone skirt with a bright but not too bright crimson top? Lovely. A pair of sleek black pumps and pretty earrings will finish off the look, and it’s still professional enough to wear to court, even. I mean, if the sleeves were a touch longer. Maybe those fancy pants celebrity lawyers can get away with wearing little flutter or cap sleeves to court, but we normals may not be able to take those risks.

You know the great thing about this minimalist trend? At least, for a lazy person like me?

…I don’t have to do much. Nice pants, tailored top, heels, and I’m out the door. Hooray for easy fashion.