theresagallien

[theresagallien]

Fashion Tips and Dress Codes

I grew up in France, dressing up is our thing. I used to wear “business casual clothes” just to go get coffee with my friends. (Depens on your family, I guess, but my aunt would have a stroke if she knew I sometimes wear sweatpants in public.)

NYC, and the States in general, is a lot more casual (in my opinion). I feel like the outfits here are a lot more relaxed and effortless, and I like it.

(Also, note that this post is about my personal style. I refuse to wear color because I want to show the world I’m dead inside, and I never completely got over 90s grunge. I tone it down when I go on sugar dates, and I tried to include different styles in this post, but still.)

GENERAL ADVICE

1) It is way better to be overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt, wear that dress that makes you look like a badass princess.

2) Dress for your body type and for your tastes. Find your best feature and work with it! Look at celebrities and fashion bloggers with bodies similar to yours and try to emulate their style. Wear clothes that look good on you and that you love, because if you love your outfit, you’ll feel 100% more confident.  Don’t overdo it, though, because men don’t get fashion.

For example, I’m quite thin and I have the curves of a 12 year old (i.e. none), but my legs are long and I like my shoulders and my back, so I wear a lot of strappy tops and backless dresses, as well as short skirts and fitted pants.

3) Invest in your look. Buy clothes that are good quality and fit well. Same for shoes, bag, makeup, nails and hair. (Random note: Louboutins scream escort. If that’s the look you are going for, fine, but if not, YSL has awesome pumps.)

Trust me, if you go to a five star restaurant in a $20 dress, you are going to stick out like a sore thumb. Like a lot of girls say, splenda can get you there.

4) Underwear is a girl’s best friend. Always wear fancy underwear, even if you don’t plan to get naked. My top three recommendations for lingerie are Huit, Victoria Secret, and Agent Provocateur. I do like to wear bralettes and those strappy plain bras on my daily life, but I would think men are more traditional when it comes to lingerie, so stick to the classics.

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And now… Decoding the dress code. There are tons of different dress codes, but these are the basic four: casual, business casual, semi-formal and black tie (formal).

CASUAL

What

For colder months… black skinnies (or a short skirt and tights), ankle booties, a simple tee and a biker jacket  (or a blazer if I’m feeling fancy, or a trench coat if I’m feeling like Audrey Hepburn, or a structured coat when it’s really cold). For warmer months, a pretty sundress (or romper) with sandals or flats will do.

Accessorize with a nice watch. You can carry your everyday bag or a clutch, whichever you prefer. A pair of sunglasses are good to have as well!

  Where

I would wear a casual outfit to a coffee date or to a shopping date.

BUSINESS CASUAL

What

I usually go for a skirt (or a nice pair of trousers) with a nice top. Both a midi dress and a dress that hits a bit above the knee are great choices too. Or a fancy jumpsuit. For outerwear, a sharp blazer, a trench coat or a structured winter coat, depending on the weather and your outfit.

Heeled sandals, ankle booties, nice flats or medium height pumps are fine, and either your everyday bag or clutch will work. I personally like to wear a watch, but that’s up to you. 

You could make any casual outfit look more put together by addding a blazer, heels and a fancy watch.

 Where

A lunch date, a brunch date, a coffee date at a fancier café, or a casual dinner date. I might wear this kind of outfits to a drinks as well, depending on the place.

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SEMI-FORMAL

What

A nice dress! The length of the dress can go from a bit above mid-thigh to a bit below the knee (mini to midi length). Any LBD will be perfect for this. You could even get away with a fancy jumpsuit or  a maxi dress if you can pull it off. Even a really fancy top with pants or a skirt will look good if you wear it with confidence. Don’t be afraid to show some skin (tastefully)!

Heels are a must, either a classic pump or a nice pair of heeled sandals will be fine. And carry a clutch! If it’s cold, grab a blazer. Wear some jewelry, but don’t overdo it.

I usually go for a LBD with black or red heels and a small clutch. I do stray sometimes and wear white (especially during the warmer months), red or blue. To accessorize, I tend to go for a small necklace with matching earrings.

 Where

These are the kind of outfits you’ll wear the most. I’d wear these outfits to dinner, drinks and clubbing. These will also look good for freestyling.

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BLACK TIE

What

I’m more of a floor length dress kind of person, but you could get away with your fanciest LBD as long as it’s not super short (for a white tie thing, floor length dresses are mandatory). Heels are an absolute must. I’m a classic pump kind of girl, but strappy heels will look good too.

For accessories, I’d go with a matching set of necklace and earrings. For a formal thing, you can get away with flashier jewelry, but don’t go too crazy. Also, carry a clutch.

 Where

Fancy dinner dates (check the restaurant, usually “jacket required” for men means formal attire for women, but semi-formal would work too) and formal events. Some really fancy cocktail parties will call for these kind of outfits too.  

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BONUS: BEACHWEAR

What

Every girl should have a flattering, good quality bikini or swimsuit. Invest in a floppy sun hat and nice sunglasses. Wear flat sandals! Don’t try to wear heels to the beach because you’ll look like a fool. If you are going to a pool, wedges are fine, but honestly, sandals are better. Espadrilles can look good too! I haven’t been to the beach/pool with a SD or a POT, but I’d go with a big tote bag.

I know we are all tempted to go with denim cut offs as a cover-up, but resist the urge. Go out and buy a nice tunic or dress. You’ll look very sophisticated, I promise! I personally like to use a breezy white dress as a cover-up. If you really want to wear shorts, choose something feminine and pretty, and pair it with a blouse (or nothing, if you are wearing a swimsuit).

 Where

Beach or pool. Do not wear these outfits if your sugar daddy brings you to a cruise (cruises have their own dress codes, which you can find listed in their website).

Source: http://bunnyinthecity.tumblr.com/post/89600578611/fashion-tips-and-dress-codes

[theresagallien]