Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

Statement Collar Trend

As an unapologetic romantic, I have not waned in my love for the statement collar as it has bloomed since its resurgence following quarantine lockdown.  We wanted to be fancy, zoom-call ready, and pretty, and this collar answered.

The statement collar draws inspiration from romantic Victorian and prim Puritan embellishments.  This trend is oversized, exaggerated, and meant to nod at youthful ingenue.  Whether ruffled, laced, or tied with a bow, there is nothing subtle about this accessory.

 

To keep this look from going too sweet or prim contrast your frilly collar with modern menswear trousers or rough-hewn denim.  Go modern and clean or even slightly rough and distressed.

Since this style is commonly found with a puffed sleeve, it’s a perfect match for pullover vests.  Flatter sleeves and colder temperatures can be paired with a smart, lapel-less lady jacket.

If you have broad shoulders or a full bust this trend works best with an open neckline.  Alternatively, you can find a smaller collar and leave a few buttons open.  You can also minimize broad shoulders with a dropped sleeve or bishop sleeve where the volume gathers at the bottom of the sleeve.

If you want to experiment with this trend without the commitment of a full top, you can buy a tie-on collar or look for a collar style necklace that you can add on to any turtleneck, high neck crew or a strapless neckline.

 

Whether you go with a full Princess Diana lace or sailor inspiration or a little Peter Pan nod, it’s a fun way to add something unexpected to your wardrobe.  Have you tried the statement collar yet?

Fall Trend Flare Jeans

If you still love your skinny jeans, aren’t feeling the tapered mom jean, but still want to try something new for Fall, pick up a flare jean.  They’re universally flattering, balancing out curvy hips and lengthening the legline.  And they come in several different varieties for all kinds of body types.
A classic flare jean is fitted through the waist, skinny through the thigh, then flared from knee to ankle. You can find them almost anywhere this season and the bigger the flare, the more dramatic the look. Unlike the versions prevalent in the early 2000’s, the over exposing low rise has been swapped out for a tummy tucking high rise.

Your leanest most elongating option is a pointy toe boot or mule.  Even if it’s a flat, it’s going to extend your legline.  A lace up boot is a really fun option with the kick flare (or a cropped flare), which will show off the details.  While it’s still warm I’ll pair a lot of these with mules, then transition to a full boot when the temperature drops.  Long legs can also pair these with sneakers and high tops, but make sure you pick a streamlined minimal sole rather than a thick clunky running shoe.

The main difference between a flare jean and a bootcut is the drama.  A flare has a narrower thigh and wider flare, the bootcut diminishes that difference. The bootcut is great if you don’t want to squeeze your thighs and/or want a timeless look.

My favorite silhouette is as comfy as it is flattering.  The sailor-inspired wide-leg looks great with a tucked-in blouse and smart shoes. It’s fitted around the waist but relaxed and draped through the rest of the leg.