Haute Phoenix: One Piece, Two Ways
Welcome to the Haute Phoenix and apologies for taking so long to pull this together! This is where I’ll share my love of all things sartorial: styling inspo, tips, highlighting favorite designers — the list goes on! Feel free to email me with any questions or suggestions as the blog progresses!
To kick things off, I thought we could start with something simple: how can you take one piece and use it as your secret weapon to showcase different sides of your personality? Because that’s what fashion is all about: understanding yourself (and shifting moods) then using style as a way to express it.
The piece: a classic pair of cut-offs: a staple for every closet, especially when the temperature soars. Distressed demin shorts are historically chill, but wear a pair in a black/grey wash and they instantly become rock n’ roll chic. Keep the vibe going with a darker tee, such as a flowy vintage band top. If you pair with a lighter top, you’re veering into a more beachy/preppy vibe (see what I mean?). I could always throw on a pair of black combat boots or black Converse if I’m feeling low-key, but I was in the mood to spice things up with a pop of color! Accessories are the easiest way to transform and/or elevate an outfit. Think bright shoes, lips, or jewelry. Makes the outfit chill, easy, but memorable.
Here we are with another pair of cut-offs (same designer, slightly different style): still super chill, but even with the distressing, the bright white leans beachy/preppy. The over-sized pale button down is another classic/preppy staple, but when you wear it open and tied at the waist, it becomes relaxed. And don’t forget the accessories trick: I regularly tie a bandana to one of my front loop holes (works on baggy jeans, too) if something doesn’t feel quite like me: it adds a pop of color and some personality. Also convenient for travel if you need something to cover your neck or face! The yellow slides add playfulness. They’re unexpected, yet pair well with any neutrals.
The piece: pleated summer skirt: I love a short skirt with swing! Nothing too short, but definitely above the knees. It’s flirty without making me feel uncomfortable. The pleats are classic, but the bright red makes it modern and sporty. On hot summer days, I love pairing this skirt with a structural bodysuit or a beautiful one-piece bathing suit. Want to add some sophistication? Just add a blazer and low boots or heels, then toss the jacket when you’re ready to play. I paired this with some funky hightop to pull away from the classic, preppy nature of the skirt. Why? For me, wearing a mix of traditionally masculine and feminine pieces strikes the perfect balance. Always do a mood check: does this style represent my inner feelings and am I comfortable (ALWAYS be comfortable, because THAT is inherently sexy).
Pleated summer skirt: Again, I don’t identify as overly classic or preppy, so adding a half-tucked graphic tee immediately brings me back to my trusty rock n’ roll style. The font on this shirt reminds me of the Detroit Tigers, so check: a little bit sporty (remember, equal balance of classic feminine and masculine). That allowed me to wear the Oxford slides — easily too preppy when paired with pleats, but well balanced with the tee. Also: hair natural and down. Easy and relaxed.
The piece: sheer black skirt. This look can feel intimidating, but it just takes some thought! I wanted to wear this cropped white top, but showing my mid-drift and legs felt like too much, so I added a tight black romper underneath. It’s a great illusion because my torso now looks longer (yay!), and I get the playfulness of a crop top. I decided to lean more street-vibe and add black and white Nike Dunks (always a good idea) with some simple gold chains. I added my favorite graphic canvas bag and felt like a million bucks. Perfect summer outfit.
Sheer black skirt take two: I could have used the black romper again, but I also recommend getting some black biker shorts. They save me from feeling overly exposed, but still keep the nice line of seeing legs. Because this is a high-waisted skirt, I always go for a crop (like this vintage Nike tee), but added my platform sneakers as Nike on Nike felt a little overdone. That being said, some badass heels would be money here. I love wearing heels when I have sporty elements (the Nike tee, even think slim joggers or track pants). A necklaces would distract too much from the graphic element of the tee, so I tied half of my hair back and added some big-ass hoops (note: another excellent accessory staple to put on whenever you want to feel ‘special’).
