You might love poring over runway looks on your favorite fashion websites and glossies, but that doesn't always mean those styles translate into wearable items for everyday. For those determined to pull off difficult trends like socks with sandals, leather in heat, and, yes, sweatpants, we've asked a few style gurus to offer tips on how to do it.
Lightweight Leather
Seen at Zero + Maria Cornejo, Celine and Loewe
Zero + Maria Cornejo (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Getty Images), Celine (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Loewe (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)
From designer Phoebe Philo's much-copied leather t-shirt at Celine to Stuart Vevers' perforated and ruffle leather skirt at Loewe, leather for warm weather is everywhere. But how do you pull off such a subversive fabric against bare skin? Particularly in the sweaty summer? Ali Privitera, author of popular style advice blog Three Inch Heels, suggests "Lightweight leather looks best paired with other textures. Denim, of course, but also silk, ruffles, and cotton. I especially love the way a ladylike dress with a small pattern looks with a cropped leather jacket." And most importantly: Keep things simple. "if you choose a leather mini (or even shorts), pair it with a camping style white blouse tucked in," she says. "Also, flats look best with these styles."
Some lightweight looks from eBay: New Temperley Medieval Waistcoat (buy it now price, $795) The ruffles lend it a feminine vibe. BCBG Max Azria Shell Pink Leather Skirt (current bid, $19.99) Privitera loves this soft pink color for spring. New Valentino Soft Pink Leather Shorts (buy it now price, $379.99) Here's the soft pink again—this time in the season's most popular silhouette for shorts.
Socks with Sandals
Seen at Dior, Burberry and Chloe
Burberry (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images), Christian Dior (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Chloe (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)
Socks with sandals might be the most difficult of this tough trend triumvirate to pull off. Why? Because, unless you live in a world of fashion elites, people might still think it looks a bit weird. But who cares? Jordana Bruner, a public relations exec, says that it's possible to pull off. Bruner runs Clutch 22, a fashion and shopping blog that recently got her noticed by AOL's Stylelist. She went on to compete in the fashion site's competition for America's Most Stylish blogger.
There are two different ways Bruner suggests rocking the look: "The first is in line with Dior—take a dressy peep-toe wedge and wear with mesh socks that come up to your ankles," she says. "To add a little edge, wear a sheer patterned sock." The second, if your style is a bit more daring, is to try a chunky pair of sandals with a bold-colored or floral-printed sock. "For the rest of the look, you've got to show some leg to get the full effect," says Bruner. "One piece of advice for my fellow short-legged ladies—elongate your legs by sticking with sheer neutral tones for the socks."
A few sandal/wedge options: New Miu Miu Open Toe Wedge Pump (sold for $200) Bruner says that this style would look good matched with a Dior-inspired black sheer sock. New Pierre Hardy Multi-Colored Sandal (starting bid, $175) These will look good with a scrunchy pair of grey socks. New Nine West Dimsum Sandal (buy it now price, $49.99) A bright sock will work with this tough style.
Sweatpants
Seen at Diane von Furstenburg, Rag & Bone, and Alexander Wang
Diane von Furstenburg (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz), Rag & Bone (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Alexander Wang (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)
They might look sloppy when not done right, but when they are done right, we can't help but love high-fashion sweatpants.
When it comes to wearing sweatpants in more formal situations than, say, when you are doing laundry, the best way to make it work is to keep it simple. "Play off the harem pant look and find a pair that is slouchy up top and tighter around the calves down to the ankle," says Bruner of Clutch 22. "Wear them with a semi-fitted graphic tee, a chain necklace and chunky wedges. And to keep warm during chilly spring nights, wear a long fitted cardigan over top." She also suggests sticking with subtle colors, such as black and marled grey. Whatever you do, don't wear a super-loose top. "If you mix baggy with baggy, you'll look like a bag."
Sweating it out on eBay: Etoile by Isabel Marant Sweatpants (winning bid, $190.49) The pair that started the trend still rocks. Alexander Wang Baby Blue Sweatpants (current bid, $89.99) Wear these with a black blazer, black chunky shoes and a fitted black tee. Jennifer Moore Grey Swetpants (starting bid, $0.99) Cut these off at the bottom and roll up the ragged seam for cute, casual shorts. Great with a big white button down.
Lauren Sherman is a fashion and culture writer based in Brooklyn. She currently works as an editor at Fashionista.com.
