Petite Fashion Challenge #2: Wear It Now, Wear It Later

The challenge:

In honor of the fast approaching cool, fall weather, what better way to get ready than to find ways to make your wardrobe do double duty. Pick at least one item in your closet (not jeans, that’s too easy!), and create two outfits, one for spring/summer, and one for fall/winter.

Oh boy. I get so excited about these challenges, but when push comes to shove, I err on the side of neutrals.

Most of my clothes do double duty already so I don’t have many strictly seasonal clothes, not that LA seasons are very dynamic. Still, I wanted to give it a try and show how my clothes can work for warmer and cooler weather.

For this challenge, I picked a cream-colored silk blouse.

I had to break my shopping ban to pick up this top from the Alexa Chung collection for Madewell. It was too pretty to pass up and I’ve been dreaming of a great silk blouse for the longest time. Even though this is a relatively easy staple item, I figured I would dress it up in a way that is a play on menswear.

Summer Outfit – Wear Now

Outfit Details: Alexa Chung for Madewell silk blouse – XS, Banana Republic shorts – 4, American Eagle belt, DIY necklace (friend’s gift), Steve Madden Tuxxedo oxford flats

The color of the blouse doesn’t exactly scream summer, but the billowy top is great for warmer days. Paired with some high-waisted shorts, it adds that vintage kick that I want.

I don’t usually wear short shorts unless it’s over 90 degrees like it is currently. Instead, I usually wear mom shorts…literally. It’s kind of crazy how ridiculous size inflation has become since these shorts from Banana Republic are size 4 and I can barely fit into the 00 now.

The oxford flats adds that menswear inspired element that makes the look very contemporary.

Autumn Outfit – Wear Later

Outfit Details: Alexa Chung for Madewell silk blouse – XS, Madewell skinny jeans – 24, Bitten by SJP vest – S, Free People watch pendant, Corso Como boots

As a transitional outfit into Fall, I switched out the shorts for pants and donned on my riding boots. For additional warmth, I added a corduroy vest for texture. Equestrian no?

Outfit Details: Alexa Chung for Madewell silk blouse – XS, Bitten by SJP vest – S, Banana Republic Martin plaid trousers – 0P, Zara faux suede blazer-XS,  Dolce & Gabbana pumps

In Autumn, layering is a common occurrence, so adding a blazer paired with the vest gives it a strong masculine edge. But the overall look is clearly feminine and it’s a great work outfit too.

Simple, easy, and stylish.

What do you think?

A Sneak Peek

Later tonight is the second round of the Petite Fashion Challenge hosted by Kelly of AlterationsNeeded. I don’t want to give away my whole look, so this is just a quick glimpse of what’s coming up.

If you couldn’t tell already, my hair is getting longer and I haven’t stopped by the salon yet. Since it’s been blazing lately, I’m enjoying the shorter hair since I don’t have to tie it up.

Right now, it’s at that stage where I’ve moved away from the Justin Bieber hair to the Alice from Twilight look. Not sure which one I prefer but it’s kind of nice to experiment with this length.

Maybe I’ll even get it curled so it looks wavy.

Do you think I should grow it out or cut it short?

Petite Fashion Challenge #1 – Do a Petite Don’t

For the first Petite Fashion Challenge, I decided to do capris. After all, capri pants are notorious for being unfriendly to petites since they chop off the leg line and could make the legs look shorter.

When I wear capris, I usually pair them with sandals to go the beach. The shorter length of the pant is perfect for tiptoeing in the water without getting your pants wet.

For this specific cut and style of capri pant, there are a couple of plus and minuses to it.

Pros

• The relatively dark wash streamlines the look of the capri pant
• The small flare at the bottom balances out the hips

Cons

• The low rise shortens the leg line
• The cropped length also shortens the leg line

To combat the negative elements of my capri pants, I wear open toed sandals or shoes to elongate the leg line. However, wearing flats can only add so much to the leg line and the proportions are not quite right.

(If I had a more fitted shirt..it might help as long as I don’t fully cover the waistband.)

But what about a weekend brunch outfit with capri pants?

I don’t really dress up for brunch, so I kept the same outfit but changed the shoes. More specifically, I put on a pair of nude wedges. The nude color combined with the additional height of the wedge extends the leg line so that the legs look longer.

If I still want to wear capris, in the future, I’d look for the following elements to get the “best” looking capri pant for my petite stature and body shape:

• A high or mid rise pant
• A small flare at the bottom
• A dark or uniform wash
• A style that cuts close to the body

How about you readers?

Do you wear capris and what elements do you look for?