Styling winter trends two ways! From weekend casual to date night chic.
look 1: scarf | velvet blazer | shirt | velvet pants | oxfords | c/o handbag | c/o earrings |cuff | sunglasses
look 2: faux fur stole | velvet blazer | satin camisole | velvet pants | c/o heels |c/o earrings | cuff
So these two looks probably look incredibly familiar as I’ve shared a couple of shots from each via Instagram over the last couple of weeks. As well as, a couple of peeks here in my review + travel guide for The Duke Mansion. Now, I am finally getting around to sharing them here on Louella Reese! Which I’m very happy about because they’re two of my favorite looks recently including some winter trends that are pretty popular right now!
Velvet and faux fur are EVERYWHERE right now. We can agree on that, right? Faux fur stoles are huge as our faux fur lined hoods and collars for coats. Additionally, faux fur coats themselves are pretty big. Which is great because all of these pieces add a great deal of warmth and quite the cozy factor. Not to mention, faux fur instantly steps your look up a notch or two. Taking it from simple to chic immediately!
Velvet, much like faux fur, is being used for so many articles of clothing. From blazers to pants to dresses, too. Also, like faux fur, velvet is a little warmer than traditional cotton and adds a touch of elegance to your look.
For these two looks, I kind of went all out. Layering winter trends on top of one another or layering the same trend {velvet on velvet}. To me, they’re both fun and were so much fun to wear! With trends, it’s easy to go overboard but I think you also need to have fun with them. That kind of the point of trends in my mind. They’re something different, typically won’t be around for too many seasons, and a great way to express your personality/personal style.
Tips for Styling Trends
Limit Yourself
Limit yourself to one or two trends per look. If you pile on more then too you’re going to look too trendy {not a good thing}. You one those one to two trends to take center stage. Which would not be possible if you’re head to toe trends. Pick your statement pieces/trends then allow the rest of your look to remain pretty neutral.
example: in the more casual look, I kept my accessories neutral {oxfords, handbag, and scarf} and my shirt is a simple white button down {the perfect canvas to build off of}. For the dressier look, I again when neutral with my accessory {heels} and my camisole is plain and a very light blush hue.
Choose Colors that Compliment
When choosing two trends to pair together, you want those trends to actually pair together. To complement one another. The easiest way to do this is choose pieces that have similar colors or colors that pair together very nicely. Here is a great guide for choosing colors that pair well together.
example: with both looks, I paired velvet on velvet. While this is one trend, I still need to choose colors that complimented one another. Since the velvet blazer had a touch of blue in it, I reached for pants of a similar shade. While they weren’t a perfect match, the color looks gorgeous with the hunter green and still blends well with the blue in the blazer. Additionally, rather than choose a bright faux fur stole or one of another color, I opted for the same hunter green shade. The faux fur stole still pops but it doesn’t completely steal the show from the velvet pieces or overwhelm the look {which would have happened if I went for a brighter shade – pink, orange, or red}.
Make Sure they are Flattering
I think we all know this but JUST in case, choose trends and styles that flatter you and your shape. Not all trends work for all people. Which is 100% okay and expected. Some trends that work for you would totally not work for your BFF and vice versa. Therefore, make sure the trend you are styling really works for you before investing in the trend. The best way to do this, try on several variations of the trend. If you’re reaching for velvet, maybe the pants don’t work for you but you could totally rock a velvet top or velvet sneakers. There are so many variations out there of every trend, try them, take funny photos in the mirror, and see which one you like best on you! Pick what you feel most comfortable in.
example: I tried a velvet wrap dress on prior to these pants + blazer. It was TERRIBLE. I mean so bad! I was about to skip the pants all together due to the dress being a disaster but figured, I’m in the fitting room, changing already, I might as well try them. Thankful I did, these pants are my new favorite. Ridiculously comfortable and so fun to wear! However, I would have never known I could wear velvet pants and would have thought no, if I didn’t try them.
I am seriously crushing on that green velvet. So gorgeous on you!
Isn’t it fabulous? I had to have it the second I saw it. Thanks so much Anna!
xo Laura Leigh
I love the coat, it looks super cute!
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Thanks gal! It’s incredibly warm too.
xo Laura Leigh
I can’t get over how gorgeous this green is! It is definitely your color! and that faux fur stole is just stunning!
Aw thank you so much Maggie! It’s become my favorite color over the past couple of months. You need this faux fur stole – it’d look amazing on you.
xo Laura Leigh
Loving these outfits – such simple changes make the biggest difference!
Aw thanks Emily! I love showing how to wear items several ways as I know people don’t buy items to just wear once, one way {most of the time ha}.
xo Laura Leigh
This is such a helpful post! Great looks girl!
xx,
Lauren
Lauren Elyce
Aw thanks Lauren! So happy you found it to be helpful.
xo Laura Leigh
I am obsessed with that green velvet on you! It’s so gorgeous both ways you have it styled!
x, B || http://www.brianaanderson.com
Thank you so much gal!!! So sweet of you. The blazer is just too much fun to wear + style.
xo Laura Leigh
OBSESSED with that velvet blazer and those loafers. Need both in my closet now!
xo jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Completely agree lady! Especially the loafers. They are so versatile and a fun change from typical boots or flats.
xo Laura Leigh
Choosing complimenting colors is key with mixing textures! I would never have thought to style that blazer with the oxfords, but I love them together!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Couldn’t agree more. Aw yay!! Thank you!
xo Laura Leigh
That green is stunning on you and that coat looks so comfortable! That scarf is perfect for those cold days!
Thank you so much Laura! It is incredibly comfortable and surprisingly very warm. Oh, I couldn’t recommend that scarf enough. Such a great purchase.
xo Laura Leigh
In love with this velvet piece girl!! & i love the color, so beautiful!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks Kileen! It was one of those HAD to have pieces.
xo Laura Leigh
It’s not very often that I say I NEED something – but I think I NEED that velvet cardi! It’s seriously the prettiest ever and the color is beyond stunning. I love both ways you styled it, but I think the date night look wins my heart!
Aw yay!!!! Happy to hear someone else feels the same about this velvet coat. It is life, right?! Thank you so much gal!
xo Laura Leigh
Girl both options are so flawless! You in green is money!!
Aw you’re so sweet!! Thanks so much Ruthie!!
xo Laura Leigh
Velvet is probably one of my favorite trends. I love this post and how YOU’VE styled everything.
Xo,
Steph
@trendyInindy
Aw thank you Steph! I really appreciate that gal. I’m right there with you on the velvet trend, I love it.
xo Laura Leigh
love this green hue! the mix of texture is perfect!
Xo Mindy amixofmin.com
Thank you gal! The green is my new favorite hue.
xo Laura Leigh