What They Wore: Dog Walking

If dogs are man's best friend, then surely these photos prove they've moved on to become woman's best accessory. After all, the stylish set is always spotted with their four-legged friends in tow, indicating that puppy love's a must-have for every season. And, as these ladies prove, dog walking is just another of life's many activities for which one can dress to impress (casually, of course). Whether you opt for a brightly colored dress, à la Melissa George and Kirsten Dunst, or pick a transitional-weather top, like Olivia Palermo and Selma Blair, just follow in their fashionable footsteps to ensure you never find yourself in the sartorial doghouse. And now, without further ado, let's parse this well-dressed pack and let them show us how to get ready for a walk in the park. The dog park, that is...



Naomi Watts
This yummy mummy of two never fails to amaze with her perpetually chic, purposefully casual style. Seen out and about in Manhattan with her cute canine, the Australian actress looked anything but dull in her many shades of gray. To recreate her layered look you need three key pieces: an oversized scarf, simple pair of wide-leg pants, and some classic sneaks. We like the Matta Dupatta Scarf ($165) for its tassel-details and Joie's Hampton Wide Leg Trousers ($198) in linen, which are an excellent warm-weather update of Watts' pick! Finish the whole thing off by getting your paws on Watt's exact shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Denim Ox ($64) sneakers.

Rachel Bilson
Rachel Bilson is always a shining style-star, even when juggling animal, vegetable, and mineral—or in this case, her pup Thurman Murman, iced tea, and Lanvin Ballet Flats ($530)! We appreciate her eye for excellent essentials, which she demonstrated by mixing a Brian Reyes Pleated Blouse ($885) with Goldsign's Misfit Super Stretch Jeans ($228). Although Bilson's top is no longer available in stores, you can steal some of her sartorial magic with MaxStudio's Pleated Blouse ($128). Much like Bilson's pick, this top boasts similar architectural details, while the semi-sheer silk gives it the same lightweight look. And don't forget her outfit's biggest treat—the shoes—that add the perfect pop of color and brighten a standard jeans-and-top combo. We like the Charlotte Russe Satin Ballet Flats ($19) for a Lanvin-esque look at a Lanvin-less price.

Selma Blair
Fashion-industry favorite Selma Blair is beloved for her quirky style, which she recently demonstrated with a Wink (that's her dog's name!) and a smile. The actress showed us how to mix-and-match prints with flair when she paired a uniquely embroidered blouse with a patterned Miu Miu Knee-Length Skirt ($201). Blair's shirt is vintage, but you can create the same sensation with Due Per Due's Short Sleeve Gauze Top ($128) or for a brighter take, try Topshop's Cutwork Back Blouse ($80). Though not everyone will opt for heels for such activities (to be fair, Blair is leaving a fancy lunch at the Chateau Marmont), please note that you can get her exact Christian Louboutin No Prive 90 Heels ($795) or pick up Pelle Moda's Vintage Pumps ($187) in tan eel skin instead. The last thing you need to snag Blair's independent starlet style? A covetable pair of Nina Ricci Vintage Inspired Oversized Glasses ($235)!

Olivia Palermo
Whether it's a big night out with the girls or just a quick jaunt with her pooch, Mr. Butler, Olivia Palermo always looks camera-ready and perfectly pulled together. We admire how she's reinterpreted the suit with a vest-and-shorts-combo, a duo that gets an extra dose of fun with a posey-patterned blouse. You can capture Palermo's sartorial Soho sensibilities and her exact outfit by combining Siwy's Carmen Trouser Shorts ($152), with Diane von Furstenberg's Marla Bis Top ($158) in Posey, and Club Monaco's Georgia Vest ($99).

Melissa George
After her traumatic break-up on Intervention and a botched surgery over at Grey's Anatomy, Melissa George is definitely in need of some canine therapy and fresh ocean air. So what does this Aussie choose when she's outside the (onscreen) doctor's office, enjoying all Malibu has to offer? A bright vintage maxi-dress finished off with a gilded shoe. The sweet 1930s sundress is a one-of-a-kind piece from The Way We Wore; however, you can approximate George's brilliant look with Kimchi Blue's Tube Gauze Dress ($48), which has the added plus of no strap tan lines! As for your footwear, we think that Steve Madden's Seeri Sandals ($50) will give you the perfect touch of shimmer on a sunny day. Tote your towel and bathing suit in your Longchamp Le Pliage Bag ($125) à la George and you're ready to stroll through Cross Creek with your furry friend.

Kirsten Dunst
The current face of Boy by Band of Outsiders' Spring 2009 campaign, Kirsten Dunst is known for her simple style and subtle flair, which usually results in a superb sartorial outcome. Out in Hollywood with her guard-worthy dog, Dunst impressed us again with her personal spin on a basic wardrobe choice when she opted for a t-shirt dress in a sour apple shade of green, which she deftly accessorized with a statement belt. Approximate Dunst's insouciant style by picking up American Apparel's Short Sleeve Tunique ($36) and cinching it with an interlocking belt with an interesting buckle. We like the Kimchi Blue Wide Bow Belt ($34) in kelly green or the Butterfly Stretch Belt ($24) from Urban Outfitters for its kitschy hardware clasp. Finish the look with Dunst's choice of Frye Jacey Sandals ($152) and you're ready for a cool stroll with your companion of choice.—Liza Kaplan