WWW: Styling Tips
At WhoWhatWear.com, we spend countless hours dissecting celebrity outfits, trying to determine why certain looks are so special, interesting, or just cuter than the rest. While we’ve yet to hit upon a universal truth thus far, we have realized that sometimes all it takes is the addition of a single unexpected or fashion-forward item. Today’s trendsetting muses are great examples of this theory, as they all wonderfully demonstrate of-the-moment looks.
Byrdie Bell
Though leather (or leather-like) leggings are not a new look per se, socialite Byrdie Bell makes them look fresh again. We appreciate the fact that she picked a cropped pair of leather pants; the shorter length lends a little polish to this distinctive piece. But more importantly, we’re quite fond of her uber-distressed top, as it adds a modern touch to the rock’n’roll pants. If you don’t already own a similarly skintight pair, we suggest checking out either Blank’s Skinny Pleather Pants
($78) or Paige Denim’s Rockingham Super Skinny Leather Pants
($595). If you’re hankering for an equally distressed top, definitely check out Alexander Wang’s spring collection, including his Baggy Sweater
($395) and Baggy Long Sleeve Sweater
($595). We know not everyone wants to spend so much on a single piece, so we found additional options. T-shirt aficionados might like Raquel Allegra’s Shredded Tank ($198), while thrifty readers should visit Behind The Seams for DIY instructions on how to create a Wang-inspired thrashed top!
Lou Doillon
As you’ve surely noticed, we have a great love for the classic tux jacket, particularly when it’s worn in a current way. Lou Doillon wore this traditional piece—mixed with silver and white sequins—to an Etam party in Paris and looked exceptionally great. Whether you decide to use a sparkly piece you already own, a vintage piece, or pick up something new (like the drool-inducing Midnight Sequin Dress ($352) by Ksubi or the Bolt Sequin Dress ($93) by WPQ), just balance the glitz with a sober jacket. As far as tuxes go, don’t miss Something’s Knit Jersey Tux Jacket ($156): it’s a killer piece at an excellent price!
Alexa Chung
Though there are many reasons we like Alexa Chung’s style, the tastemaker’s eye for detail definitely tops that list. Seen here at the ELLE Style Awards Party in London, Chung selected a simple white Charles Anastase Silk Sundress ($920) and beautifully understated pair of Luella by Georgina Goodman Anne T-Bar Shoes ($1011), both excellent choices. Of course, what really made this outfit is the jewelry, which transforms what would otherwise be a simple look into something interesting and cool. While Chung’s jumble of long and short necklaces includes an Augustina Jewellery Race Horse Charm ($220), obviously you can use any necklaces and pendants to get your own version of her style. If you’re simply stumped for options, try Arden B.’s Long Rope Necklace ($18) layered with Jami Rodriguez’s Ahoy Charm Necklace
($147), and perhaps throw in Topshop’s Ditzy Teddy Bear Pendant ($40) for a little fun!
Gwyneth Paltrow
One thing we noticed at New York Fashion Week was the preponderance of leather shorts on the runways—they were everywhere! Unsurprisingly, Gwyneth Paltrow’s already ahead of the trend, as she wore a pair by Proenza Schouler to a screening at the Sunshine Cinema. (Curious minds: the rest of her outfit is also Proenza Schouler, save for her bag, which is Tod’s Rounded Bracelet Clutch from their Fall 09 collection.) If you’re ready to swap out your beloved cutoffs for a more luxe pair of leather shorts, there are already a few products on the market. Try either Cheap Monday’s Samantha Leather Short
($90) or Silence & Noise’s All Black Short ($55) for a relatively inexpensive version of the look.
Nicole Richie
We could point out so many amazing things about the ensemble Nicole Richie wore to the Andy Lecompte Salon Party: the amazing custom-made House of Harlow 1960 headpiece, stunning color of her gorgeous Issa Pleat Poncho ($500), or elegant simplicity of her nude Christian Louboutin heels. Though we adore all of these elements, today we must focus on her perfect vintage purse. The neutral snakeskin clutch is exactly what we’re craving right now. It’s an ideal accessory, as it can go with so many different outfits, not to mention the fact that python-print pieces were all over the spring runways. If you don’t have this key item in your wardrobe, you might like Hobo International’s Tango Clutch
($142) or Sondra Roberts New York’s Python Leather Flap Clutch
in Natural ($210). If want a dress reminiscent of Richie’s poncho, try the Issa Silk Jersey Print Dress
($410). Finally, if you’re jonesing for a similar head adornment, her exact accessory is available as a made-to-order piece at the Andy Lecompte Salon (310.273.4100). If you can’t wait for custom, just pick up the very similar House of Harlow 1960 3-Strand Diamond Plate Head Piece ($205), also available at the Andy Lecompte Salon!
Taylor Momsen
Our final styling tip today comes from the fearless Taylor Momsen. The actress continues to play with daring trends—which is appropriate, given her age, and fun to watch—most recently stepping out in a silky Jen Kao Jumpsuit ($1045, available at Curve NY 212.966.3626). The viscose playsuit has a lovely sheen and we like the way the material drapes too; it’s dressy in a completely unexpected way. Most jumpsuits are quite expensive, but Topshop’s got a slew of affordable options. We like the Silk All In One Playsuit ($80), which is available in a few colors, as well as the Helena Silk Playsuit ($90). The latter is a short suit, but it’s equally cute!
Photos of Lou Doillon, Alexa Chung, and Nicole Richie, Getty Images. Photo of Gwyneth Paltrow, Splash News. Photo of Taylor Momsen, WENN.
Byrdie Bell
Though leather (or leather-like) leggings are not a new look per se, socialite Byrdie Bell makes them look fresh again. We appreciate the fact that she picked a cropped pair of leather pants; the shorter length lends a little polish to this distinctive piece. But more importantly, we’re quite fond of her uber-distressed top, as it adds a modern touch to the rock’n’roll pants. If you don’t already own a similarly skintight pair, we suggest checking out either Blank’s Skinny Pleather Pants
Lou Doillon
As you’ve surely noticed, we have a great love for the classic tux jacket, particularly when it’s worn in a current way. Lou Doillon wore this traditional piece—mixed with silver and white sequins—to an Etam party in Paris and looked exceptionally great. Whether you decide to use a sparkly piece you already own, a vintage piece, or pick up something new (like the drool-inducing Midnight Sequin Dress ($352) by Ksubi or the Bolt Sequin Dress ($93) by WPQ), just balance the glitz with a sober jacket. As far as tuxes go, don’t miss Something’s Knit Jersey Tux Jacket ($156): it’s a killer piece at an excellent price!
Alexa Chung
Though there are many reasons we like Alexa Chung’s style, the tastemaker’s eye for detail definitely tops that list. Seen here at the ELLE Style Awards Party in London, Chung selected a simple white Charles Anastase Silk Sundress ($920) and beautifully understated pair of Luella by Georgina Goodman Anne T-Bar Shoes ($1011), both excellent choices. Of course, what really made this outfit is the jewelry, which transforms what would otherwise be a simple look into something interesting and cool. While Chung’s jumble of long and short necklaces includes an Augustina Jewellery Race Horse Charm ($220), obviously you can use any necklaces and pendants to get your own version of her style. If you’re simply stumped for options, try Arden B.’s Long Rope Necklace ($18) layered with Jami Rodriguez’s Ahoy Charm Necklace
Gwyneth Paltrow
One thing we noticed at New York Fashion Week was the preponderance of leather shorts on the runways—they were everywhere! Unsurprisingly, Gwyneth Paltrow’s already ahead of the trend, as she wore a pair by Proenza Schouler to a screening at the Sunshine Cinema. (Curious minds: the rest of her outfit is also Proenza Schouler, save for her bag, which is Tod’s Rounded Bracelet Clutch from their Fall 09 collection.) If you’re ready to swap out your beloved cutoffs for a more luxe pair of leather shorts, there are already a few products on the market. Try either Cheap Monday’s Samantha Leather Short
Nicole Richie
We could point out so many amazing things about the ensemble Nicole Richie wore to the Andy Lecompte Salon Party: the amazing custom-made House of Harlow 1960 headpiece, stunning color of her gorgeous Issa Pleat Poncho ($500), or elegant simplicity of her nude Christian Louboutin heels. Though we adore all of these elements, today we must focus on her perfect vintage purse. The neutral snakeskin clutch is exactly what we’re craving right now. It’s an ideal accessory, as it can go with so many different outfits, not to mention the fact that python-print pieces were all over the spring runways. If you don’t have this key item in your wardrobe, you might like Hobo International’s Tango Clutch
Taylor Momsen
Our final styling tip today comes from the fearless Taylor Momsen. The actress continues to play with daring trends—which is appropriate, given her age, and fun to watch—most recently stepping out in a silky Jen Kao Jumpsuit ($1045, available at Curve NY 212.966.3626). The viscose playsuit has a lovely sheen and we like the way the material drapes too; it’s dressy in a completely unexpected way. Most jumpsuits are quite expensive, but Topshop’s got a slew of affordable options. We like the Silk All In One Playsuit ($80), which is available in a few colors, as well as the Helena Silk Playsuit ($90). The latter is a short suit, but it’s equally cute!
Photos of Lou Doillon, Alexa Chung, and Nicole Richie, Getty Images. Photo of Gwyneth Paltrow, Splash News. Photo of Taylor Momsen, WENN.
Why would you incite people to “invest in neutral snakeskin accessories”? With everything thats going on today about species becoming extinct, the food chain breaking, the world´s weather changing drastically….do you really want to contribute? I love your site, but i think the most fashionable thing, above any leather pants or sequined shirts, is to care, to be healthy, to think about ecology…im sure you’ve proposed organic fabrics, so please think about this.
Posted by: Naian | 2009-03-06 22:23:07
not sure about the leather shorts on gwynnie they look a lil too high and tight for my liking but loving lous look! visit www.abundantclutter.com.
Posted by: abundantclutter | 2009-03-02 17:42:02
Taylor Momsen is always such a little grungy homeless thing, but I dig the jumpsuit. exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com exquisillusiore.blogspot.com
Posted by: Hadley | 2009-03-01 19:37:19
love nicoles dress&shoes but not feeling the headpiece and bag ...taylor moms looks incredibly cool && pulls off this look very well in a way the avg girl could not && i dont know why everyone is ragging on her i think when people are very sucessful at a young age people become envious and want see them put down...the other outfits are ok it looks like theyre trying either to hard to looked mismatched and different or not enough and just through on anything ...
Posted by: v | 2009-03-01 10:17:51
love alexa's dress, so cute and nicole's headband suits her. but i HATE little Js outfit. makes her look homeless
Posted by: victoire | 2009-03-01 08:27:23
shouldn't*
Posted by: a | 2009-03-01 03:13:00
i think everyone looks like they are wearing a costume except for lou and alexa. especially gwyneth. she looks ridiculous. some people should wear trendy clothes if they are not cool. please feature more girls who have a real personal style or a more innate sense of style rather than silly famous women pretending they are edgy.
Posted by: a | 2009-03-01 03:10:55
lol ahhhhhhhhhh!! the leather shorts look SO tacky lol no no no no no, nobody wear leather shorts unless you're SUPER edgey and about to be a model please. Even gwyneth paltrow cant even pull it off..
Posted by: D | 2009-02-28 18:57:44
Tips 4 and 5 are good, but I don't like how the jumpsuit is done all slouchy and grunge. I've seen it done more justice, it looks better when the jumpsuit's a bit more polished http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/37173
Posted by: r | 2009-02-28 14:59:22
Love the post kind of, but are you serious about leather shorts & jumpsuits?!?!! HARDLY GOOD ON REGULAR PEOPLE!!
Posted by: Sasha | 2009-02-28 09:35:48
love this post! alexa & lou always look flawless and i don't know byrdie bell but i'm loving her look 2! (but, i'm sick of seeing taylor momsen...)
Posted by: N | 2009-02-28 06:14:04
Wow Lou Doillon, she is the tops, great cloths and very chic. She has a great range of cloths with Lee Cooper, even better there is a sale on at the moment. Well worth a serious look @ leecooper-online.com
Posted by: steve | 2009-02-28 05:38:36
Everybody looks cute, i heart Nicole's outfit ! i def have a neutral snakeskin purse yay beautyandthestreet.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amber | 2009-02-27 22:02:01
i have nothing nice to say about any of these outfits, but i will say, could alexa get any more beautiful? god, what a face! devine, lucky girl.
Posted by: sarah | 2009-02-27 21:01:11
alexa looks the best. http://proportion.typepad.com
Posted by: haley | 2009-02-27 19:03:18
really like this post!
Posted by: cc | 2009-02-27 17:08:27
i don't know who keeps dressing Taylor Momsen but they seriously need to rethink what they give her to go out in. noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com
Posted by: S | 2009-02-27 13:30:13
I like the look of all of these tips, except perhaps the jumpsuit. Personally I wouldn't wear leather leggings or leather shorts and there's something about snakeskin that weirds me out, but I get the silhouettes. Cute tips.
Posted by: LuLu W-L | 2009-02-27 13:25:48
Love Alexa Chung! She always looks flawless. I'm over seeing Taylor Momsen. How much is her stylist paying you to feature her on this site daily??
Posted by: chloe | 2009-02-27 12:08:23
great tips, especially #2 the blazer. the photo of gwyneth is a terrible example of tip #4. the proportions and just outfit as a whole, not working. sugarrockcatwalk.blogspot.com
Posted by: lani | 2009-02-27 12:01:30
Taylor's amazing. Keep featuring her!! This is an excellent post WWW.
Posted by: LovesGemma | 2009-02-27 10:52:47
Taylor Momsen is nothing more than the work of a stylist. She looks like shes on crack right here. I guess thats what her stylist was going for.
Posted by: sarah | 2009-02-27 10:45:40
Everyone looks great with the exception of Fishticks Paltrow. She is the very definition of trying too hard to be edgy and those shorts give her a fanny pack effect. Gross!
Posted by: redpoint | 2009-02-27 10:43:58
Alexa Chung never gets it wrong, she is a true style icon of today. http://noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com/
Posted by: S | 2009-02-27 09:24:45
Great post. Alexa Chung always looks so amazing. I love love her style. I think Taylor Momsen needs to ease up on the eye liner...
Posted by: Leah | 2009-02-27 09:20:25
Good post, WWW. Most everyone looks great. Taylor's outfit is questionable, but she's so young, she can kind of pull it off. Fishsticks Paltrow has no excuse; those shorts look like the pseudo-rocker version of mom jeans. She gets the hot mess award of the day.
Posted by: T | 2009-02-27 07:49:57
I agree love this post. Everyone's fab except Gwyneth.
Posted by: Erock | 2009-02-27 05:48:50
Really liked this post but would prefer to see a little less of Taylor Momsen. There's something unsettling about her... maybe it's that her eyes are constantly surrounded by black eyeliner or that her hair looks like she's been pulled through a hedge backwards... or that she's only 15!
Posted by: Lauren | 2009-02-27 03:22:11
this is a good one
Posted by: imfirst | 2009-02-27 02:06:12