The Art of Hi-Lo Dressing
Have you ever found yourself wanting to add some spice to your outfits? Well, have you tried mixing and matching unexpected pieces together that leave people questioning what your day job is? I'm sure you’ve flirted with the concept in the past…. Perhaps a mini skirt with a seasonally mismatched pair of Uggs? A pair of leggings...under a dress?Contrary to popular belief, this concept is not exclusive to middle school microtrends of 2007. Pairing unexpected pieces together is a great way to give an outfit some edge and seem more styled and intentional. Using this method to create juxtaposition within my looks is definitely one of my favorite ways to experiment with my style. I like it so much, that I went ahead and styled 5 looks that are a more updated take on what we were wearing to the 7th grade dance.
September 12, 2023
5 Outfits that Will Inspire you to Wear Crocs with an Evening Gown
"Vegas" Zoe Lives to See Another Day
When I impulsively booked a trip to Vegas this past May, I had no choice but to also impulse purchase this gorgeous GUIZO micro-mini I’d been eyeing for a while (available on BARO) so that Vegas Zoe (my alter ego) could reach her full potential. This skirt played an incredibly critical role when it came to charming promoters to get into VIP sections and jumping on couches at the club during the Chainsmokers concert.
Even though I am sadly no longer living it up in Sin City, a little part of Vegas Zoe still lives within me, encouraging me to style this skirt in a more casual way to get even more wear out of it.
So here you have it, a ZZ x Vegas Zoe collab! The skirt obviously feels a bit more “special,” so pairing it with a graphic tee and a sneaker dresses it down while still feeling fun and glamorous. This look would make for a cool going out outfit, or even something you could wear to a concert or music festival.
And remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! And put it all on red! Or black!
Being Mysterious and Also Professional
Oversized button ups have been having a resurgence over the past few seasons, and we’ve seen designers like Margiela, Acne Studios, and Prada reinterpreting them in cool, innovative ways. Safe to say, the fashion girls have officially reclaimed the button up so that they no longer feel exclusive to our dads and Wall Street Bros.
For this look, I paired my oversized button up from The Frankie Shop with a pair of magenta nylon shorts, a contrasting sock, and a chunky loafer. I like this outfit because it has the people wondering, “who is this girl? Is she an extremely professional business woman or a marathon runner from the 80’s?”
And while I am only one of those things (I won’t tell you which one) The mystery creates intrigue, while exuding an essence of what can only be described as refined and effortless!
You Can Now Refer to Me as; "Jenna Rink, Big Time Magazine Editor"
I think my affinity for fashion can partially be traced back to seeing 13 Going on 30 for the first time in 2004 when I was inspired by Jenna Rink’s accidental and iconic nightgown/jacket combo. If you aren’t familiar, it’s time to grow up and watch what can only be referred to as a cinematic masterpiece.
Pairing this lace slip dress (available on BARO) with my structured men's blazer offers a contrast that creates a harmonious blend of classic femininity and masculinity.
Though wearing sleepwear beyond the confines of home may defy convention, I think it creates opportunity to redefine the purpose of pieces in your wardrobe, and allows you to experiment with styling them in unexpected ways. Plus - you’re nap ready all day!
No Pants? No Problem!
When I first got this top Cecilie Bahnsen Top (available on BARO), I found that I wasn’t quite sure how to style it. In Bahnsen’s lookbooks, her tops are usually styled with a baggy pant or a skirt that is equally as voluminous. However, I ended up going in a different direction with this look, and leaned into the fact that one time when I wore it someone told me I “looked like I was wearing a dress that was way too short for me.”
Paired with some “barely there” shorts, this outfit gives the illusion that I am not wearing any pants, touching on the coveted “no pants trend” seen on many recent runways. Though, this taboo trend has existed long before it was debuted in Miu Miu’s F/W 2023 collection, adorned by the likes of 60’s style icon Edie Sedgwick, and displayed in Vivienne Westwood's Runway shows during the 90’s.
The addition of cowboy boots adds a contrast to the overall look. While some might question whether I have any grasp of what is appropriate (spoiler: I don't), I love pushing the boundaries of fashion practicality. This outfit sparks curiosity and conversation, reminding us that fashion is all about defying norms and having fun with our personal style.
Another Day of Stayin Warm and Lookin Cool
I am here to spread awareness for a cause that is very close to my heart: not feeling confined to jackets that “match” your outfit, especially when it comes to occasionwear!
Just because I’m wearing a sheer dress (available on BARO) that’s a bit sexy and skimpy, does not mean I should feel inclined to wear outerwear that encompasses the same aesthetic.
Pairing this delicate dress with my bright yellow, fleece-lined Harrington jacket automatically makes the look more interesting because it creates juxtaposition. This is also a great tool for when you want wear something that doesn’t align with the current weather forecast. I get to stay warm and look hot at the same time. In the words of Hannah Montana, “You get the best of both worlds!”
