10 Things to Transform Your Look in 2015
A new year is all about a new you, right? But when it comes to fashion, overhauling an entire wardrobe isn’t necessarily a viable—or desirable—option. Instead of taking that dusty old adage to heart, try working one, two, or three of these of-the-moment pieces into your rotation for a subtle upgrade.
A fine-gauge turtleneck sweater. Thanks to trend-setting Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere’s obsession with the 1970s, the era’s fashions suddenly feel new again. For instance, a form-fitting turtleneck sweater in a fine-gauge knit works as well as on its own as it does as a layering piece under slip dresses and sweatshirts. You can’t go wrong with Topshop’s ribbed version, $58, in basic black.
A Loewe handbag. We declared Loewe creative director J.W. Anderson the designer of 2014, and with reason. While his gender-bending runway looks might be more about the concept and less about everyday wear, his accessories for the Spanish leather goods house are turning into must-haves. Anderson’s newly-minted It bags include the “Flamenco” – a shoulder bag with jumbo knot drawstrings – and the “Puzzle”, a collapsible style inspired by the sharp edges of geometry. If you plan on investing in a good bag this year, make it a Loewe.
Flares. The skinny jean might be a wardrobe staple, but it’s time to find some room in your closet for wide-leg denim. Gap’s standard “Long & Lean” style, $69.95, looks cool once again, while MiH offers a retro-tinged option with the stretch-denim “Marrakech”, $265. Plus, the seventies-inspired silhouette will look great with your new skinny turtleneck.
Something gingham. From Michael Kors to Dior, gingham ruled the runway this season. Worried that the nostalgic print is a little too “white picket fence” for your taste? With his sexy Spring 2015 collection, New York designer Joseph Altuzarra proved that a picnic check doesn’t have to come off as saccharine. Carven’s pique cotton polo dress, $290, is even a little sporty.
Culottes. Sure, they might be the ultimate in man-repelling fashion. But these crazy-wide trousers can also be incredibly flattering, whittling in the waist to create an hourglass silhouette. Designers including Alice + Olivia’s Stacey Bendet and Stella McCartney agree. The key is to wear these billowy, cropped pants as if they were a skirt. ASOS’ bonded jersey culottes, $85.28, look on point paired with white sneakers and a cropped t-shirt, while Nasty Gal’s “Elan” pants – on sale for $25.50 – are dressy enough to wear to a cocktail party.
An obi-style belt. Japan’s iconic obi wrap has served as a major high-fashion inspiration for the past few seasons, tying up waists on runways ranging from Edun to Alexander McQueen to Rochas. Now it’s time to try it IRL. While Zara offers a glammed-up beaded version of the traditional belt, on sale for $25.99, minimalists might prefer indie designer Shaina Mote’s black tank dress, marked down to $207.90 at Seattle boutique Totokaelo.
Alison Lou’s smiley-face stud. Fine jewelry is experiencing something of a boom: new designers are cropping up at record pace, offering inspired alternatives to more traditional diamond purveyors. For instance, New York-based designer Alison Lou brings plenty of humor to a typically serious category with emoji-inspired motifs. And at $300, her single smiley-face stud – made of 14-karat gold, with diamond eyes – is an option for those of us who thought fine (read: crazy expensive) jewelry was out of reach.
Cargo-anything. Designerslike Marc Jacobs and Rodarte are once again adding military-inspired exposed pockets to anoraks and trousers. J.Crew’s long field jacket, $198, offers a classic take on the look, while Alexander Wang’scoated cargo-pocket dress, $798, spins the concept in a more modern direction.
A choker. This ‘90s throwback made multiple runway appearances over the past few seasons, from Chanel to Dior to Coach to Carven. But 2015 is the year to actually buy yourself one. Jennifer Fisher’s silver-plated brass knot choker, $495 at Editorialist, is the kind of thing you’ll wear daily; it looks equally as fetching with a white-t-shirt as it does a black cocktail dress. For something a bit novel – and nostalgic, for those of us who grew up in the Melrose Place era – try Topshop’s velvet choker, $22.
The one-shoulder dress. Often relegated to cheesy nightclubs, the one-shoulder dress is cool again. From Jill Stuart to Rosie Assoulin, designers embraced the silhouette for spring 2015, avoiding the disco trap by showing one-shoulder tops and frocks in crisp cottons, luxurious silks, and pop-y prints. New York-based brand Apiece Apart’s pared down version, $365 at Diani, is the perfect wedding-guest dress, while ASOS’ floral style, on sale for $51.17, will be a summer 2015 go-to.
