The Case for Contrast
Graphic tees with silk, track pants with ruffles, and why opposites usually make the better outfit
Consider this post a continuation of last week’s. The boot saga continues, so does the tee layering, and apparently I've developed a thing for sunset color palettes. Nothing groundbreaking, just a handful of things that have been making outfits feel more interesting lately.
Last week I couldn’t stop layering tanks over tees. Naturally, that spiraled into reaching for actual sweater vests over tees this week. It’s the same idea, just with a little more texture. An easy way to layer in the summer without adding much warmth.
The purple and red combination feels like an evolution of last week’s sunset palette. Same idea, just a little moodier. Less sunset, more dusk.
One more thing to notice: I rolled the waistband of the pants down once. It’s a tiny adjustment, but it visually lengthens your torso and changes the proportions of the whole outfit.
ReDone is one of my favorite places to shop in Aspen, and surprisingly one of the better priced ones too. I linked a few pieces I’m loving at the bottom of this post.
This necklace continues to earn its keep. I own it in a few colors and rotate through them constantly.
And yes, I’m mentioning these pants again because I’ve worn them almost every day they are so versatile. I'm wearing the petite length with sneakers and the regular length with sandals and flats. I don't love when the hem just grazes the top of a sneaker. I prefer a little separation unless the pant is intentionally full length. (For reference, I'm 5'5" with shorter legs.)
Spent the afternoon styling at the Goop trunk show, which mostly meant trying on wildly beautiful jewelry. This top feels very Chloé to me. Light, feminine, and easy.
My favorite way to wear this fringe top is actually as a layering piece, letting just the fringe peek out. It gives you all the movement without overwhelming the outfit. This is the summertime, more laid-back version of the formula in the post I'm linking below:
The third piece is what makes the outfit. I like wearing it cinched closed but showing it open below so you can a better view of the top. Also, this top is bump-approved if you're pregnant, and these pants happen to be boot-approved.
I love this bathing suit because it has a hidden underwire. You get the clean look of a bandeau without the dreaded uniboob. I recommend Else bras all the time, but their swimwear deserves just as much attention. The color and pattern are so good.
More tee and long-sleeve layering. I can’t seem to stop. These glasses make every outfit feel cooler.
Pay attention to where your crossbody bag hits. I like mine sitting at my waist because it creates a waistline without actually cinching or tucking anything. It’s a tiny detail that adds shape.
More on the evolution of the sunset palette. Last week was sunset, this week is dusk.
I told you I’d be stealing this top from Jordan after he got it in last week’s post. I love this color combination, and these shoes have been a lifesaver. The leather is incredibly soft and flexible, making them the only heels I can comfortably wear with my toe situation.
I love it just as much with the blazer as without it. A reminder to steal from your man’s closet, or shop for your significant other with yourself in mind.
The sneakers keep this from feeling too sweet.
I rolled the waistband down to hike the pants up a bit and show more ankle. A little glimpse of skin is especially flattering with a closed-toe shoe because it creates separation between the hem of the pants and the top of the shoe.
The same goes for a little midriff. Even just a sliver of skin helps break up proportions and is flattering on just about every body type I’ve seen.
More cream and white looks in this post below:
For these pants, I actually pulled them up a bit higher on my waist to make them slightly more cropped.
I’m definitely not supposed to be wearing these shoes with my broken toe, but I had to show you how good they look with these pants. The proportions are just right.
More dusk-inspired palette dressing. I’ve been wearing this bag a lot lately.
I've been wearing a lot of graphic tees with silk and dressier bottoms lately. I love the juxtaposition. The graphic tee keeps the outfit from feeling too precious, while the fancy bottom makes the tee feel intentional instead of casual.
I tucked this tee into my bra line, which I demonstrate in the video below. It's just another option that gives the shirt a little lift and creates soft, natural-looking ruching.
Another version of the fancy-bottom, graphic-tee formula.
Same pants as above, but this time I wore them lower on my hips so they fall full length. It’s a good reminder that where you wear your pants can completely change the proportions of an outfit without changing the outfit itself.
More sunset colors.
These hair ties are cute enough to double as bracelets, so I never bother taking them off.
This mousse comes with me everywhere. It’s my one can’t-live-without hair product. In the morn, I just re-wet a few pieces, work in a little mousse, and my waves come back to life.
Another example of Le Sandwich. You know this formula by now: feminine top, track pants, feminine shoes. It's one of my favorites because each piece pulls the others in a different direction, and somehow it all feels more balanced because of it.
Another pair of pants I can't say enough good things about is the Winslow by Tibi. They come in different fabrics depending on the vibe you're after, but the cut is what keeps me coming back. I always feel good in it.
Just got this bag and I'm already carrying it nonstop. I love Kavu bags because they bring a sporty, slightly outdoorsy feel to an outfit. I almost always prefer that bit of tension over everything looking perfectly matched.
Rewearing this beautiful ruffle tie top for another dinner look, this time with distressed jeans. I love pairing something romantic with something a little rougher. It keeps the outfit from leaning too far in either direction.
What Else I’m Loving & Recommending This Week
1. Another pair of track pants I own and love. Roll down the waistband and pair with a t-shirt for the perfect cute-but-lazy type of day outfit.
2. & 6. I’m obsessed with the way Literary Sport is styling their pieces. Everything feels fresh because there's almost always a sporty element mixed with something more refined. It's a good reminder that sporty pieces aren't just for looking athletic. They're one of the easiest ways to tone down an outfit and make it feel more relaxed, lived in, and interesting.
3. & 5. I’ve been shopping around Aspen and I found both of these tanks at the local Re/Done. They're simple, versatile summer tops at a really good price point, and exactly the kind of pieces I know I'll reach for over and over.
4. This is a new addition to my skincare routine, and I'm already impressed. I'm only on day five as I write this, but my skin has been feeling noticeably tighter and smoother. I use it under my moisturizer in place of my usual serum.
7. I always have this in my bag and find it really helpful for carrying Advil or allergy meds.
8. My obsession with Chan Luu runs deep. I saw someone wearing these recently and now they’re in my cart.
9. My favorite clean laundry detergent.
10. I’ve linked to this amazing Róhe piece before - it’s on sale for an insane deal right now.
11. These boots are so good for summer into fall.
12. The bra I recommend to all of my clients and friends, in the perfect orange color which has been making me happy lately.
That's it for this week. I hope one of these outfits or little styling ideas gives you something new to try. As always, let me know if you have any sizing or styling questions in the comments. See you next Friday.
xx Kelly
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Dutifully ordered bracelets and got on pants waitlist like a good Kelly disciple should. Also RED. SUIT. SITUATION. 🔥
A bikini from Else is on its way to me as I write this - I will definitely report back here.