The Stylist Corner

Layering is essential for the weather in spring! Incorporating a few different jacket and layering options is the best way to manage the ever-changing temperatures. I would suggest that you have the following in your closet:

Denim jacket: AG jeans and Ecru both offer denim jackets in either the classic blue or white denim. Denim jackets are essential for layering over a dress or even pairing with a sweater when you need a little extra warmth in the evening.

Cashmere coat: A cozy cashmere coat like one from Kinross or Burgess is a great lightweight addition to any closet. I love that they come in bold colors as well as neutral tones so they’re easy to fit into anyone’s personal style. Create a polished look with dress pants and a blouse or pair it with a maxi dress for a chillier morning.

Ruana: Ruanas are often an overlooked layering option, but they’re a great item to have on hand for spring. I recommend looking at Minnie Rose and Kinross to find the perfect ruana for your wardrobe. These are great because they’re incredibly lightweight and easy to throw over a top for a classic look on the go!

Rain jacket: We all know the saying, “Spring showers bring May flowers”! Be sure you’re prepared with a rain jacket, such as one from Jane Post or from the appropriately named brand, Rains.

Packing for vacation can be very difficult, especially when you have limited space! Finding key items that can be worn for multiple occasions and in different ways is key to making the most out of your space. Luckily, we have a lot of dress options that can pair perfectly over a swimsuit and be accessorized with your favorite jewelry and raffia bag for lunch and shopping! I would lean into the following brands:

120% Lino: You can never go wrong with linen when packing for a beach trip! I love the dresses from 120% Lino because they have fine detailing like eyelet hems and embellished collars which give a more polished look.

Poupette St Barth: Playful patterns paired with details like ruffled hems and tassels create the ideal dresses for beach days or after the beach when you’re grabbing lunch in town.

Honorine: Their cotton tiered dresses lend themselves to the ultimate casual beach look. Opt for one of their maxi dresses for a quick, yet pulled together look, after your day in the sun.

Walker & Wade: This brand doesn’t have a “beach to table” philosophy for no reason! With a multitude of silhouettes and prints to choose from, these are a staple for any beach vacation.

There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and pulling out wrinkled clothing! While you can opt to travel with a hand held steamer or iron, realistically, who can sacrifice that type of space in their luggage? First, when you can, lean into fabrics like wool, denim, polyester and nylon, which all tend to be more resistant to wrinkling. For other fabrics, such as cotton and linen, that wrinkle the moment you even think of wearing them, I would recommend the rolling method when packing your clothes. While this isn’t without some flaws, rolling your items keeps them from having hard creases that folding adds. But, make sure that you smooth out your items while you roll them up. If rolling your clothing isn’t how you like to pack, take tissue paper and layer it between your clothing while packing to limit the amount of friction. Last, but not least, opt for dry cleaner bags. The long plastic bags that cover your freshly laundered clothing actually helps cut down on the friction between the items, which helps with keeping the pieces wrinkle-free.

Denim has an updated silhouette for spring! Wide leg and loose fitting jeans are taking center stage this season. This doesn’t mean you need to throw out your skinnies, but definitely consider adding in a new pair of denim for a more modern look. Veronica Beard, Mother, Piazza Sempione, and AG have all embraced this denim trend!

Bold shoulders on a blazer is a great trend to play up for your spring wardrobe this year. Not only does this silhouette create a strong look but it’s also a great way to balance out the waist and create a flattering silhouette. For bold blazers, look to Lafayette 148 New York, Smythe, Veronica Beard and Helene Berman.

It’s all in the details with lace and eyelet. From eyelet hems and sleeves to full eyelet bodices on dresses, brands like Temptation Positano, Ecru, Jason Wu and 120% Lino have incorporated these details into their designs for spring.
If there’s ever a season to integrate neon into your outfit, spring is it. Neon green, in particular, made a statement on the runways and is a great color to add when you’re feeling bold. Designers embracing neon green include Ro’s Garden, Tara Jarmon, Amina Rubinacci, Repeat Cashmere and Farm Rio.

While not as bold as neon green, purple is also a trendy color for spring! From jewelry to clothing, adding purple into your wardrobe is an easy way to dress with a trend in mind without taking a major risk. Check out Lizzie Fortunato, Marc Cain, Weekend Max Mara, Purotatto and White and Warren for shades of purple.

We’ve all heard of florals for spring, but this year, opt for tropical florals like bold palm prints. Whether it’s dresses, pants or even earrings, get in vacation mode even when you’re not on vacation. Villagalo, Marc Cain, Kobi Halperin, Rani Arabella and Purotatto have all showcased tropical florals for their spring collections.

Dressing for work events can certainly be tricky. For a holiday work party, finding a balance between looking professional and festive for the occasion is definitely key. First, you’ll want to think about the setting of the work party. Are your colleagues all gathering in the office for happy hour and hors d'oeuvres? Or is your company hosting a dinner party at an upscale restaurant?

If dressing for an event specifically at the office, opt for your everyday work attire, but in rich jewel tones like emeralds, burgundies and sapphires. Add eye-catching accessories to make your outfit festive for the occasion. Tuck this Vince Burgundy Silk Blouse into this LK Bennett Tweed Skirt and pair with Mignonne Gavigan Champagne Crystal Earrings for an unexpected festive look. Or go with a solid dress such as this LK Bennett Burgundy Belted Dress and mix in a statement necklace and bracelet duo like this Ben Amun Red Green and Gold Bracelet and Stone and Pearl Necklace.

For a gathering outside of the office, it’s important to still dress in a professional manner. For dresses, stick with styles that fall at least at the knee or below and opt for fabrics like silks, satins and velvets. Intricate details like lace and beading are also great elements of a festive holiday work party outfit. D.Exterior’s Lace Wool Dress is a great example of lace details while the Soler Raquel Silk Dress hits the nail on the head with its luxe silk fabrication. Sophisticated separates are also an easy choice. Combine a sweater with intricate details like this White and Warren Pearl Cashmere Sweater and an easy slip skirt like this one from Vince, and you’re ready for any work celebration.

Having the right bags for the right occasions is definitely worth the investment. Here are the top styles I would suggest to have in your wardrobe:

1. A tote that fits your laptop or tablet, such as the Claire V. Checkered Woven Leather Tote, to utilize for going into the office or as a carry-on for your next flight.
2. A saddlebag in a neutral color will always be a classic. The Demieller Venice Crossbody Bag is a great option here since you can carry it as a top handle or add the strap if you want to go hands-free. For casual outings, weekends or everyday life, a saddle bag is a staple and an easy go-to for any outfit. 
3. A clutch for special occasions or events. Having a go-to clutch such as Kayu’s Jen Straw Clutch is a great way to easily accessorize for your next fete. 
4. A basket bag like Bembien’s Margot Rattan Tote is a fun, yet easy, pairing for weekends spent browsing your local farmers’ market or corralling all of your accessories at the beach. While basket bags can sometimes scream summer, the added leather details on the Bembien make it a great seasonless bag so don’t be afraid to utilize this one in cooler months as well!

While dressing for New Year’s Eve should be fun, I totally understand the stressful aspect of it, especially when factoring in multiple commitments that have various forums of dress! When choosing an outfit for a semi-formal event, you can opt for a cocktail dress that falls right at or above the knee, a midi length dress, a pantsuit or even elevated separates. If you’re generally more comfortable in pants, then try something like the Piazza Sempione Monia black pant for a tailored bottom paired with a solid silk blouse, and top it off with the Rita Bronze Sheer Brocade Jacket by Connie Roberson. In the same vein, a well-fitting pantsuit such as this Veronica Beard Jagger Black and Silver Dickey jacket with matching Millicent Black and Silver Pants is festive and unexpected. Should you be more drawn to a dress for the occasion, Jane's Oracle Velvet Keyhole dress is an elegant option, and the rich color and luxe velvet make it feel more in tune to the holiday. 

You can always opt for a heel with any of these outfits; however, going for a dressy flat will be a great way to transition the outfit from your friend's party at their home to a more semi-formal event afterwards. Speaking of accessories, a clutch and some eye-catching jewelry are definitely a must. Jewelry with pearls and/or crystals like the Anton Heunis Cluster Flower Drop Earrings, Alexis Bittar Solanales Earrings or Oscar De La Renta Primavera Bracelet are great pairings. Similarly, a bag with a hint of sparkle like the Jerome Dreyfuss Clic Clac Leather Clutch or a lot of sparkle like the Loeffler Randall Doreen Diamante Mesh Clutch is a great addition to any New Year’s Eve look!

Given the current season, outerwear is always a worthy investment! Depending on your geographic location and needs, this could vary, but here’s what I would recommend.

For a warmer climate like that in Georgia, opt for a lighter weight option like this Kinross Cashmere Coat. With its understated elegance, it can be easily paired with any work ensemble while also transitioning nicely to casual weekend outfits with jeans. No closet is complete without a leather jacket and Susan Bender’s Saddle Stretch Leather Full Length Jacket hits the mark. A leather jacket is essential for any closet as you can pair it with a dress for a night out or dress it down with a sweater, a scarf and denim for the daytime.

For cooler winter climates that call for a bit more in terms of outerwear, a puffer coat will never fail you! The Amina Rubinacci Lira Wool Cashmere Puffer is a sure way to stay toasty with its mix of cashmere and wool. Yet, its cropped silhouette keeps it stylish and modern. A dressier option for pairing with work outfits and events would be the Cinzia Rocca Icons Oatmeal Wool Eco Shearling Lined Coat which, with its shearling lined interior, is sure to make a statement.

Blazers are staples that transcend every season because they're incredibly versatile! From 9-5 to 5-9, these are my favorite ways to style a blazer.

• With a midi dress: Looking to reinvent your favorite shirt dress that you wear to work all the time? Throw a tailored blazer on top and voila. For example, this Rosso35 abstract silk dress would pair perfectly with this Veronica Beard Dickey Jacket.
• As a matching set: A blazer with a matching bottom is instantly chic and a great investment since you can mix and match the pieces. For a blazer and matching skirt option, go for this LK Bennett Paloma Navy and Burgundy Striped Jacket with the Paloma Navy and Burgundy Striped Skirt. If dresses are more your thing,grab this Marc Cain Multi Tweed Cotton Wool Blend Jacket with the matching Tweed Zipper Front Dress.
• With trousers: Blazer plus crisp button front shirt plus trouser equals a classic trifecta. Pair this Peace of Cloth Faux Double Breasted Blazer with the always essential Frank and Eileen White Cotton Shirt and the Peace of Cloth Jules Navy Plaid Pull On Pant for a workwear-ready classic.
• With denim (and a white tee of course!): Throw on a basic white tee like this Majestic Filatures White Stretch Tee and your favorite pair of denim jeans. The Veronica Beard Beverly High Rise Flare Stretch Jeans are a must if you're still looking for your favorite pair. Now add a statement blazer like this Vilagallo Antonet Green Geo Print Blazer for an easy weekend look.
• With a sweater: Fall is all about cozy sweaters, and wearing one under a more oversized blazer is a great way to mix comfort into your outfit. Wear this Repeat Cashmere Camel Sweater with the Seventy Black Straight Leg Trousers and top it with the Weekend Max Mara Maltese Plaid Wool Blend Jacket to bring this outfit together.

• Something bright: Poppy colors decked the FW22 runways. Incorporating a bright item into your wardrobe for a pop of color when needed is a must whether you go for a cardigan like the JUMPER 1234 Pink and Orange cardigan, a dress like this one from Rosso35 or the full head-to-toe orange in this Seventy pant and top combo.
• Faux leather: Leather is always a staple in a fall wardrobe, but this year, it's not only about a leather jacket. Be sure to incorporate leather pants into the mix as well. I'm loving The Mother Dazzler Brown Faux Leather Pants or the Ecru Pine Green Faux Leather Pants to bring this trend to life.
• Fluffy soft knitwear: Think mohair or wool when shopping for these pieces! Go for a turtleneck like this Emporio Armani White Flare Sleeve Sweater or if a cardigan is what your closet is lacking, grab this Amina Rubinacci Ingrid Navy Wool Cardigan.
• A statement coat: Elevate any outfit with this everyday piece! Green and blue are both trending colors for fall so steal the show in this Tara Jarmon Green Tie Waist Wool Coat or the A.P.C. Light Blue Wool Coat.
• Animal print: These bold prints come in many iterations making them versatile pieces to add to your fall closet! Wear this Rosso35 silk blouse to work, take the Figue Cheetah Midi dress for a night out and add an extra layer on the weekend with this Madeleine Thompson Colorblock Leopard Cardigan.

Great question! Pear shapes looking for flattering silhouettes should lean into A-line dresses or wrap and belted style dresses. A-line dresses are more fitted at the top half of the body and flow out and away from the body the further down the silhouette goes, which creates a flattering shape for pear body types. The Lafayette 148 New York Blue Wool Crepe Cocktail dress and the Emporio Armani Pink Pleated Dress are both great a-line options! Wrap and belted style dresses like this Tara Jarmon Green Crepe Midi Dress and this Ines De La Fressange Burgundy Corduroy Shirt Dress are great for accentuating the most narrow part of the waist which creates a favorable look for pear shapes.

Dressing for the return to the office is definitely a challenge after 2 years of working from home, but it's also exciting to refresh your wardrobe! Here are 5 outfits to get from Monday to Friday.

Monday, go for a blazer. A well tailored blazer can stylize even the most simple of outfits! From basic blazers to woven details, there are endless opportunities. Take basic black pants like the Peace Of Cloth Jules Black Pull on Pants with a white blouse like the Kobi Halperin chiffon blouse and top it with this Marc Cain Plaid Blazer to take the look up a notch and add some color.

On Tuesday, grab a dress and throw on a pair of heels or your favorite flats for a comfortable, yet polished, workwear outfit. A shirt dress like the Hinson Wu Kathleen Tile Print Dress is always a classic, but a silk dress like the Marc Cain Floral Print Dress is never a bad idea either!

For Wednesday, a tailored trouser with a fun blouse is a great way to add some personality to your workwear! I love the way these Lafayette 148 Clinton Taupe Wool Pants are cut, and adding a statement blouse like the Repeat Cashmere Orange and Cream Animal Print Silk Blouse is the perfect midweek pick-me-up outfit!

Thursday is a mix of comfort and style with a sweater on top and a skirt on the bottom. Pair this luxe Joseph Cashmere sweater with this Weekend Max Mara Ricamo Brown Plaid Wool Skirt to achieve this perfect pairing.

TGIF! If you’re lucky enough to have casual Friday where you can opt for jeans, go for a dark wash jean like these Mother The Dazzler Dark Blue Straight Leg Jeans or, if flares are more up your alley, think Veronica Beard Beverly Indigo High Rise Jeans. Mix either of these with a short sleeve sweater and cardigan combo like the Repeat Cashmere Short Sleeve Sweater with the matching Circle Cardigan for a polished casual Friday look.

Last, but certainly not least, no workwear wardrobe is complete without a bag. A leather tote like this Demellier New York Tote will surely be the perfect match for your Monday to Friday workwear looks, but if you're looking for a more casual bag, go for the Naghedi St. Barths Medium woven handbag, which will surely fit all your daily necessities.

The key to packing light is to either make sure your items can work double duty (i.e., a carry-on bag that also serves as a beach bag) or make sure your clothing items can all be mixed and matched to maximize your vacation outfits. My top 10 essentials are as follows:

• As mentioned above, a tote that pulls double duty is my most important item! I would opt for a Naghedi St. Barths Medium Navy Woven Handbag to really pack a punch.
• A chambray dress is always a classic and this CP Shades Harper Light Wash Shirt Dress doesn't disappoint. Wear it while sightseeing, or pair it with your swimsuit as a cover-up on your beach outing!
• Linen pants are an instant staple while traveling to mix comfort and coolness. These 120% Lino Linen Wide Leg Drawstring Pants are the perfect base for any chic vacay outfit.
• You can never go wrong with a button front shirt! The Frank and Eileen Barry Striped Cotton Top is easy to pair with a plethora of bottoms, making it an essential travel piece for limited capacity. Plus, there are so many ways to style it! Tuck it into your pants, roll the sleeves, tie it up in the front. The options are endless!
• A scarf isn't the most obvious choice on a summer vacation, but it certainly doesn't fall short! Whether you use it to keep cozy on the airplane or drape it around your shoulders to create more coverage while visiting the sights, this is definitely an item that deserves space in your suitcase. I love the Tilo Watercolor Linen Silk and Cashmere Scarf for its pops of colors and breezy fabrication.
• There's something so easy about a maxi dress. Maybe it's that you can throw it on with sandals and feel put-together in an instant or add a clutch and be instantly dressed for dinner, but it's definitely a solid choice if you're traveling with limited space. Honorine's Ruby Blue Maxi Dress goes unmatched with its lightweight fabric and flattering silhouette!
• To maximize your vacation wardrobe, you definitely need a white short sleeve top. Pair it with a skirt, jeans, shorts or linen pants. You can't go wrong! Bonus points if it is an updated twist on a classic such as this Xirena Channing White Cotton Shirt.
• Vacation sans sun hat is a recipe for disaster. Freya's Wheat Straw Visor is a packing essential for getaways in the sun whether that means beach or a city! I love this visor for its packability and sun protection.
• I love having shorts while traveling, and a Bermuda short like Vince's Latte Coin Pocket Shorts is the perfect pair to pack. With its classic color and silhouette to mix and match with the rest of your vacation wardrobe, this Bermuda short is always a safe bet while en route to new destinations.
• A striped tee is unmatched when it comes to wardrobe essentials, and vacation time is no exception. This Saint James Pleneuf White and Gitane Blue Striped Cotton Top is a great blend of classic and modern with its square neckline. The perfect addition to a vacation capsule wardrobe.

Sunhats are definitely tricky to pack, but very much worth the effort once you master the skill! I would opt for a visor sun hat like this Freya Magnoila Straw Visor. The key to packing a hat like this is to put the brim down flat in your suitcase before you pack anything else. Next, fill the middle of the sunhat with your clothing items to help protect the shape of the crown. Finally, build out the rest of your clothing items around the brim of the hat. This should help the hat stay secure and keep its shape while traveling. Just don't throw anything heavy on the base of it!

Accessories are the perfect way to extend the life of your outfits and add extra personality. These are my summer essentials:

While not always easy, staying in the shade is a summer must, which is why a hat tops my list of accessories for the warmer months. Freya's Redwood White Braided Visor is a necessity for beating the heat and staying protected from the sun's rays.

The Casa Isota Ava Geo Woven Cotton Shoulder Bag is the perfect complement to easy summer looks. I love that you can wear it to the beach or as a carryall while you're out and about running errands.

A clutch is always a must for elevated evening looks, and my current favorite is the Kayu Sierra Natural Embroidered Raffia Clutch. The neutral color palette allows for it to pair with almost any outfit, and the raffia details keep it feeling fresh for the summer.

Last, but certainly not least, the Momoni Visalia Woven Leather Rope Belt is a must for belting your favorite summer dresses or giving a pair of pants a nautical update.

Adding more color into your wardrobe is the best way to hit reset and freshen up your outfits for spring! Start with a tonal neutral look and wear one bright color of your choice. For example, pair a hot pink sweater with khaki pants and a beige jacket. If you’re looking to take it a step further, try pairing a brightly colored top with white pants for contrast and white boots to streamline the look. Both options are chic and flattering!

The key to wearing white jeans is understanding your proportions and identifying how you want them to fit, just like any pair of jeans. White jeans can seem intimidating at any age, but they don’t have to be! If you’re more comfortable with a looser fit, consider a wide leg white jean like this one from Lafayette 148 New York, and pair it with a slim fitting knit top tucked in to accentuate the waist. If you tend to gravitate towards skinny jeans, try this pair by AG Jeans with a tunic top for a relaxed look.

Yes, we do! Here’s a special spotlight on each designer and their origin.

• Chufy: Each collection by this travel-inspired designer focuses on a new destination and its culture. Chufy collaborates with local artisans to ensure that every piece is imbued with the authenticity of local craftsmanship. The brand represents the woman who likes to explore the world and wants to be comfortable, yet sophisticated.
• Ines de la Fressange: A symbol of Parisian style, Ines began her career as a model showing for Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent. After becoming one of the world’s most famous fashion icons, she founded her namesake brand. Each of her collections stays true to high French style, emanating natural elegance and joyful indulgence.
• Ben-Amun: This Egyptian-born designer creates timeless jewelry that you’ll want to wear every day. Inspired by sculpture, each piece features the highest quality materials such as 24k gold, Majorca pearls and Czech glass stones. We love his heavy gold link earrings and bracelets, which add warmth and style to any outfit.
• Laggo: Based in Los Angeles and drawing inspiration from classic western saddle details, vintage studs, and the finest leather, Laggo designs bags that invoke the American travel experience. Each accessory is a statement piece, making it perfect to pair with anything from classic denim to a simple shift dress.

Straw, raffia and woven basket bags are all classic and timeless and never go out of style. The great thing about them is that they are extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down. My biggest piece of advice when wearing any type of woven bag is to treat it as a neutral staple. If you’re still feeling unsure, and you’re worried the bag feels too casual, try opting for a more structured shape like this one from Serpui.

Small changes can go a long way when transitioning to spring dressing after a long winter. I highly recommend hanging onto some of your winter staples and mixing them into your spring wardrobe. For example, I would try to keep some of your winter knits to pair with a skirt. You could also style a cardigan with a short sleeved silhouette. For footwear, I recommend the same idea. To ease into warmer weather, try wearing boots with your dresses and skirts. For dresses, gravitate toward shapes that can be paired with a cardigan or a jacket. As for outerwear, you can put away your heavy winter coat and try layering a top underneath a sweater underneath a light jacket for a more polished look that also keeps you warm.

Sweaters are more versatile than most people think! Though you can’t go wrong with pairing one with a pair of your favorite jeans, there are many ways to get creative with styling. Wearing a sweater tucked (or half tucked, depending on preference) into either a satin or leather skirt can instantly bring your look to another level. Not sure if you’re ready to go that far? Try throwing it over your favorite bodycon dress or favorite printed pants. Another easy way to elevate your sweater look is to simply roll up the sleeves and show off your favorite stack of bracelets or other jewelry. Think of your sweater as your canvas and add on from there!

Resort season is upon us, and there’s a lot to keep in mind while shopping and packing for your upcoming trip! At Halsbrook, we have a lot of fantastic styles that are perfect for vacationing in warm weather while still looking put together and stylish. Some key pieces from our resort collection that I’ve been highlighting for my clients are below:

• Roller Rabbit Faith Cotton Dress: This is one of our best-sellers for a reason! With its lightweight fabric and feminine silhouette, you can’t go wrong with adding this to your vacation shopping list. 
• Bella Tu Batik Orange and Pink Tunic: This tunic is a fabulous option to bring on vacation because it can easily be dressed up or down due to its beautiful embellished details. 
• 120% Lino Dark Blue Linen Pant: These linen pants are the essential vacation wardrobe staple. Flowy and versatile, these pants can pair perfectly with any top. 
• Rani Arabella Raffaella Tote Bag: This Rani Arabella straw tote bag is another Halsbrook resort favorite. Its size and shape are perfect for being poolside as well as strolling around town.

Feeling like you’re not ready to let go of the comfortable outfits that got you through the past year? Don’t worry, I have some suggestions that are just as comfortable and even more flattering! Here are my outfit recommendations below:

A-Line Dress: This type of dress shape is perfect as an effortless look for summer and best worn with easy accessories. This is a comfortable and flattering silhouette that fits at the waist and has a full breathable skirt.

Tunic Top: Perfect when styled with white skinny jeans, tunics are ideal for summer dressing because they’re loose, breathable and functional! Too hot out for jeans? They work with shorts, too!

Skort: If you’re looking for something to wear in between running errands and working out, I recommend trying a skort. That’s right, a skirt with shorts built in for maximum flexibility! Pair this with tennis shoes for a modern, sporty summer look!

Shorts are the ultimate staple for summer dressing! If you’re styling shorts with a longer length, similar to the Bermuda shorts we have on our website, I recommend styling with more of a fitted top to tuck into the shorts for a polished summer look. A rule I tend to follow and share is to focus most at the waist, which is the most flattering part of the body! To add attention to it, try adding a belt with your top tucked in. This will elevate your outfit and give a more modern take on the shorts.

Depending on where you live in the country, the best way to approach dressing during the transition from winter to spring is to focus on layering. Chances are good that you will encounter fluctuating weather and temperatures! I recommend making sure you have these wardrobe essentials in your closet. All of these versitile pieces can be worn with or without an extra layer. My picks are listed below, along with the top brands for each category on our site to help you shop!

• Cardigan: White and Warren, Kinross, Repeat Cashmere and Cortland Park
• Light Pullover Sweater: Chinti & Parker, Vince, Allude and Lisa Todd
• Cropped jeans: Cambio, Fabrizio Gianni and AG Jeans
• Trench coat: Jane Post, Cinzia Rocca Icons and Helene Berman
• Blazer: Lafayette 148 New York, Veronica Beard and Smythe

Florals are a classic spring staple that never goes out of style. If you’re concerned about going overboard, pay attention to the proportions of the print. Make sure the motif isn’t too overbearing on your frame by gravitating towards smaller prints. Really want to elevate your floral style? Another tip is to mix and match your prints! Try pairing a striped top with a floral skirt. This gives off a fresh and modern take on a classic trend.

Pastel pieces are a nice way to embrace the change of season and the warmer weather! They are also great at highlighting darker skin tones. To ease into this trend, my suggestion would be to pair a pastel color with a neutral color. Neutral colors that work best with pastels are white, grey and beige. This will give you a sweet, yet sophisticated, look and will allow you to try out the trend in a subtle way! If you’re still unsure about how to add pastels into your wardrobe, try leaving the neutral tone as the main color and use the pastel as a detail.

It can be difficult to find the right pair of pants for maximum comfort while still looking professional on Zoom! To maintain a polished look, I recommend gravitating towards pants with an elastic waistband that are a pull-on style and have structured fabric. Elliott Lauren, Equestrian, Ecru and Vince are a few of the brands we carry at Halsbrook that make the best pull-on pants for pairing with flowy tops and tunics - perfect for a comfortable working-from-home look!

You’re right, accessories are more important than ever with the way we connect virtually these days. It’s great that you found what works best for you; necklaces are always a flattering accessory! Styling necklaces all depends on the top you’re wearing. For instance, if you are wearing a busy printed blouse, try to shy away from a statement necklace and, instead, choose a piece that’s more subtle to even out the proportions. Want to make your necklace noticed? Try pairing your necklace with a v-neck or a scoop neck top. This will draw attention to your neckline! Turtlenecks and mock neck tops tend to add full coverage to your neckline, so I would avoid styling these with necklaces as they would conflict with the structure of the tops. Try pairing turtlenecks and mock neck tops with earrings instead!

The “dickey” is one of the brand’s best-selling styles! Its purpose is to add an extra layer to instantly transform your look without extra fabric. The dickey is designed to button into any of the Veronica Beard blazers. It’s simple to insert, and it can be taken out easily, making it the most versatile and unique accessory this season.

Long cardigan sweaters are a winter wardrobe staple! They can be worn dressed up or down, all while providing an extra warm layer of comfort. If you’re looking to wear your long cardigan more formally, I suggest pairing it with a blouse tucked into a dress pant. If you want to keep it casual, pairing it with a sweater and jeans is the ultimate stay-at-home look. Depending on where you live, you can wear it as outerwear, too! If you’re in a colder climate, it can be worn as an extra layer underneath a full-length coat.

Yes! Pilling, which are technically small balls of fiber that form on fabric, can happen to any type of material. The main cause of this is rubbing on any surface or fabric. One suggestion is to rest garments between wears and to not wear them excessively. Give your clothes 24 hours to rest before wearing again. Also, make sure to turn your clothes inside out before washing to prevent other fabrics from rubbing up against the material. Despite all this, if you end up with pilling on your clothes, do not worry! One of the most effective ways to eliminate pilling is to use a fabric comb or a battery-operated pill and fuzz remover that shaves the pills from the surface of the garment. These will pull the knotted fibers away from the surface of the fabric.

Plaid, in my opinion, is a timeless trend for the fall season. It works at any age! The key to keeping the look fresh is to avoid any “holiday” colors in the print - colors such as reds and greens. Try gravitating towards neutral colors such as beige, gray or navy. In addition, choose modern silhouettes such as culotte pants or a midi length dress to freshen up your look.

Absolutely! It has been a challenging time for all of us, and I know you’re not alone in choosing sweatpants! My key advice in dressing right now, especially in these colder months, is to gravitate towards the knitwear in your wardrobe. Try sweaters, turtlenecks and cardigans. These are all silhouettes that are easy to pair with, yet also polished and comfortable enough to spend the day in. The best part about knitwear is that it can be dressed up or down, no matter the occasion. Have a formal Zoom meeting? Pair a statement necklace with your sweater or throw on a blazer over your turtleneck.

There are many different approaches to tying a scarf! The trick is to be aware of the proportions of your outfit while tying the scarf. Here are some different ways you can try:

The Simple Loop Tie: Fold the scarf in half so you have a loop at one end. Place the scarf around your neck and pull the loose ends through the loop.

The Pretzel Tie: Fold the scarf in half and place it around your neck, with the loop to one side. Pull one end through the loop. Take the other end and place it on top of the loop. Then pull it through the opposite way.

The Cowl Neck Tie: Drape the scarf around your neck. Then loop one end around again. Even out the ends and tie them into a half knot, so you end up with two loops around your neck. Adjust the loops until you have the volume you like.

Linen is definitely one of the best fabrics to wear during the summer, but unfortunately, there’s no proven way to keep linen from wrinkling while wearing it. However, the heat and humidity can sometimes act as a natural steamer that smoothes out the fibers to maintain their original shape. My advice is to iron it before wearing and embrace the inevitable textures as your day goes on. It’s what makes the charm of wearing linen clothing!

Peplum is a timeless trend and is generally most flattering on women with an hourglass figure. The peplum silhouette accentuates the waist and adds dimension to the ensemble. I suggest pairing a peplum top with either a pencil skirt or narrow tailored pants.

Absolutely! We have exclusive designers like Paule Ka, Jude Connally, Gretchen Scott and Bella Tu, which tend to feature shorter hemlines and smaller silhouettes. You may also want to consider Piazza Sempione, which offers pants with a shorter inseam and a higher cut at the leg to flatter a smaller shape. Smythe is another great option for blazers and jackets because they are designed for a very tailored fit.

To flatter any outfit, belts are a go-to accessory! There are a few things to note when styling belts on dresses. If a dress doesn’t have belt loops at the waist, the belt may need to be adjusted. When choosing the size of the belt, pay attention to your proportions. If you’re short-waisted, petite or curvy, a wide belt will take up the entirety of your torso. If you're long-waisted, skinny belts may look a bit too skinny, but wider styles will create great proportions. To be safe, I recommend choosing a 1½-inch-wide belt. This size works on most figures! As for the fabric choice of the belt, it all depends on the fabric of the dress you’re wearing. In most cases, a leather or suede belt will be the best option as they go with any fabric. If you’re looking to make a stylish statement, choose a metal belt and drape it at or just below your waistline. This goes best with knit dresses.

The Gretchen Scott ruffle neck dress is a statement piece to have in your closet! So how to dress it up with jewelry? Try pairing the dress with a simple necklace, cuff or earring, so the attention doesn’t take away from the dress. I recommend looking to Dean Davidson, our newest jewelry designer who features delicate and elegant designs!

The common fashion myth is “don’t mix your metals” but, personally, I believe mixing gold and silver toned jewelry is a modern take on elevating your style. Mixing the gold and silver tones helps spice up your look by adding an extra splash of color to any outfit.

Jumpsuits are one of the most popular trends for spring and summer, but understandably, they can be the one trend people are nervous to try. With all the different styles out there, it’s hard to know which ones will look best on your body type. Here are a few suggestions. For petites, try more fitted styles with a higher waist; this will look better on you, so you don’t appear to get lost in fabric. For an hourglass shape, try styles that accentuate your smaller waist and are fitted throughout the torso. For an apple shape, look for a jumpsuit that has a belt or ties at an empire waist (right below the bust line) to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Bottom line, keep your proportions and body type in mind and don’t be afraid to try it out!

The Connie Roberson tops are perfect for dressing up for formal events while still staying comfortable! If you choose to wear your top closed, I recommend wearing a simple tank underneath. Pair yours with any of our dress pants and you can do no wrong! If you choose to wear your top open, try styling it with an underpinning that shares a color with the print of the top. Add a necklace or earrings to accessorize and complete the look!

One of my favorite new designers we’ve added this year is Sylvia Toledano. She has a penchant for mixing and matching colors to create eclectic and interesting designs. She plays with peaches, teals and golds. Her pieces are perfect for any occasion!

Summer is the perfect time to upgrade your wardrobe! My recommended pieces to elevate your style this season are floral dresses, printed jeans, embroidered tops, pastel blazers and white denim. Choosing lighter fabrics and softer colors gives you an opportunity to freshen up your look!

For day to night dressing, I advise clients to focus on key pieces that can be worn as the base of an outfit and can elevate your look. These pieces include: a tailored blazer, a wrap dress, a pencil skirt and a clutch. Styling your outfit with any of these items gives you an extra dose of sophistication that translates from day to night. Really in doubt? Try accessorizing. An extra sparkle can glam up any look!

I consider accessories to be the cherry on top of any outfit! When dressing for a wedding, I recommend taking a good look at your outfit and keeping the silhouette in mind while gradually adding pieces that accent your best features. For example, if you’re wearing a dress that shows off your neckline, try accessorizing with a necklace to draw attention to that area. Feeling like you want to focus on your waist? Add a belt to your dress! Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to accessorize, as long as you feel your most confident.

One of fashion’s age-old myths is that you can’t wear white after Labor Day. Have the rules changed? The short answer is — yes! With white boots becoming a wardrobe staple and plenty of white winter coat options to choose from, this fashion myth has been debunked. The trick is to pay attention to fabrics. As long as your fabrics are appropriate for the season, wearing the color white is something that can be played with all year round!

Believe it or not, black and navy have actually become a trendy pairing in recent years! There is no simple answer here because color combinations can vary based on shades, tones, fabric, etc. Having said this, though, there are some color combinations that tend to be unflattering more often than not. Here are a few to steer clear of:

1. Gray and Brown
2. Red and Green
3. Green and Pink
4. Green and Orange
5. Purple and Yellow
6. Red and Orange

Spring has arrived, and the trends this year are instant classics! You may already have many of these in your closet. If you do decide to invest in something new this season, there are plenty of styles you could wear year after year. See the full list below!

Polka Dots: This timeless print has been seen all over the catwalks and in fashion editorials this season. Wear as a spring dress or a top to pair with jeans for a classic look!

Scarf Prints & Ties: There’s no need to only wear your scarf styled as a scarf! Try adding to a handbag or as a headband around your hair.

Bold Black & White: This spring, the trend is for a very bold, monochromatic look. You can always add a little color with your accessories if you don’t want to stick entirely to neutrals.

Leather is more timeless (and ageless!) than many tend to think. Luckily, there are ways to introduce this into your wardrobe without worrying about overdoing it. If you’re unsure how to start, try incorporating leather in your accessories, such as choosing a leather belt or a handbag. Playing with different textures can also make your outfit more interesting while easing into the leather trend, such as wearing a leather skirt with cotton or a knit top. There are many ways to play around with leather, but as long as you feel your best, there’s no right or wrong answer!

Packing for a trip can be challenging at times, especially when you want your clothes to stay in good condition while traveling! Keep these wrinkle-free fabrics in mind the next time you are shopping or packing for a trip:

1. Wool
2. Lyocell
3. Polyester
4. Cashmere
5. Spandex

A great way to introduce animal print to your wardrobe is by starting small, maintaining smaller proportions of the print and using it as an accent to your outfit. Think accessories or shoes! A pair of animal print flats can go a long way by adding texture and depth to any look. Or try a leopard print belt, such as our B-Low the Belt Milla belt, as another chic piece to incorporate in your wardrobe and to elevate any outfit.

When it comes to layering, it is most important to stick to the right proportions. Try to keep most of the layers on the lighter side and mix in one big piece. For example, a bulky coat can be layered over a slim vest and a fitted button-down top. Or, you can wear a chunky sweater layered over a fitted turtleneck or dress. As long as you limit your ensemble to only one large piece, layering is always a flattering and stylish way to dress for all seasons!

Black has been and always will be a fashion statement, but there are other colors that are equally versatile. When investing in a handbag that works for all seasons, I recommend gravitating towards shades of red, green or tan. These colors ultimately can be worn with both lighter and darker tones across all seasons. Plus, a fresh pop of color always contributes to the overall outfit, leaving you looking current and stylish!

Finding the perfect dress is all about looking for silhouettes that highlight your figure in the best way. For your body type, I recommend dresses with elongated necklines such as scoop, square or v-necklines. Moreover, focusing on the waistline will give you the most flattering result! Try gravitating towards wrap dresses or any dresses that are narrow and nipped in at the waistline; they tend to give the illusion of an hourglass figure.

A cuffed sleeve can instantly give your outfit that cool factor in just a few simple steps. The trick is to unbutton your cuff first, then fold your sleeve halfway up your forearm. Then fold it in half again, leaving the cuff peeking out. This will give you a stylish, yet put together, look!

Pay attention to how you feel in clothes by understanding your body type. Focus on your favorite feature and what kind of fit or silhouette makes you feel your best. Fashion is more emotional than people think! Building a closet with clothes that inspire you to be your best self is most important, no matter the occasion.

Items that are worth splurging on are always going to be items you can make the most use out of. Consider investing in pieces that can be worn through various seasons and that will last over time. Coats, blazers, trousers and shoes are great examples.

Mixing prints is a trend that never goes out of style and pulling off the look is totally doable. For starters, I recommend keeping the prints in the same color family for a polished tonal look. Another tip is to treat stripes as a neutral and pair with a floral or graphic print.

Every woman needs wardrobe staples, and I recommend choosing essential pieces that can be dressed up or down and are versatile enough to be worn together:

1. Classic white tee
2. Little black dress
3. Dark wash jeans
4. Neutral knit sweater
5. Black pants
6. Tailored blazer
7. Striped shirt
8. Festive dress

There are many different styles of pants out there, so it's easy to feel overwhelmed! My biggest advice is to keep proportions in mind when planning outfits around these styles. For example, if you’re planning on wearing a pair of wide leg pants, try to avoid tops that have a billowy silhouette. Instead, I suggest pairing wide leg pants with a slim cut blouse to avoid making your frame appear disproportionate. Also, pay attention to which proportions flatter your features. For example, skinny jeans tend to be more versatile than bootleg jeans for different body types because they accent the most slimming parts of the frame.

Midi dresses are a great transition into spring. For a petite woman, I suggest aiming for a hemline that falls above or below mid-calf where the leg is a little slimmer. Another suggestion is to draw attention to your waistline; choose silhouettes with a tie or a sash to highlight the most flattering part of the frame. Lastly, wear styles that have a slit that shows off some leg to draw the eye up, making your silhouette seem longer and your frame taller. And, don’t forget a good pair of heels always helps elongate your figure.

Understanding which colors complement your complexion is essential in building your wardrobe. First, I suggest looking in the mirror and asking yourself “am I warm or am I cool”. If you have cool undertones, you likely have light eyes, hair and skin. Choose colors that reflect those hues such as light greens, blues, purples and anything pastel. Try to steer clear of palettes that are too orange or bright yellow; they’re too strong for your complexion. If you have warm toned skin, you likely have darker hair, eyes and skin. Look for colors that take inspiration from the warmer end of the spectrum such as bright reds, oranges, creams, camel and all things earth tones.

In order to add more color into your wardrobe, it's important to understand your complexion and which tones flatter you most. Determine whether you have a cool complexion or a warm complexion in order to identify the safest colors for you to gravitate towards. Cool complexions pair well with light greens, blues, purples and anything pastel. Warm complexions work well with bright reds, oranges, creams, camel and other earth tones. Still not sure where you stand? Colors that flatter all skin types include teal, eggplant, blush and red!

Accessories have the ability to jazz up any outfit! So, where do you start? Focus on the outfit itself; I like to think of it as the foundation. Is it neutral? Colorful? Does it feature textural details or an intricate print? The complexity of your outfit informs the complexity of the layer you'll add to your foundation. If you feel that your outfit is on the complex side, I recommend keeping the accessorizing simple by adding a necklace or an earring to accent the look. If you think your outfit is more simplistic, add more layers to your foundation. Try pairing a scarf with a belt or a bracelet for a little something extra.