After 18+ months of working from home and having very little on the social calendar, many of us have forgotten how to get dressed to go out.
What do you slip on to turn heads after sweatpants, pajamas and top knots have become your signature style?
Here, four Glamhive stylists: Amira Oud, Nadine Naue, Kasia Michaels, and Sarah Grace Hefner share their top tips for looking (and feeling!) your best post pandemic.
Glamhive stylists: Amira Oud (far left), Nadine Naue (left), Kasia Michaels (right) and Sarah Grace Hefner (far right), share their top tips for looking your best post pandemic
After 18+ months of working from home and having very little on the social calendar, many of us have forgotten how to get dressed
THE LOOK: COMFY BUT CUTE
‘With the pandemic slowly taking a back seat, people want to celebrate,’ said Kasia Michaels who helps her clients enhance their image.
‘Nonetheless, we aren’t eager to slip into tight mini dresses just yet,’ she added. ‘Blame it on those extra love handles many of us have accumulated in the past 18 months.
‘To make you feel comfortable yet sexy, opt for a sexy detail rather than a full-on sexy ensemble.’
Kasia recommends high-waisted straight-leg leather pants with a lace (lingerie style) camisole.
‘Throw on an oversized structure blazer and pair it with ankle booties or high heel strappy sandals, depending on your personality,’ she added.
Nadine Naue is also a fan of luxurious lingerie separates.
The New Jersey/New York-based stylist whose styling approach centers around developing curated capsule collections said, ‘A silk pajama set with an oversized blazer and killer heels or boots are the answer.’
‘As we slowly transition to a more normal lifestyle, a lot of people want to dress up but still feel the need to be comfortable,’ said celebrity fashion stylist and image architect Amira Oud. ‘
To achieve this, both Amira and Sarah Grace Hefner suggest mixing casual with formal pieces.
‘Try an off the shoulder sweater dress with heels or a cozy fabric bodysuit with a fun skirt and booties,’ suggests Amira.
Sarah — who focuses on elevating her clients’ personal brand with style coaching — recommends pairing your favorite glamorous item with a comfortable one.
‘A fun satin blouse paired with jeans and some crinkled colored boots is great.
‘I am even seeing a lot of bright colors this winter, meaning you can pull out those spring or summer pieces for a fun touch,’ Sarah said.
‘Dresses are always comfortable, too. You can wear a dress with some fun boots and throw on a trench coat or blaze to pull it together.’
They say image is everything and both Kasia Michaels Amira Oud are Image Architects
Sarah Grace Hefner focuses on elevating her clients’ personal brand with style coaching, while Nadine Naue’s styling approach centers around developing curated capsule collections
Shop it: Long Sleeve Crew Thong Bodysuit by Good American, $105; shopbop.com. Celestial Ridge Pave Star Dome Ring by Missoma, $127; missoma.com. Patio Skirt by Wilfred, $98; aritzia.com. So Kate Booty 85 leopard-print calf hair ankle boots by Christian Louboutin, $1,295; net-a-porter.com
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS:
‘Leopard everything,’ said Amira, whose clients include Nicole Scherzinger and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
‘For a casual look, pair a leopard top with a medium light wash denim and black pumps (add in a leather jacket in cooler weather).
‘For a classic look, try a leopard silk shirt bodysuit with a fabulous pair of flared black trousers, a leopard coat can be the whole look for a night on the town.
Nadine favors sequin.
‘It’s so flattering on every woman and there are so many good options out there right now, from trousers to dresses or menswear-inspired button downs,’ she said.
At the moment, the model-turned personal stylist’s favorite glam detail are statement earrings.
‘They are so versatile, they work for any occasion and instantly glam up a simple outfit.’
Post pandemic, luxe details are trending. Nadine favors sequin. ‘It’s so flattering on every woman and there are so many good options out there right now, from trousers to dresses or menswear-inspired button downs,’ she said
Shop it: Rhiannon Earrings by Elizabeth Cole, $140; shopbop.com. Snowdrift Sweater by American Eagle, $49.95; ae.com. Semsem feather-embellished mini skirt. Melody heel by Flor de Maria, $295; flordemariacollection.com. Supreme Haircalf Fold Over Clutch by Clare V., $275; shopbop.com
When wearing feathers or sequins it’s important to ground the look with casuals separates.
‘It is easy to look overdone if you’re not balancing your outfit in the right way,’ shared image consultant Kasia.
‘By pairing a glamorous detail with something basic such as a simple t-shirt or a cashmere jumper, you will offset the glitz and bling and make your outfit look effortless.
‘You can also pair a feather skirt with a blazer or a leather jacket to present an even more edgy finish.’
For the holidays, ‘wear a sequin tank under a more conservative suit,’ suggests Sarah who helps her clients identify their personal style brand and dress for their body.
‘Leopard everything,’ said Amira, whose clients include Nicole Scherzinger and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
When wearing feathers or sequins it’s important to ground the look with casuals separates
COLOR ME HAPPY:
Studies have proven that color has mood-altering effects.
‘This trend of bright colors in winter is a whole vibe post pandemic,’ said Sarah. ‘I think it is our way of expressing the joy of community again.’
Color can also be used to enhance your natural beauty.
‘Draw attention to where you want the eye to go,’ said Nadine. ‘If you feel tired and dull a flattering color that brings out your eye color can really brighten you up.’
Amira suggests wearing shades that work with your skin tone.
‘Color is a powerful communication tool and influences how people will respond to you,’ shared Kasia.
‘If you want to come across as mysterious and maybe not as easily approachable, wear black. But if you’re planning on being flirty and playful, you should opt for pink shades.’
Shoes set the tone of your personal style according to Kasia Michaels
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD:
According to Kasia, shoes set the tone of your personal style.
When selecting the right pair for you, ‘pay attention to your lifestyle,’ advises Amira.
‘Make inventory of how you spend your time and if “the shoe” fits in there.’
While not everyone has the same comfort level in heels, in Nadine’s experience, an ankle boot works for every woman. ‘There are so many great options out there right now from slouchy around the ankle to sock boots, pointy toe box or western style.’
But for everyday activities, opt for a sneaker.
‘I am a sneaker girl all the way,’ said Sarah. ‘A classic and chic sneaker is my go-to. I will pair mine with almost anything: dresses, suits, jeans, etc..
‘If you want something besides a sneaker my next suggestion would be a combat boot. Those are so fun to dress up but can also provide the comfort piece.
Kasia agrees saying combat shows are the hero of the moment.
‘I am obsessed with hats,’ said Sarah. ‘There are so many different styles out there to fit your niche – they can take your outfit from business to fun’
WHAT TO INVEST IN:
After a year of sweatpants and Zoom-friendly blouses, you may need to make some wardrobe purchases before entering the world.
‘A strong collection of tights is a go-to for a lot of my clients,’ shared Amira.
‘It allows you to actually rotate some of the summer skirts/dresses with new fall tops and sweaters. ‘
Nadine favors a tall pair of leather boots. ‘You can make them look smart with tailored trousers tucked in, cool with jeans and an oversized blazer or glam them up paired with a sexy dress,’ she said.
Sarah focuses on layers. ‘A nice trench coat or blazer with a bright pop of color or a fun print, like leopard can change an entire look.’
‘For me, it is anything knitwear,’ said Kasia. ‘You can dress up or dress down a good quality top, cardigan, or dress. With the right accessory, you can make it look edgy or polished.’
TAKE IT FROM DAY TO NIGHT
Now that the holidays are upon us, it’s time to navigate desk to dinner dressing.
All four stylists believe in the power of accessories to transform a look.
‘I am obsessed with hats,’ said Sarah. ‘There are so many different styles out there to fit your niche – they can take your outfit from business to fun.’
Amira and Kasia are both fans of statement pieces such as bold earrings, rings, a beautiful pair of pumps.
Amira added: ‘With fall being upon us, adding a light coat over your shoulders might just be enough to complete a night look.’
‘Shoes can make the biggest impact between day and night followed super closely by swapping out the day bag for a smaller evening bag and adding some jewelry,’ Nadine said.
