American Style Made Easy
Style is effortless when you break it down. So far, we’ve looked at the French Way of Dressing, British style elements, and how to get a Scandinavian look. Today we decode good old American style.
The world’s powerhouse nation, home to blue jeans and pop music, has also become its iconic style brand. Sporty, sleek, cool, American fashion is about taking an athletic sensibility and giving it a glam twist. Perfect for those who love to look polished but still have a sense of fun about their look, consider it a grown-up spin on tomboy chic.
Here’s what’s involved in getting your version of oh-so-sporty American style!
American Styles include:
Sleek Silhouettes
Part of acing the sporty look? Choosing streamlined shapes like blouses, pencil skirts, and fitted, tapered trousers instead of whole, flowy silhouettes. Smart tailoring creates a less-literal sporty vibe that makes your look decidedly American.
Practical Pieces
Cross-body bags and utilitarian flats are calling cards of American style because they are efficient. This usefulness adds edge and go-anywhere freedom to your look. Try to choose pieces that are a marriage of sleek looks and practicality to look authentically American- after all, it’s all about that athletic sensibility!
Literal Details
Sporty elements like exposed zippers and mesh, stripes, and so on add a sense of fun to classic shapes, so don’t shy away! A moto wrap dress with zippers is a great way to up your fashion ante, while dress pants with a stripe down the leg are a perfect choice for the aspiring-American fashionista.
Add a note of “American Heritage.”
An undercurrent of preppiness flows through American fashion. Style in the U.S. is fun, so why not play with traditional items of the country-club set? Experiment with polos, pearls, canvas sneakers, and jeans to create your homage to the roots of American fashion. Just make sure to counter each of these items with two more modern pieces to avoid looking costumey!
Be a Modern Millie
If there’s any country in this series that looks modern in focus, it’s America. To look like you are wearing the latest American fashion, don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors, mixed metals, and stripes. Mixing some of these modern elements into your look, you’ll blend in on the streets of New York in no time!
There you have it! To sum up, a nation as diverse as America can be tricky, but a sense of boldness, a love of crisp lines, and lots of athletic details neatly sum up American Fashion Design.
Famous American Fashion brands: Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, JCrew, DVF, Caroline Hererra, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Tom Ford, and Alexander Wang, to name a few.
Let’s explore some of those brands
With clothing by American designers at the top of everyone’s Christmas wish list, I’ve decided to run a Salute To American Designer Series.
I’ll be dissecting the elements of each designer’s style and showing us how to construct a fabulous look. Today we start with the very talented and contemporary, Tory Burch.
What is the Tory Burch Look?
Tory Burch made her name as the first ‘affordable luxury’ retailer, designing quality clothes that were a bit of a splurge, but still attainable for many women. These days the Pennsylvania-born designer is less known for the pricepoint, and more admired for her beautiful designs.
Tory Burch Style is a mix of one part ‘the 70s/boho and one part preppy. Her clothing is modern and wearable without being too trendy; just the pick-me-up your closet needs! Let’s break it down:
Totally Tailored
At one end of the Tory Burch signature look are perfectly fitted, preppy pieces: think polo shirts, button-up blouses, and khaki pants – classic sportswear.
70’s Boho
At the other end are equally tailored ’70s-inspired Tory Burch staples such as fitted flares, turtlenecks, and tunics.
How She Mixes it Up
To create the perfect contrast between polished and hippie, Burch often splashes exotic boho prints (like Aztec or batik) on her tailored pieces. Just take a look at this classic clean-lined coat above with its cool, ethnic print.
Other Ways to Mix Preppy + Boho and Get Tory Burch Style
If the way you dress feels too classic and you want to inject more free spirit style, all you need to do is add one of Burch’s globe-trotting pieces to your wardrobes such as a printed tunic or some beaded earrings.
For example, here’s a popular Tory Burch-inspired look for summer. Pair some fitted khakis with a loose, embroidered tunic. Or, combine a simple white blouse with flared jeans and a beaded bag. By combining classic sportswear with boho or vintage pieces, you’ll look casual, a little creative, and very modern.
Cool and Colourful
Tory’s color combinations also help give her clothes a groovy vibe. Tory famously mixes orange and brown for a chic, the ’70s feel. She’s also a fan of bright blue + tan, which have a similar feel. Try these color combinations in your wardrobe to get Tory Burch style.
Use accessories to Hit Your Tory Burch Sweet Spot
If your outfit is looking very boho and you want it to have more of a Tory Burch feel, balance things out with a structured, monogrammed bag and simple jewelry like pearls or diamond studs. These are the perfect foil for bold caftan or wide-leg pants.
Outfit too preppy? A dose of boho in the way of a printed or woven bag beaded or feathered jewels, ankle booties, or straw sandals.
Remember it’s that mix of opposites – classic and boho that gives you a very Burch-like look!
good tip thanks for sharing