How Unexpected Pairings Make Casual Dressing More Interesting

Combining prints may be a hot trend but having the talent to make this work without looking like a disorganized mess is another thing unless you are Kimara Mitchell Stokes.

Kimara is an award-winning art director, the San Fransisco Fashion Film Festival creator, and a lifestyle/fashion blogger. With that background, it’s no wonder she’s an expert at mixing things up.

Kimara has an excellent eye for color and pattern and knows how to combine pieces to give her outfit that perfect twist creatively.

Even though I have never worn many patterns, I am starting to think twice about playing with prints. Kimara’s exciting style has my wheels turning and has given me a few ideas for pairing pieces in a way that adds more personality to my casual wardrobe.

Here’s a peek at Kimara modeling some cool clothing combos and the story behind these looks, which I hope will inspire you too.

Deb: Kim – You look so relaxed and confident in your photos like you’ve been dressing this way all your life. Has this always been your style, or did you grow into it? 

I was a significant tomboy, wearing vintage men’s blazers, oversized button-down shirts, pegged jeans, and loafers. But now, I mix in feminine pieces. I love unexpected pairings like a pencil skirt with a graphic t-shirt or evening details like sequins and shine during the day.

Deb: Tell us about the three looks you sent in and where you wore them.

Look # 1 – Work-To-Party Outfit Deb: This outfit looks so practical and so cute at the same time. I admire how you took a chance with all the mixed prints. It’s pretty interesting. Was this a first for you? Kimara: A print skirt with a t-shirt is a go-to for me, and this time, I wanted to try something different from my standard solid-colored tee. I had never worn these pieces together before, and when I put the outfit in my head, I thought it would look great. It has been one of my favorite looks ever since. I’d say this is the quintessential work-to-party look for me. On the day I wore this outfit, I had meetings during the day and a blog event that evening, so I wanted to be comfortable and confident, and I was!
Look # 2 – Business Presentation Deb: Wow, these color-blocked pants are an amusing statement, and you pull this look off with class. Kimara: Thank You, Yes, I’m lucky that I work for a fashion retailer. My dress code is pretty flexible. This is another business look for me that I wore for a presentation. Being from the East coast, wearing color is relatively new for me, but I’ve been experimenting with which colors look best on me. I’ve always been a dresses/skirts and jeans girl. Because I have a pear shape, finding pants has been a challenge. I tailored these to close the front slash pockets to make the hip/thigh area more flattering. I loved the colors of these pants as soon as I saw them. They are versatile and look great with flat sandals and a tee shirt. For the meeting, I added a blazer and tri-tone pumps.
Look #3 – Girls’ Night Out Deb: When I saw this, I thought, here are a few plain, casual pieces that many of us probably have sitting around in our closets. You’ve taken them from ordinary to elegant all through your styling. Where were you going when you put this on? Kimara: I wore this outfit to a girls’ night out, which consisted of shopping, dinner, and drinks. I could quickly wear something like this for work. Many people consider a black blazer a wardrobe staple, but I wear my two white blazers more often. It’s the perfect topper for jeans, leather pants, skirts, and dresses. White blazers work year-round, whereas black ones can sometimes be too heavy. I scored mine at a vintage shop in the city and customized it by having the sleeves shortened.

Deb: Kimara, Do you have any style tips you’d like to pass on to my Fabulous After 40 readers?

Kimara: Dress to make yourself happy. I believe in wearing what you like and having fun with it. I don’t have to get dressed up for work, and I am often asked why I do. The simple answer is that I like getting dressed up.

I have my days in jeans, sneakers, or even sweats around the house. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been exploring more fashion and trying new things.

Experiment and have fun with it…it’s just fashion!

Kimara, Thanks for those words of fashion wisdom. I agree. You’ve got to play a little to find the real you. Thanks!

To see more of Kimara’s one-kind style, visit her beautiful lifestyle and fashion blog, J’adore Couture, which explores the intersection of fashion and design.