Leather pants are gaining more and more popularity among young ladies and especially when coming with some alternatives like leather substitutes, they become more affordable and even more widespread among sassy fashionisers. Still, despite the fact that wearing leather pants may become a direct and irreplaceable way of catching and having everyone’s attention, there are certain things that should be taken into account when picking leather pants and especially when matching them with other pieces. So first of all you should take into account your body shape and figure, then pick something suitable for your complexion, and finally not forget about the combinations in which those pieces are supposed to come put into. Have a nosey at these important style tips teaching you how to wear leather pants and what to match them with for creating show-stopping and trendy looks!
In order to pick the right options, you should know the basic forms of leather pants, which can generally be divided into three categories:
1. Straight shapes, which sort of repeat the shapes of classic straight pants most women opt for quite frequently,
2. Skinny types, which have the form of the legs and fit like skinny jeans, accentuating every single line and detail of your legs,
3. And cropped pants, which form some looks resembling breeches.
The varieties of leather pants range both in shape and color, as well as in style, from classic to modern. When picking leather pants, you should pay attention to both the occasion and the combo you are planning to get.
Who Can Wear Leather Pants and Who Can’t
This is the next significant question that we would like to discuss when talking about the basic peculiarities of leather pants. So if we were to point out the main details that may act as a hindrance on the way to wearing beautiful leather pants, we may speak about the following list of options:
1. Excess Weight in the Areas of Hips
You should really bear in mind that leather pants are not like the rest of the pants you’ve been wearing. Unlike the other pieces, leather pants do not conceal the imperfection of your figure, but emphasize and accentuate them even more.
2. Wide Hips
Taking this as such, it’s not really a disadvantage, but a type of characteristics of a body. However, when it comes to wearing leather pants, you will only play with volume even more. Skinny pants are the especially significant type of pants that we would like to note in this case. So straight types are at least the most recommended options. The cropped leather pants are not that preferable, either, since they make the figure heavier and will visually shorten the legs.
3. Short Legs
In this case, everything is quite clear and easy. What you should not do is wear cropped options. And if you have seen a very catchy and interesting type of cropped leather pants you simply can’t but wear, then you should match them with high-heeled lace up shoes having the shade of pants. One more important aspect we would like to note is that you should try to find the type of leather pants, which have a little high-waisted design, since those options, which are designed with the waistband positioned on the hips, will most probably make the legs shorter and add some more disadvantages to that, too. For instance, if you have narrow hips, the pants might slide off and show out your underwear. That’s why most of the ladies prefer wearing sweatshirts and other elongated garments with such pants in order to conceal the waistline.
So it’s not at all surprising that leather pants suit and fit the thin and slim ladies with normal hips and long legs perfectly. You should remember that if you don’t like yourself without pants, then you probably wouldn’t with them, either. Since leather pants are one of the trickiest garments, which reveal all of your imperfections right away.
How to Choose Leather Pants
Leather pants do differ in textile in a number of ways, including the principles of picking them. So when buying leather pants you should pay attention to the following aspects:
• Extra space: Leather pants should always have a little bit of extra space, since even if they fit you like your second skin, they will have the chance to lose their forms and shapes when wearing them often, and the consequences will be that your leather pants will be so altered that you won’t be able to fix that with any other garment. At the same time they shouldn’t look too loose on you.
• The pants from the same range of options might fit you differently, so if one option didn’t suit you that well, you should look for the other options, too.
What You Can and What You Can’t Wear With Leather Pants
The compatibility of leather pants is almost the same as in case of usual pants, including the classic and causal styles, country and many others. The most important thing is picking such combinations, which won’t look too provocative. Here are some more nuances for that:
• Leather pants should not be combined with pieces with shimmery texture. The shimmery fabrics, sequins, beads, all go under this category.
• Tops with a deep plunging neckline and other semi-transparent pieces should also be avoided in order not to risk with overdosing.
• If you are not a rocker, then you really shouldn’t go for all-leather combinations. Still, you may try matching your leather pants with some accessories like belts, shoes, handbags and leather jackets.
• Straight pants look great in business combinations. You may complete the image with a turtleneck or a top of light tone, topping it with a business style jacket. If the dress code in your workplace is not strict then you may wear cropped pants with boots.
• For the casual style you may pick leather pants as an irreplaceable element matching them with sweatshirts, jackets, and short dresses also including different tunics and pieces of that type. The shoes may be of any type, however, it’s better to opt for high heels for a better effect.
• The country style is a good alternative for those, who have just bought some beige or brownish leather pants. You may complete the looks made of them with checkered shirts, denim shirts, or linen options in natural tones. The furry and leather jackets will also finish up the look nicely. In this style with leather pants cowboy boots may also be worn, as well as booties, ballet flats, and ankle boots.
• For an evening out, or a party you may pick some elongated leather pants with a corset or a silk top. This is probably the only case when you may pick a little bit of sparkling things using brighter accessories and jewelry.
• For the street style looks you may also match your leather pants with denim pieces, also combining that with bright tight fitting T-shirts and comfy moccasins or converse shoes, creating quite cool looks for walks and shopping.
• Messy chic looks can be created matching leather pants with relaxed one-shoulder-off tops and a shorter jacket. In order not to have too sporty combos, you may also pick some velvet pieces as outerwear, adorned with sequins, beads and finishing off the look with heels.
• Matching leather pants with a trench with leopard prints will create a really bold image, making you the center of attention everywhere. Still, you need to be sure to pick black pants and match all that with a limited number of accessories.
• We should also note the glam-rock style as a separate and very specific direction the key elements of which are leather pants. For a combo like this you will need a denim jacket, a T-shirt, and boots. If you like the glam rock style more, then you may pick a tight-fitting top, ankle boots or shoes not forgetting about the jewelry. Headwear accessories like bandanas and kerchiefs can also be worn with such pieces. Leather bracelets and other accessories made of leather, like fringed handbags are also an option.
What Type of Tops to Wear With Leather Pants
Leather pants can be matched both with leather tops and textile options. Leather jackets, leather trenches are all a nice choice with a combo of leather pants. Coats are not that interesting here, but wearing them is not a taboo.
In winter leather pants can be matched with fur coats and other luxurious pieces nicely. In fall they will also make a good pair with fur waistcoats and knitted cardigans.
These are the essential tips and pieces of advice that we would like to share with you, introducing the details and nuances that you should pay attention to when opting for leather pants. Being a trendy and stylish detail, the leather pants are turning into real fashion trends nowadays especially when coming in a wide variety of innovative designs and combinations. So master the know-hows of wearing the leather pants and you will be able to play with textures and shapes really successfully!
Photos courtesy of Style Heroine, Negin Mirsalehi, The Flamboyante, My Neon Rock
It is said that you should follow fashion until 30, but when you already have it, the only thing that’s worth following is your personal style. Thus this is exactly the age when women become more serious and stable compared with their crazy nature of the teenage years, so this does require some special consideration in terms of garments and overall guard-de-robe contents, too. So here we are with the most significant and vital fashion tips for women over 30, which can be taken into account in order to come up with the most exact and stylish looks possible.
Characteristic Features of the Style of Women Over 30
Thus speaking about the essential aspects of the style of women over 30 the very first thing that we should note is elegance, which by no means supposes the pure existence of boring and monotone combos. Just the contrary! The keyword for this style is individualism joint with that very feel of elegance present for every look. This is the period of life of a woman when she clearly understands what’s best for her in terms of colors, garment styles and shapes and overall designs, too. So it’s now that the basic wardrobe of a woman is utterly formed. Still, this doesn’t exclude the possibility of matching the individual preferences with the trendiest fashion vibes, too. In addition, no matter how clearly and firmly the ideas about specific preferences may be formed, the period from 30 to 40 is just the time for new experiments and changes! Though the latter do not refer to the crazy mishmashes of styles characteristic of the young years, but they do include a significant proportion of innovation and fresh interpretations.
What to Wear?
The principle of fresh looks and combos does work here, and what you should be guided with is the general inclination to wear whatever you didn’t before. For instance, if you have been wearing tight-fitting pencil type skirts all the time, it’s high time you changed the style towards flair and free models thus going for pleated or lighter options. If you have not been wearing garments like wide-leg pants (check out: How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants) and jumpsuits (learn: How to Wear Jumpsuits), then you’ve been missing quite a lot! So do use the right time to fill in for that gap. If you like shiny and glittery details it’s quite possible that after using such things for a couple of times you will certainly feel the freshness and the great impression you produce on everyone.
Speaking about the overall shapes, we can recommend designs like pencil skirts with high waisted design solutions, which will help you look cute and unique at the same time. The trick is the fact that such models nicely frame your body and accentuate it at the same time looking elegant and chic as required. Combining flare shapes of high-waisted skirts with classy shirts of matching and harmoniously picked colors is the next way to achieve perfection!
What you should, in fact, have for your great feel of the modern trends and stylish combos is the details and the separate design motives of pieces ranging from tops, shirts, and other such pieces to handbags and accessories. The creation of the exact pairs of colors and shapes can also become a great alternative for those, who don’t want to go for some radical changes. On the other hand, for those who would like to opt for some incredibly bold solutions we can also recommend trying out the newest suggestions from the fashion world! The result is that despite the fact that these looks still convey the individual style of yours, they also reflect your perfect knowledge and mastering of the world trends.
As for the general styling we can also recommend using some details from the avant-garde style, which are not a basic piece of a woman’s daily wardrobe but are really necessary for the creation of some creative and nicely experimental looks. Colors, patterns, shapes, and many other things can work for the creation of great and nicely accentuated combinations. This way you will also be able to discover some new and super comfortable options for your looks of any purpose. Of course, you should also think well about the correct pick of design patterns, color combos and pairs of garments with outerwear pieces, paying attention to each of which will lead you to complete success.
The Absolute Don’ts That You Should Not Try Out
In addition, we should also speak about the top list of the garments, which women over 30 should not even think of wearing or doing or at least start thinking of doing those things in another way! The list thus goes as follows:
• Any garments, which would be appropriate and relevant for teenagers. The Barbie-style pieces are also included in this list. So are the neon painted tops adorned with beads, followed with T-shirts having some suspicious prints and other designs of this type.
• Too explicit and provocative design of garments be those super short skirts, cropped tops with explicitly open belly, catchy plunge V-curves and much more.
• Cheap accessories. You have the chance to create the greatest combos ever and for that you need to focus on spending some money and having fun to the full.
• Stylish clothing with incorrectly picked accessories is capable of wrongly accentuating your looks as well as making you risk having looks, which are rather cheap and tasteless.
• Any type of ultra-modern and risky components like too extravagant shoes are also included in this range urging you to preserve the harmony of whatever they bring in every time. Still, in order to have some modern and classic designs you may opt for a classic form of high heels that will be unfailing and beautiful.
• If you are over 30 and you look a bit younger you should not accentuate that with garments, which are meant for those, who are way younger. You will only make things difficult to fix further.
• You should avoid showing the belonging to a certain subculture, either thus also risking creating some excessive sexuality and provocative looks, which are not what’s recommended either.
• You should only go for pieces like miniskirts if you have flawless legs. If not, then limiting with knee-length options is a good idea.
• Do not go to extreme lengths to follow all the trends of fashion. The excessive extravagant and ultra-modern interpretations can sometimes be too provocative in your case.
The Absolute Dos for Women Over 30
On the other hand, here is the list of the garments and other details that you should, in fact have included in our daily wardrobe if you are over 30. So the list goes as follows:
1. Classy body-con dress, which will become your savior for the most diverse and important events you might happen to attend. The little black dress is the following do you should have in your wardrobe. If you have managed to find the very exact dress, which matches your body and complexion then do wear it more often. For festive occasions you may opt for pieces of dark blue, red, and silvery gray tone. If you like disco parties then you can also pick the combo of a tight-fitting tunic with stylish leggings preferably of dark blue or black tone. Matching this with pumps you will create an irresistible look. Going for sweater dresses is another great idea for colder season. It should be creative and have a body-flattering shape. You should also pick suitable stockings for it and match all with the suitable pairs of boots.
2. A classy knee-length skirt more preferably of the pencil type is one of the most universal and cool options and in order to have the widest diversity of solutions it would be great to pick options in classic shades, like navy blue and black. So you can boldly go for combos involving white shirts with black pencil skirts, while the duo of a white shirt with a red skirt will create an effective atmosphere for you. You can tuck the shirt into the skirt or just leave it outside, possibly accentuating the look with a wide leather belt.
3. The more tops the better. This is one of the must-haves of your looks, creating one more cool alternative for the variety of the winter-inspired looks for the colder season, which will come sooner than you may imagine.
4. A simple shirt of white tone and a black T-shirt for the universal and classic combinations are the following interesting aspect of the looks.
5. One more thing that you should definitely have is a pair of sumptuous shoes, which will match any combination and looks. The classic black pumps are always on of the classiest and most ethereal exemplars. The universality is that no matter what you pick to put on, they will look great both with blue jeans and with an expensive suit.
6. A quality lipstick matching the tone of your skin is the following thing we would like to speak about. What you should pay attention to is the way it lies on your lips and the shade it has. Even if you haven’t found your universal and ideal tone yet, you should not stop searching.
7. Sumptuous jewelry can also be a great compliment to your best looks. So don’t miss the chance to buy something chic and expensive for you when having the right chance! If you don’t like gold or diamonds, you can of course pick something else like expensive watches or hand-made works.
8. Some classy and universal handbags are the following things that you need to pay attention to. Do not hesitate to spend some money (even if you think it’s a really big sum) on buying a sumptuous and classy handbag of your dream!
9. The modern suit and pants combo is the following option we would like to speak about. This pair is probably the most practical and gorgeously comfy combination that you may think of. It’s of course possible that this duo has some milder and darker tones, but when it comes to business meetings or conferences to important places they will really save the day.
10. Do not save money on expensive and gorgeous underwear, especially if you have spotted a nice lace option somewhere. Do flatter yourself with this kind of extravaganza, which will make your mood go higher every time you see your flawless body in those beautiful pieces.
11. Having a gorgeous dress for special events is also a good idea. So don’t forget to buy a dress for such occasions as weddings, parties, and evenings out.
12. Classy watches are also included in the list being the following details that can accentuate your looks and speak of your interesting personality. You can even buy not too expensive options, but you should make sure that they match different looks and different styles. However, classic and expensive watches are a marker of chic and perfect taste.
13. A suitcase might sound ridiculous to you, but in fact many ladies still keep their old-fashioned suitcases with them without feeling the need to replace them with a new and modern option.
14. Finally, one more thing we would like to note as a do is a chic and expensive perfume, which will again accentuate your personality and add some charisma to you looks. The scent you opt for does speak of your character and nature a lot so be wise and watchful when picking the one and only fave of yours, which will be synonymous with your presence after getting it (check out: How to Choose Your Signature Perfume).
15. Despite the fact that jeans are also a necessary component of your everyday looks, after 30 you should concentrate on classic options avoiding the looks, which are designed and adorned with beads, sequins, appliques, and other elements like ripped details and patchwork. The classic forms are what you need to consider also getting the possibility to create combinations with different looks.
Summing up our useful style tips for women over 30, we may just note that saying wardrobe of a woman over 30 we mean a range of classic, elegant, and chic pieces, which at the same time manage not to seem boring or repeated. The great feel of style and creativity is what you need for the creation of the perfect and the most suitable looks. One more thing that spices up any look is the self-confidence being the next necessary aspect.
Beautiful looks in general and wedding looks in particular require a special consideration and care, since every detail and every nuance is important for the complete and absolutely stunning looks. Wedding shoes are no less important than any of the details composing your looks, so you really should think twice before stopping your choice on a particular model. So we are going to help you a little bit with that, introducing the top comprehensive guide for choosing wedding shoes taking all the details and the additional elements into account and having the chance to create maximum effective and memorable looks for that special day.
What You Need To Take Into Account When Choosing Bridal Shoes
So starting with the basic details that you should take into account we can point out the following factors that you should really consider when picking a specific design of bridal shoes!
The Length of the Bridal Dress
So the primary factor that actually matters for your choice is the length of the bridal dress (check out: How to Choose a Wedding Dress). According to the ideal model you should pick the wedding shoes and only after that pass to the dress, since the latter can be modified according to the shoes. Still, if you happen to do everything with the reverse order you should at least be sure that you will feel comfortable with those shoes, including being secure that the shoes won’t get clung on anything and won’t create dissonance with the style and the color of the dress.
For short and sleeveless wedding dresses you may pick some sandal-type shoes or light open designs. As for weightless and sky-touching models of wedding dresses, we may recommend open shoes with medium heels and some ribbon-like straps around the ankle. While the ballerina shoes will look just perfectly with the ballet type dresses. One more thing about the wedding shoes that you should remember is that you need to pick a pair, which will counterbalance the dress, for instance being more reserved and cooler for extravagant and chic dresses.
The Bright Tones
Before opting for shoes with bright tones like classic red you should know that this choice is for the boldest ladies (Check out: How to Wear Rainbow Bright Shoes). And the level of boldness even reaches the level of picking brightly colored dresses! So in this case your shoes should either complement your looks or delicately counterbalance them, possibly coming with decorative details like beads and adorned with shades like ivory, red, or navy blue. Traditionally you either need to find exactly the same shade of the shoes as your dress is or two tones darker. Thus, when opting for a green wedding dress you may pick yellow, golden, or beige heels. In that case you should also have a matching accessory on just like a hat, or a bracelet, a bolero, a handbag, or just the wedding bouquet! The most important thing is not to overdose with the choice of the colorful wedding shoes, especially if the accents of the design fall on the decorations of the dress including embroidery, rhinestones, frills, pearls, beads, and big florals. Minimalistic alternatives can also be considered here. Pumps with colorful prints and very nice decorations can do the job. Still, if your dress is minimalistic and not eye-catching, you may pick the widest range of gorgeous and experimental alternatives for your shoes in any case preserving the harmony of mind and soul. Sometimes many playful and creative brides even match the shade of the socks of their future husbands with the thematic concentration of their heels and the day. The groom may also limit with simply picking a matching tie.
Designs with Platforms and Heels
Killer heels, however cool and stylish they may seem, are not the best alternatives for your wedding looks. Comfort is the first and the most important thing that you should really have for that day, since you are going to spend at least some 12 hours on your shoes the entire day! So you might need moving, walking around, etc. and you really wouldn’t like to have that feeling of being exhausted and tired to death even stronger when the day is over.
Opting for elongated stiletto shoes may not be such a good idea either, since this design may make your feet visually bigger. As for the length, if your future hubby is not much taller than you, then you may choose some average height in order not to become taller than him! The narrowing types of the heels are probably the comfiest alternatives that you may pick. Such heels are not too tall as a rule and they are extremely comfy.
Flats for the Best Looks
No matter how hard you may try you won’t find any written rules about the compulsory necessity of the bride to wear heels on her wedding! So if you want to enjoy the day to the full, why don’t you just pick a pair of adorable and exclusively delicately designed flats? It’s true of course, that the heels are irreplaceable for slimming the figure and making you taller, but if you are feeling discomfort on heels and if you are to choose between heels and comfort, the latter is more important we assume.
Changing Bridal Shoes
Still, if you don’t want to leave your heels at home and don’t want to feel ill at ease either, you can use a clever trick simply taking the pair of the comfy heels with you to change your gorgeous high heels whenever you need them!
Be Bolder!
It’s your day so you need to enjoy it to the full! So don’t think of others’ opinions and choose whatever you would personally like to have! This also includes extravagant alternatives like those wedding shoes adorned with pearls, crystals and even such crazy options as studded boots!
White or Ivory Shades
If you are on the side of classics, then the white or ivory options are just what you need. Especially if you want to match the tone of your shoes with that of your dress then you should be really careful with finding the exact shade, which might be visible from beneath the layers of the dress. Watching the tones under sunlight to be sure about the tone plays is also a good idea.
Walk on Your Shoes Before the Wedding
This is also very important, since your wedding day should not be the first day you wear your shoes. You should be prepared for that and you should really get used to your wedding shoes to be able to have “trained’ legs and feet. In addition, when buying the shoes you need to try them out several times, doing via several ways. You may try them out standing, sitting, walking round making sure that your fingers are not stifled or pressed and also making sure that the shoes are comfortable in general. One more thing about buying wedding shoes is that you should pick options made of natural leather to give your feet a chance to breathe throughout the entire day. The best time for going shopping is the second half of the day when your feet naturally swell a little bit. Trying the shoes on with your tights on is also a sing of good manners.
What to Do with the Bridal Shoes after Wedding?
If you have bought the dress and have decided to keep it a family relic, then you have three possible scenarios you may choose in between for your wedding shoes. You may keep them with the dress, give them away, or change the shade and combine them with other pieces for causal or special combinations.
Take the Season Into Account
This is another thing that you should really be cautious about. So you may pick some open toe options if it’s warm outdoors, but definitely not for the cold months, for which the classic pumps will be quite okay.
Some More Details About Choosing Wedding Shoes
Now, after introducing the basics, we would also like to have your attention for a couple of more details for being able to make really good and effective choices!
Don’t Forget to Take the Place Into Account
The place where the ceremony is to take place is just as important for the choice of the heels. For instance, if you are planning to have the biggest part of the day on the beach, then classic heels with great possibility will sink into the sands right away, which is why you need some beach-ready bridal shoes, or else you can walk on the sand barefoot.
Pay Attention to Your Wedding Theme
Your wedding theme is the following detail that you might take into account. For instance, if the wedding theme you’ve used for the invitations and the overall design of the day is pink or red, then you may pick the details accordingly. The style is also important, for instance, when picking a vintage and romantic design of shoes for an appropriate dress not forgetting about the delicate details like lace patterns. The most important thing is not to go to extreme lengths with your matching experiments. For instance, if you have picked a dress that’s lavishly desecrated with lace patterns, then the bridal shoes should be of some other type.
Take Your Time
Start the preparations long before the wedding day to be able to choose everything in time and not to rush to quick picks at the very last moment. So be sure to leave the wide choice of design alternatives before the wedding to make correct decisions.
Pay Attention to Such Details as Slippery Floor!
This might seem unimportant but this is, in fact quite important since having a flawless walk on the aisle is something essential for the wedding. So in order to avoid failure, you need to make sure you won’t slip. And don’t forget about the plasters for the possible irritation of the feet.
Try to Match the Color of Your Heels With the Color of Your Dress
So first of all you need to find out whether you want the tone of the heels contrast or complement the tone of your dress. This depends on the latter too. For instance, if your dress is of white or ivory shade you may match your shoes with the identical shades, but if the dress has some bolder tones, then you need to be sure about picking a complementary shade, which should also match the design and the shade of the dress and the accessories.
In the Long Run Pick Whatever Makes You Feel Confident
Confidence is really very important for wedding and in order to feel confident you can even make some design alterations with the rest of the pieces just because a certain pair of shoes makes you feel confident and complex-free. So this again brings to the idea of picking the wedding shoes before buying the dress to get everything started from the right place. This is the quickest way to feel like the queen of the day and of course the queen of the party!
Find Your Inspiration
Inspiration is just as important for the creation of beautiful looks, so you should really look through some suggestions from the celebs or the fashion shows of popular designers to find some trendy and gorgeous ideas for your own looks, thus finding a source of inspiration. This is especially true and actual for the moments when you start getting into panic just because you can’t figure out what type of shoes or which pair of shoes you exactly need. So instead of worrying and panicking, you may find the answers from experts!
General Steps that Should Be Taken Into Account
So in order to sum up all the tips regarding buying the best wedding shoes for you, we can present the following accordance of steps that you should follow in order to create impressive and beautiful combinations with the help of your shoes and your dress and all the rest of the details. So the steps go as follows!
Figure out the Exact Material of the Shoes
The widest variety of shoes can be found in order to provide you with just as many options for wedding looks. For instance, you may choose raw silk, crepe, or satin bridal shoes. Still, you may also deviate from this rule sometimes going for some different materials, which may add a specific accent on the creativity of your looks.
Choose the Complementary Shade and Design
So this is the second step for which you just need to figure out the exact tones, which will complement the dress or just nicely counterbalance it, and saying this we mean the synthesis of the designs and the shades. You may even match your wedding shoes with some accessories be those silver or gold jewelry and possibly have the coolest looks ever.
Don’t Underestimate the Factor of Comfort
As you keep on finding gorgeous and stunning models for shoes you should really be quite cautious and attentive for the choice of the comfortable shoes. They may have the most diverse and interesting designs and shapes ever, but you really need to know and to feel that they are comfortable. If you ace walking on heels, then the gorgeous model is just ready. Still, you may also take your time and make your feet get used to that particular model of shoes walking on them days before the wedding.
Match the Occasion and the Theme of the Day
So what you need to do is to be really watchful and aware of the possible difficulties that you might encounter when picking a pair of killer heels. The latter may really be gorgeous, but at the same time they will just exhaust you leaving without help at the end of the day.
Be Careful With the Whites
The tones of white can also have a tricky part, since you have to match the white tones of your wedding shoes and dress just exactly unlike the rest of the shades, which allow us a comparable freedom of choice.
Choosing shoes for wedding is one of the most exciting and responsible things that you have to go through and we do hope that this range of curious dos and don’ts will only help you to make quicker decisions and to come up with final ideas sooner. So find your inspiration, be careful with the details and learn how to harmonize everything with each other in order to create some perfect and really flawless looks for any place and style you may further have the ceremony in. The most important thing is to be careful about the proportions and the play pairs and to just throw your complexes away feeling that it’s thoroughly your day and you are to tell it where to flow to! So enjoy it to the full and don’t let anything spoil your mood!
Colorful shoes have caught your attention at least once, we’re sure! But most probably, you have been doubtful about getting them since the outfit combinations that may be created with such pieces are comparably and seemingly few. But we have really awesome news for you! We are going to speak about the most diverse and interesting combination that can be created with rainbow bright shoes introducing combos with such shades as red, orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, purple, and just anything else! So gather all your attention and follow the style tips on how to wear rainbow bright shoes correctly!
Principles of Matching Bright Shoes with Clothing
One basic rule about wearing bright shoes that you really need to remember is that the best alternative and principle of picking play pairs with colorful shoes is trying to be as monochrome as possible, creating the combinations within one and the same shade, of course, leaving some space for other color accents too in order to avoid boring monotone looks. The colorful shoes may also become the key elements for combinations created on the neutral background. For instance, they may act as contrastive play pairs for white, beige, dark blue, gray, black, or brown tones. If you have picked all the pieces according to any of these shades, then you have the widest choice for the shade, which enables you to pick just any bright shade for the heels you may think of! In addition, if you have opted for a multi-colored outfit, you may pick the shoes in accordance with one of those shades and it’s absolutely not necessary to find exactly the same tone.
One more important thing that you should remember is that the more eye-caching and curious your outfits are, the more reserved your shoes should be. So this goes true for the reverse cases too, and the bright shoes can become a really great way to shift the focus of the look to them. This refers both to the style and the shade. So if you are not sure about the color combinations you can always turn to classics like in case of black and red, in case of which you may have perfect accents on red heels completing the enigmatic image of the black dress, also spicing up the look with classic red lipstick and matching all with the identical nail color. One more cool variant that you may try out is matching pearl heels with a brown dress and a pearl bracelet thus picking the bracelet as a tiny detail for entering into shade plays with the shoes. So the brushstroke that is to secure the color accordance should not get a dominant role in the combo, simply coming as a small accompaniment. For this you may use a kerchief, a scarf, a piece of bijou, a collar or any other piece of accessory. That’s why these details are called the keys of the combination.
The abstracted alternatives with multi-colored designs are also having a moment among the design variants of rainbow bright shoes. As you might have guessed they require a bit more of consideration and delicacy, but still, the most important thing you should bear in mind is that you shouldn’t break the rule of three shades picking those three tones as keys for the whole combo. However, many stylists seem to go beyond this rule too, simply preserving the principle of matching cool shades with cool tones and the warm options with warm ones.
Taking the occasion for which you are going to pick bright shoes into account is also quite important, since each event requires a special approach and a special range of options you may choose in between. For instance, you can’t go for leopard printed heels for your office looks (check out: Best Office Shoes for Women) and the options with extravagant designs like feathery looks will not do for everyday combos. Still, if you manage to use these pieces correctly, you will manage to come up with really interesting looks.
So being more precise, we can introduce the following looks for matching your bright shoes with!
• Rainbow Bright Shoes with All White Looks
In this case you may opt for a contrastive combination with the pure white combo and the bold and catchy heels. White shade will prepare an ideal background for you to pick a personality stating pair of shoes. Matching that particular shade of shoes with the identical or close tone of lips and nails will get you to perfection.
• Color Blocking Technique
As we already noted color blocking (check out: Color Blocking Style Rules) is quite popular for matching the bright shoes with some catchy garments. So you may just pick a background shade for the combo, matching it with the shade of your shoes, preferably keeping the principle of three shades in order to avoid the overdosing of colors. Not going to extreme lengths with the extravagant shapes of the garments and the shoes is also important here.
Finally, the last but not least important rule that you should bear in mind is that if you feel doubts about the effectiveness of the combination, you can always fill whatever is missing by means of properly picked accessories. Picking an accessory that matches the shade of the shoes will always secure your effective and chic looks no matter how tricky the choice of the shades may be. That detail can be a clutch or a necklace, but it should match the shade of the shoes to create the correct balanced look with the rest of the shades. Still, you should also remember that in any case you should not pick too many details for a single look, as picking bright shoes you already focus the attention on them and the excessive number of accessories and details will only distort the overall impression and the look that you are trying to achieve.
Rainbow Bright Shoes for Office Looks
There is a very widespread assumption about bright pieces being incompatible with office looks (check out: Fashion Tips for Modern Business Women). In fact, this is just a myth since even for such workplaces as banks or state institutions you can create some impressive and suitable combinations using bright things, particularly shoes. The only nuance that you should remember is that not all the saturated colors can be relevant for such combinations. Thus, for optimal choices you may stop on blue, green, and red alternatives. They are quite classic and traditional and despite the certain boldness that they contain, you can create some interesting looks using them.
Thus talking about the general alternatives that might be created with bright office shoes, we can note pieces like pants, skirts and suits, pencil skirts, jeans, and other pieces of this type. Mostly they may simply act as a background for the overall color palette like it is in case of white options. Such sets will look quite laconic and cute. Combining the bright shades with the classic silhouettes and shapes is another cool thing that you can do.
Rainbow Bright Shoes for Everyday Looks
As for the combinations of the bright shoes with everyday looks, we may note that you have an even bigger freedom of choice in this case, being allowed to pick just any shade and combo you may like. You may thus combine your bright shoes with skinny jeans, any types of skirts and dresses, narrow pants, Capri ones, relaxed tops, T-shirts, jackets, tunics, leather jackets, and much more. The final image and the final combination depends on your personal style. For instance, the “city’ outfits look stricter for instance when being made of green shoes, romantic tones like pink, pearl or blue, while the street style allows practically all the shades and tones most frequently completed with a bright clutch, or a handbag, which doesn’t have to be the same as the shade of the shoes. The combinations with bright shoes created with the help of techniques like color blocking can also be included in the list of the dos. For such looks you just need shoes with clear spectral shades.
Thus, here were the basic know-hows and the most essential tips and tricks concerning colorful shoes that we would like to present to your attention. What you should remember in any case is that the key of any look in general, no matter if it’s created with bright shoes or just a pair of sneakers, should be balanced properly. Otherwise you will not be able to avoid dissonance and overall failure, since every detail has to be in its place to secure the perfect outcomes. Still, this doesn’t mean straying away from experiments or being afraid of trying anything new. Just the opposite! Going for the craziest experiments will only help you to enhance the great arsenal of alternatives and cool looks that you might come up with. So using rainbow bright heels can become your key for having some fresh and different looks, surprising everyone with your creativity and energized looks once more. So don’t be afraid of buying the blinding pair of rainbow bright shoes you’ve recently seen, simply matching it right and enjoying the results!
Fall is right around the corner and it’s high time you looked through your fall wardrobe to find out what’s missing and what needs to be changed. Looking through the basic fashion trends of the season can also help you to figure out the exact designs and the exact styles you would like to come up with for this fall. In addition, you should also think over the suitable combinations for this or that occasion and place like office, for instance. That’s why it’s really essential for you to know what exactly is recommended to opt for if office looks are what you need to have most of the potential combinations for. So that’ exactly what we are going to speak about right now, introducing the main know-hows and dos you may use when wondering what to wear to the office in fall.
Stylish Fall Office Outfits for Women
Thus speaking about the basic pieces that simply should be in your wardrobe for the coming fall, the high-waisted skirt is probably the first thing that comes to our mind. Shades like blue including all the overtones are quite cool and perfect for your impressive and beautiful looks, especially if you choose options with the oceanic tones. Adding a monochrome top to a piece of this type you will have quite pretty and nicely accentuated looks, which will delicately hide away the possible imperfections of your waist due to the high-waisted shape of the skirt and will add some freshness to your wardrobe. In addition, you can also think over adding a classic jacket or a suit to your combos to secure the comfort on cold days and to finish all off with a briefcase bag, which will hold everything you need for your work.
One more great alternative that you may consider is tweed jacket topping silk jumpsuits or some brighter tones like orange or a white shirt, if the dress code is not that permissive. Wide-leg pants (check out: How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants) and high heels should also be included in such combinations.
Another cool look may be reached with the help of combining minimalistic black or strict beige tones with some shiny lacquered shoes finished off with the all-classic and retro details like turndown collars for the absolute perfection. Since apparel options and their tasteful combinations are really essential for the ideal impression, such combinations will make you irresistible for any business meetings and negotiations securing your absolute success.
If you are the artistic type and your profession luckily coincides with your nature, then you simply can’t do without accessories. Thus picking details like light kerchiefs or voluminous scarfs put over the shoulders and fastened with a belt can become your best friends for securing the unique and creative office combinations for fall. You may also experiment with details from the grunge style, picking some tough manly boots and combining them with something feminine-inspired like skinny jeans and a wide-brim hat. A comfy backpack can also be used for such combinations.
Shoes like loafers designed with metallic shades are the next possible details that you may use to create some cool synthesis with manly suits, light dresses or short culottes joint with brightly printed tops. You may also complete this combination with some strict geometrically designed and shaped handbags having short handles and reminding of the ’60s.
Finally, if it’s quite cold and rainy outdoors you will surely need a weightless raincoat or a classy and cool coat to secure your comfort and warmth. What you can experiment with is the range of textures like those having glittery accents or coming with quilted patterns. Adding a pair of romantic and classic heels and a lacquered clutch you will create the real Parisian image of a lady. Still, you don’t even have to match the shade of these two with each other, for instance, going for different tones of beige for each piece. Another suitable alternative is a jacket designed with glittery details or beads, which can complete your evening looks equally well. Finishing all off with shiny bracelets or a necklace will really ace any combination.
For the boldest ladies, who are not afraid of deviating from the office dress code if necessary, we can recommend picking some youthful and really cool pieces like high heeled boots with or without lacing, which can be matched with cropped pants, for instance like the boyfriend types, with the help of which they will create some nice manly and at the same time elegant combinations. As for outerwear, manly vibes are not permitted here, since the only type of pieces that you may opt for is the light and girly jacket.
The rest of the combinations greatly depend on the nature of your job, according to which you may decide over what you need. For instance, if your work has some connection with fashion and if you have quite a high position there, which enables you to opt for crazy and stylish combos, you may include such details as cat eye sunglasses in your everyday looks.
For evening presentations and shows you can pick the combos with pencil skirts created from fabrics reminding latex or oilcloth. You can wear them with semi-sporty bomber jackets adhering to the sporty chic style. Opting for pastel shades and tones like subtle blue, mint, and peach can also help you to create some romantic images.
Still, if your work is connected with continuous meetings, discussions, conferences and presentations, then you should opt for the classic and strict combinations leaving the pieces like jumpsuits for the possible closed parties. In order to add some sensual flair to your looks you may pick pieces with decollete and high heels, of course. Such combinations as black and red are the ethereal alternatives for any crazy party.
Finally, the artistic people may pick alternatives like the manly leather jacket and the tough boots, spicing up the looks with shirts and pants or picking sneakers instead of the boots and a sweatshirt for the shirt.
A pencil skirt matched with a sweater or a sweatshirt is the next universal and ideal alternative you may opt for. Those ladies, who are not tall, may pick full skirts with elongated silhouettes matching them with colorful tops or sweaters. For more elongated variants you may pick prints like dots toping them with a shorter coat. Picking accessories like colorful scarfs will always add some nice flair to your combos.
Thus, here were the most significant details that we would like to tell you, informing you about the basic combinations and the most significant looks that are essential for your stylish fall office wardrobe. So take these tips into account and create the most wonderful combos of the season!
Photos courtesy of Negin Mirsaheli, Kayture, Viva Luxury, Style Heroine
Pin up is one of the most romantic and cute styles existing in the fashion world and known to us for quite a long time already. The extreme charm, romance, and femininity hidden in this style makes it a great alternative for walks and for hangouts, as well as for romantic dates and many other occasions. So if you like the looks of Marylin Monroe, Betty Grable, and Ingrid Bergman, then the modern pin up style is just what you need to bring in some changes and freshness doing that via modernizing the retro traditions. So this is what we are going to speak about now, introducing the basic things that you need to know about this style also providing you with the necessary fashion tips on how to dress in the modern pin up style correctly!
What Is Pin Up Fashion?
The modern pin up style does not demonstrate your sensuality but slightly hints on it. This style is one of the most aesthetic and gorgeous keys to use to accentuate your femininity and charm at the same time not risking creating provocative looks. Speaking about the origin of the name of pin up we need to go back to the ’30s when the first seductive posters of sassy girls were also showing ladies with the pin up style and it’s from the name of those pinned up posters that the name came out as such.
One of the icons of this style is Marylin Monroe, who really mastered the art of combining the beautiful details of the pin up style with the gorgeous posture and overall manners and just all the nuances that are necessary to complete such looks. Rita Hayworth is another bright embodiment of total charm having become an icon of the pin up style. Lana Turner, Ava Gardner, and Betty Grable are also included in the list of the top gorgeous icons of this style. As for the modern images we can point out Scarlett Johannsson and Dita Von Teese as the contemporary followers of the pin up style perfectly using it for modernized retro and chic looks.
Building Up the Typical Pin Up Wardrobe
Thus, the very first thing that you need to pay attention to is the modernized chic and glam that modern pin up style allows you to have. So in order to point out some basic elements composing the pin up style, we can speak about the following pieces and details:
• Tight-fitting silhouettes: Whatever garments you may choose, they should accentuate your figure and highlight every other attractive detail about your figure. If you have the hourglass type figure then you are really lucky. If not, then you should try to get the proper accents to create a silhouette of this type.
• Accents on the waist: The main accents of pin up style go to the waist, which should be perfected with the help of proper accessories and suitable apparel options.
• Décolleté: This is one of the most necessary and preferable aspects of pin up fashion, but you shouldn’t forget about the balance thus not opting for too open tops when wearing shorts or short skirts.
As for the color palette, this style allows you to pick any shades from bright to pastel colors, first of all focusing your attention on pink, red, white, yellow, and blue tones. The pin up style is also popular with the prints and pattern ranging from animal prints, checks, and polka dots to floral prints and even fruit prints.
Thus, pointing out the main components of a modern pin up wardrobe we may speak about the following alternatives:
• A fluffy skirt: This is one of the primary details for visually widening the hips, which is quite important for this style (Learn: How to Wear a Fluffy Skirt). Still, if you already have wide hips then you’d better opt for pencil skirts with high-waisted accents and different tight-fitting shapes, which will accentuate the pluses of your body nicely.
• Dresses: This is the thing that ladies following the pin up style just can’t do without! The most diverse silhouettes are all in for this range from A-lines to body-flattering tight options. The accent on the waist is the most important detail here. You may also create some contrasts with colors using monochrome dresses and matching them with accessories like when matching a tight fitting black dress with a red floral accessory.
• Tops and blouses with deep cuts: The latter can be a décolleté or a sweetheart neckline.
• Jackets and cardigans: A cropped cardigan or a jacket with one single button is a great piece to accentuate your femininity even more.
• Shorts: What you should bear in mind in this case is that the shorts you opt for should not be too short. You may pick cuffed options or designs without them but with big pockets.
• Pants: What’s essential for pants is that they should be narrowing in the bottom and widen on top creating volume there.
Pin Up Accessories You Might Need
Accessories are no less important and you should really know how to use them and with what to match your pin up accessories. So here is the brief list of the basic modern pin up accessories that you might need.
• Gloves: They may be made of leather, textile, or even lace and may have different lengths. This depends on the occasion. For instance, you will need longer options for evening looks and shorter variants for everyday combos.
• Shoes: High heels, open toe shoes and boots can all be a part of your looks and you may even create military combinations with them, but the overall inclination should remain towards the feminine and romantic feel.
• A headband or a kerchief: A small kerchief may be one of the easiest and simplest details accentuating your modern pin up image. You need to have a small range of some options, which will be suitable for a number of looks. You may also substitute your kerchief with a wide-brim hat in summer.
• Tights: This is one of the most sensual and important elements of the pin up style, again allowing the range of different styles and options.
• Scarfs: Subtle silk scarfs, which may be put on the shoulders or tied around the head, can also be included in the list of the best modern pin up accessories.
• Belts: Such accessories are necessary to create some accents on the waist. Any types of belts from narrow to wide and even elastic ones will do.
• Handbags: Like for every style, handbags are an essential aspect of your looks. You may pick both big and small options, but what they should have in any case is that they should be designed with some retro hints. For instance, you may opt for oval or square forms with prints and bright colors.
• Sunglasses: Finally, what you should not forget about is sunglasses. Big options with just as big frames are one of the most important details of this style.
• As for pin up hairstyles, you may opt for retro ‘dos like waves more preferably styled with the feel of the ’50s. Pins and brooches are all welcome. Lavish curls, options styled with headbands and ribbons or just straight hair styled with an accessory will all do here.
• When it comes to modern pin up makeup, it should focus the whole accent on the eyes also featuring the long attractive eyelashes. The bright and catchy smile should also be there.
• Finally, if you are ready-steady with your impeccable modern pin up look, why don’t you organize a photo session? This will boost your self-confidence and help you to feel like a real retro model!
Here were the basic things that we would like to share with you speaking about the most essential aspects and details of the modern pin up style, which has been one of the most iconic and descriptive elements of the most popular fashion icons of all times.
When trying to find the exact alternatives for your impeccable business looks you need to pay attention to all the details possible, starting from the apparel options and finishing off with the accessories and office shoes. The latter is an important part of your everyday business looks and that’s why we are going to speak about it right now, introducing the main tips and tricks concerning the best picks of office shoes for women.
Thus, the very first thing that you need to bear in mind is that there’s nothing more important than comfort, so opting for any type of footwear comfort should be one of the primary factors shaping your choice. So this is especially true about office shoes for women, which do have to be comfy enough to give you a chance to be on feet and to move all day long in order to manage everything in time and to resist feeling tired as much as possible. Thus, picking high heels is actually the last thing that you should consider since apart from such problems as inflammation, you might also have to deal with a number of complexities at times even reaching the level of damages of knees and spines. Of course, this doesn’t mean limiting with sporty sneaker, as there is a range of alternatives that you might try in order to combine the beauty with the comfort and to enjoy the best results possible!
So if we were to make a list of dos that you should bear in mind when picking office shoes, it would approximately look like this:
1. The very first thing is the length of the heels that you are opting for. So if you can’t do without the heels, at least be sure to buy some 2-inch kitten heels, presenting quite an interesting alternative for your daily use, thus securing your sassy and attractive looks and at the same giving you a chance to feel comfortable and free during the day.
2. Don’t refrain from buying wedge heels, since they also present a significant option in the range of the most suitable women’s office shoes for business looks.
3. Do look for high quality options if you feel you can afford that. For instance, picking pieces made of genuine leather is a great idea. One cool thing about such office shoes is that they preserve the exact and ideal shape of your feet and don’t get deformed and distorted by the time. Still, if you just can’t wear leather shoes because of personal reasons like being a vegan, you can substitute such shoes with textile alternatives, tweed, or drab put in natural shades.
4. Be sure about choosing the correct apparel options for matching them with the new pair of shoes. Matching the style and the shades is really important, that’s why if you can’t match the shades ideally, at least you can pick some complementary colors for your dress, for instance picking a classic black dress with a suitable pair of black shoes for the classiest looks. Nevertheless, you can also create some color plays with complementary colors like, for instance, when matching ivory shades of shoes for pastel toned garments. The former will appear to be quite an impressive alternative for completing the warm shades like ivory.
5. Avoiding office shoes with straps, especially ankle straps is the next thing that we would like to speak about. The existence of these straps will most probably cause pain and a lot of suffering every evening when you come back home from a busy working day. Focusing on shoes, which have soft lining, is really important.
6. You should also avoid such shapes as those pointy super-narrow alternatives, which limit the space for the toes thus increasing the chance of developing bunions and neuromas increasing that pressure even more when being upright.
7. Finally, you should really make sure that the shoes you’re buying really fit you, otherwise you will have to bear the pain of having too small or too big shoes all day long just because you’ve liked the design and paid a great deal of money for those shoes without even paying attention to the way they fit.
So pointing out the main characteristics of office shoes, we can note the following!
How Should the Office Shoes for Women Be Like?
• Comfortable,
• Made from natural materials,
• Elegant adorned with minimalistic touches and vibes,
• Having thin soles and simple heels,
• Adorned with the classic shades of office looks like black, beige, blue, gray, or brown,
• Appropriate for the dress code accepted in this or that company.
How Should Not the Office Shoes Be Like?
• Made from leatherette, even if it looks impeccable and great. This is especially not allowed because the skin does not breathe inside those shoes thus being subjected to a range of risks.
• Having glittery and catchy details and accessories on,
• Having too high heels or platforms,
• Having too bright and catchy coloring,
• Of sporty type or at last like those beachy open sandals,
• With too thick platform or texture.
Thus, introducing the main range of shoes that you may opt for when thinking over getting a new pair of business shoes, we can speak about the following list of exemplars:
1. The Universal Type
The classic pumps are what you may start out with. Especially if you manage to opt for even more versatile options, you can go for the nude pump. This is really a universal and cool alternative for shaping your good looks irrespective of the style and the garments you’re wearing.
2. “Modest’ Heels
The following alternative that you may have a nosey at is the so-called range of modest heels, which do not do beyond three inches absolutely securing your good looks and helping you not to lose your beauty and charm in any situation including those at work.
3. Loafers and Oxfords
Another cool alternative again including some very impressive shoes for office looks are of course the loafers and the Oxfords (check out: How to Wear Oxford Shoes), which are really ethereal in terms of the designs and the contemporary synthesis of the classic forms and the modern interpretations necessary for the perfect outcomes.
4. Leather Ballet Flats
One more cute and sweet variant that you may consider is the ballet flats, which will really make beautiful pairs with any type of apparel options from dresses to office combos, especially taking into account the fact that there are a number of styles of ballet flats.
5. Romantic and Cute Barbie Shoes
The fact that you should not opt for high heels all day long doesn’t give you a reason to turn up with crazy options like flip-flops! Instead you may benefit from the super amazing flat alternatives, which should surely be lady-like, being absolutely deprived of the childish touches and impression. So you may pick some minimalistic designs with just as little embellishments, high quality construction and nothing extraordinary!
6. The Collegiate Shoes
The reshaped and reformed alternative of the Oxford shoes coming with the synthesis of the shapes of the Oxford boots with the classic designs of high heels is just another stylish option of women’s office shoes, matching classy dresses, business pencil skirts and anything else you may like.
7. Make Your Personality Catchier
One more thing that you may do is accentuating your personality with the appropriate personality stating heels, which might have a specific shade, some unusual designs, hues, ribbons and much more.
8. Tieks
Tieks are the next interesting alternatives that we would like to speak about, coming with soft leather shapes and giving you the opportunity to experiment with a number of alternatives in terms of colors and combinations.
Passing from dos to don’ts we can also add the following:
1. Platforms
Just remember that the maximum height of the heels you may try out for the comfiest looks is up to four inches tall without going too far with the extremely unpredictable results.
2. Sandals
Despite the fact that sandal heels do look bigger and make everyone gorgeous and sassy, they should not be here, since they will definitely not make the most impressive solution for business works.
3. Party Heels
When saying personality-stating heels, we do not mean those extravagant party heels at all! So it’s not about lace, rhinestones, beads, ruffles, flowers or any other accessories and details.
Thus here were the most essential and noteworthy office shoes for women you can have an insight into for the basic know-hows for forming business looks. Taking into account all of these tips and tricks you will really enjoy the comfortable and gorgeous looks, not even having to feel extreme pains of feet every evening when taking those killer heels off. Perfection can be reached without going to extreme lengths as well. So just be careful and wise when picking this or that piece for your everyday business looks and you will enjoy the results for sure. Just be sure not to sacrifice your comfort for your good looks and remember that your beautiful appearance is one of the most significant factors securing your climb up the ladder of success!
The business style is on the peak of popularity nowadays and some companies even have their own formal business dress codes for guiding the ladies to create the necessary looks. Starting from the name of the style we can already imagine the destinations, where such dress codes may work well, gifting you with a confident and classy look and securing your ideal appearance everywhere. Thus, now we are going to speak about the basic fashion tips for modern business women that you should take into account when going for the formal business looks.
The Modern Office Style of the Modern Lady
When picking the business style, the practical value of the combinations should be of primary importance and you need to be sure that those combinations accentuate your professionalism, competent skills, proper qualifications, and the proper strictness of your image. In addition, it should be comfortable to wear during the whole day if necessary not limiting your movements and securing your activities. The more formal and stricter you manage to look, the better idea about your professional skills you’ll be able to create.
In order to point out some basic and essential details for the business looks we can point out the following:
• The strict business style presupposes the touches of classic style, thus bringing in the ethereal black and white combos most frequently including suits, or navy blue tones with a white shirt or a top, and heels of medium height, more preferably of black shade.
• The everyday business looks are those, which allow adding some diversity of colors and tones, still preserving the calm overtones and the soothing cool palette, correctly matched with each other.
• The so-called “Friday Style’ can also presuppose some classic jeans and a cardigan or a jacket.
• For spring and summer you can give your preference to lighter shades like porcelain, beige, and light gray. You should also remember that the lighter the suit is the higher its quality should be. In addition, it’s not recommended including more than three tones in business looks.
• The classic shirt is always modern and beautiful for business looks. A standing collar can spice up the strict and chic looks even better. The colors are supposed to be of the classical tones like monochrome white, but the options with moderate proportions of prints are also possible. Short sleeves, V-necks and other details of this type will never get old-fashioned.
• Experimenting with prints and patterns for the colder season is also a good idea if you manage to preserve the correct proportions. Experimental lengths like capris for the bottom, for instance, are also possible if you are slim and fit enough.
The Main Rules You Need to Know When Choosing the Business Style
Many ladies think that if they manage to earn enough money with business transactions, then the appearance and the looks are not that important, but the fact is that the clothing and the style are an important aspect of the everyday deals and they somehow secure the successful outcome of any transaction better than anything else. Not preserving the correct dress code, you will have to face a lot more failures than if dressing up for the occasions properly. Thus strict clothing is the primary component of the business look, but this doesn’t mean that the latter should be boring and monotone. Brightness, freshness, and creativity of business looks can be, of course, achieved by means of the correctly picked colors and color combinations.
Describing the overall image of the business style, the suit is the first thing that comes to our mind. The modern designers and fashion houses keep on coming up with more and more innovative and interesting variants for suit and pants pairs, choosing which you need to pay attention to the compatibility of those pieces with your body shape and your complexion. Despite the fact that black, white, and navy blue are the irreplaceable classics of all times, going for creative experiments are what the modern era of fashion requires. The modern trends are inclined towards neutral color combinations, but other variants are also possible. Tones like white, gray, deep gray, brown with chocolate undertones, pastel tones, olive shades, and pleasant grass or sand shades are all included in the possible variations you can opt for. For the boldest solutions you can also pick daring bordeaux and red tones, being sure not to pick too bright tones.
As for the fabrics and the silhouettes, quality of the former is what you should look for primarily. Further speaking about the variants we can suggest choosing between linen, silk, and fur options, while for the shapes free and comfy options go first.
The suit of a business lady should not have bright details and decorations. Femininity and a bit of romance can be expressed through monotone and classic images, spiced up with a cute shirt, a matching accessory and, of course, properly picked shoes. Always wearing tights or stockings is another compulsory rule for business looks. This refers to hot summer days too.
The overall image can be masculine inspired including pants as the play pair for the suit. On the other hand, you can also substitute pants with classic pencil skirts for the absolutely feminine and charming image. You can pick any design for the skirts, but what you should exclude is the range of ruffles and other details of this type. In addition, you should also exclude the miniskirts and other provocative designs, limiting with the knee length or the slightly above the knee options.
As for the pants, they should also have the classic straight shapes, straying away from the tight fitting and provocative designs. The jackets included in such combinations should complement the design of the pants, accentuating the hip line and thus being neither too long not too short. Generally speaking you need to have quite a big assortment of shirts and blouses in your wardrobe for creating different and interesting combinations all the time.
When it comes to dresses, you shouldn’t be afraid of picking nicely body flattering and charming alternatives adhering to the strict design hints and preserving the correct length. For instance, you may pick a sensual body-con dress with moderate knee length and strict design solutions for the decollete thus accentuating your beautiful figure and looking as the business looks require at the same time.
The clean, neat, ironed and stylish garments are the key to successful combinations. In addition you should also plan your combinations according to the occasion beforehand in order not to get into panic at the last moment and to be able to organize everything properly.
Finally, you can always spice up your looks with the correctly picked accessories and combos paying attention to the principle of single and common looks, which can be secured with the choice of identical shades for the accessories, or the overall designs of the garments. The creatively picked combos with expensive shoes or handbags will act as the ideal final touches.
The Suitable Hairstyle for Business Looks
Coming to the hairstyle options that you may opt for within the combos of this style, the strictness is again the first thing that should be noted. Shaved hair or colorful strands are hardly suitable for classic business looks. The hairstyle you choose should be classic, elegant, and charming. For instance, you can create a ponytail or leave the hair straight or wavy. The most important thing is trying to make the hair look naturally beautiful, not letting the styling products like gels be visible on them. The range of complicated ‘dos is absolutely irrelevant here.
The Proper Accessories for Business Looks
As for the proper choice of the accessories, we can speak about the fact that accessories picked for business looks should not be too bright and catchy, but they really should be properly counterbalanced with the combinations you opt for. For instance, if your garments are ultra-strict and elegant, you can pick more massive accessories like watches, bracelets, and rings being the bases for the business looks. The most essential details here are the correctly picked proportions, being sure not to overdose with the amount of bijou worn for a time.
Sumptuous accessories are always welcome for the business looks. Pendants, big beads, earrings and rings can all be included in your looks. Other types of accessories like scarfs, ties, collars, or kerchiefs can also spice up the looks perfectly.
As for the choice of the handbags, portfolio bags, sac voyages, or satchels are some of the most recommended options. Too big sizes are not recommended for such looks, because they might mean disorganization and may create the wrong impression.
If you want to include sunglasses or if you wear optical glasses you can pick the options with medium size, picking the shade of the frames according to the tone of your hair. The brunettes thus may pick shades identical to their hair, while the blondes can also experiment with brown tones.
Some More Details About Picking Proper Combinations
Finally, we would also like to present some more specific details and cases for you in order to give you an opportunity to figure out everything better and to find the exact business style combinations and solutions.
1. If You Have Plump Knees
In this case the ideal form of the garments that you need is the straight skirt slightly below the knee or a dress with an equal length. This will give you an opportunity to hide your knees and at the same time not to wear too long skirts or dresses. Picking high-waisted options and matching them with heels is a very good idea for you. Side splits will accentuate the look even more. Straight pants are also suitable here.
2. If You Don’t Like Your Buttocks
In this case flare skirt with pleats can be an ideal solution. It will hide your imperfections and will not create visual effects of excess weight. Straight skirt is what you should not opt for in any case. When picking a skirt you can also match it with a wide belt to accentuate the waist. A short top or shirt, a bustier, and a sweet jacket can complete the look. Avoiding jeans and tight fitting pants is another thing you need to do in this case. Wide-leg pants on the other hand are quite suitable. Picking high heels is another must you need to follow.
3. If You Have a Little Excess Weight Around the Waist and Belly
First of all you need to stray away from tight fitting tops, opting for tunics, and tops and shirts of soft and relaxed silhouettes instead. You can spice up the look with a wide waist belt but not fasten it too tight. Picking darker saturated tones is another good idea.
4. If You Have Wide Hips
Jackets and suits are the first thing that you need to think over in this case. You should try to choose such pieces, which will fit you well and accentuate your figure properly. The fastener should start below the breast to focus the attention to that part. Such pieces will look well with trapeze skirts. Long sweaters, straight tight fitting skirts, and low waisted jeans are all included in the don’ts section.
5. If You Have Wide Ankles
In order to visually make your ankles smaller, you should pick sandals or narrow pumps with high heels. You should also forget about wedges or platform shoes. The latter will only make your ankles visually bigger. You should also pay attention to your pedicure.
6. If Your Arms Seem to Be Plumper
Picking shirts with wide sleeves is the key. Asymmetrical alternatives can also be practiced here. In addition, you need to deviate the attention from your arms to the advantages of your body properly accentuating them. For instance, if you think that you have a beautiful breast, then you should pick pieces, which will delicately accentuate that part of your body, not being provocative of course. If you have sizzling eyes, then you may create a beautiful makeup and focus the attention on your eyes.
Summing up all the style tips for working ladies, we can note that the image of a business lady is the harmonized minimalism without bright shades and explicit details with the correctly picked accessories and natural makeup. The key is picking combinations, which will accentuate your personality and your good looks even more, thus boosting your self-confidence and charm. Taking all this into account you will secure your success and good mood for the whole day, bearing in mind that your good looks are your business card into a unfailing climb up the ladder of success.
With the arrival of fall, you need to start looking for some suitable garments for the cold weather, securing the stylish and comfy looks and creating the cutest combinations ever! Picking a leather jacket is one of the most essential and main things that you might have to go through and that’s exactly what we are going to speak about, introducing the main things and factors that work when you are trying to pick a leather jacket. Learn how to choose a leather jacket according to your body shape, personal style and preferences to be able to build up the most playful and harmonious fall looks.
Leather jacket is one of the most universal and cool types of outerwear options ever, enabling you to create stylish combinations with any type of garments and any styles you might think of. The key is picking and matching everything correctly.
What Type of Leather Jacket Do You Need?
In order to find out the exact form and look of the leather jacket you need, you should figure out the main places where you might need to wear it to. For instance, if you are planning to go to work on foot or using public transport you might need the elongated warmer options leaving the shorter bolero-type alternatives for those who just want to add something new and special not for every day but for some special occasions. Picking the classic chocolate brown, tan, and camel-beige options with lengths around the hipbone are quite suitable and great.
Looking for Sales
The price of the jacket is the next essential thing, which requires your attention. Try to make a bargain picking your fave leather jacket during the sales in the middle of summer or winter. Even if the options you pick are from the past collection, be sure that no one will even notice that. In addition, you should also know that the black leather jacket is one of the most eternal and never-fading exemplars of leather jackets and you can always opt for them choosing from the wide range of options suggested by many brands every season. If you don’t afford buying real leather, you can go for a quality faux leather jacket, the range of which grows more and more long-lasting and better.
Leather Jacket According to the Body Shape
The next thing that you should pay attention to is the compatibility of a certain type and shape of a leather jacket with the body shape of yours. Generally speaking, if you want to put the accents on the upper part of your body you may use different details like studs, a zipper, some buttons, etc. On the other hand, in case you want to put the accents on the lower part, the minimalistic options are what you need.
For straight or rectangular figure details are the most essential and central aspects of the jacket. Zippers, buckles, studs and other elements like that can work quite well. In addition, you may pick options, which have details like cinched waist and a pop of peplum for the bottom to accentuate the figure, also complemented with a big collar for the ultimate perfection.
Those ladies who have the hourglass body shape should opt for tight-fitting jackets, which will accentuate their figure best of all.
Those having the pear body type should go for jackets with voluminous top part having a folding collar and breast pockets, which also have the lower hem not coinciding with the widest part of the hips since it will make them look even wider that way. Spicing up the look with a long kerchief or a scarf is also a do in this case.
As for the reversed triangle body forms, we may recommend looking for options which have some finishes on the lower part be those the folding pockets, Basque, or some furry hems. Jackets having vertical straps for the top and horizontal for the bottom are also recommended. Putting the accents on the shoulder details is another thing you may do. Studs and rhinestones may all be used.
Finally, for the apple body shape the elongated forms of leather jackets are more recommended, which will help to visually elongate the look and hide the belly. Fitting leather jackets with belts or other decorative elements around the waist is quite suitable here. Such options will help to get the body look slimmer and more beautiful. One more nice shape for this body type is the range of options having some loosely fitting areas around the midsection, flattering the rest of the body nicely.
Picking the Exact Color of the Leather Jacket
The following essential aspect of the choice of leather jacket is picking the right shade, since it’s also quite important for accentuating the clothing combinations and matching your skin tone maximum perfectly. Going by the seasons, for summer we may suggest the cool tones. Spring looks for the bright and light options, as well as gray and brown leather jackets. As for winter, saturated darker tones may be suggested including blue, green, or red, black and dark brown tones. Coming to fall, all the shades that may characterize the fall leaves are recommended here encompassing brown, yellow, dark green, and cherry tones.
One more thing that you need to remember is that you shouldn’t pick a jacket that limits your movements even with a thick sweater. It should be free and comfortable with any garment. The sleeves should not go up when you lift your arms. If they do, then the jacket is small for you.
Looking for the good quality is also important, so be careful when picking a jacket looking attentively on the seams, lining and all the rest details, also trying to find out the quality of the leather. In order to make a quick test you may drop a little bit of water on the surface watching what will happen. Pure leather should absorb the moisture and change the coloring while the faux leather options will not react to the drop any way. In addition, you can also simply touch the surface and slightly rub it over. Pure leather will not get peeled off but should have scratches remaining on the surface. Finally authentic leather keeps you warmer and comfier and you may just keep your hand inside it for a few seconds. If you feel the warmth then it’s real leather.
Matching the Leather Jacket With Other Clothing
Matching your leather jacket with the rest of the garments you have is just as important and there are some quite interesting variants that you might look through.
1. Matching the Leather Jacket with Shorts or Jeans
In order to have ultra-innovative and stylish looks you can match your leather jacket with shorts more preferably denim options, finishing all off with an elongated T-type top. Matching your shorts with some opaque tights and comfy sweaters is another good idea for the colder season. On the other hand, the classic duo of a leather jacket and jeans creates the most astounding street style looks.
2. Matching the Leather Jacket with a Dress
If ultra-classic and feminine are what you need, then the synthesis of a leather jacket with a dress is probably the best option for you. Picking a short party dress for not so formal hangouts or going for longer options for formal occasions are all good ideas. Adding some more details like ruffles, prints, design details, etc. will all enhance the great effect of the look.
3. Matching the Leather Jacket with Slacks
The retro and classically chic looks are totally guaranteed in case of the combination of a leather jacket and a pair of slacks. Using details like accessories may also accentuate the feminine feel of the combos.
So here were the main secrets of matching and picking a leather jacket, which is one of the trendiest and essential details for the colder season. Anything you choose should be whatever you will feel maximum comfy with, so hurry up to create your version of perfection!
Photos courtesy of Negin Mirsalehi, My Neon Rock, Kayture
Marriage is one of the most important occasions in the life of any man and woman. In this respect we can note that the engagement in its turn is the first step to it and it’s really important to think over every single detail and aspect of engagement in order to secure the perfection of everything else that succeeds the engagement. Thus choosing the engagement ring is probably the most significant thing for the whole day, since the ring you choose will symbolize your love and affection and will open the doors leading to the married life. It’s quite a responsible and time-consuming task and certainly there are a number of things that needs to be taken into account when buying an engagement ring. So that’s what we are going to speak about right now, introducing the basic aspects that you need to know on how to choose a diamond engagement ring.
The History of Engagement Rings
The idea of engagement rings is closely connected with the idea of wedding rings. The latter are the symbols of eternal love and faithfulness and put together the two rings symbolizing eternity. The tradition of using engagement rings dates back to the times of ancient Egypt. It is believed that the “artery of love’ passes from the ring finger straight to the heart. As for the differences exiting between the approaches towards right and left hand priority, the basic factor here is the religious belief of the Eastern nations, according to which the right hand is given a higher priority than the left one and that’s why those belonging to the Orthodox church cross themselves from right to the left, while the Catholics start from the left and move to the right.
First it was St. Nicolas to come up with the decree that every man should gift a golden ring to his beloved woman as a sign of love and life-long affection. Later in 1215 Pope Innocent III issued a similar decree also allowing the fiancés to buy silver and iron rings. The fiancée was to wear the ring throughout the engagement.
Tips for Choosing an Engagement Ring
Coming to the actual process of choosing an engagement ring, we can speak about some general principles that work in any case. In any case you will need to consider some basic aspects like the material, the type of the stone and the overall design of the ring.
The Material of the Engagement Ring
Starting with the material we may, of course, note that gold is the primary material for engagement rings in general. Because of being too soft and not long-lasting the gold of 999.9 standard, which is the original 24-carat yellow gold (carat standing for purity) is hardly used for making any type of jewelry, including engagement rings. In order to make it stronger and steadier, original yellow gold comes alloyed with another metal for durability, like silver and copper. However, the optimal solution for this is the gold of 750 standard or the 18-carat gold, which has a yellow shade and includes some silver in the mixture. The 585 standard, which is the 14-carat gold, is also an option. In order to have the pinky overtone copper is added to the gold.
To explain you more in-details the difference between the carats of gold, here we present the primary types of gold available in the market:
• 24k gold, which is 99.99% pure gold. It’s never used to make jewelry, since it’s way too soft. 24k gold is either bought by jewelers to alloy it with other metals for making various types of jewelry, or by those, who want to make lifetime investments.
• 22k gold, which is 91.67% pure gold alloyed with other metals. This type of gold can be used for making jewelry.
• 20k gold, which is 83.33% pure gold alloyed with other metals. Usually, 20k or higher gold is yellow in color and such a high karatage is mostly popular in Asia and the Middle East.
• 18k gold, which is 75% pure gold alloyed with other metals. This is the most widely spread karatage in Europe. Some Americans also give preference to this option. Such gold usually comes in yellow or other colors.
• 14k gold, which is 58.33% pure gold alloyed with other metals. This type of gold is the most common one in the USA and it can be found in yellow or other colors. 14k white gold is usually harder and it can be used for prong settings.
• 12k gold, which is 50% pure gold, alloyed with other metals. This gold is usually used for making class rings and it can be other color than yellow.
• 10k gold, which is 41.67% pure gold, alloyed with other metals. This is one of the lowest carats of gold and in some cases it’s not even considered gold in the USA.
The alternative engagement rings made of white gold also deserve a special attention. In order to have that specific and gorgeous shade additional materials like nickel and palladium are added to the gold. You really need to be attentive for finding out the exact type of mixture that has been used for this or that ring, since unlike palladium, which is hypoallergenic and is considered a precious metal, nickel does not have those advantages and might even cause allergic skin reactions. For the fans of exotic engagement rings the alternatives made of titanium and wolfram are also suggested. The combined options uniting several metals in one mixture can also be tried out taking into account the preference for knowing the certain proportions.
Using platinum is another trendy and popular variant for engagement rings, but unlike the fact that this metal is considered to be more precious than gold, it is overshadowed with the shade of white gold having a dirty gray tone most of the times.
The Stones of the Engagement Ring
The next important aspect about buying an engagement ring is the choice of the stone. There exist a number of criteria, according to which the diamonds, which are most frequently used here, are classified. The most significant options that from that list are the tone, the carats, the clarity, and the faceting. Speaking in a more professional language of the diamond, we can say that diamonds are usually classified according to the 4C’s grading system, which is the Cut, the Color, the Clarity and the Carat. Understanding this language will help you pick the ideal stone for your fiancée’s engagement ring.
Diamond Cut: The faceting or the cut is one of the most important aspects defining the quality of the diamond, which is responsible for the shine and the final looks of the stone. The more successfully the faceting is done the more beautiful and the bigger the diamond will look. Actually, the term cut stands for two definitions: the diamond’s shape and the quality, determined by the perfect shine and symmetry. If the remaining 3 Cs define the diamond’s natural formation measuring its weight, color and clarity, then the cut is more often associated with the cutting skills, thanks to which a well-cut, yet lower-quality diamond can perform a better sparkle and an unmatchable beauty than the better-quality one, which has been cut in a wrong way. The main diamond cut shapes are:
• Round Diamond: The round form of the diamond is the most standard form, which consists of 58 facets. The round brilliant diamond is usually the bestseller among all the precious stones, because they offer maximum sparkle. They make up three-quarters of all the diamond purchases. Usually, the round diamonds come positioned with the majority of the diamond sitting below the setting, thus letting the wearer see only one-third of the entire stone.
• Princess Diamond: Coming with 57-70 facets, princess diamonds come in an angular form and they look unmatchable in classic and geometric settings. Princess diamonds are the next top-selling diamonds after the round ones, offering the same brilliance, yet at a more affordable price tag.
• Cushion Diamond: Cushion diamonds are the perfect stones embellishing vintage engagement rings. They appeal to those couples, who appreciate vintage and romantic styles. Cushion diamonds feature 58 facets and are usually thicker, thus best reflecting colors.
• Heart Diamond: Heart shaped diamonds are the ultimate choice for die-hard romantics, who quite often symbolize the heart diamond engagement rings with their own hearts given to their fiancées. They are actually the rarest diamond shapes available.
• Marquise Diamond: Also known as Marquee or Navette diamonds, Marquise diamonds usually come in larger sizes, since they appear in the settings where more of the stone shows from the top view. These diamonds have a more distinctive elongated shape and they usually tend to make the wearer’s fingers look longer and slenderer.
• Pear Diamond: Also known as Teardrop diamonds, Pear-shaped diamonds look quite identical with the marquise ones, which is the reason why they perform the same effects as those. They are composed of 57 facets.
• Oval Diamond: As the name hints these are oval-shaped diamonds, which also have the featuring of elongating the wearer’s fingers. They consist of 56 facets, and belong to the round category of diamonds due to their elliptical shape.
• Emerald Diamond: Emerald diamonds stand out for their classic and elegant looks, omitting less fire and looking more transparent than the round shapes. They have 24 facets.
• Radiant Diamond: Featuring 70 facets, radiant diamonds are great alternatives to the cushion and princess forms. They come in a sharp rectangular form, looking bigger thanks to their surface.
• Asscher Diamond: Asscher diamonds are step-cut and they also look sleek and elegant as the emerald ones. These diamonds also enjoy a big popularity among the fans of the romantic and vintage styles.
The diamond’s cut quality is usually determined by three factors, being:
• Proportions, which are the angles and sizes of the diamond’s facets.
• Symmetry, which is the precision of the diamond’s facets.
• Polish, which determines the smoothness of the diamond’s surface.
When buying a diamond, you’ll be given a certificate, where the cut grades are described according to the GIA ((Gemological Institute of America)) standards of the Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. A diamond is considered to be Well-Cut, when light is reflected from one facet to the other, disappearing from the top of the diamond. A Too-Deep diamond cut makes the light escape through the opposite side of the pavilion, while Too-Shallow diamond cut makes the light pass through the pavilion, before reflecting it.
There are no rules for choosing a particular cut of a diamond and no one can ever say that this cut may be better than the other type. Everything depends on the person’s preferences. However, if you still don’t know what diamond shape your fiancée may give preference to, you can always opt for the round form, since they never fail in performing a high shine and brilliance.
Diamond Carat: Carat is the conditional value equaling to the size of a grain. The weight of 1 carat is 0.2 g. The more the carats of a diamond are, the more precious it is, but still, it’s not only the size that matters. One carat features 100 equal parts, which are known as “points’. One point stands for 0.1 carat (1/100) carat. Several diamonds featuring fewer “points’ are not as expensive as a single diamond with higher “points’ or of one carat. Thus three diamonds of 1 carat each can’t equal with one diamond of 3 carats, since the latter is bigger in size and is rarer.
Diamond Color: The next important aspect we noted above is the shade of the diamond. Many people think that diamonds have no color, but the truth is that they do have a certain shade. The natural tones of diamonds are the shades of yellow and brown. Still, the less noticeable the natural tone is the more precious the stone is. The additional tones like red, blue, yellow, purple, pink are called fantasy shades.
According to the GIA, there exists a 12-letter alphabetical scale, which defines the color quality of a diamond. The letters vary from D to Z, where D represents the highest-quality diamond, which is almost transparent, and the Z features the deeper tones. When the color of the diamond is more intense than the Z one, then it falls under the category of fantasy colors. When a fancy colored diamond’s shade is high and rare, it can be more expensive than the clearest, D diamond. The common diamond colors are:
• D diamonds, which are almost see-through and colorless.
• E and F diamonds, which are also colorless. The color difference between D, E and F diamonds is so slight that only experts can differentiate them.
• K, L and M diamonds, which are slightly colored.
• Diamonds from N through Z, which all have a visible light tint. Logically, diamonds with less color are rarer and more expensive than the colored ones.
As for the fantasy colored diamonds, they can come in pink, champagne, yellow, blue and green tones, as well as super-rare red purple and orange hues.
Actually, not everyone can afford buying the most colorless D type of diamonds, however if you know their color compatibility with the right shade of gold, you can get the effect of a super-transparent stone. Thus, the guide is as follows:
• A colorless diamond will reflect a yellowish hue when put on a yellow gold setting.
• Colorless or almost transparent diamonds look super-sparkling and brilliant on a white gold or platinum setting.
• A yellowish diamond will look whiter on a background of yellow gold.
Diamond Clarity: As for the clarity we can add that this is one of the most significant and essential aspects of the stone. The crystal clear stones are the most expensive ones not having a single scratch or other faults. According to the general classification, the range of purity and quality goes from 1 to 5, having 11 grades in all. The small imperfections known as “inclusions’ can be discovered using a 10-power magnification, which is seeing the diamond 10 times bigger its actual size. The clarity grades of diamonds can be as follows:
• The FL Grade (Flawless): These are almost perfect diamonds without any inclusions as observed with a 10x loupe.
• The IF Grade (Internally Flawless): The IF diamonds have no internal flaws, however, they feature tiny finish imperfections and therefore don’t fall under the category of FL.
• The VVS Grades (Very, Very Small Inclusions): These are diamonds that have such small imperfections that even a qualified observer can hardly see. These can be some significant finish flaws only.
• The VS Grades (Very Small Inclusions): These are diamonds in which it’s very hard for a qualified observer to see larger imperfections or several small ones.
• The SI Grades (Small Inclusions): This term refers to diamonds, in which a qualified observer can easily find flaws under observation conditions. However, these inclusions may be some finish imperfections of no significance.
• The I Grades (Imperfect): This is the case, when a qualified observer can see internal flaws with the naked eye. Such inclusions highly reduce the quality of the stone.
As you see, the diamonds of FL and IF types are the perfectly clear options. They form the most impeccable category of all. The VS1 and VS2 types are also noteworthy, since they cost less, but you may notice the impurities only with the help of zooming with special tools. The SI1 type can become a good compromise in terms of the price and the quality, but you will need to consult a specialist beforehand. For an engagement ring, it’s advised to opt for a diamond with a clarity grade of SI2 or higher. In addition, you need to follow to have the certificate from a popular and authoritative laboratory, like GIA. If you have the chance it would be better if you bought the stones separately from the rings to be able to examine them better and to see their peculiarities separate from the ring first. For you to know, only about 2% of all the diamonds in the world actually fall under the category of FL, and almost most retail stores have VVS diamonds as their highest grade.
Common Types of Diamond Flaws
Knowing the common grades of diamond clarity, you may also like to discover the main types of diamond flaws, which are subdivided into two groupings: internal flaws also known as inclusions and external diamond flows, also called as blemishes. The list of such flaws goes as follows!
External Diamond Flaws
• Natural ” when the diamond has a rough, unpolished surface
• Cleavage or Feather ” when the diamond features some kind of inclusion along atomic grain
• Pit ” when the diamond has a tiny indentation on a flat surface
• Fracture ” when the diamond has an irregularly shaped break
Internal Diamond Flaws
• Cavity ” when the diamond has a small opening on the surface
• Nick – when the diamond features a tiny surface chip
• Included – when the diamond has inclusions
• Carbon spot – when the diamond has a crystal within it
• Grain line – when the diamond features some kind of irregularity
• Pinpoint – when the diamond includes a small white crystal
• Scratch – when the diamond has a minor groove
• Chip – when the diamond is broken along the external edge
• Cloud – when the diamond has a group of pinpoints
• Internal grain line – when the diamond has a visible internal grain structure
• Laser drill hole – when the diamond apparently features a clarity enhancement applied to remove any type of inclusion
• Bearded or feathered girdle – when the diamond features a small hairline fracture along the girdle into the stone
The Design of the Engagement Rings
The basic design tendencies of the engagement rings are divided into the following categories:
• Classic forms with a single precious stone in the center
• Ethnic inspired options carrying the hints of a certain culture like the Celtic and the Jewish ones
• Stylish and modern interpretations
• Art-design
The characteristic features of the classic forms require one or several diamonds of rounded faceting with the traditional yellow or white gold. As for the modern solutions, using colorful diamonds with diverse types of polishing may be used including matte and glossy options and non-standard faceting. Finally, the art-design engagement rings include all the craziest and the most innovative solutions and design features that we can ever imagine. The vintage engagement rings are also included in this style. In addition, you may also experiment with the combinations of stones, picking such options, which have a single diamond in the center, accompanied with smaller sizes of other stones put around it.
The setting is just as important and significant as the other characteristics, since the setting is the framework holding the stone, and is thus one of the most essential details forming the actual look of the ring. Apart from going for the traditional options, you may also try out the experiments like picking a bezel setting for a classic round stone or combining the stylish and modern oval shapes with the classic four-prong setting.
In order to find out the actual preferences of your beloved one, you may follow her style and the jewelry she wears, trying to find out the materials of jewelry she often opts for, the styles, etc. Thus you will be able to figure out whether she likes golden or silver pieces, with yellow, white, or red tones, or weather she gives preference to the classic styles or the vintage alternatives.
It is really important to know the taste and the preferences of your beloved one, and to choose the ring in accordance with that. For instance, if your future wife really likes heart shaped stones on rings, then it would be a really great surprise for her. In addition, you can also go for the most incredible and coolest innovations ever. We can also add the fact that the classic style suggested by Tiffany&Co is one of the most widespread options with the diamond, which has 57 facets, fixed securely on the ring. This is the choice of such celebs as Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson. As for the innovations, you may also try out the oval and the pear-shaped variants, the stepped options being the emerald types, etc. by the Bay, the latter is the fave option of Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Jessica Alba, and Victoria Beckham.
However, buying a diamond engagement ring is not at all compulsory, since many ladies give their preference to other colored precious stones like sapphire, topaz, pearls, amethyst, ruby, etc. In this case, however, you also need to remember that each gem has its energetic influence and when picking a certain option you may also take into account the sign of Zodiac and other such kind of details for your one and only.
One more great idea is ordering the ring to be made exclusively for you taking into account your preferences and wishes for a certain design option or a detail. It is way more preferable than buying something ready made, since the individuality and the uniqueness of the pieces are way higher in that case. In this case one more thing that you need to remember is that you really need to be patient and to order the ring taking into account the fact that sometimes it may take up to six months to make it. Still, going to a specialized shop you can also have the advice of the specialists, who will demonstrate the peculiarities of this or that type of stone, their differences and other significant details.
At-Home Diamond Care Tips
Getting a diamond engagement ring is certainly breathtaking, however, you also need to care for it properly to enjoy its brilliant shine for many years and then to show your “love story’ to your children and grandchildren. It’s recommended cleaning diamonds every six months, since diamond rings (and generally any other type of diamond jewelry) easily get dirty touching makeup and other materials. This makes them lose their shine and brightness. You can either take your diamond ring to a professional to get a regular cleaning, or you can do that at home.
If you wear your diamond engagement ring every day, you need to clean it every week. You can use ultrasonic cleaners for this, however, make sure to avoid using such products if your diamond has some cracks or inclusion. In this case, you can clean your diamond with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clean liquid detergent. Don’t forget to rinse the diamond thoroughly with water and dry it with a soft cloth. Last but not least follow these diamond care dos and don’ts for the perfect long-lasting shine of the stone!
• You need to store your diamond jewelry in a separate jewelry box in order to avoid any scratches, when they touch other diamond, pearl or gemstone jewelry pieces.
• Even though you might be cleaning your diamond ring at home, make sure to take it for professional cleaning and inspection twice a year.
• It’s wise to ensure your diamond jewelry against theft and lost, since they do cost a lot both in terms of money and your personal feelings connected with them.
• Avoid wearing your diamond engagement ring when washing the dishes, cleaning the house or generally doing other household chores.
• Also make sure you take off your diamond engagement ring prior to applying lotions, creams, hair products or makeup.
Common Myths about Engagement Rings
Myth 1: The Size of the Diamond Matters Primarily
Actually, it’s not really true that the size of the diamond is the first and one of the most significant aspects about the engagement ring. Just the opposite! Finding the exact style and the favorite details that your fiancée has for rings is way more important and pleasing. You just need to find out her preferences and pick such options, which may not even be too big and enormous, but may have a superb quality in terms of the materials used and the quality of the stone.
Myth 2: Identical is the Best
No matter how much your fiancée might like the ring of her friend, she will never ever want to have an utterly identical option for herself, even if she speaks about the great quality and the stunning looks of that ring all time. Of course, using the details you learn from her talks may be used further, but opting for identical options is not what she would be extremely delighted and pleased with.
Myth 3: The Wedding Ring Should Match the Engagement Ring
It’s really a widespread idea that the engagement ring and the wedding ring should be matching with each other, but this is already obsolete. The typical style of the engagement rings is thus the look with the diamond in the center. But the modern tendency goes for changing the traditional ideas and patterns including experimental variants, which may involve non-standard materials, colorful stones or other forms and designs. Knowing the taste of your fiancée is more important to create some matching combos with the engagement and the wedding rings after marriage.
Myth 4: White is Always Better
We can’t argue that the combination of white metal with white pure stones looks superb and unfailingly beautiful, but the tendencies leading to including the craziest details and design solutions in the looks significantly widens the scope, at times even leaving the traditional white with white combos aside.
In addition, the pinky accent of the gold used is becoming more and more popular in Europe looking unexpectedly cute and gorgeous. It is also suitable for any skin tone because of the specific color plays it has. The innovative solutions lead us to nice interpretations as the floral rings with pinky gold and the yellow diamond.
Myth 5: You Definitely Need to Be a Specialist
Not at all! You by no means have to be a proficient specialist to be able to choose the correct form and quality of the engagement ring. You just need to remember the following tips and tricks here going as follows:
1. First of all you need to be aware of the basic styles, shades, types of stones and other characteristic features to be able to identify them with the rings you are looking through.
2. Choose the top rated jewelry shops.
3. Be sure to have the size of the finger taken beforehand. In order not to go wrong with the size you can follow attentively approximate size of the rings that your beloved one often wears, or take one of her rings with you. In addition, you can also make the approximate draft of the outline of the ring on a paper in order not to risk being discovered. If she doesn’t wear rings on her ring finger, it will be a bit harder to find the exact size. In this case it would be better if you asked a relative or a friend to take her to the jewelry salon and to find everything out.
If the Engagement or the Wedding Has Been Canceled
Unfortunately sometimes everything doesn’t go as smoothly as everyone wants and things like break-ups happen before the engagement or the wedding. In this case, if you have already been given the ring by your ex future husband, you definitely need to give the ring back. One major reason for that is that for many families the engagement ring is a family relic passed from generation to generation. And even after the registration of the marriage, if you have decided to divorce, giving back the engagement ring is one of the primary things you need to consider.
Here were the most important and basic aspects concerning choosing the engagement ring that we would like to share with you, hoping that you will be able to figure out everything and to pick the most suitable and exact forms and designs of engagement rings to leave your future wife absolutely breathless with the invaluable present you are going to give her. Being able to match the styles with the preferences of the one and only you are going to give it to, you’ll secure the flabbergasting and chic outcomes and the total success!
Photos courtesy of Yervant, Brilliant Earth, Vogue
