White button-downs, solid tops, neutral blazers: these are wardrobe staples we know and love. But adding a vibrant print to the rotation is a surprisingly versatile way to mix things up. To prove it, we set two of our stylists loose to put their signature spin on a bold Diane von Furstenberg blouse.

Pa: DVF always does great pieces and the awesome bold print of this blouse will easily transition from summer to fall. I love to play with contrasting prints and textures—animal print against the floral with leather—but still kept it classic with the blazer-and-skirt combo.
 
On Pa:
*Diane von Furstenberg New Whitman Blouse
*Tibi Blazer 
*Helmut Lang Skirt
*Alexander Wang Pumps

Rachel: I love the color combination on this blouse, it reminds me of prints I see when vintage shopping. It’s very flexible too. You can tuck it in to a high waist pencil skirt for a more dressed-up approach, or a pair it with your favorite denim and pumps for a casual Friday work outfit.

On Rachel:
*Diane von Furstenberg New Whitman Blouse
*DSQUARED2 Jeans
*Alexander Wang Bag
*Boutique 9 Pumps
*Karen Walker Sunglasses

--Libby S.

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Look 1: Alice + Olivia Jacket, Chaser tee, J Brand jeans, MM6 clutch, Steven flats. Look 2: Preen dress, Salvatore Ferragamo flats, Rebecca Minkoff clutch. Look 3: MM6 shirtdress, B-Low The Belt belt, Tory Burch bag, Rachel Zoe flats.

I’m really not a heels girl, but I have a few dates coming up and I want to look polished and sexy. Do you have any tips for looking great while rocking flats?

Good for you for staying true to yourself! Fashion has never embraced flats as much as they have now. With the wide range of options, it’s easy to send the same styling messages as pumps.  

DRINKS & A MOVIE
A low-pressure movie date is the perfect opportunity to show off an edgier look. Studded red Steven flats have a polished pointed toe and an adventure-ready feel. A ladylike Alice + Olivia jacket, skinny jeans, and a graphic tee finish this easy, put-together look.

MEET THE PARENTS
Meeting the parents can be a stressful date. Make it easy on yourself by falling back on the classics. A Preen dress is ladylike and chic, and patent Salvatore Ferragamo flats are stylish, yet easy-going. Keeping a sense of humor is really important. Inject a peek of your fun personality with quirky jewelry or a Rebecca Minkoff snake-print clutch.

DAYTIME COFFEE DATE
For a causal daytime meet-up, you want to send a carefree, casual vibe. A loose MM6 Maison Martin Margiela shirtdress with a neutral belt will really make a pair of bold flats—Rachel Zoe has several colorful options—shine as the statement piece. Plus, wearing flats means you’ll be up for any post-coffee plans that might pop up.

--Loni

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I’m going on a first date and have no idea what to wear! I want to look fashionable, but not like I’m trying too hard. Do you have any suggestions?

First date looks are always challenging, but so much fun!  A blend of comfortable and flirty is key, and most of all, you have to be yourself.   

OUTDOOR CONCERT
If your first date involves one of summer’s many outdoor concerts, anchor your look with great pair of jeans. Low-rise skinny jeans with a strong cuff give off a rock-and-roll sensibility. Pair them with an easy T by Alexander Wang tee and a cool leather jacket. For shoes, be sure to pick a thicker heel if you’ll be walking in grass, and finish with a casual cross-body bag. 

DINNER & A MOVIE
A classic dinner date is a terrific opportunity to go for that summer sundress. Experiment with pastels, florals, chambray stripes—whatever feels best. Tone down the sweetness and inject an element of personality with some edgy jewelry and for shoes, go with something sexy and tall, like B Brian Atwood pumps.  Finish the look with loose, easy hair. An overdone ’do will take this look into no-man’s land, literally.

FARMERS MARKET
If your first date is a daytime outing at the local farmers market, take the opportunity to show a little leg. Rag & Bone/JEAN cutoff shorts are my favorite. Try them in bold red or stick to classic blue. Toss on a well-loved sweatshirt (for extra credit cut the neck wider for a casual-sexy off-shoulder look) and some Superga sneakers or colorful Matt Bernson sandals.  Finish with your hair tucked up into a summery derby hat.
 
--Loni

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Rebecca Taylor Dress. Looks styled by Karina and Loni.

I am going to three weddings this summer, and I’d love to make the same dress work for all of them. Any advice to make each look different?

Smart move! With a few simple styling tricks, one versatile dress can easily last through wedding season.

CASUAL
A more casual event means you can have a little fun with a bold print. A bright floral blazer is a great option for a garden wedding. Add a studded belt and fringed B-Low The Belt bag for a hint of edge, and finish the look with loose easy hair.

LADYLIKE
Heels are not a requirement at a fancy affair. Metallic Tibi flats are a stylish alternative, even in a more elegant setting. Show off sparkling, oversized jewelry with a slightly messy top knot, and grab a tiny Lauren Merkin clutch in the same color family as your dress.

FUNKY
If the wedding has a kooky theme or funky locale, don’t be afraid to try a wilder look. Pair a bold blazer in a unique silhouette with print Alice + Olivia pumps, then finish with soft hair and delicate jewelry for a fun and nuptial-friendly look.

The bottom line is to dress well, but be yourself because if you aren’t comfortable, you’re going to have a lousy time.

--Loni

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The unofficial start of summer is so close you can almost taste the happy hour drinks. But before you head out to celebrate the long weekend, check out how two Shopbop stylists injected their personal aesthetic into an incredibly versatile Torn by Ronny Kobo mini dress.

Haley: I love how the clean silhouette makes this vibrant dress super wearable. I paired it with sneakers and a chambray shirt to keep it casual, but with a few simple changes, like layering fun jewelry and adding heels, it’s easy to take the look from day to night.

On Haley:
*Torn by Ronny Kobo Dress
*Maison Scotch Hat
*Current/Elliott Chambray Shirt
*Elizabeth and James Sunglasses
*Superga Sneakers

Pa: The color of this dress is amazing. The bold coral is perfect for to kick off summer and  I can’t wait to wear it to a breezy al fresco lunch date. I took a bit of an eclectic route in my styling, but the dress is so comfortable, simple, and easy to wear, you could definitely dress it up.

On Pa:
*Torn by Ronny Kobo Dress
*Antik Batik Jacket
*Stella McCartney Sunglasses
*Alexander Wang Clutch
*Maison Martin Margiela Heels

--Libby S.

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The white tee. Is there a more versatile piece in your closet? A flattering blank canvas, it remains a classic example of chic simplicity. Try dressing it up with raw-stone dangle earrings and bright, sky-high pumps. Throw a bold Rag & Bone blazer on for a professional look or pair it with floral Alice + Olivia pants for evening cocktails. The white tee is the perfect neutral grounding piece, so have fun and dare to experiment with vibrant colors, stark blacks, and wild prints.

--Libby S.

Shop designer tees.

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I’m going camping and have no idea what to wear. How can I look good but still enjoy the woods?

Camping is definitely an adventure, so you need clothes that move and lots of easy layers. My favorite look is a light cotton dress with Minnetonka moccasins and a Eugenia Kim straw hat for added shade.  Boyfriend jeans are another packable option. They’re comfy and super durable: pair them with a knit hoodie and a printed tee. You can also throw Current/Elliott shorts over a one-piece swimsuit. To ensure a fun and stylish time, just pack lightweight layering pieces, supportive shoes, and most importantly, marshmallows.

--Loni

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Clockwise from left: Elizabeth and James Colorblock Sandals, Jean-Michel Cazabat Strappy Sandals, Rebecca Minkoff Colorblock Flat Sandals, Tory Burch Wedge Sandals.

This time of year, shoe closets transform into espadrille graveyards. While the trashed wedges and fouled-up flip-flops might evoke memories of weddings and picnics past, they leave a lot to be desired appearance wise. The solution? Freshen your footwear selection with these four must-have summer sandals.

Haute Heels
A walk-able heeled sandal is the most versatile shoe for warm weather. Elizabeth and James sandals with a think heel and straps are stable and stylish. Wear with a Free People sundress and Club Monaco fedorato a flea market or art festival.

Elegant Evenings
A sexy pair of strappy sandals is a must to get through the never-ending stream of summer nuptials. Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals pair well with a bright Alice + Olivia dress or a pastel Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuit. Iridescent B Brian Atwood sandals also work for multiple wedding weekends, playing up pinks, greens, and neutrals.

Functional Flats
Comfortable and easy to slip on, the flat sandal is a summer necessity. Strappy and metallic, Sam Edelman sandals have a padded footbed and pair well with cutoff shorts, while colorblocked Rebecca Minkoff sandals offer supportive straps and an unexpected pop of color to a feminine maxi dress. 

Wearable Wedges
Able to traverse dirt, sand, and grass, the wedge sandal earns it place as an outdoor event go-to. Pair red, white, and blue Tory Burch wedges with a feminine white dress for a hint of nautical flare. For a sure-fire option, wear Rosegold espadrille wedges with a Marc by Marc Jacobs romper, then kick back, relax, and enjoy summer in style.

--Libby S.

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Hugging curves in all the right places, the pencil skirt has dominated the workplace since its origins out of the fabric rationing of WWII. Loved by everyone from Joan Holloway to Carine Roitfeld, its continued popularity is a testament to style’s classic shape and flattering silhouette.

Adding a pencil skirt to your workwear wardrobe is a simple way to double, even triple, the number of outfits in your 9-to-5 rotation. Wear it with a bold Equipment blouse muted by a neutral Theory blazer. For a more casual look, layer a soft, cashmere sweater over your favorite button-down. A sequined, cropped jacket draws attention to the trim waist created by the skirt, and also brings a bit of sparkle to the office. But, the best thing about a pencil skirt is the quick transition from day to night. Throw on a playful peep-toe pump, add a statement ring, and you are ready to ditch the conference calls for cocktails.

--Libby S.

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What are some different ways to cuff your jeans? —Shanley

Cuffing your jeans is one of the easiest ways to transition from winter to spring. Here are four techniques to keep your look interesting.

THE MESSY BOYFRIEND
Best for: Slouchy and distressed boyfriend jeans.
How to do it: Create a small roll at the back, then begin rolling and catch the front up to the back. Keep the cuff thin and uneven for a casual, easy look.
Wear with: Unstructured, beat-up ankle boots and sporty booties.

THE CALF CUFF
Best for: Super skinny jeans.
How to do it: Fold the bottom hem up 5 to 7 inches, creating a large single cuff. Pull the bottom of the cuff to straighten wrinkles and even out both legs. The more ankle left exposed, the sexier the look.
Wear with: Tough, ankle-strap heels and playful peep-toe pumps.

THE EASY INCH
Best for: Printed skinny jeans.
How to do it: Make a neat 1-inch fold and roll it once creating a perfect cuff. The crisp cuff balances the bold, flirty print.
Wear with: Textured, heeled booties and strappy sandals.

THE DOUBLE BACK
Best for: Stiletto jeans.
How to do it: Fold the bottom hem up a few inches. Then, fold the hem back over the original cuff leaving some fabric exposed. A perfect edge is not necessary for this preppy warm-weather look.
Wear with: Embellished, flat espadrilles and classic oxfords.

--Loni

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This spring, the fashion world is obsessed with the surf trend. Seen all over the S/S 2012 runways, the beachy ease and sun-soaked feel projects a covetable carefree attitude. But, neoprene and swim tops require a well-trained fashion eye. That’s where Shopbop Stylist Karina comes in. She was happy to explain how easy it is to let your inner surfer shine.

LIBBY: Thankfully, the surf look doesn’t exactly mean pairing a wetsuit with pumps. How would someone go about interpreting this trend?
KARINA: Have fun, but don’t overdo it. Little touches of scuba wear in your wardrobe go a long way. For a chic alternative to your usual wool pencil skirt, try a floral neoprene Elizabeth and James skirt. If you’re up for a more daring look, replace a traditional bra with a Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini top and throw a fun mesh top over it. 

LIBBY: What accessories work best with this look?
KARINA: I love the thought of tarnished and weathered jewelry pairings. Look to Pamela Love for great pieces to incorporate with this trend. Her tribal spike necklaces and her new totem rings and earrings are particularly nice.

LIBBY: How would you, personally, wear the scuba trend?
KARINA: I would pair a Lisa Marie Fernandez one-piece with a sleek VPL skirt. And then I’d finish it off with a wrist full of Chan Luu wrap bracelets and sporty Alexander Wang heels.

--Libby S.

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Stacked to the elbow or wildly wrapped on the wrist, the layered bracelets trend popped a few seasons ago and has showed no signs of slowing down. Here, a few tips to mastering the art of the “arm party.”

Color
To create a simple, cohesive look, stick to bracelets in the same color story. A burgundy La Mer watch pairs well with earthy metals, like a brass Bing Bang cuff and rose-gold Gorjana bangles. Bright colors, like the electric purple and blue in Rosena Sammie bangles, pop next to the bold mixed metals of an A.L.C. cuff.   

Texture
A delicate chain bracelet can easily get lost next to a chunky watch, so keep size and texture in mind. The crystals on Vanessa Mooney bangles enhance the resin details on a DANNIJO cuff, while an oversized, polished Charles Albert bracelet looks best next to an equally shiny, enameled Belle Noel bangle. 

Style
The easiest styling method is to match the bracelets to the outfit. Thin bangles and a classic Michael Kors watch complement a feminine DVF wrap dress. An edgier look benefits from studded Noir bracelets and a tough leather Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff.

As with any trend, make this one your own. Experiment with different shapes and tones, and once you’re comfortable with your own accessory aesthetic, use it to bring your unique style to any look.

--Libby S.

While there was a singing host and high-flying aerobatics, for many, the 84th Academy Awards was mostly a spectacle of fantastical fashion. The red carpet was awash with dropped shoulders, sheer panels, and sequins, sequins, sequins, while the glittering cuffs and bold diamond bracelets adorning the arms of the attendees stood out as the statement jewelry du jour. Most floor-grazing red carpet dresses obscured what I’m sure was an army of to-die-for shoes. Thankfully Melissa McCarthy gave us a taste, explaining that her sexy shoes were inscribed with a special message from her childhood best friend, Brian Atwood.

All of the women looked beautiful in their Oscar dresses, but my favorites were Octavia Spencer in a formfitting Tadashi Shoji stunner, Glenn Close in an impeccably tailored Zac Posen creation, and Michelle Williams in gorgeous coral tiers from Louis Vuitton. However, the best dressed of the night was clearly Gwyneth Paltrow, who looked positively statuesque in a regal white gown from Tom Ford’s fall 2012 collection.

--Libby

With this strangely warm winter, it’s hard to believe it was just a few short weeks ago when I asked three Shopbop stylists about their fashion resolutions for the New Year. With March approaching, I checked back in with them to see how they have been keeping up their 2012 fashion goals.

Haley: My resolution was to incorporate more bold jewelry into my everyday look. While I faltered a bit and mostly relied on my usual minimalistic approach to accessorizing, I have added some eye-catching statement necklaces. They are such an easy way to punch up an ordinary outfit. I just throw one on with a tee and instantly feel more pulled together.

Amanda: I resolved to work more leather pieces into my rotation and it’s been going well—maybe too well. I’ve been shopping way too much lately! I just got an uber-versatile leather Acne skirt in the most perfect shade of tan and a lightweight Zero + Maria Cornejo jacket in a brilliant blue. Throw in a new pair of leather Helmut Lang pants and you can say I’m definitely following my resolution to a T.  

Rachel: My resolution was to get more wear-forever pieces into my wardrobe and I have mostly been sticking to it. Our studio is overflowing with amazing styles and I’m tempted to buy something new every day. But by only purchasing time-tested, tailored silhouettes, I have not only accomplished my goal but have been building up quite the closet of classics.

--Libby S.

My least favorite month is looming. Inevitably, I let the dark, sloppy cold of February bring me down.  Not this year. After the overwhelmingly successful debut of this neon shoe, I am eschewing the neutrals and darks that usually dominate my winter wardrobe. Peeking out of my parka will be bright resort classics I can layer now and wear through August.

A Kelly green Alice + Olivia blazer can be tossed over a cashmere Ami Dans La Rue sweater now, and then turn a backless Matthew Williamson Escape dress into an office-friendly look for summer. Bright blue and extra roomy, an Alexander Wang tote adds a pop of color to a weary work wardrobe, and come spring, will stow away a light blanket for spontaneous picnics in the park. With a Rag & Bone cardigan, this Mason by Michelle Mason jumpsuit is a cozy cold-weather date option. A few months later, add dangling Michael Kors earrings and dazzle during an al fresco dinner.

--Libby S.

My Grandma has regaled me with tales from her adventures in agate hunting since I was a little girl. From washed-up treasure to angry black bears, she’s seen it all. So it’s no surprise that I am thrilled with the influx of natural stone jewelry this season. While impossible to pick a favorite, three brands stand out as true masters of these earthly delights.

Vita New York
Designers Wayne Anderson and Shauna Hull take an already striking natural agate, and elevate it to a new level of luxury with exotic skins and glowing 22k gold plating. Making “jewelry for your way of life,” the duo creates bold pieces destined to be well-worn favorites. Wear one of their trademarked wrist belts and a flowing bohemian dress for an air of easy elegance.

Adina Mills Design
The beauty of a raw stone radiates in these part-jewelry, part-sculpture designs.  Cubist pyrite and peaks of amethyst showcase the unique organic aesthetic of the namesake designer. A major statement piece, pair one of her handmade designs with a cocktail dress and prepare for a wealth of compliments.

Charles Albert
Charles Albert and Beth Marciel-Albert create one-of-a-kind pieces with brilliant dyed and natural agates for this Florida-based line. Their jewelry is inspired by nature and the uniqueness of the stones. A one-shoulder silhouette provides the oversized rings and glossy cuffs with the spotlight they deserve. 

--Libby S.

Red pants are a bold statement. Combine the bright hue with a wide-leg silhouette, and you’ve got a highly covetable item that can be pretty tough to wear. Enter Shopbop stylists Loni and Karina. One look at their tips on this tricky trend and you’ll be ready to work a wide-leg in blue, green, and especially red.

Loni:
The easiest way to wear a piece like this is to go fitted and minimal on top. Instead, I paired these pants with an equally bold and blousy top. I love the added sense of presence I get by matching volume with volume. High, high heels, black accessories, and edgy jewelry anchor this bright look to my style.

On Loni:
* Alice + Olivia Eric Pants
* ONE by Otis & Maclain Top
* Giuseppe Zanotti Wedge Sandals

Karina:
I’m a sucker for classics, so both the color and the shape of these pants are a happy departure from my usual style. I added my favorite layering essential, a printed tee, and threw on a blazer to sharpen the voluminous silhouette. To top it off, I stacked on some chunky bracelets and a few silver rings.

On Karina:
* Alice + Olivia Eric Pants
* IRO Blazer
* Wildfox Tee

--Libby S.

It‘s mid-January, and the excitement of a new year has worn off, a cold front has moved in, and I am starting to feel the stirs of cabin fever. It’s time to get out and move. Luckily, my timing couldn’t be better. Mid-January sees the demise of the resolutioners at the gym. Treadmills are finally available and floor space in the most coveted yoga classes opens up. My treat for overcoming the dreaded winter inertia? Comfy new active wear.

Under the heating lamps of a hot yoga class, a lightweight Enza Costa racer-back tank is the ideal mix of soft and sporty. Afterwards, a So Low tunic with gathered sides makes for a stylish cool down. The zip pockets on RLX Ralph Lauren shorts keep keys secure during long distance runs and slouchy Monrow sweatpants are great to pull on after a swim. Finally, a Splendid cardigan is the perfect way to fashionably bask in post-work out bliss.

--Libby S.

 

The dark days of winter have met their match with an exploding selection of neon accessories. With booties and bracelets in blues, pinks, and greens, this bright trend is going strong.  

Rocking an ensemble of head-to-toe brights runs the risk of looking a bit, well, radioactive. Keep the balance by adding a brilliant accessory to a neutral outfit in a classic silhouette. A neon pink Michael Kors satchel, a fluoro lime Marc by Marc Jacobs belt, or a bold coral Kenneth Jay Lane necklace are just begging to raise a demure look to new levels of illumination.

--Libby S.

 

For makeup, home design, and most importantly, fashion, 2012 has been declared the year of tangerine. The deep reddish-orange color is poised to bring a much-needed surge of energy to the coming year.

Bright orange can be intimidating. Ease into it by adding a small pop of color to a classically chic outfit.  A neon La Mer watch with a simple white TEXTILE Elizabeth and James top and skinny jeans will do the trick. Turn up the volume a bit more by matching a grey T by Alexander Wang sweater with Theyskens’ Theory pants in the blazing shade. Once you’ve gotten accustomed to it, fully embrace the color of the year by pairing a 10 Crosby by Derek Lam trench and shorts in the same vibrant shade to create an eye-catching monochromatic look.

--Libby S.