Designers draw from a wide range of inspirations–one season it could be a famous work of art, while the next collection could be influenced by a city’s landscape. Here at Who What Wear, however, we unfailingly look to the wardrobes of our favorite tastemakers when we’re in need of some guidance. They consistently provide us with fantastic sartorial stimuli, and this month’s edition of Styling Tips is no exception. From an off-duty look courtesy of Gwyneth Paltrow to Hannah Bronfman’s fearless evening ensemble, today’s outfits offer no shortage of suggestions to try now.
Tip #1: Try an oversized plaid blazer for a borrowed-from-the-boys look.
WHO: Clemence Poesy
WHAT: At the Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris last month.
WEAR: Chanel Pre-Fall 13 gray tartan wool coat and S/S 13 bag.
WHY: Hit on winter’s tartan trend with an oversized plaid blazer. Paired with leather pants and biker boots, the result is a relaxed, boyish vibe.
GET THE LOOK: Cut 25 Plaid Blazer with Leather ($260); Zara Tartan Blazer ($100); United Bamboo Combo Collar Blazer ($396).
Tip #2: Add personality to your look with a pair of eclectic shades.
WHO: Chic civilian captured by Stockholm Streetstyle.
WHAT: Striking a pose in between shows.
WEAR: Embellished sunglasses; printed coat; white separates; purple shoes and bag.
WHY: A pair of quirky shades jazzes up refined, feminine staples.
GET THE LOOK: Elizabeth & James Valenti Sunglasses ($425); A-Morir Lorna Sunglasses ($350); PradaCat Eye Acetate Sunglasses ($365); ASOS Cat Eye Sunglasses with Flower Corner Embellishment ($32).
Tip #3: Punch up your weekend wardrobe with a bright, cropped jacket.
WHO: Gwyneth Paltrow
WHAT: Snapped outside of a New York hotel last month.
WEAR: Rag & Bone jacket; Rag & Bone The Cigarette Leg Jeans ($209); Laurence Dacade Pete Suede Booties ($1030, which are sadly sold out); Yves Saint Laurent bag.
WHY: Bright red outerwear instantly invigorates casual weekend pieces.
GET THE LOOK: Ellen Tracy Wing Collar Button-Front Coat ($154); Michael Kors Crimson Virgin Wool Short Jacket ($770); Ellen Tracy Stand Collar A-line Coat ($160).
Tip #4: Beat the winter blues with a pastel coat.
WHO: Miroslava Duma
WHAT: Photographed at Paris Fashion Week in October.
WEAR: Alessandra Rich dress; Chloe Yellow Clique Wool Jacket ($1198); Tom Binns Scalloped White Crystal Necklace with Tangled Pearls ($700); Paula Cademartori bag; Christian Louboutin shoes.
WHY: A pastel yellow coat is a refreshing change from basic neutral toppers.
GET THE LOOK: J.Crew Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat ($325); Calvin Klein Textured Wool Button-Front Coat ($180); Orla Kiely Half Milano Coat ($388).
Tip #5: Dare to wear a see-through frock for the evening.
WHO: Hannah Bronfman
WHAT: Attending the launch of VERA and Save Love Give campaign in New York last month.
WEAR: Vivienne Tam Black Hexagon Cutout Dress ($1485, 212.966.2398).
WHY: A see-through dress makes a head-turning statement, while a longer hemline ensures the look isn’t too revealing.
GET THE LOOK: Issa Lace-Paneled Stretch Knit Dress ($663); Free People Fitted Dress with Daisies($128); Nightcap Clothing Isobel Crochet Dress ($216).
Tip #6: Create a sophisticated after-dark ensemble with a bow- tie blouse.
WHO: Anna Friel
WHAT: Leaving the Vaudeville Theatre in London last month.
WEAR: IDA Mrs. Thatcher Blouse ($291); Etienne Aigner bag; Terry de Havilland shoes.
WHY: A bow-tie blouse is an elegant choice whether you’re headed to the office or cocktails.
GET THE LOOK: Freda Bene Neck-Tie Silk Blouse ($355); Rachel Zoe Tie Neck Plunge Blouse ($295); Alice + Olivia Arie Silk Blouse ($264).
Tip #7: Finish a monochromatic outfit with a wide-brimmed hat.
WHO: Tali Lennox
WHAT: Spotted in London last month.
WEAR: Very by Fearne Cotton Long Sleeve Jumpsuit ($86); vintage hat; Dolce & Gabbana Miss Dolce Cross Body Bag ($1195, 212.750.0055).
WHY: A menswear-inspired wide-brimmed hat is a cool, unexpected addition to a party ensemble, while a canary yellow bag pops against a subdued color palette.
GET THE LOOK: Jones New York Wide Brim Fedora ($39); Hat Attack Medium Brim Floppy Hat ($88) in Burgundy; Juicy Couture Floppy Fedora with Faux Feather Trim ($47).