How To Accessorize Your Little Black Dress

Thank you Thirty One for today’s blog post.  I will admit…. I don’t have a little black dress BUT I do have my favorite pair of black pants and black top (that counts, right?)

Whether it is a black dress or not, everyone has go-to items in their wardrobe.  The things which  never let you down – you feel great when you put them on AND you can dress them up or down with a pair of go-with-anything heels to the perfect dark wash denim to the LBD – otherwise known as the little black dress!  Your staple piece can easily go from a casual day of errands to a night on the town. With so many silhouettes and styles, there’s a little black dress for everything life throws your way.

But when you have a dress to go with everything, how do you even begin to accessorize it? No matter the occasion, Thirty One has you covered with our favorite ways to dress up (and down!) the classic LBD.

Effortless Everyday

Whether you’re running errands around town, walking in the park or going to class, a T-shirt dress is the perfect way to stay comfortable and cute when you’re on the go. Throw on a denim jacket and the Avenue Scarf in Lovely Leopard or Deco Diamond to complete this simple yet chic look. Add a Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody in Twill Stripe for a subtle mix of patterns that stands out with ease

Need some fresh scarf styling tips? Learn 10 easy ways to tie a scarf!

Office chic

When you can’t bring yourself to put on another pantsuit, turn your little black dress into a sophisticated ensemble perfect for the office! Choose a sheathe or shift silhouette, then throw on a blazer or structured jacket for a put-together look. Add flats in a pop of color or fun print like leopard, and stack on a few Cherish Bracelets for some shine. And don’t forget your work bag! Choose a Cindy Tote in one of three neutral prints and you’re ready to rock the work week.

Girls’ night out  

Everybody needs a girls’ night every now and then, and with the right little black dress you’ll feel ready to paint the town!  Try a dress with a fitted silhouette, then go black-on-black with a black moto jacket and black booties for the perfect mix of feminine and fierce. Keep the accessories simple with a Rubie Mini or All About the Benjamins and Wristlet Strap for a hands-free bag you’ll feel comfortable carrying all night!

Wedding season

Have a wedding or other special occasion approaching? Don’t rule out black just yet! When it comes to wearing black at a celebration, it’s all about the details. We recommend a classy fit-and-flair silhouette, but go for whatever you feel most comfortable in. Add coordinating jewelry like our Gallery Necklace and Luxe Loop Dangles in Silver or Gold-Tone, and go for a sleek pair of heels for the perfect finishing touch.

Date night

Even the iconic little black dress needs a makeover from time to time, so why not try a little black jumpsuit on your next date night? The one-piece trend has been in full swing for several seasons now, and there’s no question why! A jumpsuit or romper is a head-to-toe outfit, so you won’t have to stress over pairing tops and bottoms. For a fun and funky look, choose a pair of chunky statement heels, a simple belt and a Fringed & Fabulous necklace. Add a bag from our Studio Thirty-One collection for a personalized piece that expresses your unique style!

So whether you are headed out on the town or to work, show us how you rock your little black dress with the #thirtyonepartywithHope hashtag.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Dress Up Your Jeans

I am a total jeans girl.  I’m not sure when it started…. It could be because of the “jiggle thighs” so dresses and weight weight fabrics and I don’t agree.  Maybe it is because I no longer enjoy shopping and trying on clothes (GASP!)

After a summer of dressing in capris and yoga pants with LONG tops, I am ready for the arrival of fall and the crisp air. Okay, so the colder weather I am not a fan of BUT I do love my jeans and boots.   With the comfort of jeans comes the age old question: How can you dress up your jeans and feel fashionable when you head out for work, a day with your girlfriends or a night on the town?  Yup, I struggle with this all of the time.  The answer is in the accessories which is what changes your basic denim to a fashion statement!

I love some of these ideas from the staff and designers at Thirty One.…

Get your jeans party-ready with smart evening accessories

When choosing jeans for evening, it’s important to start with the right silhouette. Luckily, two denim cuts leading the way for fall are flattering on all body types – especially in a dark, saturated wash.

Your tried-and-true skinny jeans are as hot as ever and look great balanced with flowy, feminine tops. Layer on a long necklace, drop earrings and stacked bracelets for some nighttime sparkle.

In addition to skinny jeans, you’ll also see more trouser-like silhouettes this season. This cut gives you some creative leeway with opportunities to rock key details like contrast stitching, polished hardware and chic pleats. As a general rule, trouser-style jeans look best paired with a more fitted top tucked in.

Finish off your party look by dressing up your jeans with the perfect pair of shoes: Pumps add evening elegance and take both skinny and trouser jeans up a notch.

Dress your jeans for a professional setting

If you are wearing jeans to the office,, you want a pulled together professional look.  Work-appropriate jeans are usually the  darker wash the better – or try one of the dressy, deep-hued colored washes big this fall.  No, frayed or distressed jeans, or jeans with embellishments like studs.  A closed-toe pump is a solid choice for work, as is a pointy-toe flat if you’re on your feet a lot. Then add a tucked-in button-up shirt in a crisp white or a soft pastel or stripe. Roll up the sleeves a bit to show off a bracelet or add a blazer for a quick easy way to complete the look.

Be strategic with pops of color and NEVER more than one eye-grabbing pattern per outfit. A foolproof accessory is a lightweight, rectangular Avenue Scarf or one of the many accessories offered in Thirty One’s  Bright & Bold collection.

Since we often carry a laptop between the office and home, the new Colorblock Tote is a great option. Its structure and smaller scale make it office-worthy while still providing the roominess you need.

 

Ladies who lunch (or brunch!)

For a day of brunching and shopping with your gal pals, start with a pair of high-waisted skinnies and patterned flats. Add a dressy tunic or feminine peasant top in one of the deliciously rich hues that the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report for Fall/Winter 2018 says will be big this year, like Red Pear, Martini Olive, Ultra Violet or Quetzal Green.

For holding all your finds while browsing those markets and boutiques, we love a statement bag like our slouchy but structured Around Town Tote. These bags come in an equally scrumptious palette of solids and patterns to pull your whole look together, and you can add your personal stamp with a monogram or Icon-It.

Dress up for date night

Date night with your special someone? Try a sophisticated pair of trouser jeans in a dark wash. Fall fashion shows in the spring were also showing tuxedo stripes on jeans, which is another fun way to dress up your denim look for evening.

Dressing up your jeans with a peep-toe bootie/sandal hybrid with a chunky heel is perfect for transitioning between seasons, and you can switch to a full bootie later. You’ll want a fitted top so you can layer on a leather-look moto jacket, and then bling out the whole ensemble with a statement necklace, earrings and a bracelet or two. Think small for your bag; choose something like a wristlet or clutch for your phone and lipstick and such. Remember: For evening, it’s all about the fun details.

Need some ideas? Try our best-selling All About the Benjamins wallet with a matching Wristlet Strap, then dress up your whole outfit with an on-trend Fringed and Fabulous Necklace and a pair of shiny Luxe Loop Dangles earrings.

Whether you’re heading to work, a day out with friends or a night on the town, have fun dressing up your jeans for a casual yet ultra-chic look. And be sure to check out all the amazing handbags and accessoriesThirty-One Gifts has designed to help you bring out your own personal style!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Campus style: College fashion bag trends

I know High schoolers and younger are not thinking about going back to school BUT I am sure the college students are gearing up for their new life.  The summer Belinda went off to college was a whirlwind of craziness….

Of course, changing colleges just two weeks before heading off for the first extended trip away from home did help either.  She went from attending Johnson & Wales in Charlotte to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.  I wasn’t sure how it would work out but it was the best decision she ever made.  I miss her like crazy since she is 12 hours away but I am so proud of the woman she has become.

From backpack purses and messenger bags to slouchy totes and crossbody wallets, this year’s hand-picked campus trends will take you back to college in style. Read on to discover the hottest bag fashions designed to be super-functional, keeping you organized semester after semester.

Trend-right mini backpack purses

A small backpack purse is the perfect combination of hands-free and on-trend. Choose one with sturdy hardware and plenty of pockets – the one you pick will need to hold a ton and stand up to your busy daily routine. Don’t go too bold with this one: choose a solid color in an elevated finish to maintain wearability and lend a timeless air to an of-the-moment style. Thirty-One Gifts’ own Boutique Backpack comes in a luxe, faux-pebble fabrication in your choice of four colors with contrasting striped handles for a pop of fun!

Brand new for Fall 2018, our version of this fashionable, hands-free bag is available early (and at a great price!) to Customers who invite their friends to shop Thirty-One Gifts together this July! Connect with me to learn more about shopping and sharing this great style when you host a party. And as always, personalization is free on Hostess Specials – so make your backpack really stand out with an embroidered monogram or initial in color-coordinating thread.

Campus fashion tip: Wear it over a flowy floral top or dress, and tie a light cardigan or denim button-up shirt around your waist for those college lecture halls that seem to perpetually blast the AC.

Hands-free crossbody wallets

Whether you’re biking to class in the morning or hitting the town at night, hands-free is where it’s at. Choose a sleek and slim crossbody wallet to keep your phone, credit cards, ID and other essentials close at hand. And if you find one with a removable strap like our chic Tons of Funds, snag it – these styles easily transform into an everyday wallet for your larger bag, or clip on a Wristlet Strap for a cute clutch. Three great uses – all without unpacking your things!

Campus fashion tip: Skip the jewelry and sling a brightly colored crossbody wallet across a simple striped tunic and leggings to add a trendy visual pop.

Versatility is key when you’re selecting an everyday tote for class. Our slouchy and stylish Retro Metro Collection features a few stand-out pieces perfect for campus life: Try the Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody in black-and-white, vintage-inspired Twill Stripe. The long, flexible handle means it can be worn as a crossbody, or knot the strap to shorten the handle drop for a relaxed shoulder bag.

Need something with more room and a bit more structure? Our Retro Metro Fold-Overshares the same comfortable styling and durable construction, but features a shaped base and reinforced square corners for more of a messenger bag look. It’s available in cotton or canvas, perfect for toting textbooks, tech and more.

Campus fashion tip: Pair a slouchy bag with a fitted blazer or jean jacket to balance the casual vibe.

What better way to achieve exactly the campus style you’re looking for than by designing it yourself? For a true messenger bag in a chic, upgraded finish, check out our Studio Thirty-One Modern purse. The large magnetic flap is removable so you can switch up your look from semester to semester…or even day to day!

We love the classic sophistication of a monochromatic Caramel Charm Body and Flapwith a stylish pop of black-and-white webbing in the crossbody strap. And be sure to check out our Studio Thirty-One flaps from the Global Inspired Collection featuring bright, graphic prints.

Check out even more hot Studio Thirty-One combinations, or jump right in and start designing your own! Bonus: Each one of these purses is polished enough to take you from class straight to your internship. (Grown-up points!)

Campus fashion tip: Wear it with an olive green military-style jacket and cute ballet flats to punch up your favorite jeans-and-tee combo.

Bonus accessory trend: Lightweight scarves

Want another great college-friendly fashion tip? Think beyond the bag! A square, rectangular or infinity scarf is a key element in your back-to-school wardrobe. Tie it on your bag to add stylish flair and a shot of color, or wrap one loosely around your neck to make a fashion statement in any season.

There are as many ways to wear a simple scarf as there are prints available in our long and lightweight Avenue Scarf: a quick search on Pinterest turns up tons of creative tying methods, from simple knots to fancy braids, head wraps and even belts!

Campus fashion tip: It’s easier than you think to turn a rectangular scarf into a stylish kerchief: you’re just seconds away with this four-step tutorial we love!

Thank you ThirtyOne for today’s blog post.