I almost fell out of my chair when I saw these images from the Gap Fall 2010 Lookbook. Why? Because this is what the clothes look like outside of all the styling:

More Gap…

And also because this is Gap! Growing up all I remember seeing at Gap were khakis and white button down shirts. My how they’ve evolved…lol. Their boyfriend shorts have been complete wardrobe staples for me this summer. I buy them about 2 sizes larger so I get a true boyfriend fit (I mean really, who calls something “boyfriend fit” and it’s skinny? Who is your boyfriend?). Those tuxedo khaki pants are MINE!

Plus I’m pretty sure most of us have many of these basic items already in our closets so we get some cool styling ideas here, too.

Summer’s not even half-way in yet and I already have my Fall 2010 wishlist prepared. After carefully reviewing and editing the collections shown at NYFW back in February, I want:

Lace Inserts: I love how a classic wardrobe item like a cardigan or a pencil skirt looks with some lace inserts! So chic and so now.
Combat Boots: Doc Marten boots made a comeback last year and since 90s Grunge is making its way back, I’ll give a nod to the decade with some combat boots. Looks great with jeans and a tough vintage leather jacket. Add in a bold red lip for some flavor.
Faux Fur Vest: I’ll plop it on almost everything!
Major Platforms: Even though I’m 5’9″ flat footed—I love to stagger over 6 feet tall with a 5-inch platform heel. I love the way a platform helps to elongate the body and since they’re pretty level, they’re easier to walk in than other heels.
Anything Military: I just love the tailored looks and army green is one of my fave colors.

Check out some Fall 2010 items to add in your wardrobe:

More Steve Madden…

Want a quick and stylish wardrobe addition? Try a chain link necklace!

They look great as statement pieces—just let them be the only statement in your accessories or be prepared to look “busy”. Pick coordinating pieces that are simple and understated.

Check out some options in both gold and silver and in a range of prices:

More Kenneth Jay Lane…

Just because it’s hot out, doesn’t mean it’s time to throw your office dress code out the window. While some companies do loosen up on work attire during the hotter months, it’s not time to break out the gladiator sandals and strappy sundresses (unless you work in a more informal industry). Check out these summer work wardrobe ideas for all sizes:

More Express…

Summer Work Wardrobe Tips (for more conservative offices):
1. No cleavage whatsoever.
2. Skirt and dress hemlines should hit the knee or as close to the knee as possible
3. No bare arms—you can wear a sleeveless shirt to deal with the heat, but be sure to wear a sweater or jacket over it in the office
4. Find out where your office stands on pantyhose. Thankfully my office doesn’t require them, but if yours does, go for a sheer pair as close to your skin tone as you can get. And unless you’re under the age of 5, NO white hose.
5. Avoid anything too tight or too big–both look unprofessional

Go too far for fashion and you can look like you’re wearing a costume, a sad condition I call the ‘costume effect’. Sure, fashion is cyclical, but the idea is to take inspiration from an era not take so much from it that you look like you fell out of a time capsule. Here’s some simple tips on how to avoid the costume effect:

1. Assess your accessories. Coco Chanel once said “before you leave, take one thing off”, but sometimes you have to take more than one thing off. Balance is important in an outfit; you want the eye to take in your entire outfit, not roll back and forth between your wayfarers, dookie chain, door knockers, and Beyonce weave.

To keep your look balanced…
*If you’re wearing an embellished neckline (ruffles, beading, ruching, double breasted, etc.) skip the necklace
*If you’re wearing a funky necklace, avoid dangly earrings (and while we’re on the subject, avoid wearing necklace and earring sets together especially bulky ones)
*If you’re sporting a hairstyle with mega volume wear either shades or earrings, but not both
*Don’t match your accessories to your outfit. If your outfit is black & white, avoid wearing black & white accessories go for gold or silver jewelry and add a punch of color with an accent like red, pink, green, etc.

2. Don’t do trend from head-to-toe. You know the whole 80s revival trend that comes back every 2 years? The idea is take to inspiration from the decade, not look EXACTLY like Madonna from the ‘Like a Virgin’ video. A cute way to do a modern take on the 80s would be to wear a nice pair of skinny jeans with platform boots, a funky t-shirt and leather half-gloves. Start with a simple, basic outfit and then add little touches of trend.

3. Tone down the makeup. Speaking of the 80s—remember the super-contoured cheeks dashed with hot pink rouge (you have to call it ‘rouge’ if it came from the 80s…lol)? Not so hot in ‘09. You can take from the idea of a bright blush, but modern makeup techniques would apply the blush in a much softer application.

Remember that opposites attract. If you have a very avant garde or flashy outfit, keep the makeup simple; if your outfit is somewhat on the basic side, you can get a bit crazier with the makeup. Also don’t go with obvious “time period” makeup. If you want to channel your inner 40s vixen by wearing a fitted blouse and pencil skirt, instead of going with an obvious red lip with a matte face and winged liner, go for dewy, bronzed skin and a berry lip.

4. Pay attention to texture and fabric. Try and rock a silk or satin head-to-toe outfit and run the inevitable risk of looking like you’re ready for bed. If you choose to wear a shiny or bulky fabric, balance it out with something more basic. Don’t overdo a fabric or texture in one outfit and again remember that opposites attract–pair soft silk with tough leather and balance it out with neutral denim.

If you have a style or beauty question, contact me! Your question could appear on this site.