Styling Your Favorite Skirt 4 Ways

Let's talk skirts. We all have them. Solid colors, plaids, florals, even polka dots. Do you ever reach for one and then... brain freeze. How do I style this? Can I make this work appropriate? How about date night ready? Today on the blog I'm showing you four easy ways to style your favorite plaid skirt. So whether you're grabbing coffee with the girls or heading to church...I've got styling ideas to take you there!

First, throw on a graphic tee. Seriously - the beauty of a graphic tee is that it can be paired with practically anything. The skirt I'll be styling throughout this post is plaid. And not just any plaid... a mix of crazy-fun-colors-plaid. I pulled some of the same colors in my skirt and paired it with a fun, bright graphic tee. I knotted the front, but it would be equally as cute tucked in. A cropped graphic tee would also work. When reaching for a graphic tee to pair with a patterned skirt, grab one with a large graphic - most of the time, it will work with all your patterns from plaids to florals.

If you need a little warmth, finish off your look with a denim or leather jacket. Or try layering your graphic tee over a basic turtle neck. Guess what - you could even throw on a graphic sweatshirt! So many possibilities for this cute casual look.

For your footwear, keep it casual. Trendy sneakers, combat boots or a killer pair of slides.

Next, I put on a simple black tank, putting all the emphasis on my skirt. I finished off my look with a pair of black moto boots to add a little edge. A pair of cute sandals or heels would also work. If you need some warmth, grab your favorite leather or denim jacket... or a cardigan. When I'm styling with a cardigan, I like to keep that top button undone and throw it back to expose my neckline / shoulders for a little edge. This look is perfect for date night or girls night out.

Next I'm adding a blazer. Mine is a basic black, layered over a classic white buttondown shirt and a pop of leather - because give me all the edgy vibes.

SIDE NOTE: The blazer I'm wearing is a Veronica Beard. Her blazers are AMAZING because they have the option of zipping in an added dickey. (that's right... a dickey!) I added a black leather dickey, but she also has a variety of others - cashmere, wooI, even denim! Dickey's give your blazer the look of being layered... without the bulk.

I styled this look with black tights and a cute pair of mary janes to give my skirt a conservative feel. Same fun trendy skirt... with an office appropriate twist. Because my blazer is basic black, I could switch out my skirt to a fun floral, polka dot, or any color. Super versatile!

Finally, I'm adding a basic black turtleneck sweater. Easy and done! I styled my look with a fun patterned pair of fishnet tights - Think of the pattern on my tights like you would a graphic tee. The pattern is oversized as opposed to a small allover print... so it doesn't compete with the plaid on my skirt. If you're styling a floral skirt, try pairing it with a pair of window pane patterned tights... or add an allover pattern tight with a solid skirt.

I finished off my look with a pair of black knee high boots - but over the knee would be equally as cute. and don't forget a cute handbag. My tote has a crazy graphic, but because it uses the same colors that are in my skirt, it compliments instead of competes.

I hope I've inspired you to change up your skirt in unexpected ways. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

4 Ways to style your LBD

Valentine's day is right around the corner. What's on your agenda? Looking forward to a hot date night? Or maybe celebrating Galentines Day with your besties? Or are you like me and planning on grabbing a burger with the kids? Today on the blog I'm showing 4 different ways to style a little black dress. So no matter your plans, I got you covered. Get ready to be inspired!

For my first look, I layered my LBD over a fitted turtle neck and added a cute belt bag. This gives me a little warmth (hello Minnesota winter) as well as a little edge. I finished off my look with a cute pair of moto boots. To keep my look casual and cool, I did a half zip with my boots layered with some slouchy knee-high socks. This look would be so cute with black tights or leggings as well. And make sure you play up the belt and make this look your own - a belt bag, black belt, or pop of color... there are so many ways to personalize this style.

Next, I put on a leather moto jacket, a pair of over the knee boots, and some fun pattered tights to give my look a little sass. I chose a black leather jacket, but any color would work. Keeping my lace tight and boots black, my look remains polished while still giving me a little edge. I love the flirty vibes of this look - perfect for date night or girls night out.

Next I layered my LBD over a white dress shirt and threw on my favorite pearls. Styled with black tights and black heels, I just gave my dress a fun and classy vibe. I love how one dress can be styled in so many ways. This same LBD just went from a sassy date night to Sunday morning church service. Talk about getting mileage out of your pieces!

Finally, I'm adding a little casual chic style by layering on a cute sweater. I chose a sweater that fell straight (not gathering at my waist). I love how it casually falls over my dress giving me a laid back style. I paired this look with my favorite lug sole boots. Combat boots or trendy sneakers would also work. To dress up this casual style, I added a black leather clutch. It's amazing how your handbag can help set the tone and sway your look from casual to dressy.

Have fun changing up your little black dress in unexpected ways.. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

Split Hem Leggings 4 Ways

Have you checked out the new split hem pants trend? I recently picked up a pair and can't believe how fun and easy they are to style. Dressed up or down, these flare leggings are sure to get a lot of milage year round.

Today on the blog I'll be sharing four easy ways to style this new trend. Get ready to add a pair of split hem leggings to your closet!

First, I threw on an oversized graphic tee and did a front tuck to show off my waistline. I'm a Minnesota girl, and winter here is still in full force, so I layered a turtle neck under my t shirt. I love how this easy add gave me warmth AND a little edge. To finish off my look, I added a cute pair of trendy sneaks. Because of the split hem and the flare, think chunky. The pants will fall over your shoes in the cutest way and give the illusion of thinner, longer legs. Have fun experimenting with a long sleeve t-shirt or rugby-style shirt. And remember to add that front tuck for a little shape.

For my next look, I threw on a simple basic tank layered over a lacy bralette. I then added an oversized denim jacket and fun slides. My tank top is fitted along with the pants, so adding an oversized jacket doesn't compromise my shape or make me look sloppy. This style is just easy, effortless, casual and cool. Perfect for running around. I'm wearing my Golden Goose slides, but Birkenstocks would look so cute also. When choosing your footwear, just think chunky.

Next, I layered on an oversized pullover. I'm wearing a half-zip, but any sweatshirt would work. Don't be afraid to go oversized to give your style a little edge. One of my favorite things to do is shop the men's section for hoodies - I typically purchase a men's size medium for the perfect oversized fit.

This time, I styled my look with combat boots. I wanted to show just how versatile these pants are... but trendy sneakers or slides would look equally as cute. Again, I added a front tuck to show off my waist and give my outfit shape.

Finally, I decided to dress up the pants with a sweater and platform shoes. I'm wearing a basic black turtleneck sweater for a monochrome look, but don't be afraid of adding a pop of color or a graphic. Try to choose a sweater that falls straight insead of gathering at the waist. It will give you the illusion of looking longer / taller. Also- I'm wearing a platform block heel - sticking with the chucky shoes. This look is dressy enough for a date night or just a trip to the mall. The comfort factor of these pants is EVERYTHING!

Now you've seen the ease of styling split hem pants. I hope I've inspired you to try a pair and discover the comfort behind these pants as well. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.