Ask Belle Roundup: January 30

Hi Belle,

I’d love to see you do a post about how to wear a red blazer without looking like an infamous “red coat” Capitol tour guide.  I scored a beautifully fitting one on sale (this one) but am always nervous to wear it! Red and black seems too severe…help!

Abigail

I agree that black and red can look severe.  However, what’s holding you in the red and black palette is those buttons.  I would suggest one of two changes: switching them out for red buttons or switching them out for cognac brown buttons.  

Once they’re changed, you can wear the blazer with navy, cobalt blue or even hot pink.  I would wear it with skinny jeans, a navy and white print silk blouse and cognac boots.  Just get rid of those buttons and a world of opportunities will open up to you.  And as long as you don’t wear it with black pants and a white button up, no one should mistake you for a tour guide.

Belle,

I’m headed to Park City, Utah for my honeymoon in two weeks, and I’m trying to spruce up my winter wardrobe without spending a fortune.  Do you have some ideas on how to make my existing jackets, puffers, sweaters and boots more stylish?

Tatiana

Stylish accessories are always a great way to add interest to existing pieces.  Since your headed to a colder climate, you can layer sweaters in different shapes and textures, pile on scarves and use hats and belts to pull the look together. 

On the left, we have a cable knit snood (Topshop, $32) and a striped Rugby-style scarf (Kate Spade, $148).  The snood should be worn with puffer jackets and heavy coats, or any time that you want to add neckwear but not add bulk.  The striped scarf adds color without being fussy.  It also is a lighter material, so you can wear it 9-months of the year.

In the center, we have to hats: a bright cable beanie (Topshop, $32) and a faux fur cap (Nordstrom, $32–also comes in grey).  Both of these hats will keep your head toasty warm and add a bit of style to your outfit.  The beanie is for the outdoorsy girl.  The fur cap is better suited for shopping at the boutiques in Park City and sitting in the Lodge sipping cocoa.

Lastly, we have a couple of belts, one basic brown leather (Isabel Marant, $105) and the other a bright, skinny pink (DvF, $222).  I love to wear fitted leather belts over puffer vests and winter coats.  They add shape and interest to otherwise bulky and heavy outerwear.  For a tutorial on how to, just have a look at these two photos from J.Crew’s winter lookbook, belted coats and belted puffers.