Easiest Style Hack Ever
Animal Print Shoes + Scarf
Happy day, Reader Dearest!
Some days it can be hard.
Hard to get out of bed.
Hard to make an effort.
Hard to get dressed.
But one thing it’s not hard to do–Create a stylish outfit.
Stylish outfit sounds even harder than getting dressed, doesn’t it?
What if I told you that you could make your basic thrown on top and bottom look like an outfit in two easy steps?
If you’ve been reading a while, you know I am not one for broad strokes style pronouncements, because style is intensely personal. I feel pretty good about this broad stroke because it’s super flexible. You choose the shoes and scarf that work for YOU.
What easy Add 2 makes any outfit look like you meant it?
Animal Print Shoes + Scarf
I’m not fussy. First, pick the shoes that work for your season and lifestyle; your shoes could be animal print sandals, animal print booties, animal print pumps, animal print sneakers. Whatever shoes make you happy, make me happy! Put them on.
Next, choose a scarf. Your scarf could be a silk square, a cozy winter knit, a blanket scarf, a pashmina. Ideally your scarf will be colored and in colors that make you glow! (There’s one huge style tip–Get to know your colors! Don’t know yours? I’d be happy to help! Yes, you can do a color consultation virtually. Check this if you are interested!) Tie it on. Don’t know how? Keep reading!
Some Encouragement
Maybe scarves scare you? You wouldn’t be the first person who feels that way! You can relax; I don’t make my clients wear scarves, but they are one of what I call the Style Staples. They can take your ordinary jeans and tee to something special! If you find choosing a scarf overwhelming, this might help.
Why It Works
One reason is that this pairing creates an easy pattern mix, which feels like a stylish play! The second reason is that changing shoes is one of the easiest ways to change an outfit. For more examples of the power of how shoes can change an outfit, check out this post! You might just find the right scarf for you!
PS: If you need some scarf tying inspo, you can get 10 ideas here, and the link to 40 more.
Boots and Sneakers
Since boots and sneakers are a fall fave, let’s go for some cozy scarves… Don’t wear sneakers? Go for a loafer, chunky or sleek.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are a year ’round shoe for many! I’ve got a pair of flat animal print shoes on my Wardrobe Gaps list. I’m keeping my eyes open… I could see either of these scarves with either shoe!
Sandals and Slides/Mules
For those heading into spring, or living in warmer climes…
How About You?
How do you feel about animal print shoes? Are they a staple? Or scary? If you feel intimidated, trying a shoe with animal print trim or detailing can be a good way to dip a toe into the waters! Are you a pattern mix fan? Or does it stress you out? Men mix patterns ALL the time! Think about suits, shirts and ties. What’s your take on scarves? Do they make you happy or feel like too much fuss? What’s your favorite kind of scarf? Do let me know in the comments below! I’ve got this special corner of the interwebs just for you… XO
Stylishly yours,
6 Comments
Sally in St Paul
I vote YES. This is one of my very favorite 2 piece outfit formulas: any solid top + jeans + animal print shoes + print scarf! Ruth’s metallic shoe substitute is also good, but I just love the easy print mix of the animal print shoes + scarf. I love that you can wear pretty much any print scarf in implementing this formula if you wear a neutral top. I generally chose warm or cool animal print shoes based on the colors of the scarf, but even that’s not required. I like that your denim + denim is the ultimate neutral base outfit for exploring this formula. The formula is also stellar for jazzing up a basic T or pullover sweater.
I will also switch it up to a print top and solid scarf instead or go for a 3 print mix by adding a simple print top (like polka dots or stripes). But for absolute ease in getting dressed, it’s hard to beat the solid top version.
It makes me sad that many people think scarves are difficult and intimidating, as though they are only suited for those with “advanced” styling techniques. But it’s really a very sneaky trick. They make you LOOK like you’ve done some kind of advanced styling but they are actually VERY EASY to put on and wear. Learn 1-2 very basic ways to wear a scarf and you’re good to go.
Liz K
Yesss, sneaky scarves are, Sally! They simply make you look like you know what you’re doing… When people get intimidated, I ask if they tie their shoes. If you can tie your shoes, you can tie a scarf.
NATALIE K
Liz, I love scarves but need to get back to wearing them this Fall/Winter seasons!!!! My favorite is a square paisleys which I do not have the largest I would like!!
Liz K
How large would you like, Natalie?
Ruth Baxter
I’ll leave the animal prints to the animals and raise you a metallic shoe instead.
Liz K
I’ll take that, Ruth! Animal prints aren’t for everyone!