Gunn Laws: Personalizing an Outfit
Everyone's favorite Project Runway mentor and style guru solves all of your fashion conundrums.
Epic Proportions
"I am a size 6/8 but have a larger butt with a small waist. When I try on jeans, I end up with something that's too big in the waist in order for them to fit my butt — or vice versa. I buy most of my pants larger than my size and let them be baggy around my hips — terrible fashion for a grown-up. Help me find some feminine jeans! Any advice?"
Women shudder when I deliver the following advice, but it never fails me: Try a low-rise jean. But not just any low-rise jean; it has to fall straight — neither flared nor tapered — from the widest part of the hips. The low rise mitigates the size difference between the wider hips and the smaller waist. (A high-waisted pant is never a solution to this issue.) Wear a top that either drapes over the waistband or is tucked in. No bare midriff, ever!
Head Over Heels
"I've been invited to a party in Beverly Hills. I have the dress — a purple Hervé Léger — and for heels, patent peep-toe stilettos in beige. But what color purse? Does it have to match my shoes?"
Say no to matching shoes and handbags! That's as dated an axiom as "No white after Labor Day." I'm a huge fan of purple and of Hervé Léger, so I have every reason to believe that it's a stunning look. But the beige stiletto eludes me. It sounds like a day look that will potentially dress down the impact of the Léger. Color options for beige are challenging when dressing up: You can't reach for darker hues; you can't go black; and a metallic clutch will cause people to think that your beige shoe is gold gone sour. Metallic footwear will provide you with a wider range of harmonious color options for the bag. Please, rethink the shoe.
Critter-free Couture
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"I'm a vegan. What are some of the best places, preferably online, to find stylish, animal-friendly fashions?"
When I was chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons, I'm proud to say that I had a number of students who created vegan collections. And while I know the textiles that they used, I'm not at all familiar with resources for finished products. So your question is a first for me. I did some research and found that mooshoes.com is great for affordable footwear and bags. Olsenhaus.com is another favorite among editors. Personally, I love Stella McCartney. Her designs are fur- and leather-free and simply divine.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Sandy Liang x Salomon Takes the Ballet Sneaker Trend to New, Ribbon-Laced Heights
Sandy Liang is back for a second, ribbon-adorned collaboration with Salomon.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Nostalgic Wedge Sandal Is Officially a Summer Shoe Trend (Again)
The aughts-era shoe trend was due for a comeback.
By Emma Childs Last updated
-
These Key Summer 2024 Accessory Trends Inspire Effortless Style
From slouchy sling bags to '80s-era button earrings, these accessories encourage a laid-back fashion ethos.
By Emma Childs Last updated
-
Guests Are Reawakening Their Best Accessories Game at the Met Gala 2024
From Zendaya's massive feather headpiece to Tyla's hourglass handbag.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Platforms to Peep-Toes—Let's Talk Spring's Shoe Trends
We scoured 230 runway shows and spoke with a retail expert to break down the season's top footwear.
By Emma Childs Last updated
-
Found: 10 Sandals on Amazon You'll Love
Throw 'em on and go.
By Katie Attardo Published
-
The Best Sandal Brands That Inspire Fashion Insiders’ Summer Style
Shop all the labels that style veterans adore.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The 18 Fall Scarves No Outfit Is Complete Without
The easiest and coziest combos—just in time for sweata weatha.
By Julia Gall Published