Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

Style In A Time Of Social Unrest

Peace, my style friends. I disappeared for a minute there because, honestly, I couldn’t find the words and needed to catch my breath. 2020 has created a perfect, terrible storm, from a pandemic disproportionately affecting my people to the heightened awareness of the longstanding systemic racism in this country. A perfect storm.

I considered tapping into my social policy background, but the truth is social change can be slow and agonizing. Laws can pass quickly when there are huge disruptions to the norm (like what we’re experiencing), but the structure of the current movements pose some unique challenges. I thought about doing the popular thing right now–highlighting black talent (which we do often here)–but that approach seemingly departs from the issues we’re facing.  So, what does one do?

I don’t have the answers. I do know, though, that our conversations about style have always served as an important connector. I know you because of our shared interest in style. At the very least, our connection has likely removed barriers that would’ve otherwise kept us strangers. With that awareness, I hope to continue to talk about style here.

Style in Social Unrest

What I’m wearing:

Shirt (similar) | Tube Top | Shorts (sold out, option, option)

Bag c/o (get $50 off with “ECONOMYOFSTYLE” code)

Fedora | Red mudcloth mask | Braided slide sandals | Sunglasses | Anklet

Style in Social Unrest

Saying Yes To The Tiered Dress Trend

The tiered dress is expected to dominate spring and summer 2020. Who doesn’t love a pretty frock? I’m so excited that these dresses will be popular because we’re going to have tons of affordable options. Today’s featured off-the-shoulder, tiered dress, for example, retails for under $35!

tiered dress trend

What I’m wearing:

Dress (under $35) | Belt bag | Boots (similar, similar)

Kendra Scott earrings | YSL sunglasses | Pat McGrath ‘Elson’ lipstick

tiered dress trend

My dress is a stunning, off-the-shoulder style. Don’t like to show your shoulders? No worries, the dress can be worn on the shoulders as well because the top is elasticized.

tiered dress trend

This dress is all about volume! It has 3/4 length balloon sleeve, an oversized silhouette, and a ruffled tier at the bottom. The fit is huge. So, I sized down to an extra small (usually a size small at this retailer).

tiered dress trend

To tone down some of the volume and add a little flavor, I wore my Gucci super mini with the dress. It cinched the look together.

Since this is an off-the-shoulder style, I wanted to let the top of the dress shine on its own. So, I’m wearing earrings only. This fabulous drop style is by Kendra Scott.

You know how much I love to juxtapose different styles. The combination, then, of an edgy combat boot with a pretty dress excites my style sensibilities. This pairing is a popular choice, and I’m so here for it.

Want to see more ways to rock the tiered dress trend? Check out this post for fall/winter inspiration and this post for a summery look.

How To Rock Your Shorts Suit In Winter

I’m super excited to see the shorts suit making a comeback in 2020. There’s something so fresh about taking a twist on classic tailoring by wearing shorts with a blazer. This spring, you can expect to see cool variations on the trend. Shorts of varying lengths, from short shorts to long shorts, will look stunning with sharp blazers. Can’t wait to start rocking the shorts suit trend? You don’t have to. Today, we’re styling the trend for winter.

shorts suit trend

What I’m wearing:

Trench coat | Blazer (new colors) | Shorts (new colors) | Shirt

Boots (new version) | Bag | Lip: Pat McGrath “Guinevere”

shorts suit trend

Layering adds so much flavor to an outfit. More importantly, it also adds as much warmth as needed to an ensemble. To make my shorts suit weather appropriate on a mild wintry day, I layered under and over. I’m wearing a long-sleeve shirt, which could easily be a turtleneck sweater on an even colder day. I also added some sheer tights, but sweater tights might be necessary on chillier days.

shorts suit trend

I topped the entire look with a trench coat, another major trend for spring. Of course, if it was colder, I would add a heavier coat.

shorts suit trend

I completed the outfit with combat boots because they bring so much edge to any look. The weather may call for tall boots, though, and they would be equally fabulous.

When it gets warmer, shed some layers and rock the same shorts suit trend. For details on the look below, go here. Suit separates can be versatile too. See what I mean here and here.

Blazer, Bermuda Shorts, And Combat Boots

Last weekend, I had an amazing opportunity to partner with the St. Louis Boat & Sportshow. If you saw my cut-out swim trend post, you got a peek at the images I took for the Instagram end of that partnership. My other task was to chat about style with attendees who stopped by the Discover Boating Hub at the show. Today’s post shares a glimpse into that experience as well as the outfit I wore on day 2 of my presentations.

Bermuda shorts combat boots

What I’m wearing:

Blazer | Tank | Bermuda shorts (DIY)

Houndstooth tights | Combat boots (similar, option) | Earrings (similar) | Watch 

One of the things I love about style is the unlimited possibilities it offers to be creative. For my presentation, I chose a look that was part business with the blazer, part hip with denim Bermuda shorts, and part rebellious with the combat boots. The resulting look empowered me to present with confidence because I felt good.

Bermuda shorts Combat Boots

Location: St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

Bermuda shorts Combat Boots

Want to see more ways to style the must-ty Bermuda shorts trend this year? Get inspired here and here. Stay tuned to see the many ways I’ll be styling combat boots, another popular trend this year. I found my Stuart Weitzman pair for a steal at Saks Off 5th.

A Sophisticated Wool Coat Elevates Every Look

Last fall, I said I wouldn’t buy a new coat. But, the coat trends for winter have been exciting my style sensibilities. From teddy coats to super cool puffers, I’ve been trying on new coats. I find myself, however, drawn to polished wool coats. When you throw on a sophisticated wool coat, it almost doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath. The resulting look is so chic.

sophisticated wool coat

What I’m wearing:

Theory coat (exact style in black, similar, similar) | Shirt (similar, similar)

 Madewell jeans (same cut, same cut) | YSL Toy LouLou bag

Booties (similar) | Fendi sunglasses (sale options) | Earrings (similar)

sophisticated wool coat

My sophisticated wool coat is a Theory one button wool coat (see it in black here). I found it in TJ Maxx for a steal. The color, fit, and sharp silhouette checked so many boxes. It’s become the topper that finishes my favorite outfits.

sophisticated wool coat

Doesn’t the coat make this basic combination of a white shirt and striped jeans look amazing? It set it off. I’ve worn it with sweatsuits, leggings, skinny jeans, and the final outfit is always sophisticated.

sophisticated wool coat

Location: Soulard, St. Louis

Related: Leather jacket 2 ways (here and here) | Trench coat 2 ways (here and here)

Find your sophisticated wool coat: