Natalie Portman, a Harvard grad and quirky accessory advocate, gives us a lesson on whimsical extras.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: minimal
Here's How:
- The LBD is a closet's blank canvas. You can dress it up or down; reach for it during the winter through summer; and wear tons of extras or let its simplicity take center stage. With the little black dress, sequins look exciting and glamorous, never garish and flashy.
- Toy with silhouettes. Elegant layers make for a wise ensemble. Doubling up on pretty separates allows you play with the shape. Try a long elegant cardigan with a short ruffled frock; a tough boys blazer over a femme floor-touching gown; or, as Natalie so wonderfully wears, a cozy sequin sweater over a sweetheart-neckline number.
- Embrace embellishments and sequins. Think of a sprinkle of sequins like a sweep of fairy dust - regardless of what you're wearing or where you're going, it brings a touch of magic to your night. Remember, though, the emphasis is on sprinkle. Too much shimmer is never stylish.
- Glamorous accessories call for minimal bling. With nary a jewel in sight, the secret to sequins is going easy on the other extras. Choose one eye popping accessory, like a cocktail ring, shimmery stud earrings, or a delicate bangle bracelet.
- Opt for colorful shoes. Nothing zazzles up a little black dress more quickly than a pair of rainbow bright shoes. From purple to yellow to red, crayola colors look fantastical on foot.