WEAR IT, WORK IT
Navigating the newest denim trends and dress codes can be tricky. Patchwork jeans may be fine for the fashion pages, but for the workplace? That’s where we come in. Our expert stylist, Caroline Rooney, surveyed the market, selected one sleek pair of baby blues worth investing in this season (thanks to revolutionary Transcend fabrication, providing a super-soft stretch fit that won’t, well, stretch out), and styled it for three Bay Area office environments to inspire your best work ever.
— Angela Salazar, asalazar@sfchronicle.com
FIDI FRIDAY
Go beyond the basic blazer: This marbled silk T-shirt reads like a blouse when tucked in, says Rooney. The jacket, with its charcoal knit shawl collar and leather sleeves, gives the look a slight edge.
Theory Laura blazer in Dark Charcoal, $615; Saint Laurent Paris bootie, $895; Marc Jacobs medium Incognito leather satchel in black nickel, $2,300; www.nordstrom.com. Raquel Allegra Shred Print blouse, $240, Crimson Mim, 322 Main St., Los Altos, www. crimsonmim.com. Sweet & Spark vintage silver chain, $68, www.sweetandspark.com. Svelte Metals Medina cuff, $175, and Findley ring, $135, www.sveltemetals.com.
Pro Styling Tip: Rooney
recommends that if you can see the top of your shoe, cuff or tuck in your jeans for a more playful look. But if your denim offers some coverage of the shoe opening, let it fall over the top. Not breaking the leg line gives you a longer, leaner silhouette.
TECH TALENT
Layering two sweaters gives your outfit interest. “We’re seeing big, chunky turtlenecks and these fisherman-style cable knits really coming back for fall,” says Rooney, who contrasted the muted gray tones with an oxblood tote — “It’s a rich color that’s really versatile.”
Cuyana leather tote in burgundy, $150; Alpaca oversize sweater in charcoal, $150; circle ring in gold, $135; www.cuyana.com; DV Dolce VitaMyste boot in Taupe Suede, $160, www.nordstrom.com; Rodebjer Gloria sweater in Grey Melange, $360, Crimson Mim, 322 Main St., Los Altos, www.crimsonmim.com. Svelte Metals Bartel cuff, $165, Tifton cuff, $155, and Lancaster ring, $125, www.sveltemetals.com.
CREATIVE CONTEMPORARY
“These Freda Salvador boots, with removable harness detail, just scream creative,” says Rooney. The Cuyana earrings and spike cuffs bring in a geometric shape, playing off the painterly print on the jacket — a spring 2014 trend carrying into fall.
Helene London tree print kimono coat, $298; Loeffler Randall lock clutch in magenta, $395; www.nordstrom.com; ALC Catherine blouse in Bisque, $395, Crimson Mim, 322 Main St., Los Altos, www.crimsonmim.com. Freda Salvador Star boot in black calf, $595, www.fredasalvador.com; Cuyana bold asymmetrical earrings in gold, $185, www. cuyana.com; Svelte Metals Lancaster ring, $125, www. sveltemetals.com. Vita Fede Mini Titan two-tone bracelets, $275 each, www.vitafede.com.