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Fall Fashion Musts: Navy Blazer and Sylish Neutral Heels

08 Oct 2012 By: Diane Gottsman

Two of my go-to fall fashion pieces are a classic navy blazer and a stylish nude heel.  I find them to be as versatile with a pair of slacks or a skirt as they are with a great pair of jeans. In today’s post, I’m sharing a few different ways to effortlessly style your blazer and heel, for work and play.

The Career Look

Nothing speaks power like a navy blue suit – sophisticated and polished worn with a neutral shoe. It’s best to avoid gold or flashy buttons for this career look. For a special touch, find a pin or a great belt that will peak out from the waist and you are ready for the day. I pulled the photo (left) from the Saks Fifth Avenue website, but there are multiple options in varying price points. Remember, good quality fabric and a great fit are key ingredients to a good look.

Every woman should have at least one pair of nude heels in her closet. Perfect for any time of year, they make a subtle but strong statement. If you work in a conservative field, avoid a platform or extra high heel.


Casual Looks

For a polished casual look, pair a navy blazer with jeans and a beautiful scarf.  If it’s good enough for Kate, it’s good enough for you! Before running out to buy a new scarf, sort through your drawers and I’ll bet you will find some wonderful options from your past. Ask your mother or grandmother for some of their vintage scarves and enjoy wearing them (and saving them for your own daughter).

Dress up your jeans with a ruffled blouse (my favorites come from Ralph Lauren) and pearls. You can be casual and still look like a million dollars.   I also love rolling the sleeves up when wearing my favorite navy blazer (away from the office, of course).

If you can’t decide what looks best on you (cut, style and fit), don’t hesitate to recruit one of your most stylish friends and invite her for an afternoon of shopping and dessert. She can help you shop while you let her choose a fun place to have dessert or afternoon tea. Your investment in time, style and fashion will guarantee you will have some timeless pieces that will enhance your wardrobe for years to come.

Fashionably Yours,

Signature

Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.