AboutZ. Amanda Chen Expertise I have always been interested in fashion and actually design/redesign some of my own clothes. Since I'm a teen, I can answer questions relating to teenage fashion, what kinds of clothes make you look older or younger than what you actually are, and where you can find bargains that resemble designer clothes. However, since I'm usually focused on the new, I don't know much about vintage clothing. Additionally, although I know a lot about skirts, shorts, and shoes, outerwear fashion is beyond me.
Experience I design or redesign some of my own clothes, and I am constantly trying out new looks. Additionally, I've also learned quite a few fashion tricks on how to stand out and how to blend in.
Question heyy im starting 6th form in september, the school which i am going to doesnt allow you to wear jeans or trainers and all i wear is skinny jeans and dresses so im stuck as you have to dress smart. however, i have a problem i cannot wear trousers and top due to my religion so i dunno what 2 wear. please help thxs
Answer Hi Ameena!
Congrats on starting 6th form this year! It seems like you have quite a problem on your hands, but if you’re willing to change your style, I’m pretty sure I can help.
First off, trousers are not the only things that make you look smart. A common alternative to trousers are dresses or skirts, as long as they have the proper coverage: at or below knee length (although I usually cheat a few centimeters by slouching a bit when a teacher’s nearby *shh*). Skirts such as A-lines flatter your figure and if you’re confident about your lines/curves, pencil skirts really define them. Pleated skirts are great for achieving that distinctive school-girl look. You can basically pair any skirt with a button-down blouse or a neat knit top to create a business casual look. Here are some pictures to help you (although some are a bit too flamboyant): http://www.canadiandesignresource.ca/officialgallery/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/...
http://handmaiden.ca/kits/shortpencilskirt.jpg http://images.theglobeandmail.com/archives/RTGAM/images/20060315/wtfgallery0315/...
On the other hand, you can also keep on wearing dresses if you are used to them. Just make sure they look slightly conservative because while you can get away with bright, eye-catching colors and designs on a skirt, people tend to be more critical of dresses. In other words, try choosing dresses with muted colors like black, brown, grey, or navy. Or wear dresses with sleeves and at-knee coverage. Here are some examples (these are my favorites): http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=244790&CategoryID=24202
http://www.ohalloranco.com/designer-fall-2006-l.html http://www.amazon.com/Isaac-Mizrahi-Target-Jersey-Chocolate/dp/B000IJ9QNA
As for this last part, I’m not sure if you really need my help or not, but since you mentioned your school not allowing trainers, I’ll assume you may also need some shoe advice. There’s no really business casual shoe that resemble trainers, but flats are in this season and they literally match everything. Plus, some are just as comfortable as trainers, if you can afford spending the time to find them. Here are some that are really cute: http://www.shopping.com/xPC-Sofft_Women_s_Venice_Business_Career_Shoe_by_Sofft
http://www.shoebuy.com/trotters-delight/160601/368805
Well, good luck in your up-coming school year and I hope I helped!
