Let’s take a break from the 70s and head to a different style altogether, shall we? Anthropologie has two outfit sets up on its site right now and this safari collection is one of them. Safari isn’t a style that’s integral to my wardrobe but when executed well like these pieces are the temptation creeps in.
I love the look above for its proportion play. The sleeves of the Counting Angles Dress ($168) are hidden by the cropped Hearts Desire Cardigan ($98) which does two things: it makes the model look even longer and leaner than she already is and it quiets down the overpowering top half of the dress considerably. The cropped cardi is perfectly worn here — it stops just above the waist to nip the shape in. I could do without the hat though.
Also in this outfit: A Good Yarn Fedora ($48), Sliver Belt ($38) and Submerged Treasure Ring ($38).
Somehow this look manages to be both classic Anthropologie and effortlessly updated — my kind of combination! Though I doubt the Windswept Prairie Skirt ($198) would ever work on me I do love how it’s styled here. The ruffles cascading down the front look perfect while sitting but while standing I imagine they’d add bulk to my frame. Anthro chose to pair the laid-back skirt with a slim-fit button down, the A New Classic Blouse ($118). Playing with proportion like this — loose on the bottom and slim up top — is the style you’ll want to choose as well with this skirt. Instead of the button-down, you could swap in something dainty like the Crochet Caricature Blouse ($138) or the Back Porch Blouse ($98). Finish off the look with a tailored cardigan or a blazer.
Also in this outfit: Desert Crossing Scarf ($138), To the Extreme Mules ($110).
I find cropped pants to be very tricky. When you’re tall they can easily look like pants you’ve held onto for a growth spurt too long. When you’re petite they can hit your leg too far down and end up looking like overly tailored pants. Anthropologie demonstrates one of the proper lengths here with the Slouch and Narrow Trouse ($128): a straight-cut lower leg that ends about an inch above the ankle. To continue this lengthening line pair the pants with heels like the Cut Sprigs Heels ($298). Flats will stop the eye abruptly and make you look squat if you’re not model-thin. A tunic-length top and a cropped blazer that like the cropped cardigan in look 1 stops just above the waist finish this look nicely.
Also in this outfit: Abbreviated Blazer ($118), Supernova V-Neck ($78) and Primary Gleam Necklace ($278).
One of my favorite tricks in my personal arsenal is to wear a top or sweater over a dress, thereby converting it into a skirt. Anthropologie chose to demonstrate that trick themselves in this look. The base piece is the Blooming Goldenrod Dress ($138). It’s a good candidate because the skirt is straight and the top of this dress is slight, meaning it fits nicely under a top. You could also do this with an a-line dress but it’s trickier once pleats, waves or tiers are in play. The gold in the skirt is soft enough to act as a neutral with the grey, allowing for the vibrant pairing of the Airy Weave Pullover ($98). If you’d prefer to pair a long sleeve sweater, look instead for a blue or brown. Long-sleeved magenta would be too much here.
Also in this outfit: Woven Baubles Necklace ($128) and Salutations and Closings Heels ($128).
Hooray, a pants look! Anthro is trying very hard to make flares happen again…not that I mind! I’d been wearing mine all along though less so last year. I’m happy to welcome them back into a more constant rotation. This look appears simple but there are a few tricks even here. First, the model’s pose with the J Brand High Rise Flare ($202, har har) tricks us into seeing a streamlined bottom half. Were the model’s legs simply next to each other we’d see more of the triangle that lies below the waist. In other words: this outfit looks great in motion, but when standing still do what you can to minimize the flares. The Patched Pointelle Tunic ($78) is slightly longer in back for both comfort and elongating effect. A thinner embellished scarf like the Hanami Scarf ($58) adds to the tallness and leanness — note how it ends at the hemline of the shirt. This is intentional to help the eye see one continuous shape even as the patterns and colors are different.
Also in this outfit: Starfish Cuff ($198), Mixing Elements Bangle ($358) and Corn Lane Slingbacks ($388).
I picked this look in part because I simply adore the skirt! Truly, I love the look of the Printed Elements Skirt ($128) and I’m having a very hard time choosing between the colors. Anthropologie chose the ‘gold’ version here and picked earthy tones to complete this sedimentary look. I’m not a fan of the slouchy Earthward Boots ($248), which look completely different in the product shot anyway. But I do like the way the Hermitage Top ($98) and the On Holiday Sweater ($88) are worked in here. Check out the subtle pattern on the Hermitage Top in the product shot — dots and stripes working together. Love it!
Also in this outfit: Sun-Shaped Bangle ($68) and Strung Palms Bracelet ($58).
