How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans

I try very hard not to say not nice things. So sometimes I let Suri Cruise say them for me. Like this + this example of how not to do a boyfriend jean. 

Inherent in the name boyfriend jean, is some masculinity. So the first step to balancing out this 2-Part Fashion Cocktail, is to add some feminine details. That's the key to not looking like you're walk-of-shaming-it in your beau's clothes, but rather being adorably relaxed while still charmingly cute.

Beyond that, keep a bit of that "Bossom & Button" or "V & Line" that I talk about happening: the "V" line of cleavage & a narrow waist or line at your bellybutton are so universally flattering. I've done that here with a drapey necklace that gives a hint of "V" & a bright skinny belt that doesn't leave me totally swimming in shapelessness around the middle.

And then the top -- if it's massive you're just going to be drowning. But I have a hard time pairing it with something really fitted, or makes my bottom half look too wide. If you're larger on top, that proportion could work for you. But otherwise you want something in the middle: not too tight, not too giant, just an easy Goldilocks mid-sized shirt. 

Shop this Style { Navy Striped Top : JCrew : Similar | Boyfriend Jeans : Primark : Similar | Yellow Skinny Belt : JCrew : Similar | Gold Statement Necklace : Forever21 : Similar | Coral Heels : Next UK : Similar | Tortoise Sunglasses : Primark : Similar | Bangles : James Kiel Patrick + Lilly Pulitzer : Similar + Similar | Beige Monogram Bag : c/o Gigi New York } + Brooklyn Photographer Bethany Michaela

Now go take a peek at those images from Suri's Burn Book again. Masculine, plain, lacking any shape, no bossom "V" or "line" at the narrow waist. Proof that you don't need money to be stylish. Because those lovely ladies are swimming in money. Meanwhile my jeans here cost $18. You be the judge. And remember that the next time you're wishing you had more dollars in your style budget. We don't need more money or more things, we need more knowledge & more experience. Alright off my soapbox & back into this glorious sunshine!

P.S. Want more how-to tips & 2-Part Fashion Cocktail ideas? Join me on Instagram @HilaryRushford. It's my favorite place to share mini-blog posts & wardrobe inspiration with snaps from Dean St!

P.P.S. My group class Style & Styleability is officially opening it's doors this week! Make sure you're in Honor Society {pop your name & email in over on the right ----->} & you'll get the news straight to your inbox so you don't miss registration & all the details!

Style & Styleability the FAQs

While all the details aren't being rolled out quiiiiite yet, I do have another peek for you today at "Style & Styleability"! Last week I share the Love Page where you can read what the January class of students had to say. And today I'm answering some of the FAQs I hear about this style group class. So go check em out!

And remember, Honor Society is getting an early bird special! Just click here to join {it's free!} by Wednesday night & you'll have Thursday's Telegram with all the details headed your way!

P.S. One more time, here's your three steps to goodness: 1) Read the Love Page 2) Check out the FAQs 3) Get your derriere onto Honor Society! 

Multiplying Your Classic Wardrobe

Delighted to be a part of The Refined Woman's Style Your Staples again today with six of the most stylish girls out there!

Today we played with the classic white oxford shirt, which I confess I felt like I "couldn't wear" for the longest time. It just made me feel like a lawyer. And no offense to lawyers, but I've just never been the corporate girl. I styled my look below in this post.

Here's what I find inspiring about each of the other fab looks ...

• Casey of The Wiegands shows a classic button-down can actually feel quite rocker with a relaxed pair of slacks with some shine + some hot sunglasses // Perfect for ... a meeting with a client
• Emily of The Refined Woman uses it with heels to dress-up otherwise casual boyfriend jeans // Perfect for ... brunch with girlfriends
• Erin of Apartment 34 leaves it untucked but the cropped jeans + heels give it a slimming femininity that keeps it flattering amidst the very relaxed silhouette // Perfect for ... writing from a coffee shop
• Kat of The Refined Woman makes this often structured piece feel so easy breezy with a tribal skirt + strappy sandals // Perfect for ... an afternoon at the flea market
• Sara of Glitter + Grace demonstrates how to wear it distinctly not for the office by pairing it with sequins + fun colored heels // Perfect for ... date night
• Jen of The Effortless Chic pulls it off with shorts which till now had never occured to me! // Perfect for ... running errands around town

Which of these looks gives you a new idea of how to wear one of the button-downs in your closet?

P.S. Did you hear the news? "Style & Styleability" is happening again!! Check out what January's first class of students had to say here.

Make sure you join Honor Society {it's free!} to get a special early bird discount ...

Your First Peek at Style & Styleability!

I first taught "Style & Styleability" back in January. It was my first & only group style class focusing on the 101 principles of style no one ever taught you. Six months later, the second session is starting on June 30th!

More details will be coming your way soon. But for now, hear what the first graduating class of students had to say. Their words warm my heart oh so much!

Also, there'll be an Early Bird special offered just to Honor Society. So if you haven't joined yet {membership is free!} pop your info into the sidebar -------------------------------------------->

Stay tuned for more details of the class coming soon. I can't wait to rock your smartypants brain this summer!

P.S. I'm styling a mad fun editorial shoot this week for a magazine! Follow along on Instagram {@HilaryRushford} to see what goes on behind-the-scenes!

Summer Style in Brooklyn

After my spells abroad in London for Nov/Dec & March/April, I was definitely planning to head out of town again this summer for a good long stretch. But then summer began in Brooklyn & last Monday my friend Shay said, "Can we make a pact this will be the Best.Summer.Ever.?" And after enthusastically clinking my sangria into the center of the circle, I realize that maybe Brooklyn is right where I want to be getting inspired this summer.

The night before I'd met up with Miss Anna of Tulip Louise. We met recently when we both spoke at an event. I commented on a dress she was styling, & she slipped it in my purse before I left. Y'all. She almost literally gave me the dress off her back! That pretty much sums up what a genuine sweetheart she is.

So I was delighted to show her around my Brooklyn neighb, where low & behold there's a Wendy's just a few blocks away. And what's sweeter than wandering Brooklyn on a hot summer night? Doing so with a girlfriend & icy treats. Yes, I carry striped straws in my purse. ABPFIO. {Always be prepared for Instagram opportunities.} And Anna had never heard of dipping french fries in your Frosty! So I took that gem as my way to thank her for the dress. Fair trade. Oh & now that Wendy's Frosty's come in a cone, the sweet + salty + soft + crunchy thing that's happening ... well Best.Summer.Treat.Ever.

Shop this Style { Bright Pink Top : Ann Taylor Loft : Similar | Floral Skirt : Thrifted : Similar | Leopard Print Skinny Belt : Primark: Similar | Nude Wedge Heels : DSW : Similar | Rose Gold Watch : c/o Sperry | Colorful Bangles : Lilly Pulitzer } + Style Photography by Bethany Michaela

Now it's time to make your style sweeter this summer. What's one style idea you can take away from this post? One idea you might try based off all this colored & patterned happiness? 

P.S. Do yourself a favor & go girl crush over on Tulip Louise. If you're anything like me at first you might be slightly stunned by how gorgeous & stylish she is. But trust me that southern girl is sweet as pie!

* This post is sponsored by Wendy's. All opinions are the my own.