Favorite Looks: Flannel Gone Formal(ish) :)

One of my ultra-favorite things to do in fashion is to mix elements with varying levels of formality: a chunky sweater with a silk skirt, a biker jacket with lace or flannel with a blazer. Over the winter, I practically live in flannel-gone-dressy. It has a variety of benefits: 1) it's warm! A girl just can't be fabulous when she's freezing her keister off, ya know? :) 2) the color stories! I've only seen a very few mono-color flannels (Madewell was carrying a couple of shades this year in their Sunday shirt). Mostly, there's a massive variety of plaids to choose from, so I always end up wanting to try one of each - like tapas, but with clothes :). It's so much fun to riff off some of the barely-represented shades, highlight a contrast color, or let the flannel itself be the color against neutral canvas. 3) It's so easy to dress it up. The nappy texture of flannel immediately gives it a more laidback feel, but all that's needed to elevate it is a great blazer. Almost any fabric works: wool, corduroy, velvet, silk (if you're brave enough :)). I prefer fitted to boxy, as I want to enhance the feminine feel of flannel's workshirt vibe. Denim of any variety creates the bridge between the dressy and casual elements: slim, flared, boot - take your pick. Finish it off with something fierce (bright or metallic pointy-toe pumps, studded heels), something femme (think floral, lace or scalloped), or something refined (oxford flats, loafers, knee boots). If, as I often do, you feel the need for a little extra glam, this is the place for a crystal statement necklace, a pearl torsade, or a pocket square (tied at the neck or tucked in a pocket - I encourage you to show the boys how it's done ;)) Hope you have some fun with this during your next cold weather spell, Fiercettes! #FabFlannel
*Image of model from jcrew.com Nov 2015