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I don’t consider myself the most trendy of people, though I would like to think I’m relatively fashionable and stylish. As fast-fashion trends rise and fall, I tend to remain squarely in the land of “This is what I like to wear” and I generally stay there without too much experimentation.
Over the last few years, “trends” that were popular when I was a kid began cropping up and I was horrified - likely in the same way my mother was when bell bottoms re-emerged in fashion 20+ years after she’d worn them. Disenchanted with many of the suddenly popular again “trends,” I dug in my heels, swearing I wouldn’t change my ways.
But then I did.
I’m not baring my belly, but let me tell you - a good crop top with a high-waisted skirt, pant, or shorts has saved more than one outfit over the past few months. I was almost offended by my decision to try one on… but I left the store with three.
How to wear?
Pair a crop top with a high waisted skirt or pants, and then throw a great scarf or long sweater on to pull the eye vertically.
Everyone and their dog was suddenly turning up in Blundstones over the last two years despite the fact they’d been flying under the fashion radar for ages. I was (foolishly) vehemently opposed to owning a pair of the suddenly on-trend Chelsea boots until I tried a pair on.
How to wear?
Put them on. They need no help.
I mean, c’mon - it’s a onesie, and I couldn’t imagine wearing one all day - especially in public. I pee a lot, and the ability to do so in a hurry is key as far as I’m concerned. But then I tried on a romper one day and, lo and behold, I liked it. So I bought it, and then got three more… and the next thing I knew, I had a handful of bodysuits too.
How to wear?
Rompers are basically dresses. Find one that fits well, and you’ve got a one-stop outfit.
Bodysuits are perfect when paired with a high-waisted pant or shorts (my fav: soft pants or paper bag-waist trousers!), or with a skirt. They’re great under vests, blazers, and sweaters or when you want a tucked-in look without the fuss of tucking in.
Fact: Peeing is much harder in a bodysuit or romper, but with a little creativity, you can get that done in a hurry.
In high school, I worked in a leather shop where it was mandatory to wear closed-toe shoes daily. In need of something comfortable but protective, I settled on a pair of Birkenstock clogs that were about as fashionable as dirt and I swore from the summer on I would never, ever wear mules again. (Never say never.)
How to wear?
The same way you’d wear any other pair of flats or heels, but especially chic with slightly distressed straight-leg jeans; a sweater and oversized scarf for a chill fall outfit; or with a midi skirt, turtleneck, and a boss attitude for the office.
I grew up in the age of Christina and Britney rocking ultra-low-rise jeans with peekaboo g-strings, so it was hardly a surprise when I found myself shopping the itty-bitty panty drawers for years. Butt (hahahaha, see what I did there?) there is something to be said for a high-waisted, full-coverage panty - particularly when seamless - that provides comfort and a 50’s sexpot vibe.
How to wear?
If you need help with this, you’re in the wrong place.
As a teenager, I desperately wanted a cool over-the-shoulder messenger bag for my books but was saddled with my L.L. Bean backpack from grade six until graduation. With a mean dislike for backpacks, I refused to wear a double-strapped bag on my back for anything other than a camping excursion. But shoulder bags get heavy, and having two hands free to carry a hot cup of coffee and grab my son while we’re making our way across an airport or busy street is key.
How to wear?
Swap out your handbag or laptop bag for a chic, streamlined backpack in a sophisticated silhouette, colour, and/or fabric. I love Matt + Nat.
Ashley MacInnis is a public relations professional, writer, and mom living in Dartmouth, NS with her two kids, retired racing greyhound, and partner.
Ever the storyteller, Ashley’s spent most of her life boring her family with long-winded tales and decided to put her passion to work by choosing a career in PR and writing. She’s had the pleasure of helping brands and individuals tell their stories to build businesses and reach new audiences and it never gets old. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, you can find her wrangling her boys into a rink somewhere, running around the lake, or searching for the perfect pair of shoes.
Follow her on social @imashleymi