We’ve all had those days. You wake up. Get dressed. Convince yourself that what you have on is good enough.
And while most days this is true, there are those moments when we just get it wrong. In our first ever Make It Better What Not to Wear feature, we’ll show you how to turn some of those misses into hits.
 |  |
Say “No” to the Sweatpant
I’m going to be blunt here. Sweatpants are not real pants. Therefore, they don’t count as an appropriate bottom to ever be worn outside of the gym. Ever! At the same time, I know how hard it is to fit a workout into an already jam-packed day. So it’s important to have workout wear that can take you from yoga to the grocery without missing a beat. Lululemon has expertly created workout separates that will work all day for your busy schedule. So if changing into non-workout clothes isn’t a possibility, wear separates like this passion-colored Namaste Coverup ($78) and black, body-skimming luon Groove pant ($98).
 |  |
How to Really Sparkle
Believe it or not, this model is actually on trend. Flare jeans are the must-have denim for summer. But the good news stops there. The jeans’ light wash and button-fly combined with the sequined top are a little much for one outfit. To modernize this look, we’ll start with a flare jean with a darker wash and distressed finish (Pur, $194). Next, add a loose-fitting top like this poodle-print one from Chicago-based designer, Erin Campbell, in the hottest colors of the season—coral and gray ($70). Finish off this look with a beautiful turquoise necklace from local designer, Allison Schiller ($315). All items available at E-Street Denim.
An added tip. “The flare jean can be flattering on all figures as long as you pair it with the right shoe,” says Erin Hoellerich, general manager/buyer for E-Street Denim in Highland Park. No tennis shoes allowed. Instead, try a wedge sandal like this one from MICHAEL Michael Kors (Palm Beach sandal, $98, zappos.com).
 |  |
Less is More
And my crystal ball says…what was she thinking? Since the best silhouettes often are the most simple, that’s how we’ll fix this look. There’s nothing like a fresh white t-shirt (J. Crew Perfect Fit short-sleeve crewneck tee, $22.50) paired with a gray sleeveless shawl-collared cardigan (Mossimo for Target, $19.99) and some great black silk linen cargo pants (J. Crew, $89.50). With this clean foundation, you can accessorize with a great lucite necklace and silver bangles.
And don’t forget the fabulous platform sandals that are all the rage this season (Cleo platform sandals in soft graphite, J.Crew, $165).
If you have a look you’d like to share with us, or have a fashion story you’d like us to look into, email annmarie@makeitbetter.net.
Need a few tips for your tootsie? Read what Ann Marie discovered in summer shoes.
Still need to freshen your look? Try these great summer tips.
