How to choose the key pieces of sporty elegant style

Sporty elegant is a term that can be a bit complicated, especially, when we feel somewhat more sporty and like to wear jeans all the time, but our work environment demands something much more elegant. You can solve this problem quite easily with a compromise between a sporty and an elegant wardrobe. Sporty elegant style can be quite business appropriate and elegant, the important thing is to choose the right pieces and combine them correctly. Keep some pieces of clothing in your wardrobe that you usually wear in your off duty time, and some more demanding pieces, like a blazer, a high waisted skirt, a dress, nice socks or stockings, a bag, and appropriate footwear. We will begin our journey into the sporty elegant style with the latter ‒ and with the fashionable low heel.

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Nice low heel shoes. Choose leather, not rubber; but if you go with rubber, make sure that the top is elegant. You can also wear sneakers, but they have to be stylish. After all, you could wear Adidas sneakers with a suit and a silk blouse, contrasts are welcome. Give it a try and don’t be afraid to be a bit daring and bold. The more pointed or even men’s shoe silhouette is fashionable at the moment, so try contrasting them with feminine pieces, such as a simple knee high dress or a high waisted skirt. Cropped, shorter pants can be a good look as well.

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Try a dress. But not too tight fitting, because they tend to be less comfortable and you won’t feel as good. A straight cut is usually a good choice, the one that looks like a potato sack, until you put a belt on. Choose a nice belt with it, to liven it up and give it shape. Pleated dresses and A-line ones are also a safe bet. Be playful with the patterns, put your imagination to work, but store the florals away for the winter. I am sure that you have a nice dress in your closet ‒ it may be a summer dress, but it doesn’t matter, just combine it with a long knitted vest and wear it during the winter as well.

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The shirt is key. Because it is feminine and so beautiful, wonderful with jeans or a skirt. If you prefer more casual bottoms, pair them with an elegant blouse, and if it has a bow tie, all the better. Pay attention to the material: silk is always elegant and chic, especially, when you combine it with a long knitted piece or a blazer. Forget synthetic materials, they are ungrateful and also smell badly. If the blouse has a small pattern, find the key colour and accessorise accordingly with your bag, shoes and belt. Find the common thread.

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Funky coat or jacket. Even though I know that down coats are oh-so practical, I would not put them on my A list. You can have them, of course, but rather choose a coat or jacket for work, and try to avoid black! New colours are here and they are wonderful … orange, pink, yellow, electric blue, green. Keep it lively and colourful with a coat, which is the perfect choice for these kinds of adventures. If comfort is your priority, choose soft and hugging forms; if you’re slender you can wear a belt with it to make it more feminine.

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Beautiful knitwear. Loving your jeans is all the more reason to get some beautiful sweaters that can be stand out pieces, feminine and elegant. You can wear a classical white shirt or a simple T-shirt underneath. The shirt spices things up a little, make sure the collar is outside. This has and added benefit of the white colour giving your face that special glow. Always play with details, such as red patterns on a grey sweater and red nail polish. You can achieve the same effect with other accessories, from a hair band to a belt, from jewellery to a clutch.

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Don’t hold back with the bags, experiment! And try avoiding the very classical ones, because they make you look older. It’s OK to have a black or brown bag, but what about the rest? Play with colours and shapes, it’s not necessary to have them all “big and roomy”, because the smaller bags look much better, and that’s a fact. If you never have enough room for your things, get better organised with an extra bag or a backpack that you can keep in your office or in your car. Keep everything you need there, from your pens and agenda to moist tissues and all the keys there. Believe me, I know the situation well.

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Not all pants suit every body type. Find your own: if you’re smaller and have a fuller figure, make sure they’re not too tight and too short. If you’re tall and slim, stay away from the too long and too wide. Smart casual cut pants can be made of very high quality materials, like 100 percent wool, so jeans do not always have to be your only choice. If you are a fan of the sporty casual style, you’ll probably enjoy the more free flowing designs that don’t constrict; these are perfect with low heels, masculine shoes, so go for it. And don’t forget the lipstick: it doesn’t have to be red, but I highly recommend burgundy.

Photo: Lazzari