One of my favorite runway shows of this fall was Milly's ready-to-wear collection. Designer Michelle Smith - known for her classic silhouettes and feminine pieces - did not disappoint with her new line. Milly's fall 2010 RTW featured preppy crisp-cut blazers, blouse-and-miniskirt combos, and what I was most impressed by - patterned tights.
I've never personally mastered the tights-with-heels look, but Smith managed to do it so well. Even in out-of-the-ordinary fluorescent blue tights or splattered polka-dot print ones, the models still managed to look so classic.
Here is my guide for recreating some of Milly's signature fall looks - all with pieces under $100!
Look #1: Asymmetrical Dress & Tights
As much as I love these polka-dot tights, I don't think they're all that wearable unless you're railthin, 5'8 or above, and have very fair skin. Nevertheless, the overall look can still be very wearable. Pair a slim-fitting black asymmetrical dress with a pair of sheer black tights - black ones are much more flattering than patterned tights.
I opted for a pair of more dramatic heels than the ones in Milly's collection because the dress is more subdued (I could not for the life of me find a black and gold-printed dress like this Milly piece!). So I chose gold nail polish instead.
Finish off the look with a stylish black beret, a base piece featured in many of Milly's looks for this season. Straighten your hair or wear it in a sleek side ponytail for a sophisticated Parisian look.
Look #2: Preppy Perfection
This is probably my favorite look from Milly's fall collection - it's so classic yet fashion forward at the same time. Plus, it's so wearable and perfect for fall. White tights is another one of those things that look good on really slender people, but hell, I'm willing to lose weight just for the sake of pulling off this look!
To recreate this outfit, start with a simple cream blouse in silk or chiffon. And the key word here is simple: nothing frilly, low-cut, or oversized (since it needs to be tucked into a skirt). Next, add a navy tweed mini-skirt and tuck the blouse underneath. Now, a good tweed mini can be hard to find. Look for a piece that's not too fuzzy, rides at the waist, hits slightly above mid-thigh, and is not too grandmother-ish (I know, that's a lot of requirements, but a good tweed skirt is an investment piece). Check out your local vintage store if you're having trouble finding one.
Next up is a classic, crisp blazer. A navy one with simple white lining works wonderfully with this look, whether collar or collarless. But if it does have a collar, make sure that it's angular and not rounded. Rounded collars would not create the same chic effect as collarless/square collared ones. Now comes the shoes, which could be anything from black strappy sandals to dark flats.
Finally, the right accessories are what makes this look. A pair of blue leather gloves add an eye-catching pop of color to the toned-down outfit and will keep your hands toasty in the late autumn, as will a chic beret. As in the previous outfit, style your hair in a sleek ponytail or straighten it.
Look #3: Blouse and Mini
This look again has the polka dot tights, and they're even harder to pull off than the patterned tights in Look #1 since these are primarily white. Nevertheless, I adore this look. The flimsy blouse looks so soft and the look is perfect for the workplace.
The base to this outfit is a flutter-sleeve cream blouse in a flowly fabric and a black, high-waisted mini. Follow up with either a black belt or as in the example outfit, the tie-bottom blouse can create the illusion of a belt. Follow up with printed tights - the ASOS ones in the center are more whimsical while the MetroPark USA ones on the left are more work-appropriate.
Since the whole outfit is pretty subdued, play it up with a pair of sky-high black pumps and a fun, chic headband.
What to you think of Milly's Fall RTW collection? Would you try any of these looks?
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