One appealing classic and timeless tone when it comes to styling neutrals is, grey.
The reason this color deserves a good space on your cloth rack is because of how easy it is when it comes to pairing and enduring through seasons.
Perfect for work attire and casuals, this soft, yet strong alternative to black gives that fresh appeal of a well-put-together ensemble. Also, if styled properly, it would give the right amount of coverage and also help create volume. achieving anything is always in the details.

How To Style :

Grey skirt.

Because of how calm and cool this tone is, go for a skirt that has details like flounce, pleats, ruffles or fringe.
A midi or maxi length piece would give the coverage you desire, while details around the hips would give you moderate volume.
Pair your skirt with a button-down pastel top or a crisp white shirt for a contemporary upgrade to this classic!

Grey Pants/ Culottes

Appropriate for the office and transitional enough for your after-dark edits. 
Pair your pants with a darker shade of grey or softer colour tones. To really make a statement, pair with solid colours like red, green or royal blue.

  

Grey Top

Give your classic t-shirt a  neutral spin. Go for a grey coloured top, instead of black or white. 
For a clean and chic finish, pair your grey tee with dark denim colours or light wash denim.
Skirts and pants don't fall short of this pairing too.

Grey Blazer

This must-have is the perfect subtle makeover for your work wardrobe.
 Make sure to take note of the details that flatter your body shape better(the cut and fit matters too). Style seamlessly with a silk cami or stripe shirt and dark coloured bottoms.
 Grey blazers will add the right structure to your ensemble.

 



Do let us know in the comments and via our Instagram page( @vanestylesr), how you styled yours.
Catch you later!



Written by,
Onyi R. Ben-Ukpeli

You've probably figured out other staples in your wardrobe except for JEANS.
This could be a bit frustrating because jeans are essential for a capsule wardrobe. They are also considered a timeless classic for every woman, as they are great for pulling off a casual office style or running errands around the city.
However, there are a lot of styles and cuts available on the market. And it can get really tiring finding the right pair.
The secret  to narrowing down the right pair is knowing your body shape. ( which truly is key to creating and preserving a great sense of style)
If you're ready, let's break it down!

Jennifer Lopez

Pear Body Shape

(Smaller bust & waist, wide hips)
This means you are full through your hips, thighs and narrower at the top.
Flattering your curves in the most elegant way and creating a balance for your frame, should be your goal.
Straught-cut, high-rise, mid-rise, and boot-cut jeans will give length and streamline your curves.
Dark wash jeans are most effective for making your bottom half look slimmer.
Bright colours will show rather than conceal areas you seek to hide. Go for stretch rather than skin-tight.

Veronica Odeka

Oprah Winfrey

Rectangle Body Shape

(Bust to hips are equal in width)
The goal is creating the right amount of volume/curves, elongating your frame and defining your waist.
The good news is that you can really wear them all!
From high-rise to low-rise, flared to straight-cut and skinny pairs, your body shape allows you to wear almost all variations of jeans.
However, target pairs with a contoured waistband for a slimmer torso.

Steph Sheperd

                                                    

Hourglass Body Shape

(Wide bust to hip ration, small waist)
It is important to go for a pair that has a lot of stretch, in other to create a smooth and chiseled look.
Dark wash jeans/denim will give a slimming effect, while a contoured waistband will define your waist more.
For length, pick a cropped ankle-length pair with a fairly straight line down the legs.
Avoid a full flared denim if you have a fuller shape

Ashley Graham

Tracee Ellis Ross

                                             
                                               

Apple/Round Body Shape

(Fuller bust, waist, and hips)
Curate a timeless wardrobe by finding a pair to minimize your middle and show off a balanced body proportion.
Since you tend to hold most of the weight at your tummy, pay attention to the rise of jeans.
 High-Rise denim will emphasize a muffin top, while a mid-rise one will smoothen out your silhouette.
A pair with a thicker denim blend and a good stretch will shapen your thighs and waist. Dark wash denim will cover areas you don't intend to show.

Octavia Spencer

                                                   

Inverted Triangle

(Fuller bust, narrow waist and hips)
The perfect jeans for you would be a pair that'll balance and bring some curves to your frame.
So avoid skin-tight denim and thin waistbands.
A loose fit will suit you better. Your hemline should be wide, flared and boot-cut style.
Turn-ups to create volume.
Light colours, pocket flaps, and embellishments around your hips are great ways to highlight your trim figure.

Selena Gomez

Catherine Zeta-Jones

                                                   

If you aren't sure about your body shape, here's vanestyle's guide to help you out.
Note that yours might be an exact match or in between two body shapes.

 


Once you get this out of the way, you can hit the clothing store!
Stay fabulous.See you later!


Written by,
Onyi R. Ben-Ukpeli

Office wear can get a little dreary and quiet predictable because of the formal setting requires cool colours, dark tones and neutral ensembles.
While that's fine, a little switch on your office wear options , can totally uplift your ensemble and give a sensuous twist to a sleek working wardrobe.
Here's how you do it with BLAZERS:

Megan Markle

Tessa Thompson

 Ruffles & Pleated Blazers

Give your blazers a stylish update by opting for pieces that are detailed with a ruffles and pleats.
The ruffles will add a feminine accent to your outfit, while the pleats would help create volume and give coverage to parts you seek to conceal. Elegant and stylish.

Cut-Outs & Cape Blazers

There's no better time to catch up on the cut-out trend, than now. A cut-out detail on your blazers, present a perfect way to show off your edgy style and make a statement.
The key is to go for a simply tailored piece with minimal cut out detail. Just the perfect peek-a-boo for a crisp white shirt.
Cape blazers will add a Parisian and elegant accent to your office outfit. The fabric extension lends a good arm coverage.

Cinched-waist  & Low lapel Blazers

Wear a cinched-waist blazer for definition and to emphasize a snatched silhouette.
This is a great option if you have a bit of a tummy pouch(which we beautifully do have sometimes) or you have a rectangle body shape.
Low lapels are also a chic and subtle idea. They give an overlapping effect while accentuating and balancing out a small torso.

Stylist Tip; The effect of a cinched waist can be also achieved with a belt, strapped over your blazers.

Utilitarian-style & Fringe Blazers

The utilitarian style blazer is the latest take on the jacket with combat-inspired pocket details and neutral colours.
This piece will introduce utility into your work wear  and also makes a  seamlessly pairing with skirts and dress pants.
Fringe details owe more to the nineties and  than any trend! It remains a timeless accent for any piece, and a blazer doesn't fall short of the list.










Inspire a great work wear style by trying our suggestions. The result is a sophisticated ensemble of soft details, complementary pieces and an updated 'dress-for-success' look!
If you need help with your personal style, be sure to follow our blog posts every week, Instagram page(vanestylesr) and newsletters.
See you later!



Written by,
Onyi R. Ben-Ukpeli

When we saw mules pop up again some seasons ago, we took notice!
Mules have become the shoe style of the decade. Both on and off the runway, people thought this staple would stay a trend.
But it's gone beyond that. Now considered a classic, designers like Manolo Blahnik, Balenciaga and many others, have taken up the task of filling up our closets with loads of options .
So if you've been on the lookout for pieces that would give you a chic and laid-back look on your lazy days, or a high-glam note to your ensemble, then you need a pair or two!
Need more convincing? Here's why:

Comfy And Chic

Swapping your stilettos for a mule option, will always be a great idea.
Mostly because mules have proven to be a totally comfy and super chic at anytime. This semi-coverage pair, will ensure your feet gets enough room, while adding a cool it-girl vibe to your ensemble.

Stylist Tip: Pair a pleated midi skirt and tee with a 3-inch mule. you're welcome!

Versatile And Classy

Personally, we've found out that mules are one of the most versatile pair of shoes /slip-ons.
There's a version for every ensemble and occasion!
Don't believe us? Just observe the recent looks  from your fav celebrities, on the runway, and street-style. You'll find out that, from casual work-wear to chic laid-back ensembles, it really works for everything.
The key is to consider the structure/style and heel-type that you are most comfortable in. Block heels and flats will get you anywhere, fast and fabulously too.
Next, opt for solid colours, minimal embellishments and faux leather. Choose styles in rich shades. Avoid prints, if you want a pair that could work for different outfits.

Practical And Functional

Let's break it down to how really practical and functional this pair could get;
For a sophisticated ensemble, pair your mules(stilletos) with a flowy dress. Perfect for a wedding or cocktail!
A faux leather mule paired with classic jeans and white tee will be a classic forever!
Get it now?



Bonus Point: Ever considered wearing mules to the airport, or generally for travel?
Guaranteed! a pair  would have you looking fab through security and  all through your flight.
Do let us know how you paired yours.
And if you would like to know where to shop for mules in Lagos, follow us on Instagram(@vanestylesr) for our "where to shop" series, every Friday.
Catch you later!




Written by,
Onyi R. Ben-Ukpeli.