4 Ways to Style A Cropped Sweatshirt

Cropped sweatshirts. We've all seen them pop up in all our favorite stores. But... how do you style them? When they first came out, I was at such a loss. First off, high-rise pants were not a thing yet and I wasn't about to start prancing around with my midriff showing. Poolside, I'm ok with that... but picking up my kids at school or running errands - I need a little more coverage. Today on the blog I'm giving you four styling ideas for a cropped sweatshirt.

First, I'm styling my cropped sweatshirt with a cute pair of high-rise jeans. Whether you call these mom-jeans or high-rise, trust me when I say every girl needs a pair of these in her closet. Wearing just my cropped sweatshirt, high-rise jeans, and a cute pair of trendy sneakers, this look is perfect for school pick-up, errands, or any other casual running around you have to do. Comfortable and on trend. Try a pair of high-rise jeans with a cropped t-shirt or sweater and see how easy it is to style all those cute cropped tops.

Next I styled my cropped sweatshirt with a pair of high-rise biker shorts. High-rise leggings would also work to get this same look. The secret is HIGH-RISE! Again, I styled this look with a cute pair of trendy sneakers, but slides would also be so chic. I finished my outfit off with a crossbody bum bag, but you could also wear this bag around your waist. Or try a cute crossbody bag or backpack. Keep your shoes and bag casual to match this sporty vibe.

Next I layered my cropped sweatshirt over a longer button-down shirt. This gives you the freedom of pairing your cropped top with virtually any bottoms. When I first started purchasing cropped tops, I almost always layered them over a button-down shirt. It was an easy fix. I still love this look. I added a basic pair of black flare pants and playing off the dressy look of my button-down, I added some dressy sneakers and satchel. Whether you decide to layer your crop-top dressy or casual, be consistent with your shoes and handbag. Notice I'm wearing a Reebok cropped sweatshirt, but adding the button-down, sneakers and bag, my sweatshirt brings on a dressy vibe.

Finally I'm styling my cropped sweatshirt over a dress. I chose a dress that was not gathered at the waist, but hangs straight down. My dress falls perfectly underneath my sweatshirt, elongating my body and giving my outfit an effortless vibe. Play around with long and short dresses, keeping in mind the shape of your dress. Again, I styled my look with trendy sneakers, but a cute pair of sandals or slides would also be cute. This is such an easy way to add a little warmth on a cool summer night.

The next time you see a cropped sweatshirt or sweater, I urge you to give it a try. With so many chic ways to style, you'll be amazed at the mileage you'll get from this fun and trendy wardrobe addition. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

4 Ways To Style A Slip Dress

Let's talk slipdresses. I have been a fan of slip dresses for years. With countless ways to style, I find myself wearing these dresses year round. Now with summer approaching, this is the perfect time to reach for these transitional pieces. Today on the blog, I'm showing you four easy ways to style your favorite slip dress for the warm months ahead.

First, try wearing your favorite slip dress... by itself. I know - shocking right?!? Sometimes I forget how cute a simple slip dress can be on it's own. I styled mine with a pair of dressy sandals for a perfect date night look. Try styling your slip dress with a cute pair of heels or throw a lacy bralette on underneath for added interest. If dressing up is not your thing, bring on a casual vibe with a cute pair of sneakers. Whatever shoes you reach for, make sure you complete your look with an equally dressy or casual handbag... My Chanel bag looks dressy and polished with these sandals. For sneakers, I'd reach for my casual crossbody bum bag or a cute backpack. Styling options are honestly limitless!

For my next look, I layered my slip dress over a graphic tank. This look works great for sleeveless tops, t-shirts, long sleeve tops, even turtlenecks. My rule of thumb is to keep your top fitted. Also, don't be afraid of wearing a patterned or graphic top. The peek-a-boo of the graphic image will bring a fun edge to your outfit. I styled this look with my favorite lug sole boots. You can also try summer slides or trendy sneakers. Because of the edgy casual vibes of this look, stick with casual footwear. Choosing chunky vs sleek will give you an effortless vibe and keep you feeling relaxed and on point.

Another edgy look is to layer a cute graphic tee over the top of your slip dress. Knotting the front of your t-shirt will bring up the hemline, elongating your look - think tall and slender. STYLE HACK: instead of knotting the front of my tshirt, I gathered the front of my shirt with a hair binder and tucked in the tail. This hack not only makes it easier to achieve the look, it won't stretch out your t-shirt. I styled this look with a cute pair of sneakers, but summer sandals would be equally as cute. Similar to my last style, keep footwear casual for a vibe that's edgy and effortless.

Finally, I threw on a hooded sweatshirt and my favorite slides for the ultimate casual, laid back look. In order to complement the way my slip dress hangs, I've styled with a men's hoody. I love the way the bottom hem hangs loose over my dress. Also, I love the oversized look and how it gives me a bit of a boho summer vibe. Again - play around with solids and graphics. Because I'm wearing a big, oversized sweatshirt, I styled this look with my summer slides to show a little skin. If slides aren't your thing, flip flops would look so cute as well.

I hope these looks will inspire you to take a second look at those slip dresses. Remember to shop your closet and get more mileage out of the awesome pieces you already own. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

Styling your slides for summer

Summer is right around the corner, and with that comes sandals! I recently picked up a new pair of slides and I'm so excited about all the different ways I've been wearing them. At first glance, these Golden Goose slides can be a bit intimidating... oversized, glittery, and the wooly shearling. Here's the deal - I'm here to tell you these summer shoes are easier to style then you think. Today on the blog I'm sharing four different ways to style these trendy summer kicks.

First, keep it easy and throw on your favorite summer dress. My dress is simple - an all black maxi dress. Even though the fabric is delicate and 'girly', my slides work in a fun unexpected way. Play around with summer dresses you already have in your closet. Long, flowy dresses will bring on a casual vibe. Short t-shirt dresses will look chic. You'll find that slides will instantly make your outfit feel laid back, effortless, and a little edgy.

Next, I put on jeans and a sweater. By cuffing up my jeans, my look instantly got a springy feel. My rule of thumb... show a little ankle with a long sleeve top. For tank tops and short sleeve shirts, balance out your look by keeping the denim long.

Even though my slides have shearling doesn't mean they are too heavy for those warm summer months. Next I styled my Golden Goose slides with a fun bikini. Styled with a cute pair of cutoff shorts, this look is perfect for pool side. I recently wore this exact look poolside in Mexico. Not only did I feel trendy/cool, I was comfortable... which I love! Try this look with your favorite one-piece swimsuit and cutoff shorts. Or throw on an easy coverup for a chic vibe. Keep your style casual. The slides make my outfit laid back and easy. Finish off your poolside style with a cute baseball cap... I love the effortless look.

Finally, I styled my slides with an easy lounge set. Super comfortable and makes my sweats a little cooler for spring and summer. I love the way my pants fall over the slides. Because my shoes are a bit chunkier, my feet don't get lost in the flared hemline. Joggers would also be so cute to style - the chunkiness of the slides will really balance out your wider leg pants.

Or try styling with a pair of leggings. With the tighter bottoms, balance out your look with a slouchy sweatshirt or t-shirt and denim jacket. Whether you're wearing joggers or leggings- think of your slides as your favorite pair of summer sneakers. Effortlessly cool and chic. My exact outfit is linked here: pants and top.

I hope these styling ideas have helped make these trendy slides a little less intimidating. They are such a fun addition to your closet and bring the perfect comfortable chic vibe to your spring and summer looks. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.