Blog: Crossroads Style

Leggings have a special place in my heart and closet, but only recently have they become acceptable to wear as pants in the fashion world. It started with the athleisure trend; leggings were being worn as bottoms outside the house and without going to a gym. We then began seeing more and more high-quality leggings produced, ones thick enough to not show everything underneath! Now leggings as pants are trending and can be worn for so many occasions… and to be honest, I kind of love it! Check out some of my favorite ways to wear leggings as pants below.

1. Play Up the Athleisure Look

Wear a tee, bomber, and sneakers with your leggings for that cool girl street style look.
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2. Leather is Better

Opt for a pair of leather leggings and dress them up with a blouse, jacket and heels.
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3. Go Oversized

A general rule for wearing leggings is to make sure you’re covered up with a longer top. Although I’m here to tell you to break the rules (just make sure you have opaque leggings!), the oversized look is still flattering.
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4. Keep it Trendy

Play up a funky trend on top with a statement coat, fun sweater, or colors and textures to keep your look current.
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5. It’s All in the Details

Small details like ankle zippers, texture, and panels will up your leggings game.

I know, I know—New Year’s resolutions are cliché, never stick, and you’re back to your old habits within just a couple months, right? Let’s let go of the pressure to change ourselves and focus on small improvements instead! Change up an old routine or make a pledge to accomplish goals that inspire you, not ones that change who you are. Let’s start with five doable fashion resolutions that will help 2017 be your most comfortable and stylish year yet!

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1. De-Clutter

Quality over quantity! Clean out pieces that are no longer your style, and invest in pieces that you will wear often and that will stand the test of time.
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2. Be Daring

If you like it, wear it! Fashion should be about fun, not conformity. Don’t worry about other people’s opinions—the only one that matters is your own!
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3. Reuse More

If thrift stores and recycled fashion aren’t for you, there are still ways to reuse older clothing items. Have a clothing swap with friends or find a way to DIY an old item into something new. Try pairing things you never thought would work before to create something fresh.
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4. Stay Inspired

Take the time to notice colors, patterns, and shapes around you, whether they’re from what someone is wearing, in nature, or in art. Inspiration comes from everywhere. Take a moment to take a photo, jot down an idea or simply press the ‘like’ button on Instagram or Pinterest for later motivation.
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5. Be YOU

If you don’t like a trend, don’t give it a second thought. You will always feel your most comfortable and confident when you are being 100% true to yourself and your style. When you feel good, you look good!

Thrifting is a unique experience that truly gives credence to the saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Digging through rack upon rack knowing there’s the possibility of finding something special is the ultimate thrifter’s high. But sometimes it can be hard to envision an amazing one-off piece in your wardrobe or dedicate enough of your time to make the most of shopping secondhand. That’s where thrift haulers and YouTube videos come in. Read below for my round-up of 6 thrifting vloggers to inspire your haul.

B. Jones Style

Our very own Crossroads Style Council member Beth recently began vlogging again, and I am obsessed! I love Beth’s thrifting videos and self challenges!

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The Line Up

Maya and Julia’s energy is so contagious! These girls have such a great eye for color, accessories, and those small details that really make something special!

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To The 9’s

Cassie and Ricci share their love of fashion through their vlogs and inspire thrifters everywhere to give used clothing a second chance. I love how they show us how they would style their finds!

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The Fashion Citizen

With their thrift hauls, DIYs, and outfit of the week vlogs, these twin sisters are veterans of YouTube vlogging and definitely worth checking out!

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Steal The Spotlight

Discussing anything and everything fashion-related, Katie has some of the best thrift finds and haul vlogs on YouTube!

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Mary Elizabeth

Another one of our own Crossroad Style Council members, Mary proves that thrifting is not just for clothing! Mary is the best at finding shabby home decor and accents and DIY-ing the chic back into them!

There you have it! 6 thrifting vloggers to inspire your next haul. When you’re ready to shop for thrifted fashion, check out your local Crossroads store.

It happens to the best of us—you pick up some new favorite finds while out shopping, get home, and have no idea how to incorporate them into your existing wardrobe’s color scheme. The last thing you should be worrying about before a hectic day is getting dressed. Something so simple and familiar should not cause anxiety; it should be fun!

So, taking it back to grade school, let’s use the color wheel as a cheat sheet to guarantee your colors look great together!

Pair Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are the colors directly across from each other on the wheel and are typically opposite in hue. Remember: opposites attract!
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Pair Analogous (Like) Colors

Unlike complementary colors, analogous colors are the colors that are adjacent on the wheel and are similar hues. Try choosing one as the primary and using others as accents.
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Pair Within the Color Family

Play with different hues of one color to create a fun monochromatic look.
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If all else fails, neutral colors—white, black, grey, and brown—are fail-proof and match with any color. Start small and add color to a neutral outfit. See my tips on adding color to a neutral outfit in my last post!

Black is the new black, neutrals are in, and no one will ever say no to a classic monochromatic look. Still, adding a pop of color is a fun way to elevate an otherwise simple outfit. Below are three ways to liven up your neutral outfit with accessories and small details, without having to go head-to-toe in bright colors.

A Statement Bag
A statement bag is the ultimate accessory for livening up your outfit and show off your fun taste.

Fun, Flirty Shoes
Step up your shoe game with some bright colors and lively details.

It’s All in the Details
Let your outfit’s details do the talking for you. Add a small neck scarf or find pieces with interesting color elements or embroidery.

What’s your favorite way to add color to a neutral outfit?