CROPPED FAUX LEOPARD COAT
I have this amazing coat I got on sale at Forever 21 for $10 which, for f21, is surprisingly soft and luxurious. I’m obsessed with (faux) fur for fall and winter, but I think I speak for more than just myself when I say it’s hard to make such a bold piece versatile. So, I dressed up my friend Ellyn and we came up with some kick-ass ways to wear this coat.
1) With a little black dress, patterned tights, and moto boots.
I love mixing textures and patterns, and the beauty in this outfit is that it is so simple. The coat is the focus, but the tights add a balance so the eye moves down her body and doesn’t focus on one thing. But at the same time, it’s not too much because the tights are uncomplicated and monochromatic.
The tights are from F21, but this outfit can be recreated with almost any black/ gray patterned tights, or even plain black ones. The dress is from H&M, and the boots are from..cringe..JCPenny. However, they are becoming a staple in my wardrobe. A good pair of motorcycle or combat boots can completely change the feel of an outfit.
2) With a hoodie and jeans.
I love how casual this look is. I am not usually a big fan of jeans, but when Ellyn put on my Jeffrey Campbell boots with her jeans, I was sold. (Note about the shoes: they were definitely a splurge. But so worth it; shoes, in my opinion, are the best things to splurge on because they ALWAYS look good and are the most flexible accessory – you can wear a pair good pair of shoes with literally hundreds of different outfits.) Anyway, the shoes are an added touch in this case, but the outfit would be just as cute with a pair of converse, flats, ankle boots, and more!
I’m obsessed with the hoodie under the coat. Since it’s cropped and elbow length, it keeps your torso warm but your arms are exposed. The hoodie dresses the coat down a bit and makes it look so easy and casual (and it is easy! you can just throw on these two layers over jeans and BAM! cute cold weather outfit!)
3) With a pullover, sweater tights, skirt and booties.
I paired the coat with a white Mickey & Minnie pullover I got from a thrift store when I was in Boston. I love to wear it when Christmas is months away, oh the irony…but in all seriousness, it’s great with long necklaces to girl-ify it and to make up for the lack of skin showing. And although my pullover has a graphic print, the coat would also be great with a solid colored pullover. (or even patterned if you’re bold!)
The skirt makes the outfit a bit more chic, and the sweater tights keep it winter-y. The skirt is from Urban Outfitters, but similar ones can easily be found elsewhere (H&M, even Target) and the tights were from Target. They’re the best for tights since they’re affordable and almost always on sale.
The shoes are Seychelles, and I got them at Nordstrom. Again, they are the most expensive part of the outfit but shoes are worth the splurge. The heel makes the outfit casual party appropriate, or even just cute for school/everyday wear.
4) With color.
Sometimes winter and fall can get dreary clothing wise, and although I am a huge fan of the grayscale, it’s good to add color sometimes. Red is appropriate for any season, and paired with a cream lace skirt from Target (which I got on sale for $11, just saying) the coat is perfect for dinner, holiday parties, and for some reason I think this outfit screams “November/ December first fridays.”
I also put a silver headband on Ellyn, which I think is great especially if this was worn as a nighttime look. (Headband was $6 at F21) We also kept the sweater tights and JC boots. However looking back I don’t love the shoe choice – next time I would go with maybe a silver flat.
5) With a flannel shirt and jeans.
This look is very similar to #3, but I think the plaid and the t-shirt give it a whole new dimension. Ellyn wears her own t-shirt, so I’m not sure where it’s from, but any neutral or graphic t-shirt or tank top will do. The flannel is from H&M, and it’s super long so I tied it in a knot to make the proportions more flattering. The plaid shirt is thinner than the hoodie though, so although it may be more comfortable, (thinner fabrics = less feeling of being squeezed into all the layers you’re wearing) it may not be quite as warm.
Okay, so this outfit is really similar to 3. But again, jeans + black shoes are so simple that it really is okay to wear them twice even in the same week. But I love the stylish meets casual ease of this look, and I’ve never tried it on myself so this is an outfit I really cannot wait to rock.
Alright I love mixing patterns, and the cheetah meets plaid is making me really excited..I adore the layers and just think that this outfit looks so cool. (Not to mention Ellyn’s killer body..I mean come on who’s butt looks THAT good in jeans?!)
These 5 looks are only a taste of what can be done with this coat. The key is trying it on with everything and not being afraid to take risks. Animal prints and fur will never go out of style, so even spending a little extra $$$ on a great coat is worth it.
I hope I was able to rub off a little inspiration on someone, and this is only a taste of what’s to come for Corrupt Glamour. I’m really excited about getting this project started – my goal is to push the world to be a little bit more well-dressed.
xox
