Erin Carpenter is a personal stylist, working one-on-one with women to provide full-service wardrobe management, from closet consultations to personal shopping. Erin delivers to her client an edited, versatile and maximized closet, along with the knowledge of how to dress to flatter her figure, fit her lifestyle and project her unique image. Erin lives in Chicago with her husband, Sean, and her six pairs of jeans.
Looking to maximize your denim investment this fall? Chicago-based personal stylist Erin Carpenter shares her five classic ways to style your jeans, from Sunday brunch with the girls to a Friday meeting with the board.
“Start with a pair that is universally figure flattering: dark wash, slim-fit with a slight boot cut,” Erin says. “I love this pair by Joe's Jeans. It's cut for ‘real woman' curves. A dark wash is slimming, and can be easily dressed up or down, and a boot cut balances out hips…the wider your hips, the more pronounced the flare should be.”
Found your perfect pair?
Fabulous! Now take them…
Joe's Jeans “Honey Bootie Fit” in NAO, $174
UPTOWN...
Berry-trim “Astrid” Jacket, $248
... with a boxy, nubby jacket in any color but basic black, brown or grey. Add a strand—or three—of pearls, a knuckle-dusting cocktail ring and ballet flats. Don't forget to practice your air kisses!
DOWNTOWN...
Erin Gallagher “Jamie” Necklace, $330
...with a form-fitting black tee, leather jacket (motorcycle-style is big for Fall ‘08), a skinny black belt embellished with studs, and layers of silver necklaces. Keep it classy with diamond stud earrings and black pointy-toed pumps or boots.
ERRAND - RUNNING...
Puma “Alsten Lux II” Sneaker, $89.95
...with a hip-grazing, slim-cut retro track jacket and brightly colored “trainers”—shoes with sporty styling made for the street, not the gym (“No chunky trail runners, please!” Erin begs.). Pull your hair into a ponytail and don a sporty rubber watch for full athletic effect.
TO THE OFFICE...
Marnie Bugs “Harriet” Bag, $583
...on casual Friday with a classic white blouse, sleeves rolled up, wide brown leather belt and brown crocodile pumps. Simple silver earrings, a hefty silver men's style watch and a big leather tote in camel or deep red keep the tone polished and professional.
ON A DINNER DATE...
Rebecca Taylor “Rosette” Tunic, $235
...with a floaty satin camisole underneath a nipped-at-the-waist black blazer. Accessorize with a colorful gemstone necklace, big gold hoops and strappy high-heeled sandals. For post-dinner dancing, slip off the blazer and slip on a stack of gold bangles (which you've stashed in your clutch, you clever gal, you!).
