Styling Session: How To Layer Like a Pro
June 03, 2014
It’s safe to say that our designer, Miyako, does not adhere to a corporate dress code. Every day, we eagerly await her arrival at the office, because we never know what we’re going to get. Some days she’s buttoned-up and elegant; other days, she looks like she’s rolling in from a rave.
Though many of our MM.LaFleur dresses err on the conservative side (to the delight of our customers who work in banking and law), Miyako has a way of making them her own. “To me, dressing is a joy and it’s how I set the tone for my day. I don’t over-think it—I just choose pieces that look interesting together. I love layering because it allows me to create new looks, even if I’m working with pieces I’ve had forever,” she explains.
Below, Miyako works her magic in the Clara.
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“The Clara is one of my favorite dresses in our collection. When I was designing it, I was inspired by the idea of minimalism, and I am proud of the execution. It’s a simple, easy dress, but the fabrication and shoulder construction give it a formal look.”
“Below, I styled it with a vintage men’s scarf, an over-sized denim shirt, and the Morandi sweater. Because the Clara is a short shift dress, I love the way it looks with a long top layer. I’m wearing it with vintage black leather boots and Wolford Individual 10 stockings with runs—I love stockings with runs.”
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“Sometimes, I pair my Clara with a men’s vintage jacquard vest and a black crochet, half-sleeve cardigan. Same stockings, but these boots are from Toga. I love this vintage bangle and my MAME tortoise-shell vinyl bag for a bit of color.”
“To me, M.M. dresses are like a blank canvas. You can dress them up or down depending on your style, but you’ll always look proper.”
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“I think it’s so chic to maintain a slightly casual feel, even when you’re dressing up for evening. Because the cut of this dress is so easy, you can add dramatic textures and embellishments without looking too done-up.”
“This is a second-hand beaded tank top and vintage embroidered wool coat. The chain crocheted necklace is a design by my friend Venessa Arizaga.”
“These stockings are Wolford Individual 20 (no runs this time!), and my pumps are Christian Dior. I often invest in great heels because they can make your outfit so much more sophisticated. Every now and then, I love that feeling of power.”
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