The Sartorialist’s founder, Scott Schuman, has an amazing life. He seems to fly to Paris, London, New York and all over the rest of the world at a moment’s notice. The women and men that he photographs for the blog are trendsetters whose style is used to create fashion advertisements, magazine covers and outfit inspiration for stylish beings the world over.
It must be nice.
I certainly check The Sartorialist for the barest bones of my fashion ideas. I will never wear the towering heels favored by most of the women on the blog, nor can I afford the haute couture labels to which Schuman gravitates. But inspiration often has little to do with the finished product. The Sartorialist is still a fantastic place to get fashion advice, and then articulate it with your personal style and budget.
Here are some of The Sartorialist’s big ideas for fall, dumbed down for those of us who live in the real world:
-Wide-leg pants. Wide-leg pants are a difficult addition to one’s wardrobe, especially if you aren't a fan of spindly heels. Schuman’s model wears white linen pants, which sounds like the most difficult combination to replicate by anyone, anywhere. Wide-leg jeans are easier, as are stiffer fabrics like cotton. You’re probably going to need heels so you don’t look as wide as the pant though, so choose a solid-soled wedge, rather than a dainty heel for more durability.
-Snakeskin print. Schuman’s snake lady wears a chic blouse that is made completely out of a snakeskin pattern. Most ladies or gents would probably think that this is too much. Instead, snakeskin fabrics can make for an interesting belt, bag or pair of shoes. It’s important that you look for a neutral pattern, though, so you don’t end up looking like a Las Vegas showman circa 1985.
-Polka dots. Schuman’s photographs depict three women in head-to-toe polka dots and long, tight skirts. Most of us aren’t as thin as Schuman’s women, and would probably look like poorly upholstered furniture in a long, dotted dress. Instead, a polka dot blouse always looks nice, particularly in a soft chiffon with buttons or a ties in the front. Take Schuman’s advice, and make it sheer with a plain camisole underneath it.
-T-shirt dresses. I love t-shirt dresses because they make you look like you rolled out of bed still wearing the sleep shirt from the night before. Schuman’s lady wears one with just a pair of boots, but this isn’t practical for most women because of temperature and modesty. I like the t-shirt dress with a pair of leggings, a hoodie and sneakers because you still achieve that casual-cool look without freezing.