Guest Feature: Tough Chic by Anya Sarre

Nothing brightens up your day like stepping out of the house in a killer outfit. Dressing yourself is the easiest way to let your inner goddess shine. So bring out your beauty for all to see. Knowing your stepping out looking your best is the best way to boost your confidence. Regardless of how fierce we are, we can all (yes, even celebrities) use a fashion-related boost once in awhile!

This year, the fall fashion runways were full of looks that should be in everyone’s closet. We all notice the dip in temperatures. Don’t let fall fashion have you scrambling for any old’ thing. This year, do a twist on the expected with by pairing your feminine items with leather accents.

This trend not only leaves you looking polished and sophisticated, it is a perfect blend of hard and soft that lends just a bit of edge to a classic look. Look for dresses with form-fitting, tailored bodices and a bit of flounce and volume in the skirt. Pairing a leather bodice with a flowing skirt keeps the look just soft enough to be feminine. Also look for longer, tailored dresses with leather accents on the sleeve.

Adding a few leather-accented pieces to your fall wardrobe gives you an interesting, sophisticated way to dress up existing pieces. These are also the perfect garments for a quick transition from day to night. During the day, keep your accessories minimal and your makeup soft. Pair with simple platform pumps or a pair of ankle booties and a statement bib necklace! For a leather dress, pair with a structured blazer or a thin belt cinched at the waist. Pair a leather-accented blazer with your favorite suit pants and a simple, printed blouse.

Turn up the volume for a night on the town with a switch of accessories and a few new pairings. Pair your leather-accented frock with a pair of metallic, strappy heels. Work your look from the ground up with the perfect pair of shoes and you’ll be ready for the dance floor in minutes.

Take your leather-accented blazer from work to cocktails by pairing it with other wardrobe staples. Throw on your favorite pair of skinny jeans, in a dark wash. Cuff them just above the ankle. Switch out your office-appropriate blouse for one with sequins or metallic accents. Swap out your pumps for a pair of platforms with a metallic heel. Finish the outfit off with a pair of statement earrings.

More about Anya Sarre:

Anya is a stylist with ShoeDazzle, where she works alongside other celebrity stylists. She has been regularly featured in print magazines and on television—Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and the STYLE network to name a few. She hopes to give Carbon readers great advice about fashion to show them that they are beautiful, confident, and strong.