Nikki’s Inbox: A Sophisticated Partner

July 30, 2010 By: Nikki 5157 Views

Hello Nikki,

I have been seriously dating a guy who is very fashionable and usually dresses up for work. He wears a lot of dress shirts and slacks, and looks very mature for a 22-year-old. I, however, am 21 and dress very casually and girly, in mostly shorts and a top (I hate wearing pants because the weather is so hot here). Unfortunately, my style makes me look very young and I completely clash with his style when we go out. I have even been mistaken as his little sister! I really want to dress more maturely but still look unique and pretty. I want us to look like a sexy, mature couple! Thanks!

Amanda

While I’m a firm believer that you should never change who you are or the way you dress, there are times when a few alterations are indeed required. Avoiding looking like an odd couple when you’re out with your boyfriend can sometimes be one of them.

I’m not sure what kind of shorts and tops you’re wearing, Amanda, if they make 21-year-old look much, much younger than their almost-the-same-age boyfriend. I’m assuming what you really mean is that what you’re wearing doesn’t match his office attire when you go for after-work dates (he doesn’t suit up on the weekends to the movies does he?). The key then, isn’t to create a new style for you, but just to put together a few outfits you can wear that complement your boyfriend’s corporate look.

I’d start with three key words and work your outfits around them.

Smart. If he’s in suit and slacks, he’ll definitely look crisp and sharp. If you can’t match with the corporate attire, at least match in vibe. A smart look translates to looking business-like or formal (basically anything that’s the opposite of casual). The easiest way: throw on a piece of structured outerwear, like a blazer or vest. These tailored pieces add instant class to your look. If the weather is too hot for these, then opt for blouses, pencil dresses and skirts in natural fabrics like linen and cotton. Avoid anything with over-the-top ruffles or petite floral prints; they sometimes add too youthful flavors that you want to avoid.
CatWorld - Sleeveless Tie-Waist DressMoles Room - Short-Sleeve DressSHY SHY - Crew-Neck Chiffon Dress with Back Tie59th Street - Set: Short-Sleeve Shirred Wrap Dress + Beltprischu essentials - Box-Pleat Sleeveless DresseFashion - Printed Chiffon SundressStylementor - High-Waist Spaghetti Strap DressVeJanie - Elbow-Sleeve Single-Button BlazerPUFFY - Single Button BlazerTokyo Fashion - Roll-Up Sleeve BlazerAndo Store - High-Waisted Shorts
Sassy. It never hurts to add a little sassiness to your look. Pretty A-line dresses, deep V-necklines, a short hem that doesn’t scream Friday nights and a bottle of tequila. The idea is that you want to show off a fun, sexy and feminine side. Choose something that reveals some skin or shows off your curves. A short V-neck dress with pleats or a babydoll top are good options.
Tokyo Fashion - Sleeveless Lace Babydoll DressTokyo Fashion - Wrapped Chiffon DressI'Miusa - Strapless Ruched Babydoll DressZOO - Lace Appliqué Sleeveless Empire Dresspinkdiamond - Tank DressSTAR.MIMI - Sleeveless Lace DressSPICY HOLIC - Key-Hole Back SundressMOUL STYLE - Elasticized Hem Tube DressZOO - Military Tube DressEL Style - V-Neck Sheer Knit TopAKA - High-Waist Shorts
Sophisticated. An air of chic sophistication always makes one look older. Sophistication translates to of-the-moment trends, a love for things fabulous and a sense of being well-groomed. Your look should be sleek and neat, and very fashionable. Your silhouette will be streamlined rather than A-line. Try pieces in chiffon, with draping or pleats, a wide belt to the cinch the waist of anything and of course a pair of heels. Current vogue trends include nautical stripes, exaggerated rosettes and prints like acid-wash or tie-dye.
Ando Store - Striped Dress with SashPUFFY - Striped DressPUFFY - Two-Tone Chiffon DressCOOLHADA - Zip-Front Sleeveless DressPUFFY - Short-Sleeve Printed Long TeeJoanne Kitten - Flutter-Sleeve Tie-Waist DressMelissa - Ruffle V-Neck Dresspinkdiamond - Ruffle Front Sleeveless A-Line DressFOXCiTY - Zipper Printed T-Shirt DressOrange Style - Set: Studded Chiffon Dress + CamisoleI'Miusa - Shirred JumpsuitPUFFY - Wet-Look Leggings
Have fun darling!

Nikki

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Archived comments about “Nikki’s Inbox: A Sophisticated Partner”
  1. Lynna Huynh says:
    August 10, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    Ooo, i definitely adore the sophisticated look! i can`t wait until i can dress all business-like! & these are perfect examples! i love the blazers & black dresses!

  2. Lyna Chan says:
    August 10, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    A very helpful tip Nikki! But in my situation, it is the other way around.. LOL.

    I wear glasses and rather looked matured than my special guy.. I don’t have a boyfriend nowadays… But I love hanging out with boys who looks younger than my age, but that doesn’t mean they’re younger than me.

    What clothes do you think will make a girl with glasses look young, sassy, sexy and sophisticated?

  3. Tanya Paul says:
    August 11, 2010 at 2:46 am

    This look is beautiful. I love it. The pink dress with the bow is very cute.