5.15.2010

Style Me Saturday: Air Force Graduation Weekend

Reader Kristen emailed me recently looking for some guidance on what to pack for a weekend spent at graduation events in Colorado Springs. Here's her email...

"I'm going to Colorado Springs in a few weeks for Air Force Academy graduation. I'll be attending formal/evening (commissioning ceremonies), business casual (graduation and grad parade), and casual events (dinners out with the boy and exploring Colorado Springs/Denver). I think the biggest issue is the temperature, ranging from 35-75. I live in Florida and not used to that kind of temperature range! So, I'm having trouble finding looks that are classic, feminine and still have layered options for the abrupt temperature changes when the sun goes down! Can you help at all?"

Kristen said she looks to Dita Von Teese, the fictional Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl), and Reese Witherspoon for their classic, feminine styles. With that in mind, here are the looks I suggested for the events she'll be attending.

Formal:

Assuming the more formal events will be held indoors, I suggested that Kristen purchase a classic trench in either khaki or black that will get her from the car to the event without freezing to death. A pashmina in a neutral color isn't a bad idea either, and both the trench and the scarf will go with pretty much any of the outfits listed below (formal or casual).

All of the following dresses were inspired by Blair Waldorf's feminine style, and you can click on any photo for more information/to purchase.




Business Casual:

For these outfits I took inspiration from both Blair Waldorf's style and Reese Witherspoon. Most of the outfits include a sweater or a blazer, and Kristen could go with or without them depending on the weather. The trench would also work over these outfits, as would the scarf mentioned in the first (formal) section.

This first look I put both pants or a skirt, as I feel the shirt would look great either way and wanted to give Kristen more options. The rest of the looks are pretty self explanatory, as always click on any photo for more information/to purchase.





Casual:

This first look reminded me very much of something Reese Witherspoon would wear, and I think it would be perfect for casual dinners or sight seeing.


I love the floral tank in this look (it reminds me a little of Rebecca Taylor's spring/summer collection) and it would also look great with flare jeans if Kristen wants a bit of a different look.


For this last look, throw the belt on over the draped vest from AE (click HERE to purchase, all other items you can click on the photos below) and you've got a great comfy outfit for sight seeing (hopefully the weather stays warm enough for this one!).


Any Colorado natives have any input or suggestions for Kristen? Share in the comments below!

4 comments:

Ashley said...

I love the first and third outfits.

KAK said...

I lived in Colorado for awhile and I have to tell you, Colorado 75 is not the same as other places' 75. Especially if you live in Florida. It will feel much cooler. I would pack lots of layering pieces. Def sweaters/cardigans and the pashmina or trench like previously mentioned. If you are planning on going out at night the blazer would work great with boots too. Also if you are sightseeing, bring a cute hat or something, I found I got sunburned much easier/quicker in Colorado than anywhere else. Hope this helps a little!

Jessica said...

I would dress conservatively for the graduation. My husband was in the marines and any graduation or special ceremony, you want to look very conservative. You don't want any CO's to see you in short shorts or anything like that, because it can get back to your guy ;) Have fun! Graduations are always really cool!

KP said...

Thanks for the extra help!! I'm really looking forward to the trip and not planning on wearing anything super short. Even had the boy give approval for the important events!! :-)