Cracking the code...the dress code

(image courtesy of: http://static.my-wardrobe.com, http://www.purepearls.com, http://www.kfgoldsmith.com, photobucket.com, http://www.la-story.com & my Paint program)

P: lol wtf kinda dress code is upscale casual
M: lol uhhhh
what does that MEAN
lol
that's a oxymoron right there
P: lol yeah i just googled it
and app its a q thats on EVERYONES mind
like there are a million results lol

Upscale casual? Yeah, it's probably one of the more random dress codes I've heard in a while...and Google revealed that most people had exactly the same reaction as I did..."WTF?"

As strange as 'upscale casual' might sound the first time around, it pretty perfectly captures the kind of look that we at Pop Culture Paradox go for and highly recommend!

What NOT to Wear:

- Your fav. Little Miss T-shirt (as many as we have between the two of us, these would not fly at the work place or the newest swanky lounge...some people just dont need to know you're Lil Miss alter ego!)
- Converse sneakers/pumas/Havianas/Tevas/any other kinda beachy flipflops
- VS sweats/your worn out college sweatshirt


P: lol ok upscale casual is basically the antithesis of what we used to wear in college
M: yes
because in college, we wore...
well
scrub casual
BUT
there are some crossover pieces
dark seven for all mankind jeans
jersey dresses we'd wear out
cute jackets

What to Wear:

- A cute summer dress/dressed down LBD/jersey dress
- Heels! Or Tory Burch flats
- A string of pearls/diamond studs in your ears
- Accessorize with a classic tote
- A cardigan/classic cut blazer when its chillier out...dress it up with a scarf

Most importantly, when thinking 'upscale casual,' one needs to think of occasion, since, yes, 'upscale casual' is kind-of the broadest clothing category possible. Yes, upscale casual can be a pleated skirt, some turtleneck top by Theory, tights and heels. Yes, upscale casual can be a pair of dark denim jeans and a nice (not wrinkled!) C&C California top. Above all, cost does not make an outfit 'upscale casual.' I do not care how much your Juicy Couture tracksuit cost (I know, they're so comfortable), do not wear it to the office. We have covered this topic time and time again.

Still confused by the 'upscale casual' trend? Rest assured. The style actually makes life easier for us Pop Culture Paradox readers. It shows age appropriateness for twenty-somethings. It means an office without the power suit. Dates without overcoats. Club nights without too much skin (hallelujah). We're able to maintain trendyness (being "in" instead of in the dreaded "out" list"), and still be presentable without looking fifty years old (no offense to any fifty year old readers!). Just be your stylish selves, look at the contemporary sections of any Neimans or Saks (or Forever 21 for bargains!) and walk confidently knowing that age-appropriateness is always an "in."

-P & M (our first collaborative post!)