How to Sound Like a Fashion Pro
It’s time to brush up on the ABCs of styling.
What’s the difference between a slit and a vent? Is “monotone dressing” as boring as it sounds? And what is a sheath dress, exactly? We put together a guide to help you decode all the fashion-designer jargon that’s made you say “huh?”—and some terms you didn’t even know were missing from your lexicon.
COLUMN DRESSING
This is a fancy word for a type of outfit you’ve definitely worn without realizing it had a name. A column outfit consists of a top and bottom—or a dress/jumpsuit—that are the same color, with a layer in a contrasting color. The single-color base creates a streamlined, lengthening “column” effect, emphasized by the contrasting layer on top.
MONOTONE DRESSING
A monotone outfit is made up of pieces in the same shade of the same color. You can keep things classic by using a neutral like black or cream as your color of choice, or choose something brighter for a bolder look. The best thing about monotone looks? They’re easy to pull off. “When in doubt, go monotone,” says our Brand Stylist, Nyjerah. “These looks are best for those nothing-to-wear moments when you’re feeling uninspired. Dressing in monotone helps elevate a simple outfit because the color becomes the statement. It has a similar type of ease to our Etsuko dress, which is already put-together and doesn’t require extra styling—the uniform color does the work for you.”
MONOCHROMATIC DRESSING
A monochromatic look—also known as a “tonal look”—uses different variations of the same color. Unlike a monotone outfit, a monochromatic outfit combines pieces that are not the same shade.
COLOR-BLOCKING
A color-blocked outfit juxtaposes two or more solid colors—usually bold ones. Some garments have built-in color-blocking, but you can also achieve the look by wearing a contrasting top and bottom. If you’re having trouble finding colors that pair well, Nyjerah recommends adding in a neutral. “Traditionally, color-blocking meant pairing two or more colors that are opposites on the color wheel—combinations that many would say clash,” she explains. “But nowadays, stylists will pair any two bold colors to create a contrasting, color-blocked ensemble.” Color-blocking also allows you to choose which features to emphasize. For example, if you want to show off your shoulders, try pairing a bright top with more muted bottoms—brighter colors stand out, while deeper shades tend to recede.
FRENCH TUCK
A.K.A. the half tuck. This Tan France-approved styling trick gives your outfit definition and dimension while feeling a bit more relaxed than a full tuck. It’s also great for thicker tops and sweaters that are too bulky to tuck in all the way around.
A-LINE
The name “A-line” comes from the shape of the capital letter A. A-line styles are typically fitted at the waist and fuller through the hips, and they can range from very subtle—for when you want just a bit of room in the hips—to quite pronounced—for when you want to practice your twirl.
SHEATH
The term “sheath” gets tossed around a lot. But typically, it refers to a straight-cut dress (no A-lines here!) with a close fit throughout the body. “Sheath dresses have elongating silhouettes,” explains Nyjerah. “And since they sit close to the body, they’re ideal for easy layering. I like to complement the length with a longer layer, such as our Dietrich jacket, or use our cropped Sant Ambroeus jardigan to break up the silhouette of a sheath.”
SHIFT
A shift dress also has a straight silhouette, but it’s not as close-fitting as a sheath. Rather than tapering at the waist, a shift dress falls straight down for a more relaxed fit. This is a good choice for when you want to get creative with styling. As Nyjerah explains, “You can treat a shift like a blank canvas to create the shape you want. Belt it for waist definition, or pair it with another oversized silhouette to play on its shape.”
DROP SHOULDER
When a garment has a dropped shoulder, the sleeve extends seamlessly from the bodice, creating a soft, relaxed look. (In contrast, more fitted tops and dresses tend to have seams that sit directly on top of the shoulders.) Drop shoulders are designed to create volume without bulk—plus, they make tops and dresses extra comfortable.
SLIT VS. VENT
You may be surprised to learn that slits and vents are not the same thing (I certainly was). A slit is exactly what it sounds like—it’s as if you took scissors to your garment and cut in a straight line.
A vent, on the other hand, consists of two overlapping pieces of fabric that are tacked at the top and open at the bottom. Vents are more traditional than slits and most commonly used in suiting. Some pieces use a double vent for extra mobility—and a bit of flair.
WRITTEN BY
Madeleine Kim
Madeleine Kim is a Senior Brand Associate at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.
See more of Madeleine's articles6 Vacation-Worthy Summer Outfits That Will Transport You Wherever You Want to Go
International travel may not be feasible this summer, but you can still channel those vacation vibes.
It seems this won’t be the summer for far-flung travels, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit home and brood. Channel the spirit of your favorite destinations by getting creative: Put on some music, pour yourself a drink, and slip into something that transports you. Next year, you’ll do this abroad. But for now, your living room (or fire escape) is a decent alternative.
IF YOU'RE DREAMING OF...
Aix-en-Provence
If you had hoped to spend the summer hula-hooping through lavender fields, playing pétanque in quaint village squares, and reading Baudelaire under the shade of an olive tree, don’t despair. Set the scene by slipping into the airy Blake shirt and Lenox skirt, whose whimsical stripes conjure up that particular French nonchalance. Put on chanteuse Françoise Hardy, pour yourself a dry rosé, and break out your old copy of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. See? You can almost smell the lavender.
IF YOUR HEART IS IN...
Havana
You were finally going to get to Cuba this summer. And while the trip may have to wait until later, the adventure can begin now. Slip into a romantic white blouse and a cool summer pant, mix yourself a mint-laden mojito, and salsa around your house to the joyful songs of renowned bandleader Benny Moré. When you finally make it to Cuba someday, you’ll be ready. (And that white outfit will look stunning against Havana’s colorful facades).
IF YOU'RE RARING TO GO TO...
Rome
You’d like to be zipping through the Piazza del Popolo on a Vespa right about now, but alas, not this year. That said, Italians know how to enjoy life no matter where they are, and so should you. Transform into a chic Roman in the Marissa top and Orchard skirt, whose hibiscus-hued pattern will go perfectly with your aperol spritz. Whip up some cacio e pepe, and after dinner, impress your imaginary guests (or your cat) by trying to hit the high notes in this aria from Puccini’s Tosca.
IF YOU'RE WILD ABOUT...
Rio de Janeiro
You’re ready to rub elbows with Brazil’s beautiful people, and someday, you will. But for now, no one is allowed to touch anyone else’s elbows. Keep your spirits up by donning a sophisticated jumpsuit, blasting Jorge Ben, and drinking as many caipirinhas as you damn well please. Your neighborhood may not be as sultry as Ipanema, but it’s charming nonetheless.
IF YOU'RE MUSING ABOUT...
Mallorca
You’d like to be strolling the medieval streets of Palma de Mallorca and swimming in sapphire-blue water this summer. Put that plan on the backburner for now, and instead, conjure the Mediterranean from home. Slip into an easy tunic and a black or surf-colored culotte, and pretend you’re at your favorite Mallorcan vermuteria. Add some olives, cheese, and this guy playing the guitar, and you’re good to go.
IF YOU'RE IMAGINING YOURSELF IN...
Mexico City
In your mind, you’re browsing the boutiques of leafy Roma, contemplating the paintings of Frida Kahlo, and eating those renowned tuna tostadas at Contramar. In reality, you’re in Hoboken in your pajamas. Find a happy medium by putting on a minimalist outfit (an elegant tank, a slouchy pant) that you’d wear for a day of museum-wandering, followed by a late al fresco lunch. Then mix some margaritas (strong is good), smash up some guac, and watch this weird-but-captivating video of dancers in spaces designed by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.
WRITTEN BY
Tory Hoen
Tory Hoen is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor. She spent five years as the Creative Director of Brand at MM.LaFleur (where she founded The M Dash!) and has written for New York Magazine, Fortune, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler. She loves doughnuts and inter-species friendships.
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A Wine Pairing, but for Pants
Have you ever bought a pair of pants in an unexpected but stunning color, only to be totally confused about what to wear with them? You throw them in your closet and they rarely—if ever—see the light of day. It’s sort of like when you buy a nice bottle of wine and wait for the perfect meal or reason to celebrate to open it up. Never again. Pants should be fun (and good wine goes with everything). That’s why, when picking out shades for our beloved Foster pant, we thought long and hard about what to pair with them, because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for you.
Below, perfect pairings for 6 of our favorite shades of the Foster pant.