Dress Code at The Chicago History Museum

Of all the shows during Fashion Focus Chicago, Dress Code has to be my favorite because it shows the work of students at Columbia College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology, and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I love student designers because they are fearless and aren't confined to making a collection that will sell, they can do whatever they want and are free to experiment. Aspiring Chicago designers aside, it's time to look at what the audience was wearing.

One shoulder neckline with feathers? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Vivid tights paired with a sheer button up is amazing. And I'm all about oversized embellished tees.

Classic, refined, and monochromatic. 

Fur vest, check. Fur shoes, naturally.

The best accessory brings a casual outfit up ten notches.

She had me at the fur with the YSL crocodile satchel.

Both girls know how to rock a pop of color. 

Mom wears the fur while daughter gets to experiment with lace and bold patterns. Love the mother/daughter pose. 

Is it obvious how much I love a well-done fur? The color, the size, the placement, perfection.

Designer Marta Cebrat from the Illinois Institute of Art is glowing after her amazing show. 

Good friends can have completely different styles. From casual menswear to my favorite, all black, they make a perfect pair of fashionable friends.

I only got to attend two Fashion Focus Chicago events this year, and next year I plan to hit up at least three. But in the mean time, I'm going to be keeping my eyes peeled for more stylish Chicagoans. 

NEXT Fashion Chicago

Monday night kicked off the start of Chicago's Focus on Fashion week. The first big event was held at the Germania Place and featured designers Elda de la Rosa, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzalez, Sofia, Cleons Clothing Company, Caché, Sahar Dada, Hector-Javier Mon Arrez, Sujata Gazder, Bottega Contessa, and Mira Couture. All of the designers impressed the crowd but as always, my focus was on the guests with style. 

The edgy girls of Sophia were rocking a dress from the show, graphic tees, and deep plum lipstick.

Students love colored skinny jeans. And why not! Stay vibrant.

Fur and sequins. A daring, but amazing combination.

As always Ryan Beshel is working the bow tie, but I can't stop staring at her fuschia top paired with leopard print heels. Ah-mazing.

Designer Sahar Dada went simple in all black, with a floor length pleated skirt. Paired with a sparkly clutch, the designer does no wrong.

I love finding students at these events, because I'm one too! These girls went sexy and sophisticated and wowed with their sparkly accessories.

Simple and chic. From a white henley paired with a scarf, a great one-shoulder black dress, to dark denim and a blazer, these three could go anywhere in Chicago.

I can't get enough of nude pumps. They're unexpected and effortlessly cool when paired with simple silhouettes. 

As much as I love all black, (I'm wearing black head to toe as I write) I do enjoy color when it's well done. This red blazer had me staring from across the room and the perfectly fitted purple romper? Perfection.

The reason why I love black so much is the accessories can really pop. Check out that gold necklace and how easily black and white stripes don't have to look like prison. It's graphic and bold and I love it.

Tonight I'll be at DressCode, hosted by the Chicago History Museum. I hope to see you there dressed to the nines. 

“Everyone who is smart says they hate fashion, that it’s such a waste of time. I have asked many super-serious people, ‘Then why is fashion so popular?’ Nobody can answer that question.” - Miuccia Prada