in fashion, expect the unexpected

While walking down Fifth Avenue, you notice a confident, well-dressed woman. She's wearing a leather biker vest with a feminine, floaty dress. The pairing is odd, you might think. Yet she looks fabulous. This idea of juxtaposition is at the core of many fashion-forward wardrobes. In an outfit, it gives the people around you something interesting to look at—whether it is at work, at dinner, or at a company outing. Mastering this trend may not come naturally for you, so I have gathered some ideas to get you started.

--Hermy

1. Pair a bright pink trouser with a menswear-inspired outerwear piece
This idea was inspired by Yigal Azrouel's Fall 2011 RTW collection. Above, I chose to pair a Proenza Schouler tuxedo jacket ($2,575) with a pair of H&M bright pink trousers ($40).

2. A feminine lace dress paired with leather boots
Robert Sanderson leather boots ($995) may not be the first think you may think to pair with a DVF ivory lace dress ($470), but this look can create such an edgy feel that it may be your go-to outfit for dinner or an evening out.

3. A simple dress with a bold necklace
Try pairing a striped H&M dress ($12) with a bold Fiona Paxton statement necklace ($350). Accessories often make the outfit, so focusing on them can create a big fashion success at your next party.

4. Go straight for a leather dress or bow-tie blouse
This idea is the simplest, because you do not have to worry about pairing items. The next time you go shopping, go straight for a camel ($225) or black ($99) Oasis leather dress. The idea of a dress is classy and elegant, but a leather dress creates an innovative feel. The bow-tie blouse picks are inspired by Jason Wu's bow-tie tops, which create a feminine characteristic to the idea of a tie by replacing it with a bow tie. My picks include the navy blue sleeveless French Connection top ($118) and the Gap classic white blouse with a black bow tie ($39).