Tight Way to Wear Tights

Personally, I can’t pull off a look with tights to save my life. I've tried and repeatedly reminded that it is not my strength. You may have better luck than me however which is why I bring you...(drumroll please)...the TIGHTS edition! Hold on to your hats, we're trying a couple things out today!

Tights with shorts!
Zooey manages to make this look like she threw it together and yet look absolutely adorable. The trick? Despite black tights, she works a pair of navy shorts with brass details to differentiate the tights from the shorts, and adds a pale shirt in a light color with cute detailing to add some contrast.



In a different look, Zooey has paired black tights with black shorts and black heels giving her the look of really long legs. Personally, I find it a little too dark but it looks great all the same.



Tights with skirts!
A great way to keep your legs warm in a short skirt, provide a little contrast, or just do something different. Each of these ways is unique and provides a fresh take on the classic blouse and shirt look.





Tights with dresses!
A liiiittle too dark for my taste.


Try something like this that has a bit more contrast.

Romance Is In The Air

There's a right way and a wrong way to work the romantic look. Wrong way? Trying too hard to incorporate items into one look that speak romantic. For example, doing an entire look in frilly pink organza or wearing too many bows, ribbons, or hearts. You want to pick one item that says "Hi! I'm adorable!" and pair it with items that are subtle but supportive. Light pink top with oversized bow? Try a pair of blue jeans or a pair of grey dress pants for a look that has contrast and looks fresh but still feminine. Don't try a frilly skirt in a different shade of pink or shoes with big pink bows. That would be taking it too far.

Still confused? Let's see what Zooey has to offer.

Our first look shows Zooey in a pale pink tank with a simple wooden heart necklace. In this case, the heart complements the tone of the shirt without taking it over the top. Soft makeup and relaxed hair keep this looking elegant and beautiful. (source unknown)



Next we've got Zooey in a pale blue dress with white ribbon around the waist. Her accessories are subtle and let the dress do the talking. Carefree hair finishes this look off. I think one of the strong things about what makes this look is that her dark hair provides the contrast to keep her from looking washed out. If you're hair is lighter, try a dress with darker accents like true blue ribbons to add the same contrast. (She & Him concert)



Another light dress with soft accents is used here. The bow works because it is in a dark shade and ends a little oomph to her hair without stacking on too much. Flower here would have been a little much. ( 500 Days of Summer)



Another (500) Days of Summer shot shows Summer at the wedding. Here we see here in another light blue dress. The wardrobe of this film was based on the colors blue and gray so I’m not surprised. A simple, clean, architectural dress with a simple bow on the front provides just the right amount of whimsy and girliness to make this look complete.

Bright, Bold, Beautiful

If you don't like bright, bold colors, now is the time to embrace them! If you need some convincing, check out the styles Zooey's working.



The slight variation in blue in this look softens the power of the blue jacket. This shot is from promotion for (500) Days of Summer.



This pink dress has definitely got some power to it and I wouldn't be surprised if she was hiding a generator behind her. The trick here is keeping the rest of the look simple and classy. Her accessories are toned down and don't compete for attention. The dress also has simple detailing and design meaning that this look remains pretty without being over powerful. Taken from the premier of Zooey Deschanel's film The Hapenning.



This red dress looks fantastic and really bring her coloring out. Here she’s kept the red strong by adding black tights and accessories. This is a great way to look confident and strong in a red dress.



This final dress looks great because she's kept the color strong without overpowering by using a smaller silhouette. The dress doesn't have too many accents aside from the texture at the bottom. A simple metallic clutch completes the look.

Zooey + Dark Colors

Wearing black is tricky. Sure, all the cool kids are doing it but when you really get down to it, all black ensembles look like they suck the life out of the wearer. Personally, I find black to be the absense of color. Yes, I know that's not quite how it works. But think of it this way, all white ensembles are practically a challenge to add color, black is a blatant wall against color. So, how to wear this without looking like Morticia Adams?

Here's how we combat this.

1. Let's evaluate your wardrobe here. Think about, how many black items do you have? I'll be honest, I know I have way too many. I've got tons of tshirts, a pair of skinny jeans, at least 4 pairs of dress pants, three seperate pairs of shoes, and 2 or 3 dresses. All black. Sad, I know. The answer to a dark wardrobe however, is not throwing out the black items or simply only wearing black because "it matches". Instead, let's focus on some of the other items in your wardrobe. Blouses, cardigans, handbags, hair accessories, and even the dreaded scarf can all be used to your advantage. However, go sparingly. We don't want to go from black hole to fireworks in one fell swoop. Focus on three different colors. If you've got black, try incorporating two more colors in. Black pants and black heels? Try a white blouse with a red cardigan. See where I'm going? Subtle but powerful.

2. Why are you wearing black? Is it really necessary to wear ALL black? If it's to try and hide a clumsy personality, you'll have more luck with a print anyways. Trying to look more slim? First, you require a little more self confidence. Work those curves!! Black will do you no good if you're not dressing for your shape. And don't forget, there's still lots of ways to work color in. Try them out! You might like them. And the third option I can't see anyone wanting but I'll go for it anyway. If you're honestly TRYING to make yourself look pale and unattractive...you probably shouldn't be on here. Oh, and if attempting to attract a vampire boyfriend? Go with red instead. You'll look more tasty.

3. Don't forget makeup! It's key to making black look good. I'm not talking tons of bronzer or a fake tan. I'm just saying, don't go for the racoon eyes. Go for bright subtle eye makeup and lip color that makes you look healthy and happy. (Unless you don't want to look happy in which case...lighten up!)

4. Pull inspiration from the lovely Zooey Deschanel. This girl pulls off dark colors despite epic palesness. Note the colorful accessories.
Note the clean makeup, fresh skin, and variation. Not all black, though the navy blue is looking a bit dark.

Clean makeup and light accents on the dress and her shoes to make this style look fantastic!

InStyle Shoot

The following shots were all taken in 2009 as part of InStyle's Zooey Deschanel spread. I found these images absolutely stunning and though these outfits were probably picked out for her, I loved the sense of whimsy and femininity in these photos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Welcome!

Hi there!

Welcome to what, I hope, will become your first and last stop for Zooey Deschanel style and fashion. I have watched her style evolve over the years into the kind of self confident and self expressive fashion that I wish I had. Watch Zooey take chances and push boundaries has inspired me to do the same.

I hope to catalogue and keep record of her inspiring style. I know that I have struggled in the past with finding pictures and information that is actually useable and I really hope that you'll find what you need here.

Cheers!