Editor’s Note: You hear a lot of “what did you put in your hair?” and “I love your shoes!” around the NaturallyCurly office. Personally, I am always finding inspiration in what my colleagues are wearing to the office and on their Instagrams, so we’re starting a new series to share what we’re loving with the rest of our community – beyond our hair! #OOTD | Outfit of the Day – Cristina Cleveland
Tell us about your outfit of the day, why you chose it, what you love about it, what kinds of occasions you can wear it to.
Having taken more than a few fashion notes from mi madre, I am a clothing layer fan, especially when it comes to Fall/Winter attire. This outfit is no exception. Styling in my sunshine yellow tank dress, a borrowed angel wings-sequined military jacket, and my favorite black hat, I am looking forward to wearing this outfit when the temperature drops to a cool 67 degrees because I’m hot blooded… #checkitandsee
Tell us about your hair, what products are in your hair? How did you style it?
Fire engine red box braids are super fun to rock any time of the year, but a few hair accessories like inexpensive gold metal cuffs for dreadlocks and braids will turn their stop-and-stare effect up several notches. The large face-framing side braid was taken down from a top knot I was wearing, and I top it off with my hat!
Tell us about your Fall/Winter style!
When I think about my outfit of the day, and how it needs to be adapted for fall and winter, I think solely about warmth and comfort. Inspired by snow bunnies, I tend to gravitate toward layered lightweight clothing (as mentioned”> underneath jackets. Although I dig scarves as headwraps, I rarely wear them during the fall and winter because they make me feel a bit claustrophobic… is that weird?
How do you choose what you’re going to wear?
Clothing selection depends on the day, my mood, and the temperature. There’s not much else that goes into the process, with the rare exception that I don’t want to wear boots. Then, more criteria come into play such as makeup or nah? contacts and sunglasses or prescription Zenni frames? flats or lace-ups?
How do you like your clothes to make you feel?
Comfort is my primary goal because I like feeling comfortable at all times. To dress up my comfortable look, I wear hats or protective styles that are quick and easy to walk out of the house with.
Tell us about your closet – for example are you a maximalist and it’s overflowing, do you get into trends, are you downsizing, are you re-thinking your wardrobe right now?
Well, if you walked into my apartment right now, you would think that I am obsessed with clothing. Surprisingly, though, I wear the same clothes over and over again. This has nothing to do with downsizing or attempts at minimalism; I just like comfy clothes and my well-worn threads are the ones I most frequently reach for. Mind you, I am thinking about hitting up the GAP and ROSS for a few wardrobe staples like bright colored sweaters and leggings. Otherwise, I am going to continue thrifting for stage clothes (because I rock out on the reg with my band“> which will make my closet look even more crowded than it does at this moment.
Describe your Fall/Winter style in 5 words:
FUN! Bright. Untraditional. Layered. Cozy.
Do you have an outfit formula that you stick to in the Fall?
The easiest outfit formula I wear in the fall is as follows:
Black boots +Black skinny jeans + a big ol’ comfy sweater + a comfy winter coat with super warm lining = A happy G*
Want to know where I got all the clothes and accessories you see in the photos above? Well, I bought my favorite black hat from Target. The sequined military jacket is by Top Shop from Nordstrom. My sunshine yellow dress is from ROSS. And my attitutde is from my momma.
When it comes to keeping a fresh look for fall, I always grab bright, fun colors. Do you? Tell me about your fall style staples! Tell me in the comments :”>
As ever, stay fly and fun this fall!
Photos by @cassandrajk
