WAYS TO WEAR YOUR THIGH HIGH BOOTS: SEXY CHIC STYLE INSPIRATION

WRITTEN BY & STYLED BY SHARRA GREENE

Thigh high boots have been apart of my signature style for I don’t know how many years now. It’s just something so sexy yet sophisticated about a shoe that spans your entire leg. My favorite part about this style of shoe is how versatile they are. You can literally pair them with almost anything and it’ll look fly. But my fave ways to style them for an everyday look are with mini skirts, bodycon pants, and perfectly fitting denim. Here are a few of my tips for styling the ultimate thigh high boot look.

TO MAKE IT CHIC, CHOOSE COOL FITTING OUTERWEAR & STATEMENT ACCESSORIES

Shop the look: Jacket | Jeans | Leggings | Boots (similar pair for less here | Shades | Hat | Earrings | Bag | Lip | Bracelet

Shop the Look: Blazer | Skinny Jeans | Boyfriend Jeans | Mini Bag | Denim Bag | Black Boots | Camel Boots | Shades | Rimmed Glasses | Bangle

Whether a blazer with an interesting crop, or an oversized jacket, throwing on some eye catching outerwear is a way to make your thigh high boot look chic in one step. Simple, body hugging pants will keep the attention on your boots. If you want to dress it up, go for your boldest bag, bangle, or even pair of shades.

You can in corporate different techniques like color blocking if you’re going for a bolder fit. P.S. Choosing boots that have an interesting color or texture to them will make your look even more bomb. (I.e, the berry colored boots above or the suede boot in a vibrant camel color. )

FOR A SEXY LOOK, KEEP IT SIMPLE & SHOW SOME SKIN

The key to styling a thigh high boot in a way that’s sexy but still casual and classy is “give and take”. For example, since most of my legs are covered up with my Jeffrey Campbell color block suede boots (these are my babies! I’m passing them down to my future daughter one day), I can opt for a skirt with a shorter hem line to showcase my thighs.

My top has a sexy asymmetrical cut that gives some cleavage, yet it completely covers one of my arms. Since the main theme of this look is different hues of brown, I let the color scheme speak for itself and kept accessories to a minimum.

Sometimes, less is more. You can never go wrong with an all black ensemble and a cool pop of color to keep the look fresh and modern.

For more style tips, stay tuned to the blog and subscribe to my newsletter for free, exclusive style tips from me to you every week! More posts coming your way very soon!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MARK IN FASHION DESPITE THE "YOU CAN'T SIT WITH US" MENTALITY THAT PLAGUES THE INDUSTRY

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Pioneer and Curator of Ebony Fashion Fair, Eunice Walker Johnson sitting front row during fashion presentations: a rarity during her era in the industry and the photos say so much.

As expressive and beautiful the phenomenon that is fashion can be, there’s also such a strong sense of secrecy and exclusivity concerning the industry. Anyone who wants in has experienced this in one way or another. From authorities in fashion refusing to hire people of a certain look, race, religion, or social class, down to giving no front row seats at shows for those who aren’t deemed “good enough” over trivial matters, even down to how secretive individuals can be when it comes to plugging each other with valuable resources , the “crabs in a barrel” attitude that often exudes from many of those who are apart of the fashion industry is virtually impossible to miss; and if you let it, it can leave you feeling discouraged, disheartened, and underrepresented. Thankfully, we’re living in a time where those who came before us have walked so we could run, and it’s becoming easier to still show up and kill it in this industry, in your own right.

Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, designer, model, stylist, or even if you’re just a lover of fashion culture, I’ve found on my journey just how important it is to unapologetically offer your 2 cents, despite voices in the industry constantly trying to control what is perceived as worthy, acceptable, and appealing and what is not. You never know how your perspective will positively influence and inspire others along their own journey. Here are a few ways to keep making your presence known…

IF YOU CAN’T JOIN THEM, CREATE YOUR OWN

This has been the approach that some of fashion’s most iconic trailblazers and legends in the making have taken, and are still taking. When we abandon our need to be accepted by everyone we feel is important, that’s often when our true calling makes itself known. As a young black woman who’s building a career in fashion, it’s no secret that throughout history, there have been many doors closed for people who look like me. However, I’m so blessed to be pursuing fashion in a time where those who came before me have knocked down some doors and in a sense, tossed me the key.

For context, the LEGENDARY AND ICONIC Ebony Fashion Fair Curator Eunice Walker took initiative to highlight blacks in fashion during a time when the mainstream tastemakers in the industry were ignoring us. After having a dream of writing for Vogue deferred, Editor in Chief of Fashion Bomb Daily, Claire Sulmers (if you read here often, you already know she’s my fav!) utilized her growing online presence to create “her own Vogue” in so many words, building and maintaining a unique space for multicultural fashion to be celebrated. “First you ask, then you take.”, she says.

Eunice Walker Johnson’s Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit, highlighting black up and coming designers of her time.

From Instagram born, profitable fashion brands to influencers who found their tribe, went viral, and never looked back… we live in an era where when we can’t join someone’s movement, we can create our own and be just as, if not even more successful, and a lot of industry vets are upset about it. But there’s honestly no going back… due to the way we consume our information and entertainment. (internet, social media, etc.) There’s an array of ways to consistently contribute your perspective in any industry, especially fashion.

Seeing a lack of representation in fashion that moves you to want to act on it? Instead of wasting time begging and waiting for certain opportunities, be the change and create your own. It can start with establishing your own movement, whether it be via an online presence where you air your grievances on the issues that move you on a podcast, blog, IGTV, etc. or even creating your own line of clothing and making sure we see black women and women of color in EVERY. SINGLE. campaign. Through experience, I’m learning that it gains momentum when you continue to create your content, share your style, share your opinions, and continue to show up and speak up despite whoever’s trying to silence you. You’d be surprised how many people identify with your voice when you use it. You’d also be surprised how many people are willing to invest in your movements.

SPEAK UP, NEVER BE AFRAID TO PLUG YOURSELF

Me introducing myself to legendary stylist Misa Hylton at the Convos with Claire networking event in December 2018.

With fashion being such a competitive industry, it’s important to know how to plug yourself. This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far when it comes to my business. When I first started styling back in 2014, I was not as confident as I am now, which probably caused me to fumble a few bags in the process. It didn’t help that I’m naturally introverted, believe it or not. But over time, I’ve learned when to break out of my shell and handle business because if I don’t speak for my brand, no one else will.

When you walk into a room hoping to make your mark, Ive learned that it’s important to remember that people don’t read minds. They’re not aware of the gifts you possess, and until you speak up and let them know, you risk missing out on building meaningful connections with others and further establishing your brand. If you’re looking to get better at representing yourself, practicing your elevator pitch and testing it out at networking events or when you meet new people can help you learn to leaving a lasting impression at a moment’s notice.

SUPPORT A MOVEMENT BEFORE IT’S “MOVING”

It pisses me off to see the countless dope brands and creatives in fashion who offer a fresh point of view and quality work getting knocked off, ripped off, and overlooked. I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “nobody is messing with your movement until it’s moving” but it can be challenging to gain momentum when people don’t support you just because you haven’t “made it” yet, whatever that means. That’s why I’ve recently been making a point to support my fellow small business owners, minority owned businesses, and an array of other groups in fashion who constantly seem to get put on the back burner.

When you choose to support a label, or brand before it has completely taken off and gone mainstream, not only do you gain credibility to whoever’s watching as a trendsetter and not a follower, but you also gain leverage by supporting at the beginning stages because it often leads to strong partnerships with the owners of these companies that others missed out on because they simply jumped on the bandwagon later on down the road. I actually just recently interviewed a BOMB micro influencer who executes this concept amazingly. Stay tuned, my Q&A with her is coming to the blog next week! But back to the point, consider taking on ambassadorships or even simply purchasing from more of the brands that are slept on, it can help you make your mark in the long run, in more ways than one.

Hope you got something from this post! New content on its way to the blog very soon! Stay tuned safe & Stay tuned!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

"WHO'S THAT GIRL?" EDITORIAL FOR GMARO MAGAZINE'S DECEMBER 2020 #17 ISSUE, STYLED BY SHARRA GREENE, FEATURING MICHELLE GRACIE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAMON RICE, MAKEUP BY TEASHERA SMITH

Just dropping by the blog to share my faves from my latest editorial for GMARO Magazine’s December 2020 #17 Issue, along with amazing team, Photographer Damon Rice, Model, Writer, & Actress Michelle Gracie, and Makeup Artist Teashera Smith.

The inspiration for this shoot was inspired by Coco Chanel’s quote “Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” Michelle has such a vibrant spirit and a heart of gold with billion dollar ambitions so I let that fire that she exudes when it comes to her career goals, inspire my style direction for her by adding in luxurious textures and bold colors in eye catching prints.

Damon was a master at capturing her at all the right moments and helping scout the most amazing locations for each look. Teashera gave us a classic yet timeless beat with a killer cat eye. You can get your copy of the issue with the button below for the full spread and see my faves below! Let me know YOUR favorites in the comment!

Get your copy of Gmaro Magazine’s Dec 2020 #17 issue here! And stay tuned for new style content making its way to the blog really soon!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”