Look of the Week-Rachel Bilson

The always adorable Rachel Bilson is one of my style icons.  She manages to look both cute and fashionable, not an easy task.  She just sort of has an it factor when it comes to clothes-what works on her petite frame, what colors, what proportions.  Case in point: her outfit from a Madewell and Lucky magazine event at the Bar Marmount in LA earlier this week.

The combination of the high waisted skirt and loose fit tank is fresh, but really gets me is the mix of prints.  I don't think I'd be brave enough to pair polka dots with graphic stripes, but Rachel does and does it well.

The mix of prints work for two reasons: one, the polka dots are small and not so out there.  Two, the prints are in the same color family, so neither one overwhelms the other.

To complete the look, Rachel threw on a simple black cardigan, opaque black tights, and a slouchy leather tote bag.

For your own version, start with this Karen Zambos Ruffle Top, $225 available at couturecandy.com  The print is dark so the dots aren't quite so cutesy.  Another great pick is the Tory Burch Tanya Blouse, $195 from Nordstrom.  I'm also a fan of this See by Chloe Dots Printed Tank ($120) from shopbop.com  The contrasting black and white print is very unusual and fun.

For the skirt, check out this one from Max Studio, on sale for $58.  While the stripes are technically sequins on this Banana Republic Skirt ($79.50), the print still works.

While Rachel picked these two prints, any ones will work as long as they are within the same color family and of similar sizes.  Oversized dots or super wide stripes would not work in this case, for example.

Now just add the accessories (surely you have tights and a black cardi in your closet!) and some fashion confidence and you're good to go!

(Image of Rachel from gettyimages.com)