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Your Top Styling Questions, Answered

7-minute read

We've all been there. We can't wait to set foot in a new pair of shoes. But a quick skim of our wardrobe spoils the moment. Which pants? Cuff or no cuff? Sometimes, the questions keep coming.

We've gathered your top styling questions and consulted with the pros. Today, the answers come from two Canadian women who have extensive experience in the fashion industry. One who’s outfitted some of our country's top celebrities, including Drake and Jessi Cruikshank, the other, a full-time dentist who fuels her love of styling with a thriving side-hustle.



Hint: They both chose The Market Mule as their top Poppy Barley style picks.

Let’s get acquainted! 

Name: Lisa Williams

Location: Toronto, Canada

Title: Fashion Stylist

Profession: A fashion stylist with work consistently in television, web, and print. For years, I have had the opportunity to work with big-name Canadian shows that you might be familiar with— Big Brother Canada, The Amazing Race Canada, HGTV’s Property Brothers, Canada's Drag Race and Home to Win. Some noteable clients include Jessi Cruickshank, Drake, Walk off the Earth, Sarah McLachlan, Howie Mandel, and Martin Short.

Favourite Brands: Ganni, Isabel Marant, Tanya Taylor, Rhode, Rixo, No.6, Ulla Johnson, Roots, and Zara.

How You’re Styling The Market Mule: For work or meetings, jeans, a tee, and a great summer weight blazer. Or, with a pop of rich colour, jeans, and anklets, highlighting the snake print in boho fashion. 

Instagram: @lisawilliamsstyle


Name: Sunayna Bhatt

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Title: Dentist & Personal Shopper

Profession: Dentist by day, personal shopper by night! You can find me fixing teeth and helping everyday women find clothes and shoes that help them not only look amazing, but more importantly, feel amazing in the body they have NOW!

Favourite Brands: Gosh, this is tough! To be honest, no single favourite brand. As I tell my clients, you always want to have fun with your wardrobe, which means exploring and shopping a variety of brands to keep your closet interesting!

How You’re Styling The Market Mule: Literally with anything and everything! Opt-in for a pair of trousers and a blouse for work, or throw on with a pair of jeans and a tee while running errands or with the kids. Just slip on and go!

Instagram: @houseofnaynawpg

You Asked, We’re Answering 

The Two Point Five Ankle Boot

Since it's release in 2016, this boot has been our best-seller. Its v-shape topline and side dip make it a classic.

What length of pants should I wear with them? 

Sunayna: I prefer cuffed. The front and back of the boot curve upwards, so breaking it up with a cuff will give you the proper proportion you're looking for, not to mention, adding some visual interest.

Can I wear them with a dress or skirt?

Sunayna: Absolutely! I would stick to a dress or skirt hemmed at the knee or slightly below. Again, to break it up and add visual interest! If you're too close to the boot, the straight hem of the dress or skirt with the curved hem of the boot may clash.

How do I dress them up for the office?

Sunayna: Easy! A great trouser with a blouse—or even a skirt or dress! Throw on a blazer to complete the outfit!

What socks would you wear them with? 

Sunayna: I'm all about a no-show sock. I wouldn't want to take away from the beauty of the boot!


The 365 Slip-On

A revival from Poppy Barley’s early years, this style has been updated with all the necessary modern accents. 

How do you style them for both casual and dressy occasions?

Lisa: I feel like The 365 Slip-On is so aptly named as this is just the most versatile shoe! My favourite is the leopard print. I love the idea of The 365 with a great midi skirt and a  button-up tee or sweater. Or, a tailored suit for a more structured look.


The Heeled Mule 

Transition seamlessly through the seasons with an open back and a closed toe. The Heeled Mule is a versatile option that boasts outfitting options from dresses, to jeans, to wide-legged trousers. 

Are socks necessary? 

Sunayna: I'm team no socks. You’ve invested in a pair of gorgeous, high-quality shoes—why ruin it with a sock that shows? If the weather doesn't permit, just toss them into Poppy Barley's Weekend Hobo and put them on when you get to your destination! Problem solved!

Note: If you feel like you need a barrier between your foot and the shoe, we recommend these no-show Mule Socks.


The Eyelet Oxford

This elasticized shoe is as comfortable as it is stylish.

How can you dress up The Eyelet Oxford?

Sunayna: Oxfords aren’t just for casual wear! Sure they look amazing with denim, but do not compartmentalize your wardrobe or shoes! Get the most of your hard-earned money. Don't be afraid to pair your Oxfords with an accordion skirt, silk jogger, trouser, or even a dress to turn it up a notch!

PHOTO: VANNI BASSETTI/GETTY IMAGES
Photo: Vanni Bassett /Getty Images
The Chelsea Boot

Rich in history (inspired by Queen Elizabeth!) The Chelsea Boot is a classic casual style.

How do you dress up a rounded-toe boot?

Lisa: While The Chelsea Boot is a natural with jeans, I actually prefer them with dresses! I love the juxtaposition of sturdy and sweet with a soft mid-length to maxi hemline.


General Styling Questions 

What are your favourite looks/trends for Summer 2020?

Lisa: I know it’s not the most original response, but I have always adored tie-dye. I’ve worn it forever, but I’m loving all the current iterations! 

The other trend I love, especially for right now, is the return of THE HOUSE DRESS! If ever there was a time to embrace this trend, it's now, and I am completely here for it.

What length of dress is best for pairing with ankle boots?

Sunayna: Personally, I stick between above to just below the knee. Same goes for skirts. If your dress is longer in length, I would say ensure it covers the top portion of the boot so it looks like you could be wearing an ankle, knee, or closed-toe shoe.

Socks

Are there any rules that you should follow? 

Lisa: In all honesty, I am not a no-show sock fan! I have yet to find one that I can actually endure! I wear all of my summer shoes and boots sockless, with a little sprinkling of baking soda in them for added freshness. 

If I’m going to do a sock at all, I would want it to be a “statement sock”, one that shows, like a great Roots Cabin Sock with my cow print slides, or a delicate ankle sock with a platform sandal.

What are your favourite no-show socks?

Sunayna: I love the brand HUE, but really any will do!


If you have any other styling questions, please reach out to our concierge team at concierge@poppybarley.com 

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The Harley Heeled Sandal Ankle Size Guide

How To Measure:
The Harley Heeled Sandal: Take a tape measure and wrap it around your foot, right below your ankle bone as that is where the strap will sit (see product imagery and fit video for a visual demonstration). This measurement is based on the last adjustment point on the strap.

Size Strap length will accommodate an ankle measurement up to the size below
5 26 cm
5.5 26.5 cm
6 27 cm
6.5 27 cm
7 27.5 cm
7.5 27.5 cm
8 28 cm
8.5 28 cm
9 28 cm
9.5 28.5 cm
10 28.5 cm
10.5 29 cm
11 29 cm
11.5 30 cm
12 30 cm

The Esther Heeled Sandal Ankle Size Guide

How to Measure:
The Esther Heeled Sandal: take a tape measure and wrap it around your ankle, above the ankle bone, as that is where the strap will sit (see product imagery and fit video for a visual demonstration). This measurement is based on the last adjustment point on the strap.

Size Strap length will accommodate an ankle measurement up to the size below
5 23 cm
5.5 23 cm
6 23 cm
6.5 23 cm
7 24 cm
7.5 24 cm
8 24.5 cm
8.5 24.5 cm
9 24.5 cm
9.5 25 cm
10 25 cm
10.5 25.5 cm
11 26 cm
11.5 26 cm
12 26 cm

Belt Sizes

Natural Waist Measurement Typical Jean Size Belt Size for High‑rise Pant Belt Size for Mid‑rise Pant Infinite Belt Size
23-25" 23/24 26" 28" 1
25-26" 25 28" 30" 1
26-27" 26 30" 32" 1
27-28" 27 30" 32" 1
28-29" 28 32" 34" 2
29-30" 29 32" 34" 2
30-31" 30 34" 36" 2
31-32" 31 34" 36" 2
32-33" 32 36" 38" 3
33-34" 33 36" 38" 3
34-35" 34 38” 40" 3
36-37" 36 38" 40" 3
38-39" 38 40" 42" 4
40-41" 40 40" 42" 4
42-43" 42 44" 46" 4
43-44" 43 44" 46" 5
44-45" 44 46" - 5

Sizing Note: For the most accurate fit, measure around your body where you plan to wear the belt. Choose the closest belt size to that measurement.

Belt Diagram Accent Belt and Complement BeltThe Accent Belt, The Polished Belt and The Complement Belt size measurements start from the beginning of the leather to the middle hole.

Belt Diagram Infinite BeltThe Infinite Belt size measurements cover the entire length of the leather.



Belt Measuring Guide

Belt Measuring Guide

A - High-rise style:

If you plan to wear your belt around your natural waistline, wrap a measuring tape around the narrowest part of your midsection. Then, add 3” to determine your high-rise belt size.

B - Mid-rise style:

If you plan to wear your belt lower than your natural waistline, you will require a dierent size. If you have a particular pair of bottoms you intend to wear your belt with, wrap a measuring tape through the belt loops while in a relaxed position.

When wearing your belt in your preferred style, it should fasten in the middle hole. The belt will relax with wear allowing you to cinch it tighter, as needed.

If you plan to wear the belt in both the high and mid-rise styles, you have two options:

  1. Select your high-rise style and fasten it more loosely when worn in the mid-rise style.
  2. Select your mid-rise style and fasten it more tightly when worn in the high-rise style.