1. A simple, knit cardigan.
These are so versatile, it's ridiculous. I may have a favorite here. My favorite ways to wear simple cardigans:
If you're the type of person who wears a lot of neutrals, try adding a cardigan over your outfit - a not-too-dramatic way to add a little color (this is especially nice in fall or winter when brights tend to fade out a little).
Or, in the summertime, I love to throw a cardigan over a tanktop or summerdress when it gets cooler at night. Plus, the contrast between something short and something long looks great together.
2. A cute flat.
For this, go wild with color or construction, but make sure it's not too gaudy or attention-grabbing. I actually had the flat in the picture below with a closed toe, and loved them to death. Wear these anywhere, but especially:
Dress up your every day jeans and t-shirt just by putting these on.
If you choose one with a small heel, you can wear them from day to night to be professional and laid-back.
3. The live-in-it buttondown.
Speaking of professional, a comfy button down is one of my favorite things to have. Choose one with a soft material. I love these because I don't have to feel to restricted, but can still look serious. I'm sure you all know that this paired with some nice black or khaki pants and a heel create an instant professional look. However, I also like to wear these like this:
If you pair a buttondown with a plain skirt and a heel, the look is more feminine but still polished.
I also tend to wear my comfier buttondowns like a cardigan over a silky tanktop or printed tee (kind of the girl like how Ryan Seacrest is big on the graphic tee + blazer deal).
4. A clear lipgloss.
This is truly the perfect thing to have in your bag. It feels nicer and makes you look a little more made-up without taking a lot of time. My favorite is the Mentha Organics™ brand from Bath & Body Works, which is why I chose that picture. However, mine is a peppermint flavor that doesn't have any color.
If you can find a clear gloss with a mint flavor, you'll smell fresh, too.
(Picture from Bath & Body Works)
I am in love with pretty tanktops. Wear them alone, with a blazer, under a cardigan, with jeans or a long skirt. The rules of these are basically, not to have rules. Like I mentioned earlier, a cardigan is a really classic way to go. Or try:
Belting them.
Tucking them into the waistband of whatever you're wearing.
These are a jean that every woman should own. Jeans are, of course, the ultimate staple for anytime. However, their versatility makes them amazing. It's what you wear with and how you wear jeans that determines what kind of style you're going for in an outfit. For instance:
In spring, rolling up the bottoms of your jeans and pairing them with a cute blouse and nude heel or flat will instantly create a chic, light appearance.
Fall calls for boots: tuck your jeans into a high pair of boots with a trenchcoat - adorable.
Scarves are one of my greatest loves. I have way too many, but for good reason. Wrap them all the way around until you can't see the edges, don't wrap around at all and just drape them around your neck, learn to tie a bow with one, use as a belt, an anklet...well that might be a bit much.
My favorite places to wear scarves are out to shop or out to lunch. They're so cute and change up a normal outfit. Plus, I love scarves that are neutral but with prints; for instance, I have a gray and white striped scarf that I wear with almost anything.
I'm very excited about this one because I just found my perfect LBD a few weeks ago (see Night Out). The LBD should be good for your body type, most importantly, and should be able to be worn with anything. You wouldn't want something like:
That dress about speaks for itself. I like to focus on subtle detailing when it comes to an LBD to change up a plain color. A few ways and places to wear an LBD:
In colder weather, put some printed or colored tights on with a pair of black boots - cute!
This is the ultimate dress for a nice dinner. Heels or flats, pair the LBD with shining, elegant jewelry.
Now, I don't own a very fashionable windbreaker, but I was completely inspired by J. Crew's collection video and this windbreaker:
Fashion is becoming less and less about rules and more and more about how interestingly pieces are put together. On that note:
Wear the windbreaker to a spur of the moment dinner at a friends house. Throw it on over your bathing suit in case of a shower. Put it on over your workout clothes for a jog on a rainy spring day. Throw a scarf around your neck with some gloves for a chilly day in early Autumn.
A watch is something that's become quite important to me. It's easier to look at then a cell phone because it's right on your wrist. A simple, well-crafted watch will last years. My mom got me one for a Christmas present last year and I don't feel right if I'm not wearing it, it's one of the first things I put on in the morning - even before I get dressed. A good, simple watch goes with any outfit. Try:
If you're a diamond lover, get a watch with a few sparkles.
Wear all different bangles that match the silver or gold of your watch - the watch will stand out but still look unified with the other jewelry.
Show it off a little: find a watch with a larger face or interesting numbers or hands.
