taking an outfit from good to great.

Some weeks just feel longer than others and the Friday I wore this outfit would be the former.

I just couldn’t keep my head above water and to top things off, I didn’t have time to get my clothes for the week ready on Sunday like I normally do so I felt off every night as I was rushing to find something to wear before my eyes closed while I was still standing.  I really need to find a way to get more sleep. (Also, that first sentence is really long and I’m leaving it–just note that I know I was rambling…moving on.)

Originally I pulled out some colored skinnies and this light blue shirt with flats because it was Friday and I just needed something comfortable.  But once I put it on, I realized it was boring and I felt like it was just lazy to leave the house with such a blank canvas.  Then I started thinking of all the different ways I could spice up my outfit and I was late for work.  Again.

How often do you put something on and think it needs something else, but you’re just not sure what?  Well, today you’re in luck.

–Add a statement necklace. Wearing a collared shirt? Put the necklace under your collar. 

–Layers! Throw on a vest like I did.  Put a cardigan over your shirt.  Add a jean jacket or lightweight military-inspired coat.  Pull on a sweater or sleeveless shirt and pop out the collar.

-If you have sleeves that can be rolled, roll ’em!  I like this tutorial about rolling sleeves–it’s from a J. Crew stylist and since I read it, I’ve been rolling my sleeves like this non-stop and feeling super cool. 

-Scarves.Scarves.Scarves.  If I had no control, I would probably wear a scarf with every outfit.  It’s cold now and I could definitely get away with it.  This is also a great way to try some pattern mixing if you’re a little gun-shy.  Try something in contrasting colors or patterns.  There are a million ways to wear a scarf, I really like this visual showing different styles.  But it’s just a scarf so don’t take it too serious.

–Belt it.  With this outfit, I could have belted over my shirt and vest or over my shirt with my vest on top.  For those of you leary of belting or feel your body type isn’t meant for belting, an easy way to belt and feel less exposed is to belt your shirt/dress and then wear a sweater, jacket, vest, button-down over it.  Belts accentuate the good and the bad so hide the bad!

-For a more casual approach, put a graphic tee under your button down and leave it open. 

Colored pants and a button down might be one of the most versatile outfits ever.  How would you dress it up?