Back to the Basics (#2)

Similar to what I said in my previous post, white shirts are essential. They are one of my favorite things to wear and they look good on everyone. I have been wearing them a lot recently (even more than usual). Just yesterday actually I wore a white button down oxford style shirt with a brown leather jacket. The white shirt is really preppy (from Rugby by Ralph Lauren) while the leather jacket is a lot edgier. It has a double breasted style, with some braided accents and some cool zipper details too. (definitely much cuter than I'm describing.) I paired the jacket and shirt with eggplant colored J.Brand skinny jeans. It took me about 30 minutes to decide what shoes to wear but I went with an edgy pair of ankle boots (similar to Stuart Weitzman's Title ankle boots but not nearly as cute! http://www.stuartweitzman.com/womens-boots/booties/) For jewelry I wore a pair of chandelier style gold earrings with a simple gold necklace and a men's style watch. It was unseasonably warm yesterday so the outfit worked perfectly and I wasn't too hot or too cold (added bonus, however, fashion knows not of comfort but the face you show the world. But I only live by that rule sometimes)

I really like the look of a simple, clean cut white shirt with colored jeans. It looks great on almost everyone and its something that can really be adapted based on what you plan on doing that day or what the weather is. And while I don't approve of people who wear winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter; this is an outfit that can really transition between both.

Back to the Basics. (#1)

The solid white button-down shirt has been and will always be a staple in every woman's closet (and man's closet too). So how do you wear yours? There are countless ways to style a white button down shirt and over the next few days I will provide you with a couple of ways I have worn button downs in the past.

White shirt + Jeans (or corduroys!) This is the typical way to wear a white shirt. In order to avoid being extremely boring and predictable change things up. Wear black or navy blazer but don't tuck in your shirt.

(J.Crew Double Breasted Ivy Blazer $228)

Or do tuck in your shirt but wear a fun belt, like neon pink or leopard print; something that would totally throw off the classic look of a button down.

(J.Crew Amina Belt in Bohemian Red $52)

 Then, add some jewelry like big statement necklaces, cocktail rings, or obnoxiously big earrings.

(Kate Spade Marina Bay Long Necklace in Red/Navy $98)

Get creative with your accessories, try something new. Instead of a necklace wear a patterned scarf, like a bright floral or leopard. The last two parts of the outfit are shoes and bags. Where you are going and what you will be doing should dictate which shoes you wear. If you're going to be walking a lot then wear flats, cute sandals, or comfortable heels. If there is less walking then wear wedges, booties, or heels. Whichever suits you best. Your purse should also be dictated by what you will be doing and where you will be going. If you're going out at night or in the evening then carry a bright clutch but if you're wearing this during the day then carry a bigger bag.