Monday, January 25, 2016

Dressing Up the Basics

 So often we look in our closets and think "I have nothing to wear!" and then feel the need to run out and buy new clothes.  I know I go through this mental thought process at least once a month.  But the reality is, most of us have more clothes than we could wear in a life time.   As proof, I'm currently renovating my son's old bedroom into a combination walk-in closet/dressing room/guest room to house my ever expanding collection of clothes and shoes.

The truth is, if you have the basics, you can create fun, exciting new outfits to wear all the time.  The outfit I'm wearing below was created with a simple pair of jeans and a white button down shirt.  Who doesn't already own those two items?  Add a trendy piece and/or some accessories, and you have a creative outfit.   It's the scarf, jewelry, and bag that complete the outfit and turns an otherwise 'blah' outfit into a stylish one.


 The jeans and white button down shirt are the structure of the outfit.  The trendy pieces are the jean vest and fringe bag, and the accessories complete the look.


All the jewelry and the scarf came from Charming Charlies.


The trendy fringe suede hand bag is from Stitch Fix.





My tall cognac boots were purchased on clearance for only $19.97 at the end of last year's winter season from J.C. Penney.  The end of winter is always the best time to look for boots, because you can get some amazing deals!



 I bought the vest last summer from Target.


The white over-sized button down shirt was also purchased last season on clearance at Old Navy.  I tucked only the front in and let the back hang out.




And now, here are more ideas for how to dress up a simple white button down and jeans from Pinterest!

Add a cardigan and statement necklace.
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Leave the shirt un-tucked,  throw a sweater on top and add a tailored coat!
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Add a stylish hat, carry a fabulous bag, and wear some awesome shoes!

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So what about you?  How do you dress up the basics?  I'd love to hear from you!

Have a great day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE.


11 comments:

  1. I love how you dressed up a basic white shirt & jeans! Those boots were a steal! Great vest & scarf, too!

    I like to make basics interesting with scarfs and necklaces (and have a lot of both; at this point, I'm trying really hard not to add any new ones...). Switching out accessories can really make an outfit seem new and interesting.

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  2. I haven't gotten my denim vest out since the summer, but wow I love how you styled it here for the winter. And, I just adore your fringe purse every time I see it!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  3. I LOVE that scarf with the basic elements in the outfit! I also love the white top. I'm a fan of a longer look for tops:).

    Emily

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  4. Love your printed scarf! :)

    I agree a few layers or accessories can really change up an outfit - one of the reasons I like to splurge on handbags, haha!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  5. very pretty. love the scarf and jewelry:) Thanks for linking up!
    C

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  6. It's true, basics are so important! The accessories can change up a basic look so much!

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  7. Isn't it funny how we all feel the "I have nothing to wear" syndrome at some point when we all have plenty. I love the outfit you came up with. Basics are so important.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  8. I love getting great shopping deals! That's an amazing deal on boots! Love the classic button up shirt. Thank you so much for participating in the Momfluence link up. See you next week! xoxo, Kristen

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  9. I always love a simple classic white button up!
    Thanks for linking up on Start the Week Stylish!
    - Ana Luiza
    www.NorthwestBlonde.com

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  10. Loving that scarf. I must say I wish I looked as great as you do in jeans! Thanks for linking up with me, hope to see you next week! I'll be pinning this to the linkup board.

    www.jerseygirltexanheart.com

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