Five ways to dress up a T-shirt and jeans

My go-to outfit has always been a solid-color t-shirt or tank and jeans (currently this tee and this tank...I have each in 4-5 colors. I'm a creature of habit).

As I'm exploring dressing up more on a daily basis, I've learned a few easy tips on making a basic t-shirt and jeans look a little less basic from the bottom up and found some affordable pieces to help you on your way, too.

1. Forbid the flip flops and most sneakers. Just about any non-flip flop and sneaker option can make a t-shirt and jeans look instantly more polished.

More Rialto...

2. Just wear jewels.  A statement necklace adds an embellished collar and a chunky watch anchors the look.

More Asos...

3. Throw on a layer. A fun blazer or cardigan turns your t-shirt and jeans into something else.

More Design History...

4. Scarf it up. We all know scarves are a great accessory when it's less than pleasant out, but a gauzy or silky one can make the seasonal transition (or switch it out for a sarong on the beach).

More Betsey Johnson...

5. Use your head. Not just hair accessories and hats, but fun hairstyles, too. I always feel more put together when I have a good hair day. Check out some reader hairstyles and various hairdos I've worn over this blog's life. For other hair ideas, I really like the tutorials on the Beauty Department and YouTube.


Some of my t-shirt and jean-based outfits:

How do you dress up a t-shirt and jeans? Or do you have a different go-to casual combination?

Casual Tuesday [outfit]

Gap blazer - 2006 - $40? / Ann Taylor outlet top - 2011 - $20 / Rockabilly jeans from Renew Denim - 2010 - $30? / Calvin Klein pumps from Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale / Braided leather belt from Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 / Oblong hoop earrings, probably from Target or Kohl's - 2009 - cheap

Back in action after Thanksgiving! It was so nice to see friends and family, and totally gave me new motivation to get to work. We did our regular rounds: K's grandpa's house (Thanksgiving Day), my parents' house (home base), my girlfriends (twice!), and K's best friend (though we could have done without the food poisoning).

Since this was our first trip together since we moved out to Miami, I learned a few valuable lessons. First, FLL is not always cheaper than MIA, but MIA is always closer and should be chosen whenever possible. Second, red-eye flights, once my saving grace when I was young and energetic, are a really bad idea now. My body does not adjust as well as it used to. Our return trip started at 11pm PST and ended at 12:45pm EST the next day, and it still cost an arm and a leg. Um...anyone want to do Thanksgiving in Miami next year? I'm volunteering to host.

Back to the outfit.

We're finally getting into winter here Miami, which means it's in the 70s now. So I pulled out my trusty blazer. Although I usually wear it open, it was looking a little boxy so I buttoned it up. Not bad, still fits. I really liked the classic silhouette and how the color of the top and the sleeve lining really pop. I stayed with a brown belt on this even though I'm wearing a black blazer and shoes (and used a black bag, too).

My formula for mixing black and brown is either multiples of each, or multiples of one and a single pop of the other (yes, I totally made this up on my own). I'll rarely wear just one brown item and just one black item, but if there are three or more black/brown opportunities, I'll mix it up.

What "rules" have you made up for yourself (sartorially or otherwise)?

Newness [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $30 / Gap favorite T - 2011 - $7 on sale / Joie shorts from Nordstrom - 2011 - gift card / Franco Sarto heels from Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale / Kate Spade doodle necklace - 2011 - gift

It never fails that I get new ideas in one of two situations: in bed before I fall asleep (the only justifiable reason for me to keep my iPad on my nightstand) and on a lazy day reading through a stack of magazines. Saturday was my lazy day this weekend and I'm finally up to date on my magazines, which resulted in this super-new Sunday outfit.

What's so new about these pieces you've seen a million times already? Well, they were all purchased in 2011. That's pretty new. Heels with shorts a la Kileen? New to me. And a center part? Totally new.

One of the fun parts of fashion is that when you try new things, there is usually little to no commitment needed. All of these items are already staples in my closet, so throwing them together was easy. And switching up your part is a great no-scissors-needed update.

The hair-spiration? The never-aging Ms. Moore, of course. I saw this ad in a magazine and all my back and forth about my hair disappeared.

[source]

Doesn't hurt that my usual hair icon, LC, also rocks the center part from time to time. More about my LC obsession here.

I don't think the heels plus shorts look is for me, although I would never have known if I hadn't tried. The center part, though, is here to stay. At least for this week.

Who are your hair inspirations?

If you have to ask... [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $30 / Limited maxi dress - 2007 - $20 on sale / Mossimo tank - 2010 - $7 on sale / Steve Madden boots from Macy's - 2009 - gift card + $3 / NY & Co necklace - 2010 - gift

I was going to name this post "Does this match?" And then I realized that if I have to ask, the answer is probably not, but I'll wear it anyway. It was slightly gloomy last week, so I wanted to be more covered up. Plus, boots always make me feel better.

And, of course, after I confessed my recent apathy for shopping last week, I went on a slight bender over the weekend (if by bender you mean dropping $25 at Target for two t-shirts and a 75% off dress). Just when I started getting all cocky about my recent money-saving ways.

What's your take when you question what you're wearing? Do you ask for a second opinion, change, or keep on keepin' on?

Take two [outfit]

W118 by Walter Baker dress from Off 5th - 2011 - $30 on clearance / Gap blazer - 2005 - $40? / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale

Just popping in with this outfit since I wore it last week. (More guest posters to come.)

Now this is more of what I had in mind when I bought this dress. It's a little on the short side, but I could see this outfit working great at a casual networking hour or on a date. I've always extolled the leg-elongating magic powers of a knee-length pencil skirt, but this shorter length is pretty flattering, too. Dilemmas, dilemmas.

What is the most flattering skirt length on you? How do you figure?

Weatherproof [outfit]

Eclair top from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $13 / Banana Republic suiting pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? on sale / Nine West Outlet boots - 2009 - $50 on sale / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

For the first time since I've been in Florida, we've had nasty weather. Like, really nasty. Horizontal rain, tornado warning, flood watch nasty. As much as I'd love to hunker down at home (and as free as I actually am to do so), sometimes I know it's better to just suck it up and get on out there. I'm fortunate that my building's garage is attached, so I don't actually have to go out into the rain to get to my car (a major step up from my last apartment), but my destination did not have a parking garage, so I pulled out my non-rain rain boots.

I'm all for rain boots. I love mine. They're from Target and were a Christmas gift from my in-laws a few years back. They get worn basically whenever it's wet out, even if the rain has stopped. Back when I used to take the bus to work (the first 2.5 years of my last job), I'd wear the rain boots for my commute and bring shoes to change into. But for a quick volunteering stop, something that would be awkward to change shoes at? Not so good.

My happy medium—these faux-leather tall boots. They protect my calves when I'm wearing a skirt, keep me from feeling any wet hemlines from I'm wearing trousers, and can even handle skinny jeans tucked in. The heel is thicker than my usual stiletto pump, and the rubber soles are a major plus for wet weather. They're not made for rain, of course, so I wouldn't walk through an ankle-high puddle the way I would in my normal rain boots, but it is nice to know that I'm not putting my leather goods at risk. They weren't cheap, but they've already gotten two seasons of wear and look nearly new.

How do you weatherproof your work outfit without dressing it down?

*bonus points if you've noticed that the boxes in this pic (taken Tuesday) were finally gone yesterday (pic taken Wednesday). I also wore this outfit to do some more unpacking. Slowly, but surely. I hope to be unpacked by the time we move again.

Back to School shopping [Guest Post]

Hi everyone! My name is Hope and I write the blog Hope and the Dress Code. I’m a school counselor and work in a district that with a dress code more like a corporation, less like a typical school.

Ok on to why I’m here: It’s almost time to go BACK TO SCHOOL shopping!! This is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives me free reign to go crazy-shopping with no guilt!! Totally kidding of course, I’m definitely working within a budget, but it does give me a set time of year to reevaluate pieces I need/want in my closet. Whether you work in education or not, this is a great time to add some new pieces to your work wardrobe.

My DREAM back to school shopping list is a mix of current trends and more classic pieces:

1. Mid-length skirt
I’m really digging this length, even for a shorty like me. There is nothing I’m more self-conscious about than my skirt lengths are work. The kids should not be subjected to the sight of my thigh when I sit down. Not-so-much appropriate. This mid calf skirt could solve that issue AND look current.

Love:

J Crew- Jardin Skirt

2. Colorful Cardigans
Ok ladies, can you ever have enough cardigans? I think not. I’m coming out of a bit of a neutral kick so I’d love to add bright, vibrant cardigans to my closet. I have read countless blogs with RAVING reviews of the Land’s End Heritage Cardigan. When I checked it out, I couldn’t help but to drool over the number of colors they offer. Since cardigans are such a staple in my work wardrobe and I’m always looking for the next best one.

LOVE:

Land’s End Canvas- Heritage Cardigan

3. Patterned Wrap dress
I’d love about a hundred “built-in” outfits like a simple wrap dress, though I might have to settle for just one or two. All it takes is a couple accessories (or cardigans, see #2) for me to change up the entire look.

Love:

Ann Taylor- Peacock Feather Print Wrap Dress

4. Blazer
Ok probably a lot of you are thinking, “wow she’s a bit behind the times on this one” and to you I say: you’re so right! Being a bit heavy on top, I struggle to find jackets and blazers that are flattering. I’m not exaggerating when I say I do not have a single blazer in my closet that I can wear. I’m really looking for something with more of a casual feel, less “traditional” blazer.

Love:

Loft- OE Missy Cetta Jacket

5. Animal print heels
Since leopard print flats had been on my wish list for over a year now (just couldn’t find the right ones), I decided to amp it up and go for HEELS instead. They appear to be an “in” thing for this fall and I’m always looking for interesting shoes to keep my pencil skirts looking fun.

Love:

Franco Sarto- Luxe

I hope you liked “shopping” with me and a big thanks to Angeline for having me today!

Hope rocks super-stylish and creative outfits all while keeping them within her school's restrictive dress code. Check her out at Hope and the Dress Code.

Totally me [outfit]

Banana Republic suit blazer - $100ish on sale (similar) / J. Crew blouse - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Rockabilly jeans via Renew Denim - $40 on sale (similar) / Calvin Klein pumps via Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available)

Outfit analysis: This outfit just felt...right. It felt like "me." A nice jean, a crisp button-up in a not-too-girly color, an awesome blazer, heels, and sparkles. In this outfit, my step is just a little quicker, my chin held a little higher, and my smile a little brighter. This outfit is all about amazing fit...all of these pieces fit my body really well, and a good fit makes any body look great. It's also very covered, but because of the fit, you see my figure. Not such a big fan of the blazer closed, but overall, did I mention I love this outfit?
___

No, I'm not wearing fully covered and black clothes in July—this outfit was from June 1 and I just never posted it! I usually post within a week of taking a photo, but sometimes I do take photos of outfits I know I might not post for days like this (and for my Facebook exclusives album).

Speaking of outfit posts, I've been thinking and thinking and thinking about what direction to take this blog in once my office job ends this Friday. We're taking a two week road trip (I have some guest bloggers lined up for some fabulous posts for y'all) and then I'll be plunging right into my new life of being a freelance writer.

Things I want to keep:

• Outfit photos. They just might not all be officewear.
• Professional and career topics. Even freelancers have to develop professionally.

Some ideas I've tossed around for themes/topics:

• I have a long-term goal of spicing up my casual wardrobe. My off-hours wear still consists mostly of tee-shirts, jeans, and flip flops. Now that there won't be as big of a distinction between off-duty and on-duty, I want to start dressing more interestingly even when I'm going casual. This could be a new theme to the blog.
• More fashion trend-type stories (like I used to do clusters and wish lists).
• More DIYs, now that I'll have time to learn some.
• Adding more of my personal life into the blog.

Do any of these catch your fancy? What would you like on the blog as it evolves? Leave a comment below (or you can email me, too).

First lady [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (similar) / Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pewter pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar) / Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: Speaking of small steps, this is the fourth time I've worn this blazer, and the first time I've busted out of the white tee - blue jeans combo. I started this look with the top untucked and a black belt around the natural waistline, but a) it just didn't look right and b) it definitely didn't look right once I added the blazer. I could probably have added a belt onto the tucked look, too, but I like it without just the same. And something about wearing a colorful outfit makes me reach for these shoes, but I'm not complaining.
___

I'm not actually a first lady (duh), but my husband does study the presidency and the piping on this jacket is just so DC chic that I went for the title anyway. But come to think of it, this outfit looks kind of like it could have been picked by the fabulously stylish Michelle Obama herself. Classic pieces. Fun colors. A mix of affordable (LOFT, A'Gaci) and high-end (Kate Spade). My husband always gets asked if he plans on entering politics (the answer is no), but if he ever did, I think I know what I'm wearing to his swearing-in.

Who is your style inspiration? What draws you to their style?

Faux bag

Three-quarter sleeve blazer via Gottschalk's - 2009 - $12 on sale (similar) / Cream tee - 2010 - swapped (similar) / O'Neill skirt via Ross - 2007 - cheap (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Leaf necklace via Vanity Lounge Salon - 2010 - $22 (similar)

Ever since I saw Faith at Love Fox Vintage belt my red skirt into a paper-bag-esque waist with my own belt, I've been dying to try it. The red skirt is currently in the hamper, so I grabbed my brown skirt and gave it a go. The result was a little less convincing, but not too bad.

I have to confess that lately I've been a bit wiped—drained, pooped, beat, whatever you want to call it. It's a mix of bipolar weather (the dreary parts really get to me) and the general busyness of a life in transition (more on that later).

What I am, though, is motivated and full of ideas...in life, at work, at home, and with this blog.

Now I've just gotta get those two to jive. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

What worked
I love piling on the neutrals...this outfit has beige, brown, tan, and gray/silver. I tried on a few different blazers with this (including the green one), but this is the one that worked.

What didn't
I'm not sure this was the best skirt to try the paper bag on. I did score a real paper bag skirt (as in it was meant to be worn that way) this weekend at the BR Factory sale, so maybe I should just stop being a poser and wear the real thing.

What season of life are you in? How are you handling it?

Tried and true

As I mentioned yesterday in my packing post, I didn't end up wearing everything that I packed. While I try to keep my day-to-day wardrobe fresh, for a conference I like to keep things easy by using some tried and true combos, with a slight twist.

This conference had a business casual dress code, which is the same as my usual. And having gone to another conference put on by the same organization before, I knew jeans would be a no go (except for Friday). Knowing is half the battle.

 Day 1

   Swapped in Mossimo heels

Day 2

    Swapped in J.Crew belt

Day 3

   Swapped in BR blazer 

Are you adventurous with your conference wear or do you play it safe away from home?

Plain white tee

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (available) / Gap favorite T - 2011 - $6 on sale (available) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Maylie pumps via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / H&M leather mini-duffel - 2007 - $45 on sale (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar)

Finally back at home, which means back to work. I slightly altered my hours at work today so I could get some extra sleep (didn't get home from my weekend trip until 1 a.m.), but even with a little extra sleep, I still wasn't completely up to getting fully dressed. I knew it would be a quiet day (a lot of folks were out of the office), so I pulled out my trusty trouser jeans and plain white tee for comfort.

What worked
This is a perfect Casual Friday outfit (or Casual Monday, as it were).  The blazer and heels help dress up the plain t-shirt. The pearls instead of my usual layered long necklaces is a little more classy (versus the usual boho/rock vibe). Love.

What didn't
My hair is in the weird growing-out stage. I blow-dried it this morning with a round brush, pulling the ends under, but as you can see, they didn't feel like staying there. Trying to wait out the growing period, but I'm thinking a quick trim and shape is in order.

Do you work plain t-shirts into your work wardrobe? How do you style them?

Pardon the pics...forgot my point-and-shoot at home today and had a post-work date night w/ K, so I had him snap these shots on his new smartphone (it has an 8MP camera). Not too shabby, but not as good as the DSLR.

White and other colors

Old Navy blazer - 2010 - $30 on sale (similar) / J.Crew striped top - Linley's (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Target pumps - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

So I'm not entirely certain how this outfit came together, but I think it went something this: pick out top (from the stash Linley sent me)...pick out black skirt...realize the striped top is navy, not black...put back black skirt...pick up khaki skirt...pick out belt...pick out shoes...realize I'm in all very light colors...ponder...ponder...pick out bright jacket...run out door so my car doesn't get a ticket.

I don't have anything against white on light (see here), but I just felt like the outfit needed a pop of color. I liked this outfit, but wasn't really bowled over by any of it. Probably had to do with the fact that I was heading back in to work on a Monday after being on vacation for 5 days and knowing that I have a lot on my plate this week and will be working a half day on Saturday, too. Oh well. You win some, you don't mind some.

What worked
The bright pop of green was really fun. I actually like the outfit a lot now that I look at it on screen, I just didn't really feel like it was anything special when I was wearing it. The belt was a major "do."

What didn't
Perhaps a heftier necklace would have been fun? I've been a little lax on good accessorizing lately.

Do you ever feel blah in a good outfit? Any tips on beating the blahs?

Lucky charms

 

Loft blazer - 2010 - $90 in a moment of weakness (similar) / Banana Republic shirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Blake Scott red pumps via Off Broadway or DSW - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Grouse and Badger typewriter ring - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

If you were to see my kitchen, you would think K and I were cereal fiends. That's only half true. K is a cereal fiend. I, on the other hand, eat only Lucky Charms, and only on weekends. True story.

I've been trying to post outfits as they come up, but since I'm on vacay right now and I happened to have this in the archives, this is what you're getting. This was my St. Patrick's Day outfit. There's some green (see the ring on the chain?). I escaped any pinching (although pinching in the workplace is awkward to begin with--just say no).

This blazer isn't as weird as it looks in pictures--I just apparently don't know how to model it right. It is super-cute when my arms aren't all out to the sides pulling at it. This was my first cheat from my shopping diet (along with the matching skirt), which in hindsight is a) too short and b) too wrinkle-prone to be work appropriate. So the skirt now has new life for casual wear, and this blazer has been added to my blazer collection.

What worked
Just a basic trouser-jean outfit. I like how the blazer sort of dresses it up. And of course the green and red combo (one of my faves...just keep them separated by other colors to avoid the holiday look).

What didn't
Just a basic trouser-jean outfit. Nothing special.

Do you ever buy a piece (or pieces) only to find out later they don't work how you wanted them to? How have you re-purposed them for other situations?

Unofficial denim week

Old Navy blazer - 2010 - $30 (similar) / Calvin Klein outlet top - 2009 - $30 (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $17.50 (similar) / American Eagle chain necklace - 2010 - $4 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar)

Apparently it's denim week at The New Professional. It actually wasn't planned. These pics are from late last week and yesterday's post has been in the queue for weeks. I guess the denim stars just aligned.

I wore this last Friday for a day full of meetings (who does that on a Friday?).  One was an internal staff meeting and the other was a working lunch with a program partner. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it was Friday and these jeans were pretty dressy, so I just went with them.

And yes, the blazer was all the cover-up I needed all day. Bliss. [If it makes you feel any better, this week is entirely gray and rainy.]

What worked
The three-quarter length sleeves of the blazer and the open toes signal spring, and it felt like it! The top and blazer really dressed up the look. I was a bit unsure of pairing such a large necklace with an ornate neckline, but I think it ended up anchoring the look a bit.

What didn't
Nothing in particular. I think I might try this with the shirt tucked in next time--the blousing isn't all that flattering, and the high waistline of the trousers is really rather nice.

What do you wear for Casual Friday meetings?

How to wear jeans to the office

For every office with a no-jeans policy, there's an office in which jeans are a staple. But how about those that straddle the two with a jeans-friendly Casual Friday? Or what if you want to kick your denim up a notch?

Reader Elizabeth emailed me with that very question:
I just started working at a casual office and I am having trouble creating work appropriate casual looks.  I love seeing how you make jeans work for the office.  Are there any "rules" you follow when you wear jeans or other casual clothes to work?

While I don't really have "rules" for wearing jeans, here are some of my tips:

• The darker wash the better. Look for uniform washes--whiskers and other details can be too casual for the office.
• As far as cuts go, I recommend trouser jeans (usually a thinner fabric that falls straight from your hips down to the floor), wide-leg jeans, or slim cut/skinnies that aren't clinging to your body.
  
• I try to go with a dressier shoe. If it is a trouser or wide-leg jean, a pointy-toe looks really chic and balances out the volume. Heels are preferable, since they instantly dress up the jean (even a one-inch).
• The "finishing piece" is key--a nice blazer or cardigan is a great way to really bring jeans into the office.
• I usually keep the top something I'd wear with a trouser to work on a regular day.  That way the jeans are the only casual piece in the whole outfit and look less out of place.
• Bold accessories can really dress up jeans as well--belts, necklaces, bracelets (but probably not all at once. :)

Here are some of my favorite jeans outfits from my archives. Click on a photo to see outfit details and the original post.

 

 Bootcut

Trouser

Skinny

Can you wear jeans to your office? How do you style them to be more office-y?

Email a pic or link to me by Thursday (9 p.m. PST), and I'll do a round-up post of your pics Friday!