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.
2. Just wear jewels. A statement necklace adds an embellished collar and a chunky watch anchors the look.
3. Throw on a layer. A fun blazer or cardigan turns your t-shirt and jeans into something else.
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).
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?
Showing posts with label layers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label layers. Show all posts
Monday, June 4, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Business as usual [outfit]
White blouse from Macy's - 2007 - gift card / Gap sweater - 2005 - $20? / Limited skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels - 2011
This is the most professional outfit I've worn in weeks. I'm not quite sure what it was (probably the fact that it was a Monday after a vacation), but I was just feeling it. I wanted the dressed up feeling. I wanted to wear heels. I didn't go far in this outfit, but it felt good while I was in it.
Now onto this sweater. I don't wear it often, but I've had it a long time and will probably never get rid of it. I remember the details of my purchasing the piece pretty clearly.
Let me set the scene.
Early September 2005. I recently moved to New York City begin grad school at NYU. One of the activities on our orientation week schedule is a job/internship fair. I only have three semesters to soak in all the journalism I can before I'm likely headed back to California, so I print out a stack of resumes and hit up some tables. I drop off a couple of resumes.
A few days later (I think it was the first week of classes) I have a free afternoon, so I decide to take a stroll over to Broadway in Soho to check out the shops. It's just a few blocks from my school-issued shared studio, and right before I get there, next to a wrought iron gate, I get a phone call. It's Time Inc. As in publisher of Real Simple, People magazine, In Style. I dropped off my resume and chatted with their internship coordinator a bit at the job fair, and it was at the top of my dream list.
After silently squealing in joy for a few seconds, I listen closely as the woman invites me in for an interview. I can't remember if she mentions what magazine or not, but no matter. I'm already in shopping mode, so I switch my mission to finding the perfect interview outfit. I walk into the Gap and head straight for the sale racks, since I'm fresh out of college and surviving on student loans and minimal savings. No luck. But then cable knit catches my eye. There are stacks of it in various colors on some shelves. And a small sign that says, "hey, these are on sale, too!" Not in those exact words. And that is how this sweater came to be mine.
I wore this sweater over this tie-neck top (purchased the same day) with black Forever 21 pants and red Payless flats. I remember feeling like I belonged in a country club. It must have gone well, since I got the internship (not with one of the big name mags, but with a smaller, custom publication). It was an awesome three semesters.
What clothing items do you still own and wear that hold the greatest memories?
Posted by
Angeline
at
8:30 AM
Labels:
black,
blue,
layers,
life,
My Workwear,
outfit,
pumps
10
comments
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Colors for a cause [outfit]
Banana Republic sweater - 2008 - ?? but on sale / Target t-shirt - 2011 - $7 on sale / Target jeans - 2011 - $18 on sale / Calvin Klein pumps from Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale / Scarf - 2010 - swapped
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
I'm wearing purple because relationships should not be abused for power. Because everybody deserves respect. Because you don't have to just sit there and take it, but you do have to take the first step and be committed to changing your life.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors — physical, sexual, psychological, and economic coercion — used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.
1 in 3 families are affected by domestic violence. If you look at the ladies you're lunching with, chances are one of their families has been affected by it. Some people that I love dearly have been affected by it. It crosses all racial, economic, educational, and geographic boundaries.
If you are in danger, please call 911, your local hotline, or (in the U.S.) the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or TTY (800) 787-3224.
Friday, September 9, 2011
A night out and regional style [outfit]
Esley dress worn as top - 2009 - $63 (similar) / J & Company jeans via Renew Denim - 2009 - $40 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / J. Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Thrifted clutch - 2004 - cheap (similar) / NY & Co. mesh bangle - 2010 - gift (similar) / Tiffany venetian link bracelet - 2011 - gift card + gift (available; similar) / Forever 21 large link bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
[Worn: 09.08.11 | To: Fashion's Night Out in Coral Gables, FL]
Fashion events are not something that's usually on my schedule, and I always draw a blank on what to wear. Luckily, I have you all by my side and through quick and insightful tweets and Facebook comments, you all (really, all) picked this option: the belted dress and skinny jean combo. Several of you mentioned throwing a blazer on top, so I brought along my trusty black one, making this outfit almost exactly like this previous one.
A few of you mentioned that the jeans might be a little underdressed, but to be honest...I wasn't so sure. But I have to admit...I felt a tad underdressed (there were some women in full-length gowns, but not many). I feel that way a lot here, hence my little personal goal for the month. I've heard from many non-Californians who had been transplanted into the Golden State how laid-back California style was compared to general style elsewhere (especially the Northeast and South), but I never really understood what they were talking about. But I'm starting to.
And so, in the muggy heat, I kept that blazer on all night. And I have you friends to thank.
Have you noticed any regional style differences in your moves or travels?
Monday, August 15, 2011
Mix, don't match [outfit]
Recycled plastic graphic tee - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Mossimo tank as undershirt - 2011 - $9 (available) / Old Navy skirt - 2010 - $10 on sale (similar) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar) / Vintage scarf via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Target earrings - 2011 - $6 (similar)
If I could go back and do one thing differently when packing for the move, I would have nailed down some outfit ideas before I started tossing clothes into the suitcase. Then I would have been able to wear this skirt more. You see, it has this drop waist, and it sits sort of low on my hips. Most of my newer tops are also on the longer and looser side, and when shapeless meets shapeless (and you're on the road without a belt), you get major sad face.
Now that I'm indoors more and out of the heat, my graphic tees have made a comeback. They tend to fit a little more snugly and end a little higher up on the hips, making this skirt look a little less frumpy. Graphic tee + skirt is a little too reminiscent of my 19-year-old self than I'm comfortable with, so I tossed in the scarf and earrings for good measure. Even though the colors of the scarf seem to have no relation to the colors in the tee, if you look closely there's a similar grayish blue and red-orange tinge going on. Plus, no one's looking at the graphics on the tee closely enough to try to figure that out, right? Perfect for my breezy day of shopping the Goodwill and getting stuck in a rainstorm and sloshing through 3 inches of water to get to my car. I love you, Miami summer.
How do you dress up a basic or too-casual outfit?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The librarian 'do [outfit]
BR Factory cardigan - 2011 - $12 (similar) / BR Factory tee - 2011 - $5 (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $17 (similar) / Anne Klein Sarajane shoes via Macy's - 2011 - $25 (available) / Kohl's earrings - 2007 - cheap (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Outfit analysis: This is my current go-to for cold and casual days, and there have been many, many of those recently. I feel like a walking billboard for the BR Factory Store, but hey, it was a good sale, and the colors of the pieces really go well together (not on purpose...both of these were impulse buys). I was a bit unsure of the loose cardi and trouser jeans combo, since I wasn't such a fan of it before. But the drape of this cardigan and the long points that it comes to on the sides helps create a diagonal cut across, which is much more flattering than the flat bottom of my other cardigan. In hindsight, pointier heels would have been a better complement to all the loose drapiness, but I had a lunch date to walk to that day and these mary janes are more comfortable.
___
Way back in the day, I got a reader question about hairstyles for the office. It took me a while to get around to it (sorry, Lorena!) but I've been trying out some different hairstyles recently, and will be showing them more. This is one of my experiments from last week...I call it the librarian 'do because it reminds me of my elementary school librarian, Mrs. Van Ness. She was a super-kind woman with long gray/white hair, which she always put up halfway with a clip first and then in a bun or chignon.
What are your go-to hairstyles for the office? Send me a pic by next Tuesday (6/7) and I'll post a round-up next week!
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
cardigan,
denim,
hair,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit
10
comments
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Distractions and regressions
LOFT cardigan - 2010 - gift (similar) / A'gaci top - 2011 - $20 (similar) / BR Factory pants - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar) / Nordstrom pyramid stud earrings - 2010 - gift card (available) / Ball chain necklace (similar)
Outfit analysis: Another cold day in May...seriously? I finally got around to ironing my clothes and was sooo happy to put these pants back on after a long time away. I wanted to try this top with more tailored trousers, but it was too cold to go with short-sleeves so on came the sweater. I tried a little belt tricks from Academichic and wrapped the built-in waist-tie around the cardigan to give the outfit some shape. Nothing too exciting, but it did the job.
___
Another belted cardigan. I've been regressing sartorially since I've been distracted with the whole move and transition. I turned in my formal resignation this week, giving them a 6.5 week notice. Sure, this long of a notice isn't required in any sense, but since I already told my boss, our CEO, and a handful of other folks, and the organization is currently working on the budget for next fiscal year so they can plan for it.
I have to say, this whole year has just zoomed by, and now it feels like the last month has just snuck up on me. K turned in his dissertation this week (YAY!), and it's basically go-go-go until we get to Miami. Every single weekend is booked...with good things of course!
By the way, did you enter the giveaway yet? It ends tonight (9pm Pacific)!
How do you get out of a style rut?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Blogging is beneficial
Style & Co. dress via Macy's - 2011 - $25 (similar) / BR Factory cardigan - 2011 - $12 (similar) / Nine West outlet boots - 2009 - $50 (similar) / Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Outfit analysis: I got this idea from a magazine ad, I just can't remember which one. I think the model had a floral dress and brown sandals, but I was trying to work with what I had and with the weather (another rainy day with highs of 60 degrees). I tucked the collar of the dress into the collar of the cardigan
___
This is my new favorite cardigan. I think I've worn it at least three times a week since I got it at the killer BR Factory sale last month. So comfy. If I wasn't already married, I marry this cardigan.
It's been a weird week in my head. It's partially the weather, but also just a general exhaustion, hence the mini break from Sunday (when I wrote my Monday post) until Tuesday evening. While I was on my break, I was a major klutz and needed band-aids at least once a day (for new "injuries"). Sunday, I snagged a hangnail and was bleeding. Monday, I got a cardboard cut in between my toes (don't ask) and needed a band-aid again. Tuesday, my car handle opened up a small gash in my finger, and I bled through about three band-aids in the course of three hours.
Band-aid 1 on Tuesday, about 10 minutes after I put the band-aid on.
Lesson learned: Not blogging is hazardous to my health.
Are you a klutz or do you go through life pretty injury-free?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
boots,
cardigan,
dress,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit,
print
8
comments
Thursday, May 12, 2011
When function comes first
Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $17 (similar) / Three Dots cardigan via Anthropologie - 2010 - gift (similar) / Mossimo Versie pumps via Target - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Black wood bead necklace - 2010 - swap (similar) / Silver ball earrings via Target - 2010 - $5 for two pairs (similar)
Outfit analysis: A simple dress and light cardigan help keep things comfortable without looking sloppy. There's just something about this sweater (the sleeve or body length, or both) that reminds me of those '80s blazers that folks used to wear with the sleeves scrunched up like this. Anyone else get this vibe?
___
This was definitely a functional outfit. How, you ask? Well, I had one main goal for this day (in case you're wondering, it was Tuesday...same-day posting is a little too hectic for me). I had to take my bridesmaid dress in to the tailor at lunch so it will be ready for my friend's wedding over Memorial Day weekend. So I planned around two things: getting completely undressed in the middle of my workday (and redressed) and having heels to create a similar leg shape as I'd have on the day of her wedding. There are just some outfits that don't come off and on that easily, or don't fall into place as well when you put it back on afterward. But this? This was easy.
Does function or fashion usually take the front seat for you? In what cases do you do the opposite?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Speed shopping
H&M Cardigan - 2009 - $30 (similar) / LOFT tank - 2010 - gift (similar) / BR Factory skirt - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo pumps via Target - 2010 - $10 (similar) / AE outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar)
So remember the Saturday full of shopping I had planned this weekend? Well, it was quite the success! I headed to the outlets first thing in the morning (they open at 10 and I was in BR by 10:10) and in 1.5 hours I visited 6 stores, including 2 dressing rooms. I'm telling you--I'm fast. I go by my rules, and if there's nothing in a store that I need at a price I'm willing to pay, I'm outta there.
My favorite purchase by far was this skirt from the Banana Republic Factory Store. I mean, how much prettier can it get? It's got a gorgeous print, has a paper-bag-like waist (without being too trendy), is fully lined, and the fabric is so soft and isn't too wrinkle-prone (just a few made it through the day). It was one of only two in the store and the only one in my size. And all for $20 after the 50% off sale and my 15% off coupon. Alas, it is one of those items made just for the outlet, but I wish I could link you all to it.
I also made out like a bandit at the swap. My fave find: a fancy Anna Sui tulle and embroidered skirt. I don't know where I'll wear it, but I'll find a way.
What worked
The skirt! The skirt! The skirt! Can you tell I love this skirt? This color combo is pretty unusual for me, what with its pastels and softness. I'm more of a primary, saturated color person. I've also come to a peaceful existence with these heels. I wouldn't say they're comfortable, but they're certainly not painful anymore.
What didn't
I wasn't so thrilled with the top half of this outfit, but I wanted to keep it simple and let the skirt really shine. This tank is really a little skimpy for the office, and I was actually adjusting it all day long. Not a good sign. Thinking this is going into the weekend pile (or for layering under more covered items) in the future.
Do you shop the outlets? What tips do you have for getting through them quickly?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
cardigan,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit,
outlets,
pumps
16
comments
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Simple with a twist
Gap corsage cardigan - 2011 - $20 on sale (available) / Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / Nine West peep-toes via Ross - 2009 - $25 (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Target silver ball stud earrings - 2010 - $5 for two pairs (similar) / Belt taken off an old suit (similar)
The first time I wore this dress I went super-simple. I just wanted to see how it fit and lasted the day. Now that I know, I'm having some fun with it. And I just love how this turned out! Have you ever had one of those days? I just did. And I don't know if there's actually some look good, work hard cause-effect going on, but this was a productive day!
A note to those who suggested the straight iron Monday--I almost forgot I owned one! And boy were y'all right. This wonderful hair day is thanks to you (and the straight iron). I'm still wary of too much heat styling (my hair was traumatized by the body wave perm I did four years ago and I'm babying it to get it back to health), but I do think I'll be using the straight iron more often.
What worked
The dress. The cardigan. The belt. The shoes (showing off my pedicure from this weekend). The hair. The jewels.
What didn't
Nada. Zilch. There, I said it.
Do you think there is a tangible look good - feel good/work hard/great day effect? Does it work the other way, too?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
cardigan,
dress,
hair,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit,
pumps
9
comments
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Black and white clown
Old Navy ruffled top - Linley's (similar) / Gap outlet sweater - 2008 - $20 (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Hue herringbone tights via Macy's - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Steve Madden mary janes - 2003 or 2004 - $20 (similar) / J. Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 (similar) / BR Factory knot necklace - 2010 - $10 (similar)
I have to say, I felt fabulous in this outfit. I wanted to style Linley's ruffled top a little differently than I had before, so I paired it with a skirt. Except for the fact that Sacramento apparently decided it should be winter again. So on came the sweater and tights. It actually hailed (almost looked like snow) in Fairfield (about 45 minutes away) this day. Spring is a freakin' tease.
I also decided to tie the neck-ties of the top together this time. I left them open last time, but the strings looked messy hanging down over the sweater, so I tried tying them. Not too shabby, but now that I look at it, it does look a little like a clown collar. Oh well.
What worked
I loved the subtle mixed prints here. Sure, it's only a toe in the water (keeping the same color scheme in prints that aren't even touching each other), but it's a start.
What didn't
The tie neck turned out a little awkward due to the v-neck being higher than the ruffles. Here is what it is supposed to look like tied. Pretty big difference.
Is it spring yet in your area? Please tell me some nice warm stories.
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
layers,
mary janes,
My Workwear,
outfit,
print,
ruffles,
swap,
tights
19
comments
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Cookie season
Calvin Klein striped button-up - hand me down (similar) / Old Navy knit vest - 2008 - $10 on sale (similar) / Gap outlet wide-leg trousers - 2009 - $15 on sale (similar) / Nina pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 on sale (similar) / Belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Well, it's not quite cookie season anymore, but it was recently Girl Scout cookie season, meaning there are still (a few) cookie boxes on my shelves at home. This outfit totally reminds me of Brownie Girl Scout uniforms past. I was only a Brownie for one year (I joined right before the whole troop moved up to Juniors), so I never had my own uniform, but I remember my friend Stephanie letting me borrow one of hers (why she had more than one I'll never know). In high school, we used our cookie money earnings to go on a cruise to Ensenada, so I totally support cookie season. I can't wait until (one day far into the future) I have a daughter and can be a Girl Scout leader myself. I think we'll hit up Hawaii instead, though (Ensenada is bo-ring).
What worked
Although the color palette is definitely more on the muted side, I really liked the layering of browns and grays. The belt and the bow pumps are a fun pop.
What didn't
Again with the wrinkles. You must think I don't own an iron. I do. I avoid ironing, but really that just means I don't wear the item for way longer than it already sat in the hamper. These wrinkles are my daily desk-job wrinkles. I take my photos when I get home, which is after nine hours of sitting in front of a computer and one hour sitting in my car (half-hour commute each way). I also run "hot" (body temp wise), which I think just exacerbates the problem (it's like I've ironed in the creases). I have yet to meet a fabric that can withstand all my sitting.
How do you battle desk-job (clothing) wrinkles?
Posted by
Angeline
at
10:45 AM
Labels:
belt,
brown,
gray,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit,
stripes,
vest
21
comments
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Obsessed
Gap ruffled cardigan - 2011 - $20 (available) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2008 - $7 (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Blake Scott heels via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Rings on a chain, paperclip
I think I need to join a support group for ruffle-lovers (not to be confused with Ruffles-lovers, although those are also very good). When Gap held their annual Give & Get sale this weekend, I had to go. So I grabbed my umbrella and trekked the two blocks to the Gap in the rain (yes, I have a Gap within walking distance. This could get dangerous). This cardigan was one of the casualties. And it is so. soft. Like, so soft. And I've been jonesin' for some saturated blue, which until this point was wholly lacking in my closet.
What worked
The sweater! And the fact that I belted it. It's an open cardigan (no buttons), so with the volume of the trouser, a belt was totally needed to give the outfit some shape.
What didn't
Belting an open cardigan is trickier than it looks. See the paperclip in the last pic? Yup. That's the trick.
What are your favorite wardrobe tips for keeping stuff in place?
Posted by
Angeline
at
3:45 PM
Labels:
belt,
cardigan,
layers,
My Workwear,
outfit,
ruffles
23
comments
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Menswear inspired
The Limited top - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Knit vest - 2011 - hand me down (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Brown belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Blake Scott red pumps via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Grouse and Badger typewriter key ring - 2010 - $5 (available)
I know, I know. It's these pants again. I actually wore it this week, though (Tuesday's outfit was from earlier this month). I liked this outfit so much that I ignored the six other backlogged outfits that are still waiting to see the light of screen.
It was one of those days--I had two meetings in the morning, including one I was in charge of. It was completely internal, so suiting up was not necessary. I recently saw some belted vest looks over at J's Everyday Fashion, and remembered I had this vest lying around...it was handed down to me last time I hung out w/ my girlfriends. It's not quite the same style as J's, but I liked the result anyway. In hindsight, I'd like to add my brown velvet blazer next time I try this--would be like a mismatched three-piece suit! But oh well. This was fun, too.
What worked
The vest and belt made the outfit look almost suit-like without being too matchy.
What didn't
The pants look really long in the pics, but really they just slip down a lot. They have this really weird thin waistband with no belt loops and so they're always slipping down. While I love love love these pants to death, having to adjust them often is a bit annoying.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Short sleeves in February
Banana Republic cowl neck top - 2007 - $30 (similar) / Gap short sleeve sweater - 2005 - $20 (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar) / Nordstrom pyramid stud earrings - 2010 - gift (available) / Metal leaf necklace via Vanity Lounge Salon - 2010 - $22 (similar)
Another one from the archives (and there's still more where that came from). This was worn on February 9, which I remember because it was my mom's birthday (and my cousin's twins' birthday, too!). As you can tell, it was a gorgeous day outside...short sleeves! In February! And peep-toes! I miss that weather. I definitely love getting outside shots--these are straight out of the camera, not even a Photoshop auto contrast (the extent of my skillz).
One of my favorite work staples is a few good cowlnecks. I like sleeveless versions that can layer under things, or sweater versions that work well on their own. Usually I forego necklaces with a cowlneck, but that day I remember just feeling a little empty up top and grabbed this eye-catcher. I really loved the effect.
What worked
This outfit is a great go-to for a business casual office--good trousers, some sleeves, some color, and a fun (but not too crazy) accessory. It was such a feel-good ensemble, as you can tell from my giant smile.
What didn't
I'm not sure the leaf necklace and the stud earrings really jived--I paired them together because of the dark metal colors (well, the necklace has multiple shades of metal), but I think the effect may have been too heavy.
What kind of neckwear do you usually pair with a cowlneck?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)














































