Tuesday, September 28, 2010

My new uniform (or how to dress up a basic)

Much like careers, men or pets, no one outfit is perfect for everyone. However, there is no match for wearing a staple uniform of a perfectly tailored basic with beautiful accent accessories. The chicest women I see on the street are always in well-fitting, simple garments with unique and effective (but editorialized) jewelry, scarves. shoes, etc.

Here's how to put it all together:

1. Start with the perfect basic. 
My favorite look is the sheath dress. For me, a sheath dress is almost always worth the investment. You can go in a neutral color (black, beige, grey) or a bright color - I think both options are equally versatile. These are easy to tailor to your body type and always accent the best parts of a woman's body.

Elie Tahari belted wool jersey dress in Alpaca, available at Saks: $368

Diane von Furstenberg Minuit day jersey Jori dress, available at Cusp: $298


2. Then add 1 of the following bold accessory options. 

Layer it up.
Find a fun jacket or cardigan to add pizazz on the top of the out
Victoria's Secret chain link jacket: $59

Add some special earrings.
God knows I love a pair of crystal statement earrings.

J. Crew glass ornament earrings: $29.99

Wear some fun tights.
Tights can keep you warm when it starts to get a bit chilly. They can also make a shorter skirt more conservative, or in the case of these Wolford tights, add a bit of sex appeal without being slutty.

Wolford Individual 10 Back Seam: $50

Don a statement necklace.
Statement necklaces have been trending for several years now, and I hope it doesn't go away. It's so chic but adds so much personality to any outfit. Just make sure you keep your other accessories very simple if you go this route.


Anthropologie Sit-A-Spell necklace: $178

Get well-heeled.
Try a bold color or a fun cut - or both, like this Kate Spade.

Kate Spade Chrisette heels: $298

3. Finish it off with more simple accessories.
Go for basic pieces to finish off the look: neutral heels with a bold jacket, simple studs with a big necklace, etc.

Cole Haan Air Miranda, available at Zappos: $198
Marc Jacobs Paradise Rio satchel, available at Saks: $995

Majorica 12mm faux pearl bracelet, available at Nordstrom: $145

Kate Spade square studs, available at Piperlime: $34.99


And remember: there are very few things tackier than over-accessorizing. Unless you know and understand the art of minimalism, remember the age-old adage: When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.

1 comment:

  1. This post could not have come at a better time!

    I just found those exact shoes on discount, and when I googled you came up. I'm getting dressed this weekend for a religious event, and have a black sheath VERY similar to Diane von Furstenberg above. Was planning on pairing it with the purple Kate Spades and a jacket, similar to the one above (which I have yet to purchase).

    So the question I have for you is, can I wear black opaque tights with these shoes and the black dress, or does that detract from the awesome shoes? Also, any tips on where to look for the jacket?

    ReplyDelete