Hey Ole fashionistas!
Welcome to a new, fashionable year on the Hill!
My name is Kate Roy, and I will be heading the StO-Style blog for the year! I am a sophomore psychology and dance double major and I absolutely love fashion! I consider fashion to be an extension of personality (that’s the psychology-major talking!) and I think clothes have the ability to change, reflect and improve someone’s mood. In short, clothes are magical!
As a starting point for StO-Style, let’s talk about the basics. This week, I want to pinpoint the most important and timeless fashion staples to have in a closet. These fashion pieces are the perfect building blocks for any outfit. Mixing, matching and layering are some of my favorite ways to create a look, and with these staples, the options are limitless!
Find some inspiration from these fashion staple suggestions!
The Denim Jacket/Vest:
I would honestly wear my denim jacket every day if it was socially acceptable. It is my favorite item of clothing in my closet. A denim jacket (or vest) is the beset example of a fashion staple because it can be worn with almost anything and it adds a finishing touch to any look. Layer it over a dress, keep the look “cool” with black denim or mix denim with denim – a look I really like!
My favorite way to wear it: Paired with a plain black dress, ankle boots and a statement necklace.
Best stores for denim jackets/vests: Madewell, Gap, J. Crew, Levi’s
The Perfect Pair of Jeans:
Nothing is better than a perfect pair of jeans. They are easy to throw on, create an effortless look and will always be in style. Personally, I love a darker denim with some stretch and a skinny leg. For the perfect staples in denim, I would suggest a pair of either dark or light (whichever you prefer), a pair of black denim and a pair of colored jeans (for fall, try a more neutral color, such as maroon).
My favorite way to wear them: With a small cuff at the bottom, moccasins and a menswear-inspired work-shirt… effortless, yet put-together.
Best stores for the perfect pair of jeans: Madewell (honestly, the best denim I own) or Gap.
The Collared Shirt:
Collared shirts will always be in style. They are classic and preppy, and can pair well with denim, khakis or a pencil skirt. Collared shirts are also wonderful staples for fall and winter because they are easily layered under either a cardigan or a crew neck sweater. Pair this layered look with a statement necklace peeking out from under the collar, and you’ve got a perfect look for fall!
My favorite way to wear it: Peeking out from under a crew neck sweater, with a statement necklace and dark jeans.
Best store for a collared shirt: J.Crew.
Chambray Shirt (AKA a lightweight denim shirt):
Chambray shirts are perfect for any season and look great with a variety of bottoms. They are light-weight, making them easy to layer, and make your outfit look put together. Try wearing the chambray shirt layered over a dress, unbuttoned as a light piece of outerwear, tucked into a skirt or under a chunky sweater. The options for how to wear a chambray are endless!
My favorite way to wear it: A light-colored chambray with darker denim, ankle boots and the chambray tucked in just in front.
Best stores for a chambray: Madewell (they are known for their chambray!).
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The Graphic Tee:
Graphic tee’s give off a “cool” vibe and look great under a denim jacket or cardigan. A graphic tee does not have to be over-the-top. A simple tee with one word/phrase (I have one that simply says “New York City”) is understated-yet-edgy. If you like a lot of design, however, buy a colorful, eye-catching graphic tee! Pick a style that suits you.
My favorite way to wear it: Paired under my jean jacket.
Best stores for a graphic tee: Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, or any concerts you go to!
The Little Black Dress:
An LBD (AKA Little Black Dress) is a perfect staple to have in your closet. Your LBD is that one dress that makes you feel great whenever you wear it. It is practical and is the piece of clothing that never lets you down. What could be more satisfying than that?! There are so many black dresses out there to choose from, and it is really up to you and your personal style to find the LBD that is perfect for you!
My favorite way to wear it: My LBD paired with a statement necklace and flats (or heels, depending on the occasion!).
Best stores for a LBD: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, H&M.
The Statement Necklace:
Jewelry is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. I think a statement necklace is great for topping off an outfit because it makes the look polished and coherent. A statement necklace is perfect for layering over a collared shirt, or for being the focal point of your look. I have found that jewelry doesn’t always have to come last when creating an outfit… Try centering your look around a statement necklace!
My favorite way to wear it: Either paired with my LBD or peeking out from under a collar of a chambray.
Best stores for a statement necklace: Francesca’s, Anthropologie, Forever 21, H&M.
The Flats:
Flats are the perfect shoes for transition seasons like spring and fall. They also come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and fabrics. I find it most practical to have one pair of neutral flats (ones you can wear with almost anything, like nude or black) and one pair of funky flats (think leopard print, red, polka-dot or neon!) Flats are perfect for adding a pop of color to a monotone outfit as well.
My favorite way to wear it: Leopard flats, paired with skinny jeans and a chambray shirt.
Best stores for flats: DSW, Herberger’s, Gap, Madewell.
There you have it! Those items are what I believe to be the most practical fashion staples. I hope I have given you some inspiration in regards to where to find the perfect item, what to add to your wardrobe and how to create a look that’s all your own!
Stay fashionable, Oles!
P.S. I would love to get to know all of you readers out there, so if you ever have any questions, comments or suggestions for posts, feel free to contact me!
Photo Credits:
Cover Board created by Kate Roy on Polyvore