I’ve continually stressed the importance of expanding your fashion horizons by trying new trends and styles in various StO-Style posts, so for this week’s article, I decided to show you guys how to subtly switch up your wardrobe by putting a spin on your favorite basics.
What is a basic? A basic is a simple but essential piece in your wardrobe that you wear often and build outfits off of. For me, my basics are cardigans, white v-neck tees, skinny jeans, and flats. Basics are a great thing to have in your closet, but after a while, the same basics can get a bit boring and cause you to slide into a fashion slump. Here are a few ways to change up your favorite basics in order to breathe new life into your wardrobe just in time for summer!
The Basic: A crisp oxford in a fresh color.
The Twist: A chambray button-down in varying blue hues.
Left to right: ‘Isla’ Chambray Shirt $55 – quiksilver.com, Chambray Tunic $60 – jcrew.com, ‘Stockholm’ Chambray Shirt $90 – generalpants.com, Chambray Shirt $59 – woolrich.com
Why make the switch?
Chambray shirts have become quite popular lately, and for a good reason. While the structure of this shirt makes it polished, chambray fabric makes it a little more casual. Chambray shirts can be dressed either up or down – tuck it into a bright pencil skirt for a job interview, or throw it over your bikini at the beach for the perfect cover up. You can even pair your chambray shirt with your beloved blue jeans; just make sure your jeans and your shirt are two different shades of blue.
The Basic: Your favorite blue jeans.
The Twist: Black jeans!
Left to right: Cooper Dark Wash Skinny Jeans $48 – awear.com, Demi Curve Skinny Jean $155 – farfetch.com, Black Rinse Jegging $100 – generalpants.com., Midnight Wash Jade Jeans $35 – oasis-stores.com, ‘Ariel’ Dark Wash Skinny Jeans $40 – awear.com
Why make the switch?
I have to be the world’s biggest advocate for black jeans. I am constantly on the hunt for the perfect pair, and when I find them, I wear them to threads. Black jeans are the perfect way to break out of the typical blue jeans mold (and a more tame switch if you’re not keen on printed jeans). More dressy than regular jeans, they add the perfect amount of class to any outfit and look good for both school and going out. I like wearing them with a cuff at the ankle. Try a pair with a striped top and ballet flats for a Parisian look. Oui!
The Basic: A short, floaty sundress.
The Twist: A streamlined maxi dress or skirt.
Left to right: Floral Print Maxi Dress $95 – oasis-stores.com, Cream Mineral Print Skirt $61 – wallisfashion.com, Chevron Maxi Dress $40 – republic.co.uk, Turquoise Skirt $48 – mango.com, Strapless Striped Maxi Dress $40 – axparis.co.uk
Why make the switch?
When summer rolls around, all I want to do is wear floaty, light dresses. Before, my go–to dress silhouette was a shorter one, but last summer I fell hard for maxi dresses and never looked back. Many girls think they will drown in maxi dresses, but I believe they are flattering on anyone. Many maxi dresses have high waists, which gives the illusion that your legs are miles long. Plus, maxi dresses are insanely simple to wear, allowing you to avoid stressing over your outfit on hot mornings. All you need is a pair of flat sandals and some jewelry, and you’re good to go! Maxi skirts are also a great option. I like to wear mine high on my waist and paired with a crop top.
The Basic: a bold statement necklace.
The Twist: a collar necklace.
Left to right: ‘Agent 99’ Collar Necklace $25 – generalpants.com.au, SIlver Chain Peter Pan Necklace $32 – missselfridge.com, Chevron Collar Necklace $20 – nastygal.com, Shirt Collar Necklace $50 – topshop.com, Mesh Bib Collar Necklace $30 – topshop.com
Why make the switch?
Collar necklaces, like chambray shirts, are absolutely everywhere right now. At first I wasn’t into this trend, because it reminded me too much of the choker phase I went through in grade school, but I quickly warmed up to collar necklaces once I saw all the chic options out there. Collar necklaces are a fun change from typical necklaces and draw attention to your neck and face. I’ve found that collar necklaces are very versatile and look good with almost anything. My favorite way to wear mine is with a button-up, with the top two or three buttons unbuttoned to display my necklace. Another fun way to wear a collar necklace is to button a shirt all the way up and tuck the necklace under your collar so that it peeks out in the front.
The Basic: Your old round frame sunglasses from Target.
The Twist: Sexy cat eye sunglasses in any color.
Top row, left to right: Black Ultra Cat Eye $71 – whistles.co.uk, ‘Sophia’ Sunglasses $128 – jcrew.com, ‘Contessa’ Cat Eye Sunglasses $14 – urbanoutfitters.com
Bottom row, left to right: Tortoiseshell Ultra Cat Eye $71 – whistles.co.uk, Tom Ford Cat Eye Sunglasses $390 – dealuxe.ca, Jessica Simpson Cat Eye Sunglasses $50 – endless.com
Why make the switch?
Cat eye sunglasses are one of the hottest eyewear trends for this summer. Cat eye frames have just the right amount of sex appeal, sophistication, and sass. This particular shape may seem a bit jarring at first, but cat eye frames look good on anyone. If you aren’t completely sold on the trend, try a pair with a slight peak at the edges, like the ‘Sophia’ sunglasses above. Want to go all out? Choose the Tom Ford frames or the Tortoiseshell Ultra Cat Eye sunnies. If you’re feeling even more funky, try a pair in a fun hue, like the turquoise or purple pairs above.
What are some of your favorite basics? Would you be willing to try any of the ‘twists’? How do you revitalize your wardrobe for summer?
Shake things up and stay fashionable, St. Olaf!