When I was back home for a visit in Charleston, South Carolina one of my cousins, who was admiring a pair of gladiator sandals I was wearing, said “I wish I had style.” That got me thinking. Why can’t she have style?
Anyone can have style… it’s not some impossible, unobtainable thing. You don’t have to have a closet full of couture designers to have style. (Although, wouldn’t we all love to have that!)
My cousin, who is a busy working mom, doesn’t have time to stress over style. For me, style shouldn’t be something you have to think too much about. Here are five go-to pieces you will find in just about every stylish woman’s closet, which are the perfect wardrobe building blocks. Easy!
1. WHITE SHIRT
There is nothing more classic than a crisp white shirt. You can accessorize a white shirt a million ways. It can be dressed up or down. Pair it with a pencil skirt, necklace and cardigan belted at the waist for work. Wear with jeans, a smart black blazer and a statement necklace for a polished, casual look. My favorite white shirt is a soft, wrinkled one from J.Crew that I throw on with skinny jeans or leggings. Just flip up the collar, put on a pair of glamorous sunglasses and go!
2. JEANS THAT FIT
I am lucky that I work somewhere very casual; we can pretty much wear whatever we want. Since I live in my jeans, I am always on the lookout for ones that fit… and as any woman knows, that can be a difficult task! My favorite jeans are my classic dark wash J. Brand, charcoal Joe’s Jeans, and black jeans by Genetic denim. I also have a few pairs from Topshop that I really like and are affordable and I just bought dark wash jean leggings from the Gap. Jeans, like a white shirt, are something that can be dressed up or down depending on what you put with them.
3. BALLET FLATS
I love, love, love high heels, but they just aren’t practical for me, so I’ve filled that shoe void with lots of cute flats. Lanvin, Repetto, Topshop, J.Crew, Target… I have cute flats in all price ranges from all kinds of stores… as long as a shoe is stylish, I don’t care where it comes from.
4. JACKET YOU LOVE
So many people bring up the trench as a classic must-have and while I love the look, a trench just isn’t very practical in Los Angeles where it’s sunny and warm most of the year. So my advice is to have a smart jacket you love in a style that works for you, whether it be a Chanel inspired boucle jacket, a go-with-everything tailored black jacket (Express has affordable ones) or a leather motorcycle jacket. Do what feels good for you and your wardrobe and then work it!
5. LBD
Everyone needs a little black dress and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on one to look great. My sister told me about the dress she’s been getting compliments all Summer. She bought at Target… in the maternity section. (And no, she’s not pregnant!) You never know where you will find something cute, so don’t pay too much attention to the label or the store where you got it.
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