Some of my favorite outfits continue to be remixes of the most basic pieces. Small tweaks in styling can help change up the look of the same old items. For example, tucking your shirt into high-waisted bottoms and adding a knotted jacket gives off a super laid-back feel, versus wearing the shirt long and un-tucked like a tunic, then layering the cropped jacket on top which creates a different vibe. Here’s a few older posts showing these pieces styled differently in other outfits: JBrand jeans, BR button-up, Sole Society block-heeled sandals (here and here).
These jeans are probably the most shapely pair in my closet, thanks to the high-waist, the holding power of the stretchy fabric, and of course the slimming black color. As mentioned in earlier posts, J Brand’s Alana style comes with a 27″ inseam for no hemming necessary on fellow shorties, and the Maria style is the same “vanity” material and cut, but longer for leggier ladies.
I’m a creature of habit when it comes to hair and always ask for long layers…mostly to make sure I can throw everything up in a ponytail with no stragglers left behind. My hairstylist finally convinced me to do some shorter pieces around the face, and I have to admit I’ve been loving it. They help frame the face both with updo’s or hair down, and are long enough to put up or tuck behind the ears. And since I still always get questions, here is a video tutorial with my secret to the topknot hair bun!
I’ve been eying Gucci’s Soho bags for a while, both in this rectangular leather strap “disco” version and also the adorable little round “chain” one. The retro camera bag silhouette and large tassels lend a vintage vibe which I love in my purses. The neutral tan color I have is sold out at several stores, but still currently available at either Gucci or Luisa Via Roma (duty/tax free). White (Neiman’s still has the color in stock) would’ve been my first choice if I didn’t already have my Celine, as there’s just something about the combination of white pebbled leather and tassels! A problem with both the disco and chain styles is the straps are longer than my liking, even with the adjustable factor on this one. In this post I have the prong about 2 inches past the shortest hole that comes punched on the strap. I also wanted to show a pic of how I’ve looped up the excess end, but other, sleeker, solutions are to use either double-sided tape or tiny clear hair elastics to secure the flapping strap end down.
PS – speaking of bags, saw my Mar Y Sol straw pom pom tote on sale at Tabots and had to share! I got this tote last year at full price and always get compliments on it while at the beach / on vacation, plus I like the story behind their handcrafted pieces. The one at Talbots is the smaller size (see on me), and their bigger Caracas tote is on sale too.
Love this look! Is this in the rose beige color as shown on the Gucci site, or the mauve one? The two shades are sometimes hard to tell apart online. Thank you!
Love this look and your hairstyle!
xxx
http://georgiasunray.com
Thank you Jean! You are awesome for taking the time to reply to your comments. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the tip! I have a leather hole-puncher at home so new holes are not an issue, just the residual strap tail length. I plan on getting it shortened by a cobbler, though.
Hi Adriana – do you read the blog Putting Me Together? She has some great posts on putting together the basics for a "grown-up" wardrobe. Back when I worked in a business casual/formal environment, the most versatile pieces for me were pencil skirts, ankle pants, and blazers in neutral colors (black, navy, camel, white) that could be worn with all of my other colored and printed pieces.
Thank you for the kind words, Haritha! Although I do love to splurge every so often, I usually try to mix high and low end so hopefully you can take ideas from the overall look even if certain pieces are priced a bit higher. Wendy is still one of my favorite bloggers (of course I may be a little biased ; ) and I usually just take inspiration from her color pairings and silhouettes.
Yes all of my black jeans fade a bit with washing. Washing them inside-out on the most gentle cycle also with gentle detergent (I use the laundress brand), and avoiding machine drying helps lessen the fading.
Thanks! It's an xxs petite
Hi! It looks like the petite has completely sold out so it doesn't show up at all, unfortunately!
Hi – Ann Taylor has a lot of flat sandals this year that are stylish and potentially comfortable based on all the reviews. Also I would check Talbots or Target.
Love the striped shirt, it's so pretty! And the Gucci purse is such a gorgeous staple, very well put together 🙂
http://carlaanapurus.com
Such a cute look! LOVE that bag!
xoxo
Sharan
http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com
pretty , simply cool and so chic!
Katherine at Feather Factor just posted a great review on her Disco bag and noted that the Gucci store is able to punch additional holes for you.
Hi Jean,
Was just about the write the same thing as the person above, haha! Couldn't find it on your blog currently, so maybe you just haven't posted one yet?
Hi Jean, will your Boston guide be up soon? Thanks
Nice hair and shoes! This is a chic casual look! Love it! xx
Margaret
http://www.maleemaleehong.com
This striped shirt is so beautiful!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Such a lovely, casual look.
I'm really loving this shirt. It is great to see a shirt with larger stripes. It's a little different.
http://ohduckydarling.com
Super cute and cool every day look! Love it! 🙂
xx Su http://www.fashiontwinstinct.com
This look is amaz! Great job Miss!
â—Šâ—Š http://www.bonnie-bandie.com/ â—Šâ—Š
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Jean! I love your style and would like to hear your advice on transitioning your wardrobe after college to the working world. I feel like I'm buying nice tops and bottoms but missing those classic pieces that pull outfits together. Thank you!
I love this outfit ! You are a true inspiration *.*
http://www.basic-ish.com
so chic!
Jill
Jill D Blog
Hi Jean,
Have you noticed any fading from your black jbrand jeans? I've owned other jbrand jegging-like pants in the past, but the black color always fades into a dark blue color. Hoping that the alana / maria is different. Thanks in advance!
Hi Jean, I'm Haritha from SF, would like to tell you why I love your postings. I really like the way you present simple combinations of pieces that every girl can effort to, a middle class girl like me can follow your blogs and convert my wardrobe versatile for my daily needs. l also follow other bloggers but few bloggers (like Wendy’s lookbook, I love her youtube videos for affordable outfit ideas) have reached to a point that they are only blogging outfits that are in the range of 100s of dollars now, which is very hard for me to find in my closet or even can’t even effort to buy them. This is the reason why I want to mention this to you, that your blogs are unique and at the same time affordable by a very large community of people.
You make the readers to thing creative by sharing your tips and tricks, for example, I have this Banana Republic shirt but I haven’t thought of wearing that as a Casual outfit until I read this (it’s my opinion, I know lot of them are creative already). Another example of your creativity is that you refer to the foot wear you used in the previous blog, which you also used for your wedding (with awesome DIY). Usually special occasion dresses and foot wear live in our closet for years but never comes out after that one special occasion, I really like the way you give great ideas to rethink about them. Another blog of your where you use a elastic band to tie your top and tuck it over a dress (floral dress, light pink oversized top), simply love it and even tried with my clothes.
I also like your youtube video of storing and punching holes’ for belts, I got both hole puncher and the round belt hanger, love both so much. Please do make youtube videos if your time permits, and my sincere request would be to not change your style of promoting affordable styling…love it.
You look absolutely gorgeous as always! I know what you mean about being a creature of habit. I'm the same way! I also got a cut similar to yours this summer (lots of layers), and I'm really loving it.
Kim
http://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/
I've been enjoying the Gucci soho bag too! I have mine in the color mauve, ans it's surprisingly easy to pair with different outfits!
Love your style!
Amadea
heyamadea.com
Love your outfit! What size do you wear in the BR shirt?
Hi Jean. Another great post! Question..on your previous post you stated the BR button shirt was a XXSP but when I go to BR site there is no petite option. I wanted to make sure you indeed have the petite and maybe BR no longer carries the petite. Thank you!
Love the stripe top with the black jeans!
Jabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
You make that bag look so chic! I've always been iffy about the Soho but a few of my other friends who own it state that it's actually one of their go to bags, for the amount that it fits and the ease of carrying it. I adore the color you picked. . .I may have to actually make the plunge.
michenn
michenn OOTW: Free People
Hey Jean, I was wondering if you had a recommendation for a cute travel sandal. I'm looking for one that is comfortable enough to wear all day walking/sightseeing but still looks good. Any suggestions?
This comment has been removed by the author.
I can totally see this outfit on a casual Sunday day 🙂
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
So jealous of your new Gucci bag! You picked the perfect color–it will pair with everything!
Also I agree with your hair stylist–those pieces framing your face look great!
Lifestyle by Joules
I love your blog, but have you considered promoting more ethically made clothing? Nisolo is my new favorite, ethically made shoes & accessories.
Link to site and $25 off coupon here
You are so stylish! love your look!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Re-working basics always makes for great looks!! You can never go wrong with that 🙂
http://www.maggiealamode.com
You're so cute! You styled this look so perfectly. I've always wanted a pair of JBrand jeans after I read about them quite a lot on your blog, but they're so expensive. They sound like a good investment piece though!
xx, Diane || http://www.dizined.com
Gorgeous outfit! Sophie x
sophiehmstewart.com
I love the vertical stripes! I need something like that to elongate my petite figure!
Polly
http://gemsandjoy.com
Love this wonderful effortlessy look with the striped shirt!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Love this casual look Jean! I've been looking for a pair of black high waisted jeans for the longest time but at a lower price point. Hopefully the J Brands will go on sale.
Uyen
https://wenandwear.com/
Casual style for summer, sweet.
http://www.fairyin.dk/gallakjoler
Your hair looks great, Jean! And I love the chunky heel. x
Jen | affecionada
Such a cute and simple look Jean, I have this shirt and I love it, it's fitted but loose at the same time. Have a great weekend!
XO,
Maria
MariaOnPoint http://mariaonpoint.com/ | Find me on IG https://www.instagram.com/mariajabad/
Love this look on you and really considering a pair of JBrand jeans. I've never owned a pair. Lastly, I have that Mar y sol straw pom pom tote too! I got it on sale from West Elm last year.
http://www.chichimade.com/blog