New Ways To Style What You Have

Liven Up Core Pieces By Adding Some Fun

In the past month, I’ve written about sustainability, shopping The Real Real, rules for shopping, and building a functional wardrobe. Now it’s time to put all these theories to the test, consider how they support one another, and add up to an easy to adopt philosophy which, I believe, can enhance our lives and improve our style. 

When done with intention, shopping and sustainability don’t have to be at odds.  Adding new pieces can increase options and add life to what we already have. Buying higher quality clothes and accessories will encourage us to keep and build upon them. When we do need to cull some things, they can be resold or donated. Good pieces will find new homes as opposed to cheap pieces that most often end up in landfills in poor countries. 

I’m not saying you should have a spartan wardrobe. Especially, if like me, you love style and dressing. I advocate for every piece to have meaning and pull its weight in your wardrobe. I also believe items can lie dormant for a year or two. Carefully store them away and when the time is right put them back in rotation. I’m doing this with some great skirts I have by buying a new pair of boots. I can now style my neglected skirts a new way, adding variety to my wardrobe. (Waiting for the boots ordered online, If all goes well I’ll do a styling story on this for paid subscribers).

There is also the holiday season looming ahead. It’s fun to dress up for gatherings in something festive that’s not in your everyday lineup. Though now even parties are less formal. By strategically adding a party piece or fun accessory, you can build an outfit that honors the spirit without looking overdressed.

The addition of a lace trimmed silk camisole in a striking color expands possibilities when paired with your core pieces. Above, this festive red camisole makes your everyday cardigan sexy. I’ve raided some past recs to prove the point that adding to what you already have is easy when items are bought with intention. Color is one key consideration. For that reason, I like to have my core wardrobe pieces in easy to work with neutrals like midnight blue, black and gray. Color can then be added with the fun pieces. The gray trouser, another staple you may already have, paired with blood red kitten heels melds with the top half of the outfit. Now to show what an absolute pro you are, add opera length, red leather gloves. Scrunch up your cardigan sleeves for the gloves and then steadfastly keep them on all night! To top it all off you need a shoulder grazing party earring. While building out your wardrobe don’t forget the importance of great accessories. Collect them for the long term and you’ll have the tools to make a good outfit great.

Perhaps you have already invested in a well tailored suit for work. Add a black lace trimmed silk camisole in a pretty color, pair it with heels and, you guessed it, a party earring. A sleek little evening bag eliminates all vestiges of the office. The bag shown here happens to be a real winner. It’s sleek, in a great color and the chain shoulder strap looks good and comes in handy, leaving hands free.

Liven up an all black outfit with the camisole over a featherweight black turtleneck. This blush color with black lace works well as does the ivory and black. Pair them with black trousers. You could also lose the turtleneck and wear them under a black silk shirt unbuttoned to the waist. Don’t forget a sleek black belt.

Add sexiness and color to your core wardrobe work horses with a silk shirt.  I’m always on the lookout for a great silk shirt. They integrate so well with what you have, pairing with everything from jeans to skirts. I insist on silk. Nothing looks or feels as good, and silk also has the ability to hold color brilliantly. I love the working buttons and loops of the above shirt. Pair it with your gray flannel trousers or a gray skirt. I’m obsessed with this concept of matching the tights to the shoes. I’m seeing it in red or burgundy but as yet don’t have the shoes. These Saint Laurent shoes that I continually recommend are for inspiration. They’re pricey, and if you can splurge great. I have other priorities, but tried them on for fun. Luckily, they were too narrow for my foot so I don’t even have to pine for them. The thought is to use them as inspiration for the burgundy shoes on my list. Add a silk scarf to the neck, a gold hoop and a classic black coat. I’ve recommended this coat three times now, it’s a great coat to own and I love the contrast of black over the gray and burgundy. 

Here, three more silk blouse options, red, printed and burgundy.

The most important takeaway here is to buy the highest quality core wardrobe pieces you can find. That doesn’t always mean the most expensive. Lately, I’m shocked by what some designer brands are selling in terms of synthetic blend fabrics on their collections. I know I sound like a broken record on this, but when noble fabrics are used, (this is a real term for natural fiber fabrics) you can see and feel the difference. When you dress them up with silks they rise to the occasion and the effect is that of total luxury. Don’t we all deserve that?

Thank you friends for reading and supporting my work with your paid subscription. I’m always interested in your thoughts and style conundrums. Message me or leave a comment and spread the word for What Looks Good!

xxx Jolain