I’ve shared before that I try to “dress-up” most days because it greatly effects my mood and motivation. From what others have shared it seems the biggest reasons people resort to athletic or casual-wear rather than dressing up are that they either don’t know what to wear or they want to be comfortable. I am all about comfort so I never wear anything that I am uncomfortable in, either physically or mentally. I think once you experiment a little and find pieces that you feel great in dressing up can be so easy and comfortable too.
If you are wanting to keep things simple but still elevate your everyday look I think the easiest place to start is a classic t-shirt and jeans outfit. It is so easy to “dress-up” a simple t-shirt so let me show you three ways to elevate a a classic tee and jeans.
Start with your best fitting jeans, simple t-shirt and casual flats. I know some people hate wearing jeans but if you find a pair that is comfortable and fits you well it will make a HUGE difference. I’m wearing a pair from J.Crew Factory. They are my current favorite and I personally think my most flattering. They are a stiffer denim that doesn’t stretch too much throughout the day but without being too rigid. I like the casual medium wash and the raw hem allowing them to be a bit more casual.
Lady Jacket
The first option is what I call my “uniform” as I wear some variation of this almost everyday. I love adding lady jackets or a structured sweater jacket. They are such an easy way to look a bit more put together and can be dressed up or down. Whether its a tweed version or a knit jacket they are such a classic and timeless look. I love that they can be paired with classic flats and sometimes even a simple white sneaker.
A few of my favorite places to find similar styles are Boden, JCrew, and Ann Taylor. I have a round up of my current favorites here.
Add A Scarf
As I child I often saw my mom wear silk scarves with a cardigan set or dress to church and I always loved how it looked. I think that is where my loves of silk scarves came from. I think of scarves as another timeless accessory and I think they can add so much to an outfit.
Whether you go for a small neckerchief (as worn here and here) or a larger silk scarf, a t-shirt and jeans can easily be transformed to a more put together look.
When adding a scarf, there are so many options for how to style it. On the left below is another way to wear a medium square scarf (standard size is usually about 34″) or you can go for a larger square scarf and wear it as more of a wrap. You can shop a current round up of scarves here.
Sweater Drape
I don’t wear this style as often but I LOVE the look of a sweater draped over shoulders. It can be very practical as well. As someone who always runs a little cold, or can never decide how to dress for the weather, having a sweater over the shoulders is a great option. This look always works well dressed up with fun flats or heels but it can also be great for a more casual look. You can swap out the flats for classic sneakers and even wear a baseball cap making it a bit sporty.
Bulkier sweaters can be a bit harder to drape or tie so I usually opt for a light to mid-weight sweater. The one pictured here is from Kait & Crowne but I also love draping all of my Alice Walk Sweaters as well! Find a few of my favorites here.
Dressing up does not have to be complicated or fussy! All three of these styles are simple, comfortable and easy ways to elevate an everyday look. Which of the above is your favorite?
Living Taylored 