Any suggestions? I am in the same boat as Kelly - needing new ideas for going out in the evenings. I'd like to be able to throw on some basics from my closet, pair with a few interesting accessories and be ready to go. But yet... it never works out that way. Any go-to outfits that always work for dressing up with accessories? Or a "look" that always works for you?
FYI, I'm looking for an outfit to wear tomorrow night to a new bar/lounge opening. I don't want to be too trendy or wear any "going out" pieces that scream "going out." I'd prefer simple basics that I can dress up without looking like I tried too hard.
I keep a few plain black shirts from White House|Black Market in my closet for times like that. They are fairly basic, can be worn to anything and with anything and lend themselves to be accessorized.
these are my go to outfits when i want to the "simple/chic/not trying too hard" look:
-jeans tucked into great boots with a simple cashmere sweater and chunky necklace; or -a wrap dress, tights (but sometimes i go without tights), and boots.
carry a great clutch with either outfit. not super original, but hope that helps a bit.
My go to outfit in winter is a great pair of dark wash jeans, some boots with a heel and a black wrap sweater with a color cami under. Not anything too exciting, but it's comfortable and I feel attractive in it. I like to amp it up with some fun jewelry, like long necklaces or a fun ring.
I like the winter ideas but unfortunately it's freaking 90 degrees here today! I know all you cold state ladies are sick of winter but I'd like just a couple days of it before summer gets here.
I guess I'll stick with jeans and a black wrap shirt from Anthro. It's not too exciting but maybe with some fun shoes, a bright colored clutch, and jewelry, I can spice it up a bit.
I would love some warm days! Chicago is a mess today (cold and rainy.)
In summer I like to pair my jeans with cute flats (I have a gold pair and a red pair that I love) and a soft but structured top. I have this BCBG brown top that's sheer (I wear a cami under of course) and has a contrasting ribbon tie. I feel cool and comfortable yet pulled together when I wear it. The ribbon tie gives me enough shape to feel sexy yet not trying too hard to be. Maybe you could belt a top that you already own to switch it up a little? The hourglass shape always makes me feel attractive but not overdone.
How about breaking out of your mold and wearing a dress (doesn't have to scream Im going to a club, but something subtle? Sometimes overdressing a little can be a lot of fun! Casual it up with flats or boots or a jean jacket
How about breaking out of your mold and wearing a dress (doesn't have to scream Im going to a club, but something subtle? Sometimes overdressing a little can be a lot of fun! Casual it up with flats or boots or a jean jacket
-- Edited by sydney at 18:09, 2009-02-26
-- Edited by sydney at 18:09, 2009-02-26
I have this cute peacock blue dress from Anthro (a few girls on here bought it too) from awhile back that I was thinking about... But it's got very short sleeves and I'd like a little something on my arms, which kind of hides the cuteness of the dress - always my dilemma with this dress. But I might be able to work something out. I wish I had a cute purple/fuschia cardi or jacket b/c now all I can think about is that post on contrasting colors. *sigh* I could stand to go shopping soon.
Oh but I do have some awesome fake snakeskin purple peeptoe pumps that would be cool with the dress. I also have a teal green clutch. Can you mix teal and purple with blue without looking like a peacock?
Something like this:
(but more of a peacock blue) (these exact shoes - much cuter IRL and I constantly get compliments on them)
Totally depends on the place/occasion...for something cocktailish and conservative/workish, black slacks in a nice fabric (not basic work slacks) and an embellished camisole or satin tank with a black crewneck cardigan and killer heels. I will even stretch this basic uniform to something like a non-formal wedding by adding very dressy pieces and jewelry. (So, the Gucci slacks instead of the August Silk version, vintage choker, instead of silver pendant, etc.)
Or if it's cocktailish but not workish, I have a Laundry sexy snug jersey skirt with an asymmetrical, almost trumpet hem that hits just below the knee, which I'll wear with a much less sexy top - like a ladylike short-sleeved satin blouse, plus maybe leopard pumps or ankle-strap heels.
Or if it's very casual, JAACT (jeans and a cute top) - good dark jeans, heeled boots or peep-toes or silver wedges, and a cleavage-showing top, usually black, with bold necklace or lots of bangles.
I echo the fact that the right tops make all this possible, and they're hard to find.
I love the outfit you put together! I can't say for sure on the clutch without seeing it all irl, but if you want to play it safe go with a metallic clutch. And I LOVE the shoes... where for art they from??? I think I may need them in my life.
I love the outfit you put together! I can't say for sure on the clutch without seeing it all irl, but if you want to play it safe go with a metallic clutch. And I LOVE the shoes... where for art they from??? I think I may need them in my life.
You should totally get them then. They're from Target. They're $30ish I think. I bought them last November when I freakishly forgot to consider shoes for the rehearsal dinner when I was the MOH. I had the perfect dress and didn't worry about anything else, what with the wedding and the 10! BMs I was organizing, but on the day of I suddenly realized I didn't have any appropriate shoes for the dress. I went to Target intending to buy some cheap, black heels and wear them for the night before tossing them (most likely) in the near future but aha! there were these amazing purple shoes that would look awesome with my tan, gray, and black dress and black tights.
I got them and I've received so many compliments on them since then. I wear them about once a week and they're super comfy.
I'd wear a tight black turtleneck under the dress with black tights and the purple shoes. And some big ol' earrings.
i think this sounds cute. the outfit you decribed is really cute but, like FP, i am not sure about the clutch. also, since you are going for an effortless look, i'd go with either your outfit or this one above with a black or metallic clutch. btw i also love those shoes - are they in target stores this season as well?
eta - just remembered you said it's 90 degrees there so nevermind about the turtleneck outfit - though it's a good way to make it work in winter months!