Details: Trench Coat (Splurge here, Steal here) // Grey Scoop Neck T-Shirt (Splurge here, Steal here) // Skinny Jeans (Splurge here, Steal here) // Pointed Toe Flats (Splurge here, Steal here) // Leather Drawstring Purse (Similar here) // Black & Rose Gold Watch (Splurge here, Steal here) // Mother of Pearl Ring (Splurge here, Steal here) // Pearl Earrings (Splurge here, Steal here)
Hello!
I hope you all enjoyed the weekend and were lucky enough to have nice weather! There was a threat of severe storms here in DC all weekend, but they never really showed up. Sometimes I wish I would have been a meteorologist — they get a paycheck even though they’re wrong 50% of the time!
Today’s post is all about casual classics — four items that every woman should have in her closet: the basic t-shirt, skinny jeans, a trench coat, and pointed-toe flats. When paired together you have a simple, polished, comfortable look that will never ever go out of style. Or use each item individually to help ground an otherwise dressy, edgy, or trendy look.
For the t-shirt, choose whatever style suits you — v-neck, scoop neck, crewneck, boatneck– they’re all versatile, comfortable, and classic. The fit should be loose, but not oversized. You want room to breathe, but you’re still going for a polished look. The color is also up to you, but I prefer to keep it to neutrals — white, black, grey, or navy. In fact, you really should have one in all four colors!
I know some of you are thinking, “skinny jeans, really?!” Yes! I promise you, there’s a cut and fabric out there that will make any woman, regardless of her age, shape, or size, look and feel fabulous. I’ve had my fair share of body hang-ups over the years, like all women, and I’ve managed to find a few brands of skinny jeans that I absolutely love. If you ask my husband, he’d confirm that about 5 years ago I wouldn’t have been caught dead in skinny jeans (all due to lack of confidence and my corresponding unwillingness to try them and find a brand and cut I like). Next time you’re out shopping for jeans, bring a few pairs into the fitting room with you, you may be pleasantly surprised.
And, the trench coat –one of the most versatile and classic pieces of all time. If you can only afford one of the four items outlined here, buy a trench coat. Again, the style will be dependent upon your personal style, lifestyle, and personality. I love the classic beige neutral, but don’t be afraid to branch out and get one in a color if it suits you! Blush is one of the hottest colors this season, and it looks gorgeous on a trench coat (see a few options below). Plus, it allows you to step slightly outside your comfort zone by getting a color other than beige, but it’s soft enough to still qualify as a neutral. Details are another important aspect of the trench. I tend to lean towards style and cuts that highlight my waist and create a feminine silhouette — so I chose one that’s nipped in at the waist with pleated detailing along the back. But there are endless possibilities — go for a true classic, which has a straighter shape, which you can choose to cinch in at the waist or wear open. Fabric is another factor to consider — you can go with the classic twill, which is thicker, structured, and will shield you from the elements. This type of coat is best if worn during the day, for a more professional look. Another option is silk, tencel, or other drapey fabric, which creates a more relaxed look and is wonderful worn alone as a dress, or as a light layer in the evening.
Finally, we come to the pointed-toe flats. I chose flats because this post is all about casual classics, but really the same rules apply when choosing heels. Nothing looks as chic, streamlined, and polished as a pointed toe! When I saw the shoes I wore for this post, I simply had to have them. I love animal print, and the print on these is subtle — almost like a dalmatian print that could just as easily pass as polka dots. And the simple black and white color makes it easy to wear them as a neutral, which you can often do with animal print items. When choosing your pair, think about your style and what colors you most frequently wear. You can’t really go wrong with black or nude – they go with absolutely everything. But don’t shy away from color either if that’s your thing — if you keep the rest of your outfit simple, a red, blue, or even yellow shoe will make your outfit pop, which you can see from my previous post here (in case you missed it)!
And a quick, final note on styling this look. Remember, style is all about balance. I love neutral colors, and classic silhouettes, but without something extra things can get boring. If you stick to neutral colors, pay attention to other details — this is why I chose the animal print shoes (though also in neutral colors), a trench with pleat details, and a colorful, but simple purse. On the flip side, if you go crazy with color, keep the rest of your look simple. If you purchase a red trench coat, stick to a classic cut. If you purchase a bright colored trench with ruffles and pleats, and add neon yellow shoes to the mix, the look starts to venture outside the classic category. Which is fine! … if that’s what you’re going for! But if you’re looking for a classic, polished look, you must learn the art of balance.
I’d love to hear what classics you have in your closet, and how you style them — send me a note, I’d love yo hear from you!
yours, Kristin
other options to make it your own
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