Two Ways: Oxfords and Denim

Shirt: J.Crew boy shirt end-on-end ($78)

From Left, Necklace: J.Crew Factory Navy Stone Necklace ($49) Ring: Liquid Luxury Ring ($28) Bag: Steve Madden Bbarlow Tote ($108) Shoes:  Aldo Nydellan ($65) Sweater: Rib Cashmere Sweater ($113) Jeans: J.Crew Stretch Bootcut Jean ($115)

From Right, Bracelet: Bonnie Jones Bangle ($22) Watch: Fossil Boyfriend Watch ($105) Bag: Studded Pebble Satchel ($70) Shoes: Halogen Kayla Flat ($80) Scarf: Spaced Scroll Scarf ($35) Jeans: J.Crew Matchstick Jean ($99)

Since I’ll be focusing on professional attire in tomorrow’s work Wednesday post, I wanted to show a few denim outfits today.  Because whether for casual time or casual Friday, I love a good pair of jeans.

For Casual Friday.  I wear white denim year round, dressing it differently for the seasons.  My favorite white jeans are the Paige Skyline bootcut jeans.  They also come in a skinny style as well.  Looking for affordable white denim?  Try these  LOFT curvy bootcut jeans (petite and tall) or these NYDJ jeans.

Since it’s allegedly spring (ignore the snow on the ground), I chose to pair this one with one of the season’s hottest colors: chartreuse.  The white denim and blue oxford shirt provide the perfect foundation for such a bright sweater.  If you’re in the market for a less-expensive top, try this v-neck pullover from Banana Republic.

The accessories add texture, sparkle and style to the outfit without clashing with the bright sweater.  The necklace is a navy blue, collar style that should be worn under the oxford’s collar, over the sweater.  The ring is an affordable piece with some serious grit to it, I love the spiky look.  It also comes in silver, if you’re not a gold person.

For the shoes and bag, I chose shades of brown, but you could easily do grey.  I love the metal accents on these “nude” flats, but if you’re not a fan, try the BP Moveover flat in the same color.  The bag is also a really great buy for the price, it reminds me of the much pricier Minkoff Cupid bag.

For the hair, I would wear it up.  I’d curl it and then pin it into a loose, low updo.  For the makeup, I would do something neutral on the cheeks and eyes, but add lots of mascara and a pop of color on the lips, probably a berry or rose shade.

For the Airplane.  I adore the look of black denim with a French blue oxford or chambray shirt.  It’s subtle and neutral, but totally chic.

If you’re shopping for black denim, remember that it often runs smaller than blue or white denim.  I am a comfortable 28 in Paige jeans, but if I buy black, I’m a 29, at least.  So if you’re shopping for black either size up or grab a couple of sizes to try.  Need an inexpensive pair of black denim jeans?   Try the Gap Curvy Bootcut jean.

To balance out the look and another layer, I chose this blue, printed scarf.  I like how the mix of blues adds more depth to the look.  If you’d like to keep to a single hue, try this J.Crew Bandana Print scarf.

For the shoes, I chose a simple d’Orsay flat.  These Halogen shoes are fairly inexpensive and a great way to indulge in a trend.  If you think you’ll wear them often, you may want to consider the slightly more expensive flats from Dolce Vita flats with an ankle strap.

The bag I chose is an inexpensive slouchy satchel from Express.  It has a bit of studded detail on the handle, but not too much.  To complement it, I chose silver jewelry.  I like the look of a simple watch (this Fossil one has great style) with a stack of bangles.  You could also wear a single medium-width cuff, like this cool, textured one from Rebecca Minkoff.

For the hair, I might wear it in a ponytail if I had an early flight.  On a later flight, I would probably wear it down.  For the makeup, a moisturizing BB or CC cream to keep my skin from drying out on the flight and a tinted balm, like Fresh Sugar Plum.