The Style Sheet: Bringing Up Basics

Many of us spend our fashion dollars curating a wardrobe filled with stylish basics.  But, over time, basics start to feel a little boring.  The Style Sheet covers how to add new pieces to your wardrobe that will take a tried-and-true favorite and transform it into something new.

Every woman I know owns a white button-up shirt and a black crewneck sweater.  Of course these simple pieces can be styled into a chic outfit, but switching up the pieces and adding accessories can give you something brand new.

Swap in a Printed Blouse. To get more mileage out of your black crewneck, trade the white blouse for a printed one.  This Rails Kate blouse has a black and grey color palette that blends in well with the black sweater.  Keeping the print in the same color family allows you to wear a cheeky print in a work-appropriate way.

Need a less expensive blouse?  This Forever21 top has a subtle, black and white leopard print.  I also love this large dotted print from Finley.  For something sleeveless, this DvF floral high-neck blouse is wonderful.  Plus-size? Try this dotted top from Forever21.

Add a Statement Necklace. Wearing a dramatic necklace under your collar adds sparkle and texture to your outfit.  This Lizzie Fortunato necklace gives you a lot of shimmer with a feminine bow.  Prefer something simpler?  This BP. metallic collar necklace can be worn with anything.  Other good choices include this starburst collar necklace and this necklace with large black stones.

Wear Color on the Bottom. Don’t be afraid to wear color in new ways.  If you haven’t tried a pair of colored pants or a colored pencil skirt yet, do.  These J.Crew matte crepe pants would add a whole new dimension to a simple outfit.  I also like these Tahari cobalt pants.  Plus-size?  These Alfani pants come in a whole host of colors.

Prefer skirts?  This purple Express pencil skirt could be worn in any season.  This emerald-green Worthington skirt is a real find.

Still looking for other ideas…

Try a Different Sweater. Instead of a classic, white button-up, try a printed sweatshirt or sweater.  A graphic sweatshirt gives you a more casual look.  Or go bold with an animal-print sweatshirt.

Add a Spray of Brooches. We’ve already covered how to wear brooches to spice up an outfit.  Putting together a group of small brooches on one shoulder can make your simple sweater seem like something totally new.  I like this simple, rustic star brooch set.  Prefer a single large brooch?  This bird brooch is fabulous.

Bring in a Pair of Printed Pants. If you’re already a fan of colored pants, try a cool print.  These Jack Wills blue jacquard pants are fantastic.  Talbot’s also has a fun dot print.   Or for something really avant garde, Boden always has crazy prints that walk the line of good taste (and occasionally cross it).

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