Four Ways: A Chain-Print Blouse

Banana Republic is having a Friends & Family Sale.  50% off regular-priced items with code BRFAMILY, also free shipping on items over $100 with code BRSHIP.  So today’s styling post will include several items from Banana Republic, so you can take best advantage of the sale.  Let’s play!

Blouse. Dillon Classic Fit Shirt

This chain-print blouse is a nice mix of preppy and vintage.  It mixes a bit of Gucci, with a dash of Ralph Lauren, and a hint of Saturday Night Fever.  It’s different without being overly bold.

Not feeling the chains?  If you want subtle, try a small dot print.  If you want bold, try leopard.

One. Halogen Knit Pencil // Brooks Brothers Point Heels // Gold Chain Earrings // Natori Fishnet Tights 

For this outfit, I wanted a simple three-piece outfit.  The kind of thing that you throw on on a Monday when you don’t want to think about your outfit.  I matched the skirt with the heels for a clean two-out-of-three-rule look.  If these pumps are a bit pricey for you, ASOS has a wonderful pair for less.

During the fall, it’s tough to know what to wear on your legs.  Many of us either can’t go bare-legged or simply aren’t comfortable doing so.  If sheer nylons aren’t for you, a micro-weave fishnet smooths out the look of your legs with a hint of sultriness.   These Natori fishnets are a nice option.  Plus-size?  Hanes has a pair of fishnets in their curves line.

Two. BR Chunky Crewneck Sweater // Rachel Parcell Ivory Pant // BR Block Heel Ankle Boot // Catharine Malandrino Disc Earrings

This is my favorite outfit in the group.  It’s clean and elegant with a palette of pale neutrals that is sure to please.  And this Banana Republic sweater, oh my.  I adore the chunky weave — it’s impactful, but not heavy.  It’s the kind of sweater that you’ll be glad you bought when you’re getting compliments on it two winters from now.

Plus-size? This Rachel Roy sweater has a different texture, but an impactful one.  The BR sweater also comes in petite.  For tall ladies, try this ribbed chenille sweater from Land’s End.

These Rachel Parcell pants give you a lovely wide-leg look.  I like a heel with a wider leg pant, so I chose these BR dark tan boots.  I bought these a few weeks ago, and they’re my best fall purchase so far.  The first time I wore them, I had to do a bit of walking unexpectedly, and didn’t have a single pain or blister.  Comfortable out of the box isn’t something you see often.

Three. J.Crew Always Long Cardigan // AG Farrah Ankle Jeans // Gorjana Taner Mini Hoops // Rothy’s Navy Points

With a neutral blouse like this, any color you add will pop, so I chose a verdant cardigan.  The relaxed v-neck cardigan chills out the look a bit, and keeps the prep from being stodgy.  This olive cardigan from AE is also a nice choice.

Yes, these navy Rothy’s were in the Four Ways last week.  But I’m loving the blue-on-blue look so much, I went for a repeat.

As for the denim, just wear whichever one you love best.  For me, that’s a high rise AG Farrah.  It’s my go-to jean at all times.

Lastly, I chose a teeny mini-hoop earring.  Want a stunning deal?  Check out these $10 mini-hexagon hoops from LOFT outlet.  Not into hoops?  These mini-studs from Gorjana are lovely.

Four. Madewell Relaxed V-Neck Dress // KJL Satin Gold Cuff // Tom Ford Tortoise Sunglasses // Edelman Red Sally Flat

I really wanted to layer this shirt under a dress, but it felt odd and a little bit immature under a sheath dress.  But under a looser-fitting sweater dress, it felt classic and easy.  This Madewell dress has a relaxed shape that will prevent the blouse from messing with the drape of the dress.  But if you’re worried about keeping everything smooth and orderly, wear shapewear.

Banana Republic has a similar sweater dress that’s a bit longer, in case the Madewell isn’t long enough for you.  Plus?  Try this White Mark dress.

I wanted to lighten the look by pushing up the sleeves, so that gave me room to show off a big cuff.  This Kenneth Jay Lane cuff has a fantastic movement to it.   If you’re looking for something under-$50, this BCBG crinkle cuff and Panacea cuff both do the trick.

Adding the red flat gives it a bit of pop.  I also think it relaxes the look a bit more.   And who doesn’t love a red flat (especially for under-$100)?

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