Outfit Re-Do: Bright Colors and Prints

Two weeks ago, I posted a daily outfit from Cupcakes & Cashmere that Emily wore in 2015.  I took the basic concept, updated it a bit for 2021, and made it more professional.  The reader comments on that post got me thinking that this might be a great new feature.  We all have outfits from years past that we loved, but just don’t feel current.  So let’s spruce them up, shall we?

This outfit from Seersucker + Saddles has a lot going on.  A dotted skirt, pattern-mixed with a clutch.  A dramatic chambray bow blouse.  A bright blazer.  Chunky bangles layered on her wrists.  And a lace up sandal-boot combination that feels very mid-2010s.

To update it, we have to decide what we’re going to keep and what we’re going to lose.  For me, the shoes should go — bye, Felicia.  The bracelets should be more subtle.  The dots feel a bit dated as well, but they might just need to be more subtle.  I like the pop of yellow.  So let’s start rehabbing the outfit.

There were several ways I could have taken this look.  So I decided to make two looks.  Both professional, one more staid, one a bit bolder.

Left // Veronica Beard Blazer // J.Crew Camisole // Ann Taylor Trouser Pant // Sarah Flint Flats // Wolf & Badger Croissant Hoops // DKNY Top Handle Bag // Chopard Scarf

The first outfit takes the yellow blazer and updates it in a deeper saffron color.  It’s a great blazer for any season.  But you might prefer something brighter like this L’Academie Blazer or this BCBGeneration blazer.  Plus-size?  Try Kasper.

I used a chambray tank to give you that great denim blue and some texture.  If you want something more substantial, try this linen blouse or this Frame short sleeve blouse.

The whimsy is what really makes the first outfit unique, so I brought in a bit of that with the earrings and the scarf.  I would tie the scarf around the handle of my bag to create a moment for a fun print.  If you wanted to tie it around your neck, in your hair or your wrist, that’s in play too.

Add a simple flat, and you are good to go.  If you need an option for wide feet, try this Vionic kitten heel.

For styling, a red lipstick with yellow always looks awesome.  I would also keep the hairstyle simple and natural.

Right // MM LaFleur Adelaide Dress // MM LaFleur Woolf Jardigan // Aldo Cehova Bag // Marc Fisher Pump // Madewell Bracelet Stack // Chopard Scarf

This outfit is a little more staid.  It mixes the blues from the first outfit but has only a pop of yellow.  The dress is the fantastic Adelaide dress from MM LaFleur and the jacket is the Woolf Jardigan (Jacket + Cardigan).  If the Woolf is a bit long for you, the Sant Ambroeus Jardigan is also a nice option.

Looking for a different style of dress?  It was tough to find this color, but I did locate a dress from Cacharel.  And MM Lafleur has another style in the same surf color.

Finishing this outfit off with the yellow bag with the scarf tied around the handle gives you a a pop of color and a bit of print.  It also allows you to wear this outfit to a very conservative office while maintaining a little bit of fun.  That’s why I chose a yellow bag instead of a shoe.

Lastly, I finished it with a delicate stack of chain bracelets.  That feels more on trend than the chunky stack in the inspiration photo.  But if you want something more substantial, I’d go with this Missoma bracelet with sculptural links.  It’s more modern and more impactful style.

For the hair and makeup, I would wear my hair up to accentuate the twisted neckline.  And I would keep the makeup fairly staid, but maybe add a red wash on my lips.

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