Foundations: Layering Ideas for All

One of the most common questions I get is how to turn a basic outfit into something more stylish. Layering and accessories are the best answers. Foundations is a series that takes the same simple base — in this case a striped tee and jeans — and turns it into three different outfits. Let’s get started.

For all of these looks, we started with the same striped tee from Boden. This shirt is a fabulous and well-made basic, which is currently on sale. It comes in several colorways, runs up to size 20, and is a steal at $36. Need a size inclusive option? Try Universal Standard.

To that top, I added these wide legged, ankle length jeans from Spanx. I own these and they are incredibly stylish, offering the perfect amount of shaping. If you want the same look without the support, Kut from the Kloth has a great pair for under $100. For a pair that come in misses, petite, plus and tall, try these ones from Land’s End currently <$50.

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Look No. One // I envision this look with the sweater draped over the shoulders. The look is pulled together, chic and easy. It works for a casual office or for a lunch with friends.

The sweater is from Everlane, and it’s the perfect thing for a chilly commute. I love the chunkier knit, and the interplay between the wide stripes and the thinner ones. If you live in a place where it’s still cold at night, I recommend shopping the Everlane sale for a few spring sweaters that are also perfect for fall.

For the shoe, I wanted a color and fell hard for these affordable flats from J.Crew Factory. I added a simpler bag, a tote with a crossbody strap for a woman on the go. Cuyana makes such wonderful, well-made bags in the <$500 price point. And I chose these extremely popular Heaven Mayhem earrings in the mixed metal color way so they can pull together your other jewelry flawlessly.

For styling, if you wear your hair down, it’s more casual. If you wear it up, it looks more polished. For me, this is a second day hair worn in a low bun situation. And remember, when wearing neutrals always wear a little more blush so you don’t get washed out.

Look No. Two // Prefer an earthier, more refined look? Mixing shades of brown with black and white pieces never goes out of style. For this outfit, I wanted to keep everything neutral and use texture to create interest — so a woven bag, a sweater with a unique knitted accent, sandals with a rounded leather strap.

For the cardigan, I knew I wanted a lighter, oatmeal hue. I felt like that would blend better with the monochromatic pieces than a darker tan or yellowy beige. I chose this LL Bean cardi because of the Shaker stitch accents on the yoke and sleeves. I thought the contrasting stitching gave it a little something extra. The sweater comes in petite and plus.

If you want a trendy piece that you can still wear in years to come, a woven bag is the ticket. Dragon Diffusion is the brand on everyone’s lips, so I pulled their <$500 tote for this look. For about half the price, you can grab this Madewell tote.

For the other accessories, I picked these $40 sandals from J.Crew Factory. I like the tubular leather straps and the easy style. I also pulled in my favorite hoops from Monica Vinader; I wear them 3x per week.

As for the styling, I would wear my hair up with one of these flat clips that everyone loves so much. I chose a tortoise to bring that brown palette into the outfit again. I would also make sure to add a bit of bronzer to define features because of the neutral palette.

Look No. Three // Quilted denim jackets are everywhere this spring. I love the look because it’s an early-90s throwback done in a more modern way. Also, it takes an easy basic — a jean jacket — and helps you wear it in a look that feels on trend. This look from Me + Em is spendy, but gorgeous. For a more affordable option, Bloomingdale’s has a great option, as does Free People.

For the shoes, I chose these Cole Haan sneakers. I wanted something with a low profile, in all white, that felt dressier than a Veja or New Balance. My Mom owns these and she wears them to death every summer and then replaces every spring. She says they’re very comfortable and great for walking.

The bag comes to us from Clare V. This was the must-have It Girl bag last year, and everyone seems to be wearing it this year too. Quince has a dupe for <$90 if you prefer.

Lastly, I love these lip oils from Merit. They are glossy, but not slick or sticky. Paired with their lip liners, you get the perfect summer lip.

How do you like to wear your striped tees? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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