a couple weeks ago, i realized that i didn’t have a classic white button front shirt. i kinda don’t know how i went for so long without one in my wardrobe, though i have a sneaking suspicion that it’s leftover from the days when i had a job that required me to wear light colored dress shirts and slacks everyday. i guess i just found myself averse to the idea of business attire. it’s funny how a uniform can affect the way you dress when you’re off work. the same thing happened when i worked as a cake decorator in a bakery… i would spend all of my time in beat up jeans and t-shirts, so when i got off work, i would immediately run to the closet to throw on a fancy dress. and you know what? now that i think of it, i don’t have a good basic t-shirt in my wardrobe either! perhaps it’s time to stock up on some more basics…
top: gap
sweater: anthropologie
jeans: j brand maria
shoes: swedish hasbeens braided sky high
coat: asos
bag: j.w. hulme mini legacy bag
sunglasses: tom ford nikita
34 comments
That happened to me last year… I realized my entire closet was statement pieces and I didn’t own a pair of black pants, or a plain black skirt, or a white oxford. I filled in some basics but still feel like I have some holes in my wardrobe where staples should be! I love the cropped length of the sweater over the longer oxford!
you sure do know how to work the basics girl! :) this is a great look.
I love the look of a classic button down, but I have always had an issue finding one that fits well since I’m an hourglass. I have a black one from the Gap that I found at Goodwill that is almost perfect. It even has French cuffs. I should check out the current selection at Gap for a white one.
i have the same problem! i’m still hunting for the perfect white oxford shirt. this one from the gap is ok, but it’s not nearly as fitted in the waist as i would like. but it does fit my bust well enough! i’m going to check out brooks brothers.
I have to wear black for work, and for years I refused to even look at anything black for outside of work! Lately I’ve come to terms with a little bit of basic black on the weekends is ok! Especially to calm down all of the bright colors and patterns that I now have overrunning my closet! Love this outfit!
I love a coat with an open toed shoe! Lovely,
Marie
I guess we are more picky when looking for those timeless classics that should last us seasons of stylishness :) I don’t have a perfect white shirt either!
I love, love the sunglasses on you, especially with your hair. I just got a plain button-up shirt from Uniqlo and it’s great to have around. I’m still looking for a simple pair of dark jeans..
Love the shoes & shades!!!
i’ve been an unemployed blogger for what seems like forever now, so i completely understand what you mean and whenever i have the chance to go out anywhere (and i mean ANYWHERE) i tend to overdress and get all fancy just because i can! hopefully soon i’ll have a place of work where i can dress up for real. ha.
oh. and my ongoing search for the perfect white tee, black pants and trench coat may just kill me one of these days … ;)
great outfit!xoxo
Those navy shoes are killer – love them!!
XO
Lenore
Didn’t you have one you were wearing last summer? I seem to remember some outfit. But anyway, I never have any basics. It’s so boring to spend money on basics, even if it makes your life easier ultimately. I don’t even have any black shoes at the moment. ; D
oh wow, i was racking my brain half the day trying to think of the top you were talking about and i finally remembered! i found a beautiful cream-colored silk top at a thrift shop last year and completely forgot about it, haha!
A great look, I especially love those cats eye sunglasses
I LOVE those shoes! I totally want them now. They so go with everything, especially those killer pants!
I actually found myself in the same predicament about a month ago, and purchased a crisp white button-up. I have yet to wear it, but I’m looking forward to the casual appeal!
Oh gosh, I’m really terrible about buying basics. I never want to spend my money on anything simple, so I have a closet filled with pieces that are just a tad tricky to mix and match!
You look amazing here. I saw that sweater when I went to Anthropologie the other day and thought it might look nice with high-waisted skirts, but I love the way you’ve used it as a layering piece!
hasbeens ole!! i love them! they really look awesome with your classic outfit – awesome choice!!
I LOVE this outfit!! XOXO
Those jeans and those hasbeens are just the perfect combo! Seriously love this colour palette. x
I can’t live without white tops, I love them! In fact most of my tops are white button ups. =D
HOW on earth have I never thought to wear a cropped sweater with a button up white shirt…buttoned all the way up to the neck? This really is a great look!!
haha! hop to it, girl!
My closet is lacking basics too…black trousers, black skirt, and white/solid coloured button up blouse. I have way too many patterned things and not enough basics!
I love your outfit and the way you made your blouse look not overly businessy…if that makes sense. Also, I’m super jealous of your Swedish Hasbeens!
I had the same thing the other day too… Nothing with a collar really. Thankfully I bought a cheap (but good and cotton) white button up from work for $4 on clearance haha. While I hate standing there all day scanning stuff I at least occasionally figure out out what’s super cheap and/or good quality!
That coat is so wonderful!
xoxo
I have such a hard time finding a great white button down because my shoulders are so much narrower than my hips. So when I find one it is either too big in the shoulders/arms/chest or way to tight at the hips! I’m always on the hunt though.
Also, I cannot express in words how much I love this outfit. I really need a great crop sweater like that (and the coloured ones you have). Love your style as per usual.
mmmm, the dream we all share, having a wardrobe with EVERY necessity: basics, classics, statement pieces, cocktail dresses, dressing gowns, maribou-trimmed heels… okay I’m getting off track ;)
I love your cropped sweater and your sandals are darling!
perfect easy look!
I really like basics. On other people. I just can’t seem to make them work on me. There is nothing that I would like more than to be able to throw on a simple white shirt or white t-shirt with skinny jeans and walk out the door. But I just don’t feel comfortable in that basic outfit. Is it just a question of getting used to it?
You have made me realise that I don’t own a nice white button down either! It would definitely come in handy I think, so I’ll add it to my wishlist. Also, how awesome is that plant in the background of your pics!
great jacket!!!