This outfit started, like most of mine do, with a striped tee and skinny jeans:
It’s fine as-is, just…boring. Here’s the process I went through to end up with an outfit I truly loved:
Step One – Make Stripes Less Preppy
Preppy isn’t really my style, so the first thing I wanted to do was toughen up the stripes a bit. Combat boots and distressed denim work every time.
Better, right? And by “better” I mean that it’s starting to look more like me.
Step 2 – Add Bedroom Eyes
I see stripes and I immediately think, ‘black eyeliner’ (maybe that’s just me).
Step 3 – Warm It Up, Balance Out The Black
It’s winter, so a single tee doesn’t work for me. Besides, the boots are visually heavy in contrast to the 3/4 length sleeve so the outfit could stand another dark element for balance. BLACK TURTLENECK is almost always the answer in the winter.
See? Balanced, yet edgy and cool. I’d wear it out like this, but adding in some finishing details are always fun.
Step 4 – Accessorize
A simple, architectural choker adds some punch without being too much. Use a quirky cross-body bag as a wallet (I still carry my bigger bag if I need it, but the smaller one holds my phone, sunnies, and credit cards for easy access).
wearing:
turtleneck: J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck Tee (wearing a size S for reference)
striped shirt: St. James Galathee Navy & White Striped Shirt (wearing a M for reference)
skinnies: old Rag and Bone….these Hudson Shelby Moto Jeans are similar (and on super sale), but you’ll never go wrong with a pair of slashed-knee Rag and Bones (Also at Nordstrom). OR HEY JCREW…I’d wear these new JCrew jeans in a heartbeat.
boots: Ugg Combat Boots (50% off at 6pm!)…or a few additional sizes available on Ugg.com (also on sale)
necklace: J.Crew Shaped Choker
bag: Kate Spade New York Fancy Footwork bag (also on Ebay, but be sure you’re not buying the coin purse…also, the new iPhone does NOT fit into this bag. BOOO.)
As part of this whole back-to-basics approach, I’m in the process of redoing The Mom Edit Shops. I rounded up all of the best tshirts, the coolest jeans, and comfortable (yet chic) footwear. Any other categories you’d like to see? (I’m currently working on everyday accessories like oversized scarves, kid-friendly necklaces, and outfit-making belts so stay tuned. Also, Holiday Central is still around, just hidden under the Shop tab. I’ll probably keep it up through Valentine’s Day.)
xo,
S
This is brilliant-love the end result.
I love stripes but often struggle with the preppy look, so this is perfect for giving me ideas on how to turn stripes into something I’d love to wear!
Thanks!
You rock my world!!!!
OMG- SERIOUSLY?!?!??! This is a dream come true! Love the post! Love the outfit. Love The Mom Edit Shops. And ADORE YOU! You are a rock star. A style-genius-edgy-chic-awesome-fantabulous rock star! LOVE!!!!
Um – changed out of my work clothes and straight into this for school pickup. You are awesome! I can’t wait for more 2015 styling/finishing lessons!
Can we talk about your hair? Love the cut! Love the color! Love the style!
I’ve never thought of wearing a turtleneck under a striped tee! Duh! That’s brilliant!
Loved the look with those boots. And your hair is looking fabulous!
THIS is why I come to your site. More more more.
I just bought those boots in brown. Couldn’t pass them up at that price! Do you think the outfit would still work with brown boots? What would you suggest to “balance” the brown boots instead of the black turtle neck?
What about navy or dark grey?
So are you referring to the i phone 6 or 6 plus????
Love this look! I cannot pass up a stripey t, and always need more ways to style it (besides just the sheer awesomeness of a stripey t with good jeans). MORE STRIPEY T STYLING!
Oh, thank you! I can recreate most of that with what I already have. Could you please tell me what lipstick you are wearing?
This is PERFECT! I love love seeing and reading the step by step! It totally helps me envision how to do it for myself!
Silver lining to the whole cancer baldness bullshit – your hair is awesome now. Keep it this length!
I really like how this came together! This was a helpful lesson in how layering clothes, accessories, shoes, and makeup can really make an outfit. Thanks! Also, I just wanted to say your hair looks super cute! I really like the cut and your color/highlights.
This post is so fun to read! I was hooked instantly with the combat boots!
You just keep inspiring me as a fellow blogger Shana. Thank you. I have such admiration for you;D
Ann of Kremb de la Kremb
You take a striped t & turn it into magic. I totally dig it.
Agree — great post! So inspiring, I love this approach.
could you share what black eyeliner you are using!
TIA
My wardrobe might be 100% striped shirts if I let it be, so this is UBER helpful.
This is fab!! I really love and appreciate how you showed the process of starting with a beloved piece or idea (striped shirt, skinny jeans) but just when I would stop there in my style rut you show how to elevate it! Love it and SO helpful!! Can you do this every week? I think we all have our “Go-tos” but totally get stuck knowing how to style them. Personalizing is so key! Thanks!
Probably everybody else just said the same thing, but…I really enjoyed watching you build the outfit step-by-step. A few “missteps” along the way, and their corrections, make it even more interesting! This will be a delightful series.
This has become my style bible! Question though: do you have guidelines for sizing when buying online? I always buy the wrong size! I try to stick to places w free shipping but that can be hard. Help!!!
Thanks for this! trying to “finish/polish” my outfits I got completely stuck. I loved the idea of layering underneath to add dimension and finish. Yesterday I was inspired so I layered my old buffalo plaid flannel under a gray sweatshirt with a funky necklace. Felt totally cute!
Love how this outfit looks! As a chesty gal, turtlenecks really aren’t my bag. I’d love to see how you’d layer up someone with a body type more like your friend Sarah. Thanks!
I would love to see a roundup/shop of everyday pieces that can be tumble dried on low. I love drapey designer tees as much as the next girl, but I already have a large collection of dresses, skirts, and jeans that need to be hang or (worse) laid flat to dry… I’m running out of space for all of these delicate-care laundry items. This year I really want to buy more practical pieces… stuff that can be hang-dried at the very least, preferably machine dried sturdy cottons or even polyester with a decent handfeel.
If you have a guide for how to cheat care labels, I’m all for that too. But I’m afraid to put dry-clean or hand-wash items into the dryer for fear that they’ll shrink…
Very very helpful, thank you. I’m a lurker and often don’t comment. Love you