Here I am again with another #dressingroomselfies post, y’all. It’s like I enjoy torturing myself with bad lighting and small rooms or something, but…I do. I like it. Especially sans kiddo, I love trying on a bunch of pieces and sharing my thoughts about them. I know. I’m nuts. I think most of us over here on the TME team are. But in a good way.
This time Shana suggested I try styling one item 5 different ways and we went with a striped tee this time around. It was a good approach to shopping that you might try out sometime! It gets the creative juices flowing. So without further ado, here we go…
Look 1 – Striped Shirt + Khakis
I thought I’d start with a simple spring look. Khakis are big this spring and I loved the tone of this green pair. The fit was great and the washed fabric was so soft. These would be great with sandals later, but I’m liking them with the black ankle boots for now. I’d add my moto jacket while it’s still cool out. Wearing size 4 Regular, for reference. Size Medium in the top was all they had, but I would have preferred a Small.
Look 2 – Sweater & Jeans
This next look is totally my next go-to outfit: striped top, gray sweater, and black skinny jeans. I really love the sweater and top together. The only trick is finding both pieces with a similar neckline. These were similar enough that they worked. You only want a little of the tee showing at the neckline and then rolling the sweater sleeves up a bit gives you that pop at the wrists. I wanted to show these jeans more, too, because they are amazing. They are high waisted and quite cropped but really good. The fit was nice and the high waist was just right.
Look 3 – Denim Jacket & Striped Pants
This look would be a good work look. This jacket is a nice utility style with a fabulous wash. Wearing size Small. These slim dress pants have a small stripe on them, too, but much smaller than the tee, so they can work together. The pants have some stretch, too, and the fit is true to size and comfortable. Wearing size 4 Regular, for reference.
Look 4 – Military Jacket & Girlfriend Jeans
This is another favorite outfit of mine. This jacket is killer. It’s well-made and has great details. It has an inside drawstring waist to bring it in a bit for a flattering look. I’d say it runs a tiny bit big. I’m wearing a Small here and would’ve preferred an XS. These jeans are some of the best at Gap, in my opinion. They’re a girlfriend fit and only lightly destructed. They are fabulous and flattering. True to size fit, wearing a 27 Regular.
Look 5 – Denim Shirt Dress
The last full look I liked was the shirt worn under this denim dress. I think it adds way more interest to the dress to layer it like this and the fit of this one is forgiving enough not to cause problems ie. the top bunching underneath. Online the dress comes in petite sizing and I think I’d like to have been able to try that. It’s just a tiny bit long and big in the waist for my liking. It’s super soft and would be a good closet staple though. Wearing a Small Regular here.
Honorable Mentions
There were a few pieces that didn’t make for overall outstanding outfits, but as individual pieces they stood out.
I really liked these track pants. They’re a heavier weight twill fabric and the fit was good. They were a touch long for the boots I had with me, but they’d work great for sandals or if you’re taller than 5’4″ they would be a perfect cropped length.
This denim shirt was fabulous. I love Gap denim shirts. The western cuts are usually my favorite because they’re more fitted and flattering. I liked these white jeans, too, but they would need to be cropped with a raw hem, for me. They’re a straight cut and had a great weight to them for white jeans. The struggle is real with white jeans. These are definitely worth a try. Run true to size.
This top was one of my favorite finds. I didn’t think it was as versatile to style as the striped tee above, but I brought it home because it’s lightweight and so flattering. It’s so comfy, too. It will be joining me on our Florida trip! Wearing size XS, for reference. Runs a little big.
Shop Current Gap Favorites
I know, all blue and white and black in that collection there. Gap just does denim and blue so well. At least there are two green pieces above, right?
I have to say, this was a fun challenge to style one piece 5 ways. A striped top is such a closet staple and it was good to come up with some new combinations to throw into my regular rotation. Are there any ways you like to style a striped top that I missed above? Or are there any particular pieces you’d like to see styled next time?
Until then, I’ll be over here finishing up Black Mirror…anyone else? I’m a little late to the game but OMG. Freeeeeaaaaky. Right?
L
I’m the same size as you and just ordered the girlfriend jeans, thank you! I have a striped top from Target that’s similar and I agree, a great staple piece. I’ve been wearing mine with a solid midi skirt (ModCloth) as well. In the future if you feel like doing an article like this with shorts that would be awesome!
Awesome! I’ll totally keep that in mind once it warms up a bit!
I really love this post and all the ideas! I am trying to have the same concept with my clothes shopping approach ever since I discovered your awesome blog! Buy only a few pieces that go together. The problem is that I like everything. Skinny jeans, moto jeans, girl friend/boyfriend jeans, high waisted flared jeans etc. Stipped, seguined, lacey tops, etc. Fake fur, leather jackets, the works! I have been reminding myself to keep the focus, will this piece have a “friend” in my closet? I really need help…ugg! Thank you!
Um, I totally have the same issue…I love all the jeans. And I’m not even sure how many striped tops I have. I think a regular purge and selling pieces to put $ back into my shopping fund is just part of my life now!
The dressing room posts are my favorite. I live in a fashion desert. The closest decent place to shop is two hours away so I do a lot of online ordering. It’s really helpful to see pieces that I would order on a person.
love when you can show versatility — a lot of times i have similar things in my closet that i wouldn’t think to combine!
I really these posts! Thanks for taking one for the team and battling the dressing room 🙂
Haha. Thanks, Dee! That’s what I’m here for 😉
I too love your dressing room posts – thanks for the ideas!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the tips and ideas! And I’ve gotta say–I think those white jeans look amazing on you. To me they are the most flattering of the bunch you tried on. I wish I looked that good in white jeans!
I have the thick striped black and white long sleeved tee from the Gap Factory and cannot believe how versatile it is. Thanks for even more ideas! #hautemomsrock