making your basics work for you.

black and olive casual fall outfit

boyfriend jeans and a scarf

olive and black forever21 scarf
olive and black scarf casual fall outfit

olive and black simple tee and a scarf

skinny boyfriend jeans black and olive

Top: H&M. (similar.) Scarf: Forever21. Jeans: Nordstrom. Boots: Nordstrom. Saddle bag: Forever21 (love this one and this one too.)  Sunglasses: Kate Spade.

You guys, this scarf is so big and fabulous.  All day yesterday Ava kept saying, “Mommy, take your scarf off, your hair is hiding.”  LOL. (she talks so much now, and says the most hilarious things.  it kills me.)  In any case I didn’t lose the scarf because it’s awesome and it made me feel fabulous.

Several years ago I decided to be more intentional about my closet and my wardrobe.  Before that, I was kind of blundering around the racks at the store and in my room; every morning was a battle to figure out what I was going to wear, and I didn’t really know what I even had or how to make it work for me.  Because my closet wasn’t working for me, I wasted a lot of time trying to get dressed and then not loving anything I put on, and a lot of money buying pieces that I didn’t really want to or know how to wear.

I came up with a system for running my closet and my purchases and I have never looked back.

Part of that system is coming up with an arsenal of outfit combinations that work for me.  Especially in a pinch or when I’m on that “time of the month” and nothing wants to look good on my body (we’ve all been there).  Once I got those combinations figured out, it was as simple as interchanging, mixing and matching items I already have in my closet to create fresh looks each day that seem new and creative, but really are just part of a simple formula.  It also makes purchase decisions infinitely easier because I see the holes in my closet much easier, and I’m much more organized about when and how I buy.

One of those combinations is a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans and a drapey tee.  Very simple, I know.  But stick with me, because it’s all about the 3rd piece.

I’ve blogged in the past about the 3rd piece, and it really is the key to looking and feeling put together and intentional with a casual outfit.  This scarf is my 3rd piece today, and really without it, I’m just wearing a long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans.  Adding a big statement scarf, a leather jacket, or a waterfall cardigan are all good ways to complete a basic outfit.  When I wear a button up and skinnies, a vintage inspired necklace does the trick, etc. etc.

Once I’ve decided on my 3rd piece I finish off with a pair of shoes. (Thank you Captain Obvious, of course I’ll wear shoes.)  What I mean is that I wait until after I’ve chosen my 3rd piece to decide on the shoes.   Again, endless options for changing it up with just what goes on your feet.  Booties, leopard flats, sneakers, pumps… What you pair with your basic formulas can completely change the look and feel of an outfit.

That’s what’s so much fun about it to me.

What are your wardrobe hacks that make getting dressed fun and easy?

vigoss skinny boyfriend jeans forever 21 scarf

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4 Comments

  1. sasa wrote:

    Love your scarf:P

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 10.16.15 Reply
  2. Alysa wrote:

    that is a really smart way of looking at it! I think I might have to adopt that myself :)

    Posted 10.16.15 Reply
  3. Anna wrote:

    I have been doing this lately to simplify my decision making. I’ve been wearing jeans that are either dark denim trousers or straight leg with a simple knit shirt, usually long-sleeved. Then I add a scarf, necklace, vest, etc.

    Posted 10.16.15 Reply
  4. Minau wrote:

    Great look!Love the scarf!

    Posted 10.18.15 Reply