This month’s Style Secrets video is all about casual dressing…
Or as Bobbi likes to call it “no stress express” dressing. This means having a system for getting dressed each day that allows you to do so quickly, easily and without much thought… The twist? With this system in place, you’ll always look like a million!
Curiosity piqued? Be sure to watch this video!
I grew up wearing a uniform to school every day and I loved it. Once a month we could dress up and show our creativity, but I loved the everyday speed of throwing something on and not having to think about it.
This uniform dressing experience strongly influenced my approach to style. Studies show the average woman spends 45 minutes a day trying to pick what to wear. This is just a meltdown in the making, and a stress no one needs. Having said that, what I do for clients culminates in their having key pieces that can easily be put together creating many fabulous outfits. There is no room in your wardrobe for pieces that fall into the mediocre category; you should be absolutely in love with everything in your closet.
Skinny & Flare-Leg Jeans
These are absolute essentials in your casual dressing wardrobe. Both cuts are “must-haves” and make sure that you have variations of them—denim, color, distressed, etc. Not only do they need to be in your closet, but they need to be a substantial part of your casual wardrobe.
Khakis
After jeans, you may want to bring in khakis—skinny or baggy, you can’t go wrong. Pair your wide-leg pants with sneakers or sandals… both flat and clog-like are fabulous… and a great look!
Shorts
I’ll include shorts in this list, but be sure if you’re wearing short shorts, you’re young enough to carry them off. If your legs aren’t your best feature, wearing short shorts is inappropriate. Style is here to suit and serve you; not the other way around. Many of my clients love the longer Bermuda or city shorts—they’re often more comfortable and flattering to the body. These are definitely a stylish alternative to the shorter shorts.
Flirty Skirt
Let’s not forget the flirty skirt! This silhouette can be worn as a mini if you are young and at knee length once you are in your 40s. It’s a wonderful summer piece and worn with a t-shirt, and strappy sandals or even a flip flop, can be a real winner. In the winter months I only recommend this for the younger set unless you are dressing up… and in this case we are focusing on casual looks.
Tops
Next we’re going to look at tops. When dressing casually an item that needs to be in abundance in your closet is the white t-shirt. I am a big fan of the crew neck, but if you have a round face or short neck, you may prefer to do a high v-neck. It still needs to cover everything so no plunging v, but this neckline does give you some length in your neck and face. Possible sleeve lengths include short sleeve, long sleeve, ¾ length, and sleeveless depending on your arms. In terms of length and silhouette, you may consider fluted, longer and tunic-style tees. You can also do short tees… but not short-short, because I don’t believe in flashing your stomach. The asymmetrical fluted t-shirt is currently the flavor du jour and it very flattering to every body type.
Another item you could include in your wardrobe is a black t-shirt. A few black t shirts are good to have and can change looks you are putting together, especially for casual at night looks.
Another top that is a fabulous, versatile keeper is the white crispy shirt. As far as length goes, I recommend longer shirts that fall below your backside, but no longer than mid-thigh depending on your height and what you’re going to wear with it. These don’t grow on trees so keep your eyes open for them. I sometimes go a year or more and don’t see one that is worth purchasing, so again… Just keep an eye out for a good one.
And then there’s the chambray shirt and this comes in all sorts of silhouettes. You can do a vest that you wear over a white t-shirt, a jean jacket, or a traditional button down. Everyone needs one!
Now it’s time to talk about the all-important third piece.
Cardigans are a great piece that you’ll need… along with the previously mentioned jean jacket. In terms of length you can go anywhere from long cardigans (as long as mid-calf or mid-thigh) that will give you length and make you look slender and can be worn over your t-shirts and jeans to cropped, shorter versions that can be worn layered with a longer t-shirt. Jackets are another great third piece. You can also do blazers, but don’t get too preppy. Keep everything casual, relaxed, and fun.
Shoes
There are an amazing number of looks to choose from where your shoes are concerned. I’m seeing fabulous suede and sandal-like booties that would go great with your jeans; I’ve recently seen white mule booties that are to die for! And as this appears to be the year of the 70s looks, clogs and clog-like sandals will be a wonderful addition to your shoe wardrobe.
Nothing says casual quite like a flip flop. When it comes to flip-flops, I am only a fan of plain, unadorned styles—no sparkles, no jewels. Tkees are a great brand to look for.
Another style of shoe that is perfect for this look is the sporty shoe. The slip-on sneaker (called the skater), Converse sneakers, and even high tops if you do them right, can add some fun edge to your look.
And last, but certainly not least, the oxford and the ballet flat (pointy or round) are wonderful pieces to round out your wardrobe as well.
Accessories
Now really all you have left are accessories. I suggest link bracelets. If gold is available to you then fantastic! You want to stack these things, so you need at least 2 and wear a watch. Mixing metals is great, and a big-faced watch is an essential. Since this is casual, go for the fashion watch. Remember that odd numbers in decorating are the thing, so go for 3 or 5 but never 2 or 4 in total, including your watch.
NO necklaces in my opinion. They simply detract from the overall look and can come off as cheap or trashy.
For earrings you can go with anything—hoops, chandeliers, just have fun!
Unless you can’t get your colors to compliment, and notice I am saying compliment not match, all of this will go back and forth together. You literally can just walk into your closet, grab some bottoms, and pick from the rest.
A couple looks you could quickly put together with the things I’ve mentioned above:
Look 1: White, wide-leg pants, Converse sneakers, white t-shirt, chambray shirt open and over the t-shirt… or use your denim jacket. A black t-shirt or stripe t-shirt are great as well. The length needs to be short. Great bracelets and earrings and you’re ready to rock and roll.
Look 2: If you’re in the mood for jeans, go grab your skinnies or flares in any color with a white t-shirt then one of your cardigans (preferably longer) and a shoe—anything from the booties to the flip flops to the ballet flats to the sneakers or even your clogs. Put any of them together and again you’re ready to go.
Look 3: If you want to do a skirt, take your flirty skirt with your white t-shirt and wear your short cropped cardigan around your waist OR wear your denim jacket and put on your flip flops, mules, ballet flats, clogs, strappy or platform sandals and you’re good to go.
I’ve suggested items you’ll want and need in your closet to make it all work. If you stick with neutrals, it makes it easier to mix and match. Color is a big deal so go for it—combining yellow jeans and royal blue shoes—have fun! And remember, budget right and shop right – no emergency shopping! It is a journey, not a sprint.
This gives you a number of ideas on ways to live the no stress express for your casual looks. It is basically uniform dressing that will create variety in your wardrobe, make you feel chic and take you no time to get dressed.
