Discover How to Mix and Match Timeless Pieces for Effortless Style and Versatility—From Jackets to Shoes, These Looks Bring Sophisticated Dressing Back to Your Daily Wardrobe
As we step into fall and start building some of the season’s iconic luxe looks, I want to share a style approach I’ve always used but haven’t really talked about with you all—mixing and matching. This strategy not only maximizes the versatility of your wardrobe but also makes it easier to create effortlessly chic looks.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, we lived in the “right” neighborhood and attended the “right” schools, but discretionary income was tight. This taught me early on the importance of value shopping and how to make the most of my wardrobe. By mixing and matching, I could stretch each piece to create multiple looks, making my closet feel much larger than it actually was.
In today’s blog, I’m breaking down categories where each piece can easily pair with items from other categories—including shoes. While we’ll need to narrow it down to the pieces that resonate with you, it’s worth noting that any of the bottoms can be swapped for jeans, giving you even more versatility with these fabulous finds.
Bringing Back Ladylike Elegance: A Return to Classic, Effortless Dressing
Before we dive in, let’s talk about one of the standout trends this season: ladylike dressing. It’s a core part of quiet luxury, something we love at Be Iconic Style. This season, ladylike dressing includes quiet luxury, elegance, and elevating your everyday look, which you’ll see woven throughout this post.
Let’s take a quick look at elevating your everyday style—or at least doing it more often. Here’s my reasoning: those of us who are American really love our casual looks. After all, we’re the culture that gave the world jeans! Casual dressing has become our “go-to.” But for those of us of a certain age, dressing up every day was once de rigueur—think Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy style. That level of elegance has faded over time, and it’s something worth bringing back into our everyday wardrobes.
When I noticed this cluster of chic principles wrapped up in one trend, I just knew I had to delve into this concept with you. Studies show that how we dress affects not only how we feel but also how others perceive us. This impacts our confidence, which can draw positive experiences and people to us. Now, let me be honest for a moment about my own style versus what we’re exploring today.
A Little History…
Before starting my personal styling company, I dressed for the designer retail world, and at the time, black was the number one color to wear. Dressing well every day was non-negotiable—after all, you had to impress potential clients and lead with style. So black was my go-to color as it is the chicest color women can wear, and you get a lot of “bang” for your efforts. My time at Ralph Lauren required a more “Ralph” look—less black but still polished, like stepping out of a fashion magazine daily. The point is that every day, I got up and put myself together deliciously.
Later, when I worked for Forty-Five Ten (those of you in Dallas will remember when they were on 4510 McKinney Avenue—they were like Barney’s on steroids), the dress code became more casual but still chic, which marked the beginning of my shift toward more relaxed work attire. And, as those of you who have worked with me as your stylist know, it’s been all about the jeans ever since. Of course, when I need to dress “professionally,” I always return to my all-black wardrobe roots.
While the move toward casual dressing has been happening for a while, COVID definitely sped up the decline, pulling us even further away from the elegant dressing we once knew.
I’m sharing this to help you reflect on where your style is now and when you might have shifted into super casual territory. It’s time to take a fresh look at how you can bring elegance, quiet luxury, and elevated daily dressing back into your life. Wearing these stunning pieces is truly uplifting. I say this because I recently shot a video showcasing this glorious trend, and I was shocked at how the gorgeous combination of pieces I put on affected my mood, my approach, and my confidence!
Neutral Foundations: Building a Versatile Wardrobe with Mix-and-Match Pieces
Most of the colors you’ll see today are neutrals—think winter whites, camels, khakis, deeper browns, and greys. The categories of jackets, sweaters, pants (with one skirt), shoes, and boots are all designed to mix and match effortlessly. I’ve also included a few colorful sweaters for those of you who love a pop of color or for whom neutrals are less flattering. There’s so much fun to be had as you create stunning looks!
As you explore these pieces, think about what’s already in your closet that can pair with these new finds. The goal here is to help you expand the versatility of your current wardrobe while adding pieces that will stretch it even further.
Are you ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
Sweaters
In this section, you’ll find both cardigans and pullovers. For the cardigans, picture layering them over a crisp white shirt or even a classic white T-shirt. Most of the pullovers are mock neck or turtleneck—perfect for fall, especially since high necks are such a big trend this season. And as you shop, if the turtlenecks are folded over, straighten them up for that extra chic high-neck look—it’s transformative.
For any crewneck sweaters, think about layering them over a classic white crewneck tee or a crisp collared shirt if the sweater has enough weight. These combinations will elevate your look effortlessly.
Bottoms
Start pairing the bottoms with the sweaters that speak to you, and think about how many neutral sweater shades you can mix and match with the neutral pants. The more combinations you can create, the more versatile and effortless your wardrobe will become!
Jackets
As you move on to your third piece, pay attention to how many tops and bottoms work with the jacket(s) you’ve fallen in love with. By now, you should be able to visualize the mix-and-match possibilities, with each piece complementing the others, allowing you to create an impressive number of chic looks from just a few items.
Whether you’re new to this method or looking to expand it, my hope is that this helps you create more chic looks with fewer pieces. Plus, it makes getting dressed each day so much easier—change one item, and you’ve changed your entire look!
Color Popping Sweaters
Here, you’ll find a few fabulous sweaters in soft and vibrant colors for those who love a pop of color. These treasures were chosen to pair perfectly with the bottoms featured, adding a fresh twist to your wardrobe.
Shoes & Boots
Here, you’ll find a selection that includes oxfords, loafers, low-heeled pumps, smoking slippers, and plenty of pointed-toe booties. Each one is a total wow!
In Summary
Elevating your daily style is more than just a habit—it can truly elevate your life. Strange, but true. Ladylike, quiet luxury is the key to a timeless, stunning wardrobe. And mixing and matching is a joyous way to expand your options, making it so much easier to put yourself together quickly and stress-free while effortlessly finding the chic you seek.
I truly hope this concept of mixing and matching brings you value, ease, and, most importantly, fun!
Happy shopping!
