One of the things I love about the community I live in is they do outdoor concerts in the park during the summer. It’s a fun, free event that is perfect for all ages. When my kids were little, I used to take them every week. But, tonight it’s a girls night out!
It’s going to be about 60 degrees this evening, so I want jeans to stay warm. We are meeting at my friend’s house and walking to the park, so I need comfy shoes. However, the outfit on the left looks really awkward and weird. The length of the jeans is off- and the shoes are awful. The casual, faded, distressed jeans on the right are a much better option. As for my blouse, by unbuttoning an extra button, rolling the sleeves and loosely tucking it in- I have created a much more casual, and in my opinion, cuter outfit.
This outfit is a bit of a stretch for me (and a bit of a risk as well), but I love the way a cool graphic t shirt and jeans look on everyone else, so I thought I’d give it a try.
However, it’s a bit chilly, so I wanted a jacket. I think the blazer on the left is too formal, and didn’t feel like ‘me’, so I decided to try this more casual jacket with a Moto collar. I also thought the booties were too wintery, so the4se t strap sandals add some edge to the look and keep it summery. My shirt says ‘build bridges, not walls’ in case you wondered!
On a yucky, rainy spring day such as today, what I really want to do is stay in bed all day and read or watch TV, but instead I have to go teach 5th grade. Ugh! So, I chose my dark denim jeans, a white tank and this cute pink long cardigan.
In my before photo I am wearing a tight white tank under the sweater. First off, you can totally see my bra underneath, which I don’t care for. Secondly, you can see my tummy (and believe me- I am holding it in for the photo). I would prefer breathing today, so instead I will wear this loose fit, flowy tank that is much more comfortable. Notice the cute detail of the extra layer underneath- this is actually built in to the tank. I love how it adds a little length and movement to the top. To add a little color I threw on this cute necklace and then swapped out the old loafers for booties- so that I can wear some socks and keep my feet warm! Have a great Friday!
It’s supposed to be gray and rainy today- so for my OOTD I’ve chosen a very casual, easy look of a black tank, jeans and a cardigan. I call this my grandpa cardi, because it reminds me of something my grandpa would have worn! The heathered cotton creates a great neutral color that literally goes with everything. Sometimes I keep this in my bag to have in case I get cold while I’m out.
All I’ve done to change up my before look is swap out the wool cardigan for this lighter weight one. The one on the left is too wintery, and also looks a bit like a bathrobe! I then rolled up my jeans to show a little ankle. Last, I threw on a long necklace to break up the solid black.
I love this sweater! It’s old (from 2015) and I tried to find something similar to link to- but failed. Sorry!
Super easy, super casual and so me! I love outfits that are comfy, relaxed and warm.
Sometimes the best outfits are the ones you literally throw on and walk out the door. The effortless, easy and casual look of a t shirt and jeans will never go out of style.
When wearing a simple t shirt- look for fun details to help it stand out. In this case, this shirt has this interesting twisted hemline. It adds a cool touch to and otherwise very plain shirt. I also added long necklace to break up the solid color- and then swapped out my tennis shoes for my cute pointy toed leopard flats. I went from a blah outfit, to a fun and stylish one. So easy!
It will be chilly this morning, so I’ll start the day with this cute blue jacket over my t shirt. Wearing the same color from top to bottom is a good trick to look slimmer.
Today for our tour I’m wearing my olive green jacket with a cute black patterned top (they are actually little stars, but they look like polka dots) and my faded Joe’s jeans. It’s a simple casual look that’s comfy and perfect for walking around a college campus.
As you can see in my before photo I have on the same top, but it’s untucked & paired it with a cargo style jacket, boyfriend jeans and clunky tennis shoes. The untucked shirt and boxy jacket paired with these baggy jeans makes for an overall messy look. By just making some small changes- I have really improved my outfit.
Sometimes I feel like I say the same thing over and over again (kind of like parenting, am I right?) but ladies, if you are still wearing oversize t shirts from college (like the one below), it’s time to get rid of it!
Try a cute printed t shirt instead. You will still be comfortable, but much more stylish. I like this one because the print is something different for me, and of course I always love black and white! By changing out the t shirt, tucking it in, adding a belt and swapping out the clunky tennis shoes for black booties, I now have a cute and stylish look. And, if it get’s chilly on our college tour today- I will throw on a black bomber jacket to keep warm.
This title may be a bit ambitious, but my sweet (and fashionable) sister, Kara asked me to do a post on what tops to wear with different styles of jeans. So, after doing a ton of research, here are my findings. Hint: grab a cup of coffee… this is going to be a LONG post!
I’m going to start with wide leg jeans- since 1. that is what I’m wearing today 2. they are totally back in style 3. you may be wondering what the heck to wear with them.
I’ve worn these once before, paired with a cute striped top as seen here. Today, I’m pairing them with a black camisole and a VERY old blazer. Seriously, I think my 17 year old was an infant when I bought this at White House, Black Market. But, after all these years I still love it. It has that classic, Chanel inspired look that will never go out of style.
I decided I needed a long necklace with this top, so I threw this on one.
In my before photo, I paired it with a blouse that is oversize and a jacket that was too baggy for this style of jeans and clunky boots. The trick with wide leg jeans is balance. Since you are big on bottom, keep the top somewhat fitted or simple. My cropped jacket doesn’t overwhelm the pants. You don’t want to look like this photo below. While she looks comfy, it’s also a messy look.
photo cred: whowhatwear.com
I would say with wide leg jeans or pants, do not wear peplum, tunics or oversize tops. Unless you are super skinny, avoid long jackets. Stick to slim tops, or a fitted blouse. Off the shoulder top is popular with wide pants. Or a striped sailor shirt with boatneck collar would be cute. Try a tank or plain fitted v neck shirt (like I did today). Shoes really matter here- think heels, pointy toe or very minimal tennis shoes like Converse or Superga. Below are some inspiration outfits for you to consider.
I love the scarf as a belt. Cute, simple white top keeps everything in balance.
I love the simple tank with these jeans. And the shoes. Gorgeous! photo cred: Stylecaster.com
I always love stripes- and the off the shoulder look is lovely. Shoes are fun in the bright yellow! photo cred: katie considers.com
Now let’s talk about skinny jeans- since you all know they are my favorite! One of the nice things about skinny jeans is you can basically wear anything with them! They are so versatile.
An oversize sweater (or tunic), skinny jeans and booties is a great, casual look! Jackets and blazers over a tank or camisole look cute with skinny jeans. A long cardigan over t shirt works, or consider a statement blouse or button down shirt. Be sure to add a skinny belt. Another option is a boxy blouse to create a little shape on top. As for shoes, try neutral sandals, or pointy toed heels look gorgeous. Ballet shoes work as well. For a more casual look, wear simple tennis shoes. Below are some inspiration outfits I found on Pinterest.
Here are 2 great tops with skinny jeans- a button down blouse or a boxy blouse. Notice the neutral shoes. Photo cred: Gorgeautiful.com
Here is a date night look with skinny jeans. Love the off the shoulder top and the pink heels. Very glamorous! photo cred: miamiamine.com
Moving on to cropped jeans! Cropped jeans can be a skinny cut, a wide leg cut, or a straight leg. As with skinny jeans, any top works with cropped.  Cropped straight leg cut is a good alternative to the skinny- they are still dressy, but better for many figures.With cropped jeans, it’s all about the shoes! Ankle boots, flat sandals, tennis shoes, ballet flats, pointy heels. Anything goes!Â
A camisole, blazer and skinny cropped jeans is a very classic look. And again with the neutral heels. Photo cred: SydneStyle.com
Boyfriend jeans are a must have for most fashionistas (although truthfully, I’m still trying to find some that I love). Boyfriend jeans are usually really faded, distressed with holes at the knees. They fit somewhat baggy, but have a straight leg. They are often rolled at the cuff. For date night, pair with a super feminine top and heels. Otherwise, pair with t shirt or fitted sweater and tennis shoes or ballet flats. Try a crew neck sweater and loafers. A graphic t and blazer would be a super cute outfit. Below are some inspiration photos:
I love the plain black t shirt, the ripped jeans and the espadrilles. Such an easy, but stylish look. photo cred: femalemag.com.my
Here she has paired boyfriend jeans with a cute t shirt and duster cardigan and heels. This is a fun way to wear them. photo cred: FashionTasty.com
Here is a good date night or girls night out look- a black camisole, white blazer and black pointy toed heels. photo cred: http://makeoverly.com/boyfriend-jeans/
This is a cute casual boyfriend/ straight leg look. Graphic t shirt, blazer and tennis shoes. photo cred: Mykindofsweet.com
Making it’s way back into style is the bootleg cut. I do not own bootleg jeans, but now think I may need to get some! They are a great jean for a curvy figure. With bootleg jeans, try an off the shoulder top, or something somewhat fitted. One rule with bootleg is always wear heels, boots or wedges! No flats! For an edgy look, try a graphic t shirt and a bohemian cardigan. Or for a classic look, a button down blouse tucked in with a wide belt. Add a cropped jacket to show off your waist. Or maybe a flowy blouse- but not too flowy (no Seinfield references!) Remember, the jeans are the main attraction in this case. The top should be understated and not compete with jeans. No oversize sweater!
This flowy blouse is perfect. photo cred: Collection201.nl
Here she is wearing a simple grey shirt and a cute blazer with the sleeves rolled up and boots.
One of the things I noticed in my research is that you can wear basically anything with jeans! There aren’t any rules- just go with what you think feels and looks right. But try to think about proportions, big on bottom = small on top and vice versa. Remember, darker denim is dressier, so for a casual look- for for a washed or faded color. For evening out, go for a dark wash or black jeans. And in my opinion, white jeans are in style year round.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. I’ve got to get to work (teaching 4th grade today)! Wish me luck… and please comment with your favorite style of jeans and what you like to pair them with.
You guys, it doesn’t get much more basic than a plain white shirt and blue jeans for my OOTD. But yet, I love the way it looks when it’s done right.
The outfit on the left is awkward. Seeing the tucked in tank under my shirt looks really weird (and I sort of look pregnant, gasp! I’m far too old for that). Not helping are my Birkenstocks (which I LOVE by the way) but there isn’t much in the way of style in this look.
To improve the outfit, I first tucked in my shirt and rolled the sleeves. Then I added this cute leopard belt to give the outfit a little oomph. Then I threw on a bunch of bracelets (see below). Lastly, I swapped out my comfy Birks for these cute neutral flats by Paul Green. I love the style of these shoes, the ties add such cute detail. Plus, being Paul Green, they are so comfy! Perfect for being on my feet all day.
These fun bracelets add some color to my otherwise plain look.
It is very unusual for me to wear a graphic tee for my OOTD, but after yesterday- I need some good vibes and good karma! More about that later…
There really isn’t anything wrong with the before look- but I like the after look better. I think the darker jacket instead of the grey cardigan adds a nice contrast- same with the darker jeans. As for my shoes- I wanted to keep with the ultra casual vibe- so I opted for these Chuck Taylors. They don’t offer a ton of arch support, but they are perfect for an easy, casual look. I do think they make my feet look huge though! Maybe I’ll go back to the slip ons?!
Notice how I knotted the tank to give it a little shape at the waistline.
This tank is so old I can’t remember where it’s from. Maybe Old Navy or Target?! This cute jacket is from Evereve, it has a ton of stretch in it, making it super comfy!
Now- if you’re still reading I will tell you about my day. I had a shit day yesterday, literally. The toilet in my powder room exploded- filthy water was gushing out all over the floor. My son and I grabbed as many towels as we could to mop it all up- but the water just kept coming. It was like something out of a horror movie. I finally had the sense to turn the main water off (do you know how to do that in your house? If not, learn quick!). Needless to say, I called a plumber and spent the rest of my day waiting around for him to come. Fun times. And now I have to go buy all new towels… not to mention pay a HUGE plumbing bill.
Hope you’re day is better than mine. Happy Friday!
Everyday Mom Style 