even though summer is all about easy breezy clothes there are certain times when only the basics will do. that is summer basics. when in doubt as to what to wear i always reach for the basics. these are the workhorses hanging in your closet that go with everything. and we all need a go-to outfit now and then.
what are the core pieces needed to build your wardrobe’s foundation? well, the basics aren’t glamorous. they don’t grab your attention when you step into your favorite store. there are no ruffles, bows, or sequins attached. but i promise, if you want to be well dressed or look effortlessly chic you have to build your wardrobe with the basics. and you can never have too many wardrobe staples. these are the pieces that easily transition from outfit to outfit and span the seasons. the more basics you have on hand, the more outfit options available.
wardrobe basics come in a variety of styles but they always stick to neutral colors. nude, black, grey, white. if you have the basics on hand getting dressed in the morning just got a whole lot easier. blue jeans and a tee (old, similar here) always make my list. as do nude pumps and neutral handbag (similar here).
look for tunics as well as tees. tunics cover your assets beautifully especially if you’re inclined to wear leggings. if you prefer sleeveless or short sleeve tunics for summer here’s a roundup.
denim | similar tunic | shoes | similar handbag | bracelet | earrings | similar necklace
add a few simple accessories to your outfit. handbags (similar here) are an easy way to add some oomph. a favorite bracelet, necklace, and earrings polish off today’s ootd with ease.
nude shoes are a must-have wardrobe essential. shoe height is up to you.
denim | similar tunic | shoes | similar handbag | bracelet | earrings | similar necklace
happy thursday, gang! another week is about to draw to an end. tomorrow is friday. oscar makes his weekly appearance. and we all know he steals the show every week.
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Beth, perfect! I have a top almost exactly the same! I wear with white, I love the two neutrals together! Great look!
Love the look Beth. Just perfect for you and for me. Thanks for sharing. 😊👍
such a simple effortless look! the white sounds yummy. xo
Perfection. A classy and chic outfit. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from distressed, boyfriend, etc jeans and just go with a plain, dark wash pair that fit well. Never fails!
My thoughts exactly! Classic look all the way!
Happy first day of summer!
I like like this chic classy look.
You’re looking very fit Beth.
Kudos!!👍
a simple classic look is always the way to go! you just can’t beat classic style.
Beth, we have similar color including my platinum hair. Can you talk about wearing nude shades—particularly as a top. You look lovely but I feel totally washed out when I wear beige or khaki or camel!!
hi dee! i will try to cover this in a future blog post. thanks for the suggestion.
I like it when you “rinse and repeat” and show alternative looks, as most of us don’t spend a lot on new wardrobes every year. Also, the looks I think that are most sophisticated and chic are the ones that aren’t as busy looking. I don’t always like the posts with different colored shoes and belt, and purse &/or scarf, etc. Some of those tend to busy. This is a perfect look! I also read that long over lean is the way to wear tunic length “tops” – these jeans look great on you and create that “long-over-lean” look. The tunic the other day from Anthropologie was a bit dowdy looking for me, and the top with the cap sleeves isn’t always attractive. ALSO LOVE the striped pants and peasant top! Even though they were patterns, the look was uncomplicated and very chic – pants fit from today and these stripes pant design fit you perfectly from my angle! Look forward to you postings Beth!
I like your outfit but where I live it is in the 90s and humid! Jeans and a long sleeved sweater would never work. Can you suggest something much cooler??? Thanks!
a crochet sweater perhaps with large weave with a matching tank underneath
Great outfit! Timeless!
Gods look!
Cute – for the fall perhaps. I’m sticking to cooler items for the steamy summer – sundresses, easy skirts and cool tops fit the bill here in Aix en Provence, where a canicule (heat wave) is predicted!
sundresses and cooler tops are always key items for summer. but sometimes when you’re stuck in a frigid building all day long it makes sense to reach for long sleeves and blue jeans. albeit light weight items.
Browsed through your posts today and apparently I missed this one–lovely! So soft and just timeless. With a bit of interest in the assymetrical hem of the top. Well done.
i think simple is always better, sue!
Beth you always look great. Such an inspiration to us. I would love to know the colors of your nail polishes. They always look great and classic/trendy.