Happy Tuesday, ladies! The week is underway, and I'm preparing for book club this week. It's been a while, but I'm excited to get back into it. I've worn a lot---and I mean a lot---of color this Spring. I'm mixing things up today: I've got a more casual, neutral-based, monochromatic outfit for you. The highlight, here, is a utility jacket that can elevate your casual wardrobe in fun and interesting ways.
So, let's get right down to it.
Today's featured item is a utility jacket from Ralph Lauren
The jacket is modeled, and I pulled together 2 alternates
The jacket is shoppable via a text or image widget
Each alternate is shoppable via a text widget
This Spring, I've probably worn this utility jacket (Ralph Lauren, similar here and here) more than any other jacket. I love the color, but I especially love the details. (How fun are the patches!)
Utility jackets are great because they work with just about anything---jeans, pants, skirts, and even dresses. They can elevate your casual wardrobe and work particularly well with a neutral-based outfit. (But don't be afraid to add a splash of color!)
Denim (Ralph Lauren) | Utility Jacket (Ralph Lauren, similar here and here) | Sleeveless Shell (Ann Taylor, similar here and here) | Sandals (Everlane, similar here and here) | Gold Bracelets (Nest)
I've got book club coming up this week. I'm hosting, and I'm really excited to share my patio with the ladies. I've put a lot of effort getting it ready for company, and I can't wait.
We're reading Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan. Good book---recommended. If you have any books that you're loving this Spring, let me know in the comments. I'm always on the look out for suggestions.
Denim (Ralph Lauren) | Utility Jacket (Ralph Lauren, similar here and here) | Sleeveless Shell (Ann Taylor, similar here and here) | Sandals (Everlane, similar here and here) | Gold Bracelets (Nest)
Denim (Ralph Lauren) | Utility Jacket (Ralph Lauren, similar here and here) | Sleeveless Shell (Ann Taylor, similar here and here) | Sandals (Everlane, similar here and here) | Gold Bracelets (Nest)
Yesterday, I featured an affordable dress from Nordstrom in a variety of different colors. Click the title or image below to read the article.
I love Talbots. That’s no secret. And apparently you, my readers, do too. Almost every month, without fail, Talbots is the most popular retailer on the blog. Hands down. So, we’re gonna try something new today. I’ve spent the past few days combing through Talbots’ Spring new arrivals, and I’ve put together a capsule wardrobe. From 14 different items, I’ve put 5 different outfits together. The items include:
Here are the rules I tried to follow when selecting items:
Most of you are familiar with what I mean by “classic”. Think lots of neutrals, fits, cuts, and styles that defy trends. While bold and bright colors are in this year, I shied away from them today in favor of whites, blacks, and tans for example.
So without further adieu, let’s see what I came up with.
Nappa Wedges | Perfect Tote | Nappa Loafers | Espadrille Flats | Vachetta Mule | Bateau Neck Tee | Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Twill Knit Blazer | Denim Shirt Jacket | Button Detail Popover | Smocked Blouse | Wide-Leg Pants | Relaxed Jeans | Slim Ankle Jeans
The first outfit stars a navy twill blazer. A navy blazer is part of any classic wardrobe and works perfectly with the simple combination of an olive drab neck tee and slim jeans in a medium wash. And how about these leather mules? Absolutely loving them.
Twill Knit Blazer | Bateau Neck Tee | Slim Ankle Jeans | Perfect Tote | Vachetta Mule
The second outfit begins with a neutral base: I paired a black and white smocked blouse with black wide-leg trousers. The trousers are about as “edgy” as this wardrobe gets today, but I have been and will continue to be a fan. The wedges continue the matchy-matchy feel of the outfit.
Denim jackets are true heroes of any classic transition wardrobe, including this one. So to add visual interest, I added a light-wash denim shirt jacket. It lightens the outfit up dramatically. (Imagine the difference if I were to have gone with a dark-wash.)
Denim Shirt Jacket | Smocked Blouse | Wide-Leg Pants | Nappa Wedges | Perfect Tote
The third outfit is preppy through and through. I’m bringing back the navy twill blazer from outfit 1. This time, though, I paired it with a blue popover and white denim. Add a pair of navy loafers and you’re a full-on prepster, if only for a day.
Twill Knit Blazer | Button Detail Popover | Relaxed Jeans | Nappa Loafers | Perfect Tote
Outfit 4 demonstrates keeps the base from outfit 1 but swaps the jacket, shoes, and bag. It features a tan utility jacket and snakeskin espadrilles. (Remember, animal skin functions as a neutral.) This outfit really demonstrates the impact accessories and outerwear can have on an outfit.
Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Bateau Neck Tee | Slim Ankle Jeans | Espadrille Flats | Perfect Tote
Compare outfit 3 with this one: the only thing different is the jacket. Instead of a blazer, I’ve gone with the utility jacket. And what a difference it makes. The outfit stops feeling “preppy” and starts feeling more, “I’m ready to take on the world thank you very much.”
And that’s the fun of capsule wardrobes, really. If you begin with a small but classic set of tops, bottoms, shoes, and jackets, you can create so many different combinations that vary minimally but are dramatically different!
So have some fun with my capsule wardrobe and think about how you would do it differently.
Drawcord Shirt Jacket | Button Detail Popover | Relaxed Jeans | Nappa Loafers | Perfect Tote
If you’re looking for more classic wardrobe ideas, make sure to check out our essential series:
Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
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