This series on fashion is inspired by a few great fashion related posts and bloggers I've been reading lately as well as a really positive response I got from a comment I left on another blog. A young woman was asking what she should get for a work wardrobe without spending a fortune. I gave this some thought and then commented on the ten pieces I'd recommend she get. I got an email back, complimenting my complete list and saying it would serve as a shopping list.
Over the next two weeks I'll be doing a post on each article of clothing as well as photographing some of my outfits. Enjoy!
When I was a kiddo, I hated jeans. They felt restrictive and stiff. I was always partial to khakis… until I discovered jeans with 2-3% spandex. Then I was a convert.
A pair of dark wash blue jeans are a little more versatile then most other washes (though if your favorite pair is light you can always dye them). Here are few ways I wear my favorite pair of dark wash, wide leg gap jeans:
Business
Wear your jeans with your trusty graphic print t-shirt, pin striped blazer and some pumps and you are casual Friday ready. The dark wash and trouserlike cut keep the outfit business but the spandex material allows your body to relax just a little.
Casual
Jeans and a t-shirt can work for most casual occasions but jeans and a sweater is cozy. I've worn an ensemble like this on casual first dates or dinner at a friends house. And some casual sneakers and jewelry complete the ensemble.
Funky
A V-neck tunic, dangly earrings, and animal print flats are a little funky but flattering. The V neck and long earrings draw the eye up and down on the body for a more flattering fit. For an even funkier outfit, you can wear a dress with your jeans (but do commit to an either wide leg jean or a very skinny jean for a I-wore-this-together-on-purpose look).
Straight leg, dark wash Gap jeans, $80
Tips for jeans: Straight leg or boot cut seem to be your best bet. A dark wash is less casual then a lighter wash. Look for larger back pockets that are slightly higher on the pant for a butt-lifting effect. Remember that you can always hem jeans if they are too long but a good fit in the waist-hip area is priceless. Did I mention the wonderfulness of a spandex blend?
Check out the other posts in this series:
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Cotton Sweater
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Crisp White Shirt
Top Ten Femlae Wardrobe Staples: The Graphic T-Shirt
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Pencil Skirt
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Wrap Dress
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: The Pin Striped Suit
Top Ten Female Wardrobe Staples: Good Shoes