Using Staple Pieces to Style Anything

A couple of weeks ago, I asked on my Instagram if people had ever bought something they didn’t know how to style. A majority said yes. I get it. Way back when I bought Louis-Tomlinson-from-One-Direction-inspired red jeans. I wore them all of one day, and I put them in the “to donate” bag to spend the rest of their days.

It happens to the best of us. In a previous post (https://thefallfromgrace.wixsite.com/blog/post/mix-it-up-an-insight-on-personal-style), I offered some tips on diversifying your closet to allow you to make for more unique outfits. But even with those ideas in mind, we are still led to buy the gorgeous red snakeskin boots we loved at the store. And then we get home and have nothing to wear them with. With the following staple pieces (AKA basic must-haves), you’re sure to turn the wacky polka dot shirts of the world into an integral part of your closet:

1. White t-shirts - A personal favorite, white t-shirts are clean and simple to wear with anything, including those red pants I fell in love with. Wear it under an unbuttoned crazy top or alone with bright blue pants.

2. Gray zip-up sweatshirt - A zip-up sweatshirt can be thrown over anything, including your boldest prints. These sweaters can be worn open (to show off your shirt) or zipped up when you’re cold or stop feeling your outfit halfway through the day.

3. Black jeans - Everyone has heard, “black goes with everything.” And that’s true! You can style your crazy patterned tops with simple black pants to make the shirt the focal point of your outfit or to maintain a simple black look.

4. Plain black shoes (light sneakers, flats) - Going along with the “black goes with everything,” black shoes will dial back your outfit a bit, and they are simple. I wear mine on the commute to work, styled with those black jeans and a floral top, year-long. Definitely a must-have.

5. White denim jacket - There’s a reason the staple pieces already mentioned come in black, white and grey. These colors are easy to wear anything with, and a white denim jacket is no different. Bring out the white in patterns, or wear it with an all-neutral ‘fit to make it pop.

6. White jeans - If you think white jeans are only “allowed” during certain parts of the year, you are, in fact, incorrect. This isn’t a fashion law, and white jeans can make any outfit look sleek and put together year-round. Those red snakeskin boots would look gorgeous with some white jeans, and in my experience, the best pairs are hip-hugging, skinny, and cuffable.

If you still can’t style the hard-to-wear pieces with the above, then the “to donate” bag is just as great a place. To minimize the amount of stuff going to Goodwill, try either of the following: try on your clothes before buying, and don’t forget to visualize yourself wearing the piece 3 ways before making the purchase.

And happy styling!