There’s wearing clothes, and then there’s styling them. If you’re not sure of the difference between the two, it’s all about taking your unassuming capsule wardrobe basics (a white tee shirt, a plain pair of jeans) and adding a few tweaks to give them a little more pizzazz this summer.
This does take a little practice and experimentation, but it’s a great way to refresh your summer wardrobe and enhance your personal style all at the same time. The key elements to remember are color, shape and texture.
Plain T-Shirt
The epitome of contemporary apparel, the plain white tee is a closet classic and works brilliantly as both a layering piece and on its own. If your everyday jeans and shirt combo is starting to feel a little “blah”, a few adjustments can make all the difference.
Firstly, tucking variations (whether full, French or diagonal) will help to alter the overall shape, so experiment with these to see what suits you. Secondly, the aforementioned layering effect works especially well under a sweater. Lastly, jewelry can help jazz up a tee shirt in seconds, adding dimension and color.
Jeans
One of the best ways to put together a stylish outfit is to pair casual items with something a little more unexpected from your summer wardrobe. Instead of a tee-shirt and trainers combo, try sandwiching the more casual aspect of the jeans between more formal or dressier pieces, like a kitten heel and a sheer blouse.
With denim, trend cycles come and go, and while wide and straight leg styles are currently having a moment, there’s no rule saying you have to follow each new fad to the letter. If a specific style of jeans doesn’t suit you, stick to what does, and if you happen to be wearing a great pair of shoes, go ahead and roll up that cuff.
White Button-Down
White shirts can be a surprisingly versatile piece in your summer wardrobe, depending on what you pair it with. There’s the tried-and-true combination of jeans and a classic shirt, but you can do things a little differently by knotting or tucking the hem and pushing up the sleeves (this also works for jackets, which we’ll come to in a moment).
Buttoning (or unbuttoning) the collar can also make a big difference, and when it comes to layering, don’t be afraid to change things around and play with levels: a cropped sweater with the hem peeking out, for instance, or a shirt worn under (or over) a slip dress.
Blazer
No matter the event, the blazer’s main purpose is to add structure, so if you happen to be wearing something relatively floaty and diaphanous underneath, a blazer can be a great way to add contrast and a bit of oomph to your summer wardrobe.
Alternatively, play around with the levels of your outfit and again try to avoid adhering too staunchly to style rules: while the received wisdom is to match the hem of your coat to your jacket, a cropped top, midi skirt and a blazer that falls just below the hip can look ultra chic. For accessories, add a pair of statement earrings, or even an assortment of brooches to the lapel.
