How to Dress Up Casual Jeans

As y’all know, I’m a jeans girl. Nothing makes me feel better than a great pair of jeans, and when they’re paired with high heels, even better!

WHBM Kimono Blouse (Petite) $88 // DL1961 Emma Legging Jeans $178 (wait for a sale)
Charles D Pact Pumps $99 // similar Kate Spade crossbody $148
C. Wonder Station Tassel Necklace c/o QVC $59
gold hoops $28 // cuff bracelet $79

One of my favorite looks is jeans, high heels and a dressy top, so I’m always looking for cute tops that can stand alone. I always do well at White House Black Market. They seem to nail it when it comes to tops that are well made and on trend without being trendy, if that makes sense. Their price points are on the high side, but not crazy high, and they do run some nice promotions from time to time.

I picked up this Kimono Blouse along with a few other tops a few weeks ago when they were running 30% off full price items, and I love it. You’re going to hate me, though. It is currently sold out in regular sizes. You can check back because sometimes they restock. Earlier today they had it in XL. If you wear petite, you’re in luck because there are more sizes to choose from, and you also may be able to find it in stores.

I really like the way this top is shaped through the waist area without being tight at all. It’s flattering and easy to throw on and go. Best of all, there are two layers of material so it’s not see-through AT ALL and there is no need to mess with shapewear.

 

The keyhole detail in the back is a nice touch, and I love the shirttail hemline.

I added a statement necklace, and I felt like I was good to go. I also added modest hoop earrings along with a cuff bracelet, but I went with delicate pieces because I didn’t want anything to compete with the necklace.

I rarely wear pumps because I find them awkward to walk in. I have narrow heels and most pumps seem to slip off when I walk. However, I couldn’t resist putting them with this outfit because they seemed like the perfect finishing touch. That said, when I wore this outfit last week at Mom 2.0, I wore my wedge sandals, and they looked ALMOST as good, plus I could walk, which is always a bonus.

It also occurred to me, after we left the house, that leopard pumps would be amazing with this outfit. I wish I’d thought to wear mine for this photo shoot. I think they would add the perfect finishing touch.

Speaking of which, yesterday I went through every session in Kelly’s Adore Your Wardrobe eCourse. It is truly fantastic for any woman wanting to ramp up her personal style. The first two sessions were game changers for me. I know that proportion and balance are the key to great style; I say that all the time, and that is the basis to her course. But I thought I knew my body type, and as it turns out, I’ve been wrong all these years.

Because she subscribes to the theory that fashion is 80% science and math, Kelly has you actually take measurements to figure out your body type. As it turns out, I’m not the “apple” shape I thought I was. I’m curvy. Because I carry my weight in my middle, I just assumed I was an apple, but when I did her exercise with body measurements, I do actually have more of a defined waist than I thought I did. This explains why I don’t look good in tunics and outfits without structure.

Creating structure in an outfit is always a good thing, but when you’re an hourglass, you can’t hide your waist or you just look heavier than you really are. Even though I’ve known that instinctively for some time, I still find myself gravitating to loose, flowy tops. Now that I understand why they simply will not work for me, it makes so much sense, and I feel like I won’t make that mistake from now on.

I also loved her session on the Rule of Fours. This one is public, and you can view it here if you’d like. Click on the pink button that says, GET FREE EPISODE INSTANTLY. I don’t necessarily agree that you can’t over-accessorize, but I tend to err on the side of being too conservative at times, and I am going to be counting to four every time I get dressed from now on!

For example, this outfit only gets 3 points. If I’d added the leopard pumps, I’d have the 4 points needed to create the perfect Pinterest-worthy outfit. It’s funny that I instinctively knew that the leopard pumps would add the extra interest the outfit needed, but now that I have a formula to work with, I will know for sure when I need one more accessory or key piece to make an outfit really stand out.

I can’t say enough good things about Kelly’s Adore Your Wardrobe eCourse. Registration closes on May 10, so if you want to take the course, don’t wait too long! It would make a fabulous Mother’s Day gift, wouldn’t it!?!

Okay, back to my outfit! White jeans or black skinny pants would also look amazing with this kimono blouse if you need something that is office appropriate, but I like the juxtaposition of the blue jeans with the other dressy components if you’re wearing it out to dinner or to a more casual venue.

This outfit is the perfect example of fashion that’s not fussy. Everything I’m wearing (okay, except the heels) is super comfortable and easy to wear, but I feel put together and ready for almost anything. (I just wish I’d added the leopard pumps!)

 

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