I love a good outfit formula that you can adapt to any budget and personal style aesthetic. This one came together when I was getting dressed to go out to dinner in Sarasota a few weeks ago, and it’s definitely going to be on repeat this season!
AG denim jacket (S) (budget option) // FRAME t-shirt (XS) (budget option) // PAIGE Leenah trouser jeans (29) (budget option) // Vince Camuto sandals (8) (budget option) // similar belt // Tom Ford sunglasses (budget option) // Dragon Diffusion tote (budget option)
A white t-shirt and white jeans are the foundation of this effortlessly chic outfit formula. The only sandals I had with me with heels high enough to wear with these trouser jeans are these whiskey brown block heeled slingback sandals, so that’s how I decided to accent the monochromatic look with brown accessories.
To that, I added a belt to break up the look and highlight my waist, and then I topped it all off with a denim jacket.
STYLE TIP: I always belt under my jackets because I’m super short-waisted, and the belt isn’t really sitting on my natural waist. This helps to redefine the waistline where I want it to appear in the outfit, and it also helps to create the illusion of more curves. If you have a smaller waist that you want to highlight, belting over top the jacket can be a great way to do that.
This jacket is a splurge, for sure, but it’s such a nice piece made out of soft stretch denim with a straight, relaxed fit. It’s actually more of a shirt jacket, which is a little unexpected and sets it apart from a traditional trucker style denim jacket. Kohl’s has a more budget-friendly option in their LC Lauren Conrad collection.
These jeans are my favorites for dressier looks, and they’re on sale plus 25% off at Bloomingdale’s right now, which brings them down to $120 in cart. That’s a steal for PAIGE denim! I also found a similar style for under $100 at Nordstrom.
My white FRAME t-shirt is also part of the Bloomingdale’s sale, and it’s one that I wear all the time, but of course you can wear any white t-shirt that you like. I think the v-neck is nice because I like to keep my neckline open, but you can also do a crewneck or scoop neck, if you prefer.
Brown tortoiseshell sunglasses and a brown leather woven tote complete the look.
This tote has gone up quite a bit in price since I purchased mine last spring, but you can save 15% at Liberty London when you sign up for emails, and shipping is free over $200. Returns are free, as well. I absolutely love this bag, the workmanship is stunning, but I also found a similar style for under $100 at Amazon.
Finally, I wore understated mixed metal jewelry to enhance the outfit, but you could definitely amp up this look with coordinating statement earrings or a colorful necklace.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this outfit formula. Is it something you would wear? Or how would you adapt it to work for you?
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11 Responses
Jolynne – can you do maybe what to wear when you’ve gone through menopause and nothing fits. And now you have to size up in everything. How do you shop? What if you lose weight? I just feel frumpy in everything and I’m so frustrated.
Jennifer…. That is hard. I am going through it late as weining off my hormones. I already can tell my body is changing. I’m finding leggings to be comfortable when needed with a cute top that covers enough and a Jean jacket or shacket with cute slides or mules. Even Jean shirt or other blouse type shirt or even blazer. I don’t feel as frumpy on the days I feel heavier in leggings. I’m not talking the work out type leggings rvat feel to compression but the Ponte type like from Loft. For just casual and cheaper I also get the two pack of the Feline brand at Costco. I’ve never had weight problem so hoping I don’t keep going. Yikes!!! Hang in there. I think Jo-Lynne would tell you to dress the body you have now and don’t think….. would if I loose weight? Hard to do but it’s true. I think as we age we have to try to embrace our body changes or it causes too much stress.
It’s hard and it stinks. All I know to tell you is to dress the body you have the best you can. Take a class on dressing your body type if you don’t have a good handle on that and stay true to your personal style. Also, quality garments generally fit better and are more forgiving – especially when you’re carrying extra weight.
Love this look. I have lighter nude belt I do with nude sandals. Goes better with my grey hair now. I don’t wear much cognac these days since going grey. Only shoes at times. Hope you are having fun.
I love these kind of outfits. Perfect for travel as you can change the jacket and have a completely new look.
Love the all white and I also love all black. Nailed it on this one.
Really love the look on you! Being blonde and fair skinned I would probably wear a paler denim jacket or an ecru. Maybe white? Here it’s autumn so it’s a bit hypothetical really….I already do the navy equivalent which always looks good.The formula is a good faithful one. Nice.
This is an outfit that I would recreate with a few tweaks. I steer clear of belts because they put too much emphasis on my pudgy tummy so I would add a statement necklace instead of a belt. And I would carry a colorful handbag.
I would definitely wear your outfit. I think it would work with other neutrals too. Of all the bloggers I follow your style is what I like and I can relate too. (A few styles I don’t wear because of my height.) For the ladies going through menopause I know about the weight gain and body changes. I’m post menopausal and even though I lost the weight and work out my body is not the same as before menopause. The weight from my hips and thighs is more in my belly and arms even though I am small. Sometimes I wish I had kept some of that weight because as I approach 70 I don’t want to get frail. I would just eat as healthy as you can by eating non GMO and organic and work out. Take good quality vitamins.
So classy and fresh! Hope your healing nicely and enjoying spring break with your daughters.
My daughter has a school choir concert at the end of April and I think this will be what I wear! I don’t have these exact items, but I can shop my closet and get pretty close! Hope y’all are enjoying your spring break, ours started today as soon as school let out!
Please do more outfit formula posts!!! These are so fun and helpful!!