Two Ways: Campaigning in Jeans

Jeans: AG The Ballad ($172)

From Left, Earrings: Giles and Brother Hoops ($90) Bag: Brahmin Phoebe Bag ($295) Shoes: Halogen Karlie Flats ($110) Necklace: House of Harlow Abalone Necklace ($80) Top: Derek Lam Pintuck Blouse ($425)

From Right, Earrings: Wendy Mink Amethyst Studs ($62) Bracelet: Alexa’s Purple Bangle ($19) Bag: Kooba Barkley Bag ($360) Shoes: TOMS Ballet Flats ($74) Coat: Club Monaco Emma Trench ($298) Scarf: Love Quotes Scarf ($83) Top: Boden Hamptons Tee ($38)

Polyvore Set Here.

For Late Summer.  Making full-length denim work for summer can be difficult, but when you’re spending your days in an air-conditioned campaign office with a bunch of men who like the temperature somewhere between brisk and hypothermia, jeans are your savior. 

To make these jeans work for the August/September time period, I paired them with a structure peasant blouse (less expensive option, here) to give it a breezy, summertime feel.  I then added this long pendant from House of Harlow to continue the subtle 70s-throwback feel.  I own this pendant, and I love it.  It lifts simple blouses and dresses with its brilliant color palette and statement size.

As for the rest of the accessories, I added a cool hoop earring, a cobalt blue bag to coordinate with the necklace (similar color crossbody for under-$100) and a cool pair of ankle strap flats.  I wanted to keep my toes covered for this look, but if I could have found a brown Huarache sandal with closed-toe, I would have chosen that instead.

For the hair, I recommend wearing it down in waves or up in a twisted, imperfect updo.  For the makeup, I like to keep it simple on the trail with a bit of eyeliner, some pink gloss and a pink blush to perk up your cheeks.  And don’t forget the under-eye concealer.

For the Autumn.  Dressing in layers is critical when campaigning in the fall season.  You may be knocking on doors outside or phone banking in a conference room or attending a campaign event, and you may do all of this in  the same day. 

This look layers a mid-weight tee with long sleeves under a light scarf and a medium-weight trench coat.  I love the scoop neck on the t-shirt, so flattering, and the ivory-metallic scarf is a versatile color choice.  As for the trench, I tried this one on a few days ago and was very impressed by how tailored and expensive it looked.  If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought it cost two or three times its cost.  (Need a cheaper trench?  Try this sub-$200 London Fog trench.)

As for the shoes, campaign shoes need to be comfortable.  Really comfortable.  So these ballet flat TOMS are a neutral, utilitarian choice for women who will be on their feet all day.  Sometimes you need to find a choice that, while not faux pas, caters to your activity more than your sense of style.

The accessories I chose are a mix of purples.  These unobtrusive pieces add a bit of color to the otherwise monotone outfit.  I like how the mauve Kooba bag pairs with the amethyst studs and the mixed-media bangle set.

For the hair, I would wear it up.  When I’m traveling for work or on the trail, I’d rather sleep than wash my hair in the morning, so dry shampoo and a curly updo are my saviors.  Again, simple makeup with a berry-stained lip for a bit of color.