Monday Outfit: Simplicity is Key

I’ve reached a point in my life where ease matters. I no longer have twenty minutes to stand in front of my closet pairing pieces and mixing accessories.  I need to be able to choose an outfit that works with speed.  And this one, this one works.

On first thought, a black pencil and a summery striped button-up doesn’t sound like it’s going to work.  Until you see it.  This outfit, found on Pinterest, is the kind of easy look you can mix from pieces you already own.  The solid foundation is elevated by unique accessories that give it a little extra oomph.  Here’s how to remake it.

The Skirt // This outfit wanted a skirt that was long, but not too long.  I chose this Equipment skirt because it’s high-waisted and below-the-knee, but with a slit to lighten the look.  I also love this Conquista skirt with a leather belt detail and this $60 skirt from Nordstrom Rack.  Plus-size?  Try this NY&Co. Skirt.

When trying to find the right midi-skirt length for you, you’ll need to embrace tailoring (Or at least hem tape.)  Your proportions, your height, and your desired heel height all dictate where a skirt should hit.  If you have a Nordstrom near you, buy the skirt there and take advantage of free tailoring.

The Shirt // I wanted a shirt close to the original image, so I opted for the wider stripe on this pricey Ralph Lauren shirt.  For a less expensive option, this Rag & Bone button up or this Frank button-up.  Madewell’s poplin shirt (also in plus) is also a fantastic option.

I purchased a striped shirt this year from Rails (since sold out) and it was probably the seventh one I tried before I got the slightly relaxed, but not oversized, look I wanted.  So don’t get discouraged if the first one or two aren’t what you are looking for.

The Shoes // The shoes are the star of this show. The sleek, architectural lines on these Guilhermina Slingback Flats are incredible.  They come in three incredible, textured colors, and I kind of want them all.

These <$50 Serena slingbacks are also fabulous.  Or if you want the heel, these Massimo Matteo heels give you that sleek, Italian shoe look in a walkable heel height.

The Accessories // White accessories would not have been something I thought about for this outfit, but they fit perfectly.  They give it a little fashion-edge, which I really like.  The sunglasses were easy, I’ve noticed this pair at Nordstrom a few times, but just haven’t been brave enough to buy.  This $25 pair are also nice.

For the bag, an oversize clutch is lovely, but won’t work for most professional women.  The Kate Spade Knott satchel was my first choice, then I spotted the gorgeous knot-accented Kate Spade above and was sold.

The Styling // This is an outfit for natural-looking choices.  Loose hair, a simple lip color, and bare nails.  I love it when I don’t need to work too hard on an outfit.

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