Elevated Basics — Love Nothing More

Simple Tips to Elevate Your Basics

Jeans and t-shirts are my uniform. Ask anyone in my office (if you can find them right now). I never thought much about it until a few of the women I worked with mentioned that they were “stealing” my look. First of all, if you’re inspired by something I’ve worn, it’s not stealing, it’s the highest compliment. Secondly, those ladies helped me feel validated because every single time someone told me they were wearing my uniform, I had already thought how much I liked what they had put together. They looked good, if I do say so. Clearly something is working here!

Jeans and Ts can feel incredibly boring. But it’s time to stop thinking of them as waving a white flag to fashion. Start categorizing your favorite jeans and Ts as an essential, foundational element to any effortless ensemble.

3 Simple Tips to Elevate Your Jeans and Ts

Layer Up - Robes, blazers, cardigans, scarves. Each of these adds dimension to even the simplest of outfits. In fact, the simpler your foundation, the more fun you can have with your layering piece. I’m partial to the crisper lines and structured shape of a good blazer. That said, I spent the entire summer in a wispy robe over the summer version of my jeans and Ts. Find something that suits your personality and run with it!
Funk Up Your Shoes - Chucks. Pumps. Booties. There are lots of ways to make a statement with your shoes. Personally, I love a pointy-toe bootie, usually with some notable detail. I wouldn’t typically wear a pair of shiny, red shoes (Dorothy Gale, I am not). But these red Anine Bing’s work for me here because everything else is so subdued. Their shape whispers classic but their color screams rock. Basically this is the footwear equivalent of my soul! Not to mention they are a match for jeans and Ts made in fashion heaven.
Add Smart Accessories - By smart, I mean sharp as well as considerate. There was a time when more was more for me and accessories. Arm parties and chunky rings and earrings and headbands all at once. I learned that editing down accessories can lend to a more effortless vibe. It can be very easy to think that with such a basic outfit, you need to go overboard with accessories. It’s just not so. One major statement bag, like this one from Sister Epic, will say literally everything you need without feeling overwhelming or fussy. Be sure to balance your shoe and accessory choices. In the example above, I felt a red bootie was already super punchy. The idea of adding a competing color didn’t seem like a good balance. So I went for a graphic pattern in b&w instead. The end result feels more modern to me.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention there are exceptionally talented influencers out there, like Blaire Eadie and Mikaela Pabon, who masterfully mush together patterns and colors. My deepest admiration goes to those women because styling that way with a such a sophisticated result is not easy. If that is where you’re looking to head with your fashion choices, do it! The results can be so breathtaking.

Instead, let’s consider the above tips ideal for the fashion-minded person who refuses to fuss. For the woman who doesn’t want to think too hard about what’s on her body but who still wants to change the vibe of a room when she walks into it. There’s no better feeling than having someone ask you how you always look so good and replying with a twinkle in your eye, “It’s just jeans and a T.”

If you try any of these tips, you must send me a photo or tag me on the socials! I’d love to see how you make your jeans and Ts combos your own.

xoxo