Versatile Dress-Up-Dress-Down Fashion Finds
A few versatile wardrobe pieces that caught my eye this week…
Sometimes you find the best things when you’re not actively looking for them. This week I came across a few items that either have the potential to fill a wardrobe gap, or were something that you’ve requested, or were just too good not to bookmark.
These days, most of us don’t maintain separate wardrobes for different needs. Versatile pieces that can dress up or down, and be styled in multiple ways are wardrobe gold. And even better if they have some subtle but distinctive details.
“Dressed Up, Not Trussed Up” Tops
J.Crew Drapey Pleated Shirt – $118
If a “crisp white shirt” feels too stiff or structured for you, here’s one that fills the same role, but with a more relaxed attitude. I love the front pleating that adds detail but not bulk! Sizes 00-24.
I have this one on order, will report back! (Online it looks like a cream color, good for Springs & Autumns)
J.Crew Shirred Waist Top – $56.50
Here’s a simple but feminine style that’s available in a few colors and prints, sizes 00-24.
Talbot’s Satin Charmeuse Popover – $89.50*
Add a festive touch to your smart casual or holiday looks. Both this sapphire blue and the dark green colors are great for you Winters. Available in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes.
*for a two days only, get 50% off one item, 30% off everything else!
Banana Republic Crinkle Asymmetrical Shirt – $120
Now here’s a clever idea: this shirt has two sets of buttons so it can be buttoned in the classic way, or asymmetrically as shown here. Four colors in Misses and Petite sizes. This spruce color can work for Autumns and Winters, the berry color for Winters and some Summers, and the Prosecco is good for Springs and Autumns.
Banana Republic is currently offering 30% off full-price styles with code BRINSIDER
Lands’ End Long Sleeve Velvet Blouse – $64.95
If you haven’t taken a look at Lands’ End lately, you might be surprised. Not just for the plaid-n-preppy set, I spotted quite a few dressed up pieces, like this velvet top. This slate blue color is a good one for you Summers. In Misses and Plus sizes.
And save up to 60% off your Lands’ End order with code NIGHT.
Bottoms & Accessories
Lands’ End Wide-Leg Corduroys – $89.95
I’m loving all things corduroy this season, including this wide-leg style. Five colors available in Misses, Petite, Tall and Plus sizes.
(See how I dressed up a pair of corduroy pants HERE.)
Eileen Fisher Washable Ponte Knit Trouser – $198
I’m a big fan of EF ponte knit for travel or Smart Casual wear, and it’s so nice to find a trouser style in this Ink (navy) color!
Also in black (of course). Misses sizes XS to 3X, and Petites.
Quince Woven Leather Crossbody Clutch – $129
Here’s a good-looking and roomy-enough woven leather clutch just in time for holiday party season. This bag is also available in black and taupe. I just received this bag and think it punches WELL above its weight price-wise.
And if you prefer a smooth leather, this one’s also nice (lots of colors, too).
J.Crew Ribbed Cashmere Beanie – $66.50
I spied this (sparkly!) cashmere beanie on my way out the door of my local J.Crew and did an immediate 180 degree turn to purchase. I’ve recently cut my hair a bit shorter, so have been wearing on my morning dog walks to keep my head warm. Lots of other colors too!
Vibi Venizia Sabot Velvet Slippers – $155
Swanky slippers to lounge in style or add a luxe touch to your hostess outfit. If you’re in between sizes, size up.
It’s the little details and luxe textures that can elevate your casual and holiday looks. I love versatile pieces like these that can dress up or down, and make your wardrobe go further. What are some of your favorite versatile wardrobe essentials?
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The BR asymmetrical shirt is brilliant & beautiful!!! Wish it was silk & I’d buy ’em all! Heck, I still might. Thanks for doing the footwork for us:)
That shirt also comes in velvet in black and “prosecco” colors.
Loved the affordable clothing shown. Lands End has improved over the years.
I’m looking forward to your review of the J.Crew drapey shirt-especially the color to know if it is good for autumns. I ordered it hoping that it will be good for an autumn. Thank you for all your research. I appreciate it!
I have trouble with Land’s End. The clothes look great in the catalog, but when I look online, either they are out of stock in my size, or the measurements are off for Petites. These trousers (on sale except for the gorgeous color you’ve shown) are 29.5″. I am 5’2.5″ tall, and this length is too long for me unless I wear heeled boots, which I don’t often do. So again, really nice but doesn’t work for many of us. I much prefer Talbot’s and J Jill b/c the sizing works for me. I wonder if others have this problem.
Beautiful and unusual belts would be a versatile addition to a casual at-home dinner with friends! To me, they give any casual clothes a “festive” look!
I bought a similar velvet blouse last year in the green you were showing on the blog the other day & it is extremely flattering. I’m a woman on the heavier size & I just love the way it looks on me. Alough the blouse shown is not the same blouse, it has the same basic shape. I think that any size woman would look great in that blouse. I particularly like it in the Oxblood Red & Silver Frost. I just may have to get another this year!
I also bought the Land’s End corduroy trousers but in boot cut this year. They are very comfortable & a bit dressier than jeans. Both of these items are on my list of my capsule wardrobe I’m taking to London in March. (I’m SO grateful for the tips on capsule wardrobes!!)
So much to love in this post. That drapey J. Crew shirt is yummy, I just put it on price-watch for the next J. Crew sale.
This season it seems I’ve been using more of the ‘classics’ from my own wardrobe, e.g. skinny, calf-hair leopard belt (from my old workplace), snakeskin belt (from a Western wear shop summer clearance sale!), medium navy gold-buttoned lady jacket( from my elderly aunt)…as you say, it’s all in the details.
And as Laura said, thanks for footwork, Susan, much appreciated!
Thank you for this! I have tried many white button downs / button ups over the years, and I just can’t find one that works for me. I am very short-waisted, and there’s just too much length. Even though I am not petite, I have even tried petites, and they just don’t work. I will check out these options – I especially like the J.Crew Shirred Waist top.