From basic to interesting
Well, this outfit might not be outstanding but it definitely becomes more interesting and stands out more with its improvements. How do you transform an outfit from basic to pretty?
A week or so ago, I was getting ready for church but I was not sure what to wear. I knew I wanted to wear something different that would go with my gray boots because while it was not too cold, it was overcast and probably would rain. I decided to build from a plain black dress.
Basic black dress and boots
One of my very versatile accessory in my closet, these boots have been worn many times since I purchased them 2-3 years ago at Rack Room shoes. They are warm, durable and perfect for church since they do not have a heel and church involves a lot of standing. The black dress I bought at Target after a blogger showcased it on her blog.
Add accessories and a layer
To bring interest to my outfit, I added a waterfall 3/4 sleeves cardigan, a scarf (Target dollar stop a few years ago), dainty earrings and Fair Trade bracelets (from Mercy house). The layer was practical to add some warmth as well as add color, and the scarf, earrings and bracelets complement each other.
Maxi dress and sandals
I used the same principle with the black maxi dress (those dress are such a blank piece of canvas that you can play with) and added sandals, a short sleeve jacket and a necklace. I found the dress on thred up and really want to find another similar one (it is Old Navy) because this one is beginning to show some wear. Still haven’t found a good replacement though! I could not make up my mind with what shoes and topper to wear so I will actually write a 5 ways to wear a colored maxi dress in the near future!
I ended up choosing my leopard t-strap sandals from Old Navy and this short sleeve jacket because it felt springier to me than my dark jean jacket.
This necklace was a purchase from Nordstrom a year ago and is very versatile. The length of it is adjustable. It is now sold out and I just realized that the pendant is backwards in the next picture (oops). And of course I am wearing another pair of my Nickel and Suede earrings. I really love them because they keep their shape and are so lightweight!
While most of these items are old or sold out, you probably have some similar things in your closet! You can do this to a jeans and tee outfit, any basic dress or really any outfit. I find myself reaching for scarves mostly in the winter but also if I am wearing a plain black dress or a white tee. I also use scarves for modesty if a shirt or dress has a deeper v neck than I like. With summer, I am more likely to add a necklace and bracelets to make my outfit more interesting and of course, statement earrings!
Now in the next few week, if you don’t already do this, try to bring your outfits up a notch by adding interest with accessories and light layers!
A bientôt!
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20 Comments
Jaymie Ashcraft
Looks great!! I love Nickel and Suede, I have so many pairs!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
mimifce
me too! it is an addiction! i plan to wait till summer to buy a few more, lol
Jennifer
I really love those earrings!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
mimifce
I have 6 pairs and probably will get couple more this summer! I reach for them all the time!
Ivana Split
Both outfits are very pretty, the one with the short dress and boots looks great and I like the one with the maxi dress as well. This is a great way to wear LBD.
mimifce
Thank you! It got warmer by the time I took the second set of pictures so it was a nice way to contrast ways to style the dresses!
Jessica A Jannenga
Hi Mireille
I love a great piece that can transform to many different looks, your black dress. It looks lovely! Love the statement earrings and the additon of color with your burgundy jacket.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
mimifce
Thank you for stopping by! I am really getting more use out of my closet since starting on this blogging journey and I am loving the inspiration I am getting from visiting more blogs that I was used to!
Laura
Accessories can really make all the difference! I love your neutral colored earrings in the second outfit, too. They would go with everything! Your bright colored scarf looks amazing with that dress in the first outfit!
mimifce
Thank you! You can never dismiss the dollar section at Target! I also found my $5 summer hat there!
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side
I love that black maxi! I think I need to find one just like it! So agree with adding accessories to make it interesting!
mimifce
Yes, I need a new one myself! If I ever find one similar I will be sure to post about it. It has some shape to it so it does not look baggy but it also does not add weight so it is nice!
Katie
Love the looks you pulled together! Love taking basic black and making it less so!!
mimifce
Thanks for stopping by! Now I am inspired to create many outfits with those dresses!
Julie | This Main Line Life
Oh, I love the long black dress with that denim jacket. Adding a cover up and some accessories really makes such a difference.
mimifce
I really need to find another of those simple black dress. Having a hard time finding affordable, flattering one!
Mica
I love the colour you added with the scarf and jacket in the first outfit! it goes to show you how versatile a little black dress is, each outfit looks so different! 🙂
Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp 🙂 A new linkup is live on my blog now!
Hope you had a wonderful weekend 🙂
mimifce
Thank you! Linked up this morning!
Jacqui Berry
you’ve dressed both these outfits beautifully – thanks so much for sharing on the #chicandstylish #linkup Jacqui Mummabstylish
mimifce
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by!