This post is about adding items to a simple outfit to take it to the next level. How do you do that? Well you keep adding items until you feel like a tool, then you take something off. Simple, see! Don’t worry, I have more for you than that. Promise. Most days simple is key to me. Black dress, grey cardigan, heels or flats and off I go to work. Simple, fast and not very imaginative. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
But sometimes you want to feel a bit more special. More dressed up. More styling. And then, that’s where layers and accessories come in. Here I take a black maxi {with tank over top for modesty thanks to the slimline fit}, flats and a cardigan. Looks good on its own. But I want MORE.
So next I add a belt. Belted high on my waist this helps define my waist and immediately makes the outfit more dressed up. Less casual and more dressy. At this stage add some bangles and a necklace and you could be done. But of no, instead of that… I add a scarf!
This looped scarf open actually makes this look a bit more casual again. Fun. We all know how much I love a good stripe and this one from TS14+ has TWO types in the one scarf. Winning. Again rings and bangles will work here. But I really like it just as it is. Think movies, coffee or lunch with the girls… That sort of thing.
Loop the scarf over and it shows off the belt and waisted area a bit more. Maybe dinner, date or conferences or even work {unless you work for a franchise who dictates grey, grey, grey, then you’re better off to leave this one. Just me? Hmmm}.
Tell me I’m not the only one that thinks each of the ways to wear this outfit has its own personality about it?
Which is more your style photo 1, 2, 3 or 4?
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Outfit photos originally taken for the Mix Apparel blog. Check out the styling your knit wear post for more ideas on making the most of a basics wardrobe. Clothing items used in this outfit are Seed Maxi Dress, Virtu Timeless Tank in Black, Mix Apparel Boyfriend Cardigan, Ts14+ Scarf {now $5 with a full price purchase!} Autograph Belt, Emerson for BigW Buckle Flats.
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Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
No.3 for me – love a longline scarf!
Oh I LOVE number 4! You are rocking the condom dress!
(Also, yay, disqus comments!)
Thanks! She’s tight, but heck, that’s the point, right!? Haha.
Uh huh! Finally added it because it was just so darn hard to comment here. At least now, if people don;’t comment, it’s on me. 😉
That first picture with just the dress and cardie is great. Simple and casual.
Second picture? Meh.
Third picture? Meh.
Fourth picture with the looped scarf? Now you’re cookin’!
Although……I personally think a narrow belt, maybe just one inch? would look better than the wide one.
Simple & casual indeed. All or nothing here. 😉
I like number four. I’m mad for looped scarves. Bring on winter!
I am now too. Took me a while but I am FULLY on board now.
Number 4 is just right. The belt is awesome. I have trouble finding bigger belts. x
Thanks Maxabella. All of my belts are from Autograph, I find they have a good range and everyday styles as well as flashier ones for going out etc.
Very stylish!! I love these posts. Looking forward to trying out number 4 when my Seed dress arrives.
Thanks. I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Oooo, you got it too! You’ll love it, it’s a bit awesome.
I love the last look. I am ALL about accessories- the more the better. I would add a flower pin and a big bangle and maybe a hat… just kidding about the hat. Unless it had feathers…
You look awesome. I love that condom dress! I might have to get me one o’ those!
Haha. I can imagine you in a feather hat. It would make for a accessorised to the max combination.
Thanks, loving it. And cheap really for $50 given how many different combinations there are.
I think curvy ladies need to embrace the belted-waist! Slims the figure immediately and gives greater definition.
I would go with style 1, paired with a fabulous statement necklace of course.
xx
Indeed! I would totally agree with the belt thing.
Of cooooourse you would. 😀
I am lovin the look of number 4 on you~! Very stylish indeed ;]
Thanks Kimmie. xo