My Black Shirt Project - Vol. 1

Hey there,

So I saw this YouTube video yesterday and it reminded me that really a girl could do just fine with a few basic black tops and jeans, and a few accessories. It is certainly my go-to when I am unsure what to wear. I think Suz once mentioned it's a great choice when travelling because it kind of works everywhere. So I decided to document some 'black shirt' outfits to see how well I can do.

I am not planning on doing this every day - that's been a barrier to me taking on some of these challenges; I'm not prepared to commit to it every single day - so I'll just post on the days that I do it.

Also - as anyone who has seen my WIWs knows! - these will not be fashion-forward particularly - they'll be more classic-casual, the idea being to look like I actually got dressed vs. throwing on the closest thing I could find (ambitious, I know ) But thought they might be interesting to obsessive simplifiers such as myself

Today's outfit - started with a black scoop-neck tee from Target and some white Esprit crops that will be snipped into Bermuda shorts as soon as I get to the mall to buy an updated version (these are old and the length looks dated to me).

Add-ons - my gray leopard scarf, a jean jacket and a few bracelets. In the days B.B. (before Birkenstocks) I would have worn silver sandals or black ballets with this, but alas, I am addicted to the comfort of my new white Birks!

Thanks for looking! And on the chance anyone is interested, would love to see your basic black top outfits!

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

Neel

Veteran

Wow! I love this and I am going to watch your series like a hawk! Excellent job changing the simple base outfit to something more chic! WOW. Marking as favorite to copy

Helena

Thanks Neel!

jackiec

I love this! Simple perfection and perfect for our casual lifestyles. Looking forward to your ongoing black shirt project

Alassë

Sounds like a good series! I don't think your outfits are boring; sleekly chic is more like it.

Anonymous

I love this look TG! Very chic. Love the topper choice and scarf.

leopardluxe

Love this look! The scarf and sandals really make it!

carter

What a fun project! Accessories can make such a difference, can't they. It's times like these I envy folks who live in areas where toppers work during the Spring/Summer;-) I kind of like the length on the crops. You could do a couple small rolls if it bugs you.

Zibbets

Great project. I love this outfit both ways and am going to look for that scoopneck shirt at le Target.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Killer

You nailed it. The white bottoms make the look. xo

abc

Love this and am shamelessly going to copy as I have all of the same pieces (down to the same scarf, I think!)

Thanks everyone! I hope you are not all too disappointed when you see what a one-trick-pony I am!

Zibbets, the tee is one of the basic Merona ones - it's washed quite well and the fit is quite nice - fitted without being tight.

abc - the scarf is from Boutique Walmart and I have worn it so much, it would have been worth paying five times the amount for!

Diana

Nice! I used to wear a black tee (or black sweater in the winter) at least once a week. I might not wear it quite as often any more but it is definitely still a FFBO for me with jeans/crops/skirt. Goes with everything.

texstyle

Looks great! Black tops with whatever bottoms are def. a FFB item for me. I usually add a bracelet, necklace and belt for "accessories" since it's often too warm for a topper but a denim jacket always looks great with black.

thanks for the tips texstyle ... it will soon be too warm for toppers here too!

cciele

*wave to Birkie twin* I love this project! What a simple yet chic look you have going there. The minimal color palette really works.

Gigi

One-trick pony, this was an awesome outfit. I agree with Neel that you did a fabulous job with changing up a simple outfit and making it very interesting with your accessories. I'm always looking for interesting clothing to wear, but maybe I should try your approach for a while: simple base with interesting accessories. Of course, that means I need more than about five accessories (I'm not kidding...I have hardly any!), but I like the idea anyhow!

viva

I actually love the first look as well! If you had put shoes on, you would have had two looks! I will also be watching closely.

BTW, I have white crops just like this that I am still wearing.

NDMom

Active Member

Ohh....Love both outfits! I will be watching too! Looks so great!

Windchime

Great outfits! What a terrific example of how to use accessories to change the look of an outfit. I really like your cuff bracelet btw.

Gigi, I'm the same with the exception of a plethora of scarves ... so they will figure heavily into this little project!
Viva and ND, thanks and I also thought the more minimal first layer was pretty good - a nice thing to be able to lose the layers without losing a decent outfit. Viva, glad to hear about the pants, perhaps I'll keep these going another season!
Windchime, the black bracelet is actually my trusty Timex I added a few silver bracelets with it to make it look a little more substantial.

Thanks everyone for the kind and positive words!

Elizabeth P

This is awesome torontogirl. You nailed what you set out to do... simple, put together, and not at all like you threw on the first thing you could find. I can't wait for volume 2!

I like this idea and your first installment. Eager to see them all lined up!

Susie

What a great idea! Count me in with those who use black tops as a fast fall back. You've shown us such a chic example... More please!

Runcarla

Oooooh! I'm going to copy cat this look! Thans tg!

MsLuna

Love this idea, Torontogirl! I'm really looking forward to what you come up with! The first look is great!

JAileen

I liked the first outfit, then wow! loved the second outfit! Nice job.

Love the outfit! Look forward to seeing other variations on this too. I always like ideas on different things to do with the ubiquitous black t-shirt.

Beth Ann

Classic formulas, done with beautiful fits and well-chosen simplicity is the heart of most of our wardrobes. Love the finish of the denim, the grey tones in the leopard, and the fun white sandals to extend the white in the crops -- which look classic, not dated, to me!

Well done!

Ingunn

Great idea! The base can be tweaked in so many ways. I'm inclined to try the same! Thank you for the inspiration. Your white Gizeh's are fab, no need for anything else.

Category