Here’s a casual outfit formula that’s easy to pull together, and very popular with my Mum-on-the-go clients as we head into warmer weather. It combines modern classics — a neutral striped tee and denim jacket — with a fashionable support act. It’s amazing how much more current this outfit formula looks when trendy pieces are added into the mix. 

Here are the components:  

Black Bottoms: Choose trendy leather/pleather leggings or track pants for a bit of hard edge. Ankle pants, slouchy tapered cropped pants, and pedal pushers are other options, as are short shorts, harem pants or knitted Ponte pants.  

Tops: Choose a striped tee in neutrals like black and white, navy and white, or grey and white. If tees aren’t your thing, choose a lightweight cotton pullover in a neutral stripe. Choose a silhouette and neckline that works best for you. Leave the top untucked unless you’re wearing track pants, in which case you might want to partially tuck the front for a little structure. 

Toppers: It’s denim jacket or vest all the way, in either a tailored fit, or a fashion forward oversized fit. Personally, I prefer faded denim because it’s a prettier shade of blue, and it creates a higher contrast against black bottoms. But choose any wash that tickles your fancy. 

Footwear: Wearing trendy casual footwear is key to making this formula pop and look fresh. So think slip-on sneakers, cut-out booties, Birkenstocks, pointy toe flats, loafers, flat oxfords, cage sandals or d’Orsay flats. Of course, classics like Converse sneakers and gladiators will work too. 

Accessories: A large tote is an easy match, in either black or a light neutral. Satchels, fashionable backpacks or large clutches are great. Finish off the outfit with jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. 

Most of you will probably be able to put this outfit together by shopping your closet. Here’s the formula in street style action.

A recent Harvard Business School study showed that customers who dress down may get better service at luxury stores. Fashionista’s Stephanie Trong put this theory to the test and went shopping in six high-end stores on Madison Avenue. 

The Invisible Woman went shopping in London’s Canary Wharf to find out which brands and stores offer stylish clothing options for the “older shopper”. She published her findings this week. The comments section for both articles has some great tips too, so be sure to check those out as well.

If you’re not in the mood to hit brick-and-mortar stores, then have a look at Refinery29’s roundup of eleven inspiring E-Shops. Or check out Racked’s 38 Essential Online Shops, with handy info about return and shipping policies.

Fab Links from Our Members

Annagybe came across this fantastic but far too short interview with French designer Jean Paul Gaultier.

Debbie Roes’ blog post “Following Up on Closet Personality Types” helped Laurinda to address some issues she is having with an overstuffed closet. She especially liked the following quote by stylist Bridgette Raes: “The only way to evolve out of something is through awareness”.

Angie thinks Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Jr. look absolutely killer in matching bellbottoms in 1976.

Caro in Oz especially enjoyed all the comments with this Man Repeller’s post about YOLO (You Only Live Once) dressing.

Greg wanted to share this Vox article that addresses “9 Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask about Normcore“. 

Vildy found this article about couturier Charles James, dubbed “the Einstein of fashion” by Bill Cunningham, very interesting because she feels he is not only the “precursor of the Dior New Look, but perhaps also the precursor of the idea that to look ‘better’ you have to look taller, thinner, younger, more hour-glassy. In other words, you have to strive after looking like you have a body you don’t have.”

While looking for closet organization ideas, April found this post with 25 Lifehacks For Your Tiny Closet quite helpful.

This outfit formula has been going down well with my business casual clients this season as we head into warmer temperatures. It’s on trend, comfortable and just flattering enough. It combines a fluid and untucked high-low top with slim-fit trousers that aren’t skintight. It finishes off the look with an indoor jacket and refined footwear, which adds structure back into the outfit. 

Here are the components, with examples of some of the exact pieces that my clients purchased: 

• Fluid High-Low Top: BCBG’s Ayana Oversized Scarf Shirt has a dramatic high-low hemline. But if you wear it over low-contrast black pants instead of the houndstooth pattern below, the effect of the shirttail is less visible and dramatic. 
• Slim-Fit Pants: Sloan-Fit Houndstooth Ankle Pants create a subtle pattern mixed effect. These pants are stretchy and you might need to size up. Wear them at a flattering length. 
• Structured Topper: The Loft Lace Blazer is tuxedo-esque and pretty structured on the shoulder and sleeves, which is all you need to make this outfit look conventionally attractive. The open shape of the jacket matches the flow of the roomy blouse. If matching lace with pattern is too much of a stretch for your style, try a solid double weave open jacket in a similar silhouette. 
• Refined Footwear: Vince’s Aurelian Pump is two toned with fashionable d’Orsay detailing. Super soft, low heeled and comfortable. Size down half a size to prevent slipping out of the style. Works relatively well on high volume feet.

If classic blazers, Chanel-esque jackets or lightweight moto jackets are your thing, wear those topper silhouettes OPEN instead of the tuxedo-esque style that I’ve shown here. Silky track pants also work quite well in this formula, but then you will either rely more heavily on the topper to provide structure to the outfit, or partially tuck the front of the top to create a hint of waistline. I’ve also seen this formula work with bootcut trousers that are fitted on the thigh. 

Feel free to throw in dressy slipper flats or loafers if heels are not an option. Or caged sandals if open toe shoes are permitted at work. 

Finally, wear a sleeved top under the jacket if sleeveless dressing is not your cup of tea and you might need to remove the jacket for a breezy break.

Most of these tops are blouses and there is a variety of silhouettes. They are one way to refresh your business casual wardrobes for Spring and Summer. Be sure to look through all the colour options. 

• Vince Camuto Pleated V-Neck Top (Plus): It’s harder to find a tailored top than an oversized one at the moment, but here’s one that hugs the contour of your body and showcases your shape. Size up because it runs small. 
• Eileen Fisher V-Neck Boxy Silk Top: Excellent on an apple shape with an ample bust. Wear it with a black column of colour like the model. Chic Elegance. 
• Parker Althea Top: A soft crop top to pair with skirts and baggier pants. Nice tulip sleeve detailing. 
• BCBGMAXAZRIA Ayanna Oversized Scarf Print Shirt: Also great on an apple shape with an ample bust. It’s good on a curvy hourglass if you’re fine with surrendering the waistline. Remember that layering a tailored jacket or short moto over this style of top adds structure to the outfit. Flattering diagonal sleeves. Also available in black, and runs large. 
• Michael Kors Woven Peplum Tee: A roomy T-shirt blouse with back peplum detail. Fun when worn partially tucked with tails. 
• Tinley Road Serena 3/4 Sleeve Top: A sporty blouse that’s good on petites. 
• Rebecca Taylor Short Sleeve Cheetah Ombre Top: A nice shell top for small busted ladies. Looks great under a jacket. 
• Vince Camuto Sheer Insert Polka Dot Top: This one is for Team Tall or Long Body. Totally fab with jeans and refreshingly different with its sheer insets. Wear a tank top underneath. 
• Vince Camuto Draped Front Blouse: Great on broad shoulders and a larger bust, but not great on narrow hips because the bottom hem flaps around. Nice over pencil skirts, flared jeans, and slim-fit pants. 
• Ella Moss Stella Flutter Sleeve Top: A little polished bohemian fabness. Flirty, feminine and great on pear shaped body types. 
• Vince Camuto Tie Dye Cotton Sweater: A sporty and fresh tie dye pullover. Wear over a column of white or with blue denim bottoms. 
• Vince Camuto Print Pleat V-Neck Top: An excellent and flattering style to wear under a corporate blazer or with a suit. 
• BCBG Meaghan Printed Wrap Top: Great on the short-waisted hourglass with a larger bust. Pair with tailored bootcut trousers, straight legs or ankle pants. 
• Vince Camuto Yacht Stripe Boat Neck Blouse: Bold and flattering. This style of sleeve and neckline works well on narrow and/or sloping shoulders because it visually widens the shoulder line and provides structure. 
• Vince Camuto Reflections Sleeveless Shirttail Blouse: A trendy high-low blouse that’s fab layered under a blazer or Spring tweed jacket for work. It’s very long at the back so consider yourself warned. 
• J.Crew Metallic V-Neck Sweater: A dainty and versatile piece that can be dressed up with a formal skirt, or dressed down with jeans. Great for the office with business casual separates. 
• Ann Taylor Stripe Roll Tab 3/4 Sleeve Shirt: It’s KNITTED, so super soft and comfortable. Crisp but without the stiffness of a woven button-down shirt. Also available in solids. 
• J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Crosshatch Linen: J.Crew stocks this linen shirt most seasons and I’m in love with it, especially in these soft shades. I have my eye on the neon rose. Perfect on a hot Summer’s day. With linen, you need to be at peace with the crease. 
• Zara Printed Top with Asymmetric Hem: This top is not midriff-baring unless you are tall. It’s fabulous on pear shaped regular and petite ladies over slim-fit bottoms or flares. Flirty and breezy. No need to wear a camisole. 

Most tops can be dressed down with either jeans or a denim jacket, so although they might seem a little dressy for a casual lifestyle, they are more versatile than you think. Plus, fluid and oversized fits are more casual straight off the bat.