Elevate your basics
Dressing with purpose
Okay, you all, don't go crazy on me over this statement, but it's not okay to be lazy with your looks. 🤦🏾♀️ I know, I know, okay, let me explain. The first and foremost important reason I say this is because I believe how you present yourself influences how you feel about yourself. Call it what you like, but I call it dressing smarter or with purpose, and what that means to me is I take a moment to try and elevate my look no matter where I'm stepping out to, work, hanging with friends, dinner, running errands, etc. Feeling good and looking fly is powerful; it's a confidence booster because your presence can be seen and felt.
I told you before that I'm the girl who has to see the entire ensemble come to life fully before committing unless I'm pairing the same pieces in the same way, which is somewhat rare. I only say that because my memory is not the greatest, and unless I have a selfie to reference, I won't remember the outfit (laughing out loud 🤣). I do the same to prepare my looks for the work week when I go to the office. In one instance, I sent a selfie to a real fashionista friend to get her opinion on belt options for one of the looks. I had already decided and was out and about when she responded; we had the same idea about the belt, but as we talked, she said, "girl, you REALLY be getting dressed for work. I just throw on something unless I know I have a meeting or something." We laughed and continued because she has never stepped out looking like she just threw on something, but that brings me back to my point, MY idea of "just throwing on something" will always be with intention, and the look will be purposeful. I say that especially about work because I'm at work for most of my day, and I'm not sure who I will see, what customer sites I may need to visit, or what meetings I may need to represent; therefore, I'm going to LOOK and feel ready. Aside from that, I may want to go to happy hour after work or have an impromptu dinner date with hubby, so if she ready 😜 (speaking in my Tiffany Haddish voice), the transition is effortless.
Below is an example of what I have worn in a week. The outfits are not doing the most and are comfortable and transitional. With a couple of the pictures, I have shown the complete look, including the overcoat and work bag. Which look is your favorite? For me, it’s the black pleated skirt with the red and black printed shirt and the knee-high suede boots. The look gave rockstar chic with a hint of sophistication, edgy but not too much for work.
Let's talk about elevating your look outside work, out and about, or running errands. I know it's easy to throw on leggings, a hoodie, and some UGGs because I do it all the time 😂 but I attempt to elevate the look a bit. Pictured below is my "I'm home teleworking, but I need to run to my doctor's appointment at 9 am look" next to my favorite style muse Tracee Ellis Ross 😍, Katie Holmes, and Rihanna in similar street style. There is nothing fabulous about either of these looks, but it takes that one item to elevate a look; in this case, I think it's the coat, but in others, it can be the statement piece of jewelry, the hat, adding a pop of color to your nails and/or lip, or the bag (I carried my LV mini backpack, so the chocolate matched my boot 😉). I felt good, comfortable, and cute, and if I ran into a photographer from Getty's Image and they snapped my picture for a Vogue street image series, I would NOT have been mad. I'm just saying! Tracee and Rihanna are always stylish to me, even in their relaxed wear (we will dive more into my thoughts or their style later).
Other easy ways to elevate a look include adding a blazer or statement sweater. It's cute, comfortable, and transitional from day to night. A blazer can add structure, balance, as well a color pop. Blazers and sweaters are staples in my wardrobe; I wear them over long dresses belted, oversized with jeans and a chunky boot, or as an outerwear/layering piece. Try adding a lip (lipstick); since it's winter, I suggest a deep tone that compliments you. My go-to in winter is Sin by MAC, Endangered Red by NARS, and Bawse Lady by The Lip Bar. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! When opting for accessories as the pop, I usually make a statement with one or the other earrings, arm candy (bracelets/watch), necklace, hat, or bag. I should also throw my glasses in there as well 😂; glasses can add to or take away from the ultimate vibe I want.
These are a few simple ideas that can work for anyone, and you don't have to go out and buy anything extra. Work with the basics that you already own. A little tip to elevating your style: Consider when you have gotten dressed and felt absolutely amazing; think about the pieces you were wearing, the silhouette, color, etc., and pull some of those elements into every look to create your baseline and build from there.
Community questions: what are your thoughts on dressing with purpose? Is it something you currently consider when stepping out? Do you think it matters? What questions do you have for me?
Great tips, I have some shopping to do! Can't wait for more! ❤️
Very cute looks! I’ve needed some good ideas for my “quick trip” look and for work! Thanks Sparkle!