Basics Series: Casual Wear

NOTE: This was something I posted a long time ago but decided to unpublish for some reason. I'm reuploading it now, but there'll be  a new post coming out soon, I promise! 

Hey everyone!

Before you ask, yes this is a prewritten post. I told you guys I'd be busy! While y'all are reading this I'll be studying... yay me!

After yesterday's heavy topic, I decided that I would lighten up today with a fun fashion post. I've lately been obsessing over wardrobe staples: things that I think every girl should have new, up-to-date versions of in her closet. The thing that I love about staples is that on those days when you really feel like doing absolutely 0 in terms of outfits, you can always look polished if you mix and match basics with trendier pieces.

I'm thinking of making a series for basic pieces because I feel like there are so many different vibes to each wardrobe (I'm talking school/office, casual, night out) and I feel like you need different basics for each. Today, I'm going to list what I think basic pieces are for casual wear. So let's begin!

T-Shirts

Now, let me clarify what I mean by T-Shirts really quickly. I don't mean the unisex kind that you get with every single school function that you attend. I mean the kind that is soft, loose, and has a bit of lycra in it to sustain you through washes. I'm a petite person, so I prefer to get these a size or two bigger than my actual size so that I can wear them with some skinny jeans. I tend to follow the "one tight, one loose" principle; either you have a tight top and flowy bottom or flowy top and tight bottom. My tee and skinny jean combo usually works with this principle, but if you're more voluptuous than me (I'm jealous) maybe a more fitted one will look better on you. Test both out and see which one looks better- everyone is unique!

I think you should have 3 neutral colored tees in your wardrobe: black, white, and gray.

I really like the one in this picture, but it's far too expensive for me (retails around $170.. yeah not buying). If the cost is not a bar to you, if you click here you can find it. However, I don't think you need to spend that much money on anything, let alone a loose tee. Check your local consignment store; chances are, you'll get the same shirt for much less!

Tank Tops

I love camis, but hate the way they fit on me; I hate anything and everything tight fit because it makes me look even more bony than I already am. I know some of you will be thinking "how can bony look that bad?", but let me tell ya, bony is not the best. So, I like loose fitting tank tops; they go perfectly well with a cardigan in the fall and can be worn tucked into a flowy skirt in the summer to make kind of a flowy-on-flowy vibe (you don't always have to follow the principle!).

I think you should have 3 neutral colored tees in your wardrobe: black, white, and nude.

This one I found on the TopShop website here and retails for around $52, so it's way over my price range, but the idea is still the same.

Neutral Cardigans

Aren't cardigans just the best? Knit cardigans can be a perfect way to transition from the summer into the winter. I say that you need 2 cardigans as staples in your wardrobe: a long one that you can wear with dresses and a shorter one that works with tees and tanks.

I realize that every example I've pulled up is ridiculously overpriced (in my opinion, at least), but I have to add in this one too. It's really cute (find it here), but retails for about $40. Look for knockoffs!















This is an example of a shorter cardigan and I love the style on the model! This outfit is pretty much exactly what I'm talking about with mixing up staples with something trendy (in this case, the red lip) to add a classic yet sophisticated look. This cardigan is from Forever 21, and you can find it here.








Dark and Medium Wash Skinnies

I'm not even going to lie, I love skinny jeans. I have far too many pairs of skinnies in my wardrobe; I almost always reach for them because they make my legs look so good (especially if the jeans are freshly washed). I've always been a fan of darker and medium wash; light wash has just never appealed to me. However, they might appeal to you, so go for them if you want! The only thing I'll say about skinny jeans is to make sure that whatever you get, it fits you really well. There's a difference between form fitting and not fitting :). Look out for that!

I'm not going to post an example because hopefully you guys know what skinny jeans look like :).

Converse

I'm a converse fanatic. I live in my high-tops and I think you should too. The best part about converse is that they're just so everyday and so practical; you instantly look a little polished with them on. They give me a 90s vibe, and I love it.

I'd say go for the classic black high top converse because they tend to make my legs look super long.

I love them so much!

And that's all for my casual wardrobe essentials. With these basics, you can really mix and match with your wardrobe and have a polished result. I love it, and I hope you do too! Also, let me know if you want to see more in this series in the comments.

Have a great day!

Mal

Basics Series: School

Hey everyone!

I'm back with another basics post. If you have no idea what my basics series is, check out post 1 here. For today, I'm focusing on school wear.

School wear is weird because it's hard to figure out what's acceptable and what's too much/little. I'm a very dress-based-on-mood kinda person, but I'd wear pajamas every day if I could. Next year, I'm hoping to have a bit more style (it's not supposed to be a super pressuring year, so I have some time on my hand). I guess this post is supposed to give me some inspiration for that (and hopefully you as well).

Loose Tees (Graphic or Printed)

Loose tees are so perfect for school. They pair really well with jeans and flats for a casual vibe, but you can dress them up if you wear them with a skirt or maxi dress. I've always loved the idea of black and white striped shirts and red (in the form of flats, pants, or shorts). The combo always gives me a T-Swizzle sort of vibe and I love it. I found this one on shechic.com (it's a little pricey, so I'd TJ Maxx this one). Check it out here.

Button Up (Loose)

I hate button ups with a passion. I feel like they don't flatter my torso and give me a frumpy look. However, I will make an exception for loose fitted button ups. I mean, these can be paired similarly to the loose striped tees mentioned earlier. They're versatile and I love it. I couldn't source this one reliably, but I found something similar here.

Sport Shorts

Sport shorts are fantastic for test days. With a T-Shirt (the unisex kind) and pair of Chacos/tennis shoes, you pretty much have a completed outfit. Not to mention, they're comfortable as heck. They might not be daily wear, but they work great for lazy days.

Light Blue Boot Cut Jeans

Let me tell you something with 50%  certainty: my jeans will always be boot cut and dark wash. That being said, I will make an exception for school. Light wash jeans are cute and are so 90s. I think they're great... on occasion! As far as the boot cut goes, I prefer my jeans to be nipped a bit above the ankle. American eagle jeans (find them here) are my favorite; they fit me like a glove and I feel like they're super flattering for my legs. Definitely check them out.

That's all I can come up with for now. Let me know what you're school faves are. I might do a follow up post with some more things that I think are school basics.

Mal