Monday, May 30, 2016

Accessories Change The Basics

You have likely noticed that I often wear a similar base, including a tunic or tank with narrow leg pants in one color.



This silhouette flatters my shape and height and fits my personality, so I often rely on this basic combination when getting dressed. 

Today I want to show you how I change the attitude and set the tone for different looks by changing my accessories. The same top and pants are worn in each of the examples shown here.

This fabulously comfortable tunic top was a gift from Covered Perfectly. This style is Fit and Flare. The flattering wide waistband pull-on dressy black pants are by Tribal, and they were a gift from Copper Penny.



For this around-town look, I added a black and silver and gold necklace, flat sandals by DV Dolce Vita last year, and a picnic-style wicker bag from J.McLaughlin to achieve a classic look that is appropriate for almost any event.



This top is very soft and comfortable for traveling. Just wash it out and hang it to dry. If you pack it, hang it up when you arrive and when you get up the following day, the wrinkles will be gone. 

For a comfortable travel look, I added flat loafer style shoes from BCBGeneration via Saks Off 5th. The scarf can be draped around my neck if I get cold on the plane. It is several years old.


I draped a Michael Kors chain detail silk scarf around my neck for a more uptown look and switched to a gold chain bag from Express. The cork and gold detail wedge sandals were by VANELi via Marmi Shoes last year.




I added a bold medallion necklace and an old cropped moto-style white jacket from White House Black Market old reptile embossed booties to achieve a more downtown urban vibe. I always use a jacket as an "accessory" to set the tone for looks. Also, the Calvin Klein bag is old from T.J.Maxx.



I hope these examples help you see how you can change your basic looks by wearing different accessories. A follower once commented that she could never put together a look when she shopped at a particular store that I often visit. I never think of putting together a specific look when I am shopping. Instead, I think only of adding elements that appeal to me and can be worn in different ways with what I already have to build appropriate looks for any event.





13 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Susan, I love your blog- I just ordered two of the Covered perfectly tops. I was wondering if you could be more specific on the Tribal pants as there seems to be so many styles. thanks jane from PHilly

Kristien62 said...

Wow. Amazing how the look changes with the accessories. I have a tendency to buy "outfits" instead of having core pieces and accessories, resulting in closets full of unrelated pieces. I can see in your choices how the accessories relate to what you are dressing for (awkward sentence, but I think you know what I mean.)Great and very helpful post! Happy Memorial Day.

Susan said...

The Tribal pants I am wearing are model/style #9320O-803G.

Susan said...

They are the Flatten It Ankle Pants.

Unknown said...

Thank you that is very helpful!! Keep the fashions coming....

Missy said...

Do the tunic tops run true to size? You have previously mentioned that you can wear either a small or medium in tunic tops. I really like your traveling outfit and you look great! Could you do a utube on pic posing as you have a such a terrific variety. You have such an informative utube makeup tutorial that a pic posing would so helpful for many of your fans.

Susan said...

Missy, the tops do run true to size. I am wearing a medium here. If I would like for them to fit loose, I buy a large. I just move around and stay mindful of the light. There is no method to my modeling poses. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the ideas Susan.I really enjoyed this post, of course I enjoy all of them, but this one really gave me some more ways to accessorize.

Rena said...

Great concept and I love the fabulous examples you've shown.

Rena
http://finewhateverblog.com

Unknown said...

HA! I have the same outfit! My tunic is more shark bite, and my pants have laces going through gossets at the ankle to jazz things up, but the overall look is the same. I wear them with a neutral metallic shoe and a statement necklace for dressing up, and a scarf and flat sandals for dressing down. Great items for travel! Not to mention that my husband chases me around the house when I wear this outfit, which I count as my day's workout. :D

M

Anonymous said...

Always love your posts but this one is super practical as well as inspiring!🙌

Anonymous said...

And that White House Black Market white moto jacket 😍

Unknown said...

Of course I love the one of you in the heels:-)