It's easy to fall into a wardrobe rut when going to work. My favorite clothes aren't work appropriate, so I have to be creative with styling the pieces that I DO buy so that they can be okay for the classroom. How? Use basics (many that you probably already have) and restyle them! I'm going to use a plan black v neck tee (it would have been just as cute with a scoop or a crew neck tee too) and style it in a bunch of different work appropriate ways.
The tee I'm using is from J. Crew Factory and is on sale right now for $14.95! (Teachers and students-- you get an extra 15% off in store!!)
STAPLE tees for me are white, black, and gray. I could wear these every single day and no one would probably know because I change my sweater, bottom, scarf, necklace, etc. They are easy to wear, comfy, and stylish!
No matter what style you're going for and what else you own in your closet, you should be able to style the basic black tee in a ton of ways.
On the left-
this is paired with a graphic skirt- this one is a Lularoe Cassie, but you could get any sort of skirt with a print. Adding a tan shoe makes the leg look longer- these shoes are Gianni Bini. When I buy a staple shoe, I'll spend the money on them so that I can be comfortable. Nothing is worse than going to work in a cheap pair of heels and by 9 am I'm dying.
Center-
Black on black is a great way to style- it always, for some reason, makes me feel like a hairdresser and I love that! The best way to break up the black on black is either with a sweater or with a fun necklace. Here I used a kimono. You can find kimonos all over now since they are so popular, you just need to make sure that you keep the outfit under it pretty sleek. If you have a lot of volume under the kimono you'll just look bigger than you actually are.
These shoes are also my new favorites! They are about $12 for Forever 21 and look almost like I don't have shoes on!
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Adding a colored pant to the rotation really makes a difference! These pants are from White House Black Market outlet and are some of my favorites! This olive color looks great with white, black, gray, tan, and black and white stripes! Shoes are Nine West!
Here we go with three other looks! You have more than week worth of looks that you can get with one shirt!
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I'm back to black on black, but this time I added a white sweater (this one from J Crew Factory) and a long line necklace. Both do a great job of breaking up the black on black and make it look slimming instead of funeral-like. Shoes are Tory Burch wedges!
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A fun skirt with print can be the best purchase! This skirt was on sale at J Crew Factory (can you tell that place is my go-to for work clothes??) and so was the necklace. Especially if you are a teacher, you get sale prices PLUS 15% off. I rack up there for my work wardrobe! A fun, chunky, colored necklace can be the best way to break up an outfit and make it look new. Shop around-- you can find some for less than $10 so you're not breaking the bank!
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Another black on black look, but this time it's a little dressed down. I styled it with a tied scarf (from Target) and flats (also from Target). These pants are from Gap and are a little less dressy than my normal black pants, but do well with larger or more voluminous tops.
As you can see- you do NOT have to spend a lot of money in order to build a work wardrobe! You can find the essential pieces for prices that aren't killing your wallet.
Questions??? Something you want to see on the blog? Let me know! Follow me on instagram at @livingforthesummerblog for daily looks or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/livingforthesummerblog/