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Listen, we’re all about indulging, especially when it comes to our wardrobes. However, flipping through the racks in our closets, we’re often reminded of our poor decisions rather than smart investments. In an effort to change that, we’re newly resolved to invest in items that we’ll wear over and over again, rather than show pony pieces we’ll maybe wear once. (Well…for the most part. Who can resist a show pony?!)
With that said, the following six items are about as basic “building block” as it gets. They can be worn literally anywhere, fancy or casual, work or party—with the right styling, that is. With the holiday season upon us, here’s how we’re transforming six staples for work and play.
White Silk Blouse
Vanessa Bruno, $430
When we think “white silk blouse,” we inevitably think of “office.” That’s because it’s super professional and polished-looking, obviously, but it can be so much more than that!
To work, we’re wearing our silk blouses with high-waist, wide-leg navy trousers and pointy pumps, then, before cocktails, swapping those trousers for high-waist, straight-leg denim, tossing our hair in a sloppy bun, swiping on red lipstick, and unbuttoning one more button on the blouse.
Navy Blazer
Joseph, $745
Invest in a good navy blazer, and you’ll get years of wear out of it. It’s not just a wardrobe staple, it’s a wardrobe workhorse.
For the office, wear yours with a printed, flowy midi-length dress and block heels. Then for a party, go counter-intuitive with a pair of matching suit pants (ideally slim-cut and cropped) and some sparkly pumps. Smudge a little eyeliner on, fluff up your hair, and you’re set.
Cropped Trousers
Vince, $295
We love all our trousers cropped above the ankle, but especially black, grey, or navy ones.
We wear ours with a pair of menswear-inspired brogues and a cashmere sweater for the office, then swap the brogues for pointy flats and the cashmere sweater for a slinky, metallic blouse to go out.
White T-Shirt
ATM, $85
There are literally hundreds of ways to wear a white T-shirt (allow Karla Welch to demonstrate), but for the office, we’re pairing ours with a patterned pencil skirt and heeled boots, then, for a party, layering it under a fitted jumpsuit with a pair of strappy heels and a bronze cheek.
Ballet Flats
Gianvito Rossi, $695
Remember when ballet flats were *the* thing, then they were so not the thing, and now they’re back? Thank goodness, because they go with everything.
At the office, we’re wearing ours with a swingy midi skirt and a fitted cardigan. For drinks, we’re adding a pair of sparkly tights (we’re trying to really make these a thing again too) and a sleek, long-sleeved mini dress. Add a pair of statement earrings and a smoky eye to keep it from looking too little-girl.
Grey Turtleneck
Equipment, $320
There’s nothing like a happy, pill-free cashmere sweater—Equipment does great ones. For day, pair this with your brand-new navy blazer, a pair of straight-leg jeans, and pointy flats (or white Stan Smiths, if you can wear sneakers to work), and at night, toss on a festive textured mini (bonus points if it’s silver-sparkly), semi-sheer black tights, and a pair of classic black pumps, and you’re a one-woman party.
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