Part 4 – Elevated Casual

I’ve shared some examples of a favorite dressing method in the previous few posts. I call it “Building Upon A Base.” Essentially, it entails starting with a simple, sleek-fitting first layer to create endless looks that feel polished and put together. Various accessories and clothing pieces in neutral, solid colors allow for creativity and make getting dressed enjoyable and effortless.

The first layer can be a dress, skirt with a top, or pants and a top. The focus is to choose a plain, smooth foundation that will allow endless possibilities. As I’ve shown you thus far, that base can be a simple white tee here and black knit pants here. The foundation can also be two pieces in the same color or a column of one color beneath a second color, which is very slenderizing and elegant. An example would be a denim shirt and jeans with a navy blazer worn open with tan accessories and shoes.

I often wear an elevated casual look to church, for a doctor visit, a family gathering, lunch with friends, or a business meeting. Repeating an accent color builds cohesiveness from top to bottom. You may, but you need not match the bag to shoes or a belt. Any combination of an accent color is effective in expressing your creativity.

A colorful silk scarf is my most frequently worn print. The square silk scarf I am wearing in these photos measures fifty-one inches. I folded it into a large triangle in front and wrapped the ends around my neck and back to the front. The key to wearing scarves is nonchalance. A large silk or cashmere scarf brings drama, warmth, and elegance.

In spring and fall, I often reach for a trench coat. If the typical tan coat isn’t for you, try navy, black or gray. It is essential for the coat to have fluid movement and for the color to complement your wardrobe. Nothing is worse than a stiff coat that makes me feel trapped. My black coat is about five years old. Here is a similar one.

Choose a bag or shoe color that matches the color of your hair for effortless styling. The Botkier bag is a few years old—more from the brand here. The bag here is similar. The shoes are here, and similar gray or silver ones are here and here. A similar square scarf is here. A similar belt is here.

I found the pearl earrings at T.J.Maxx last summer. Similar earrings here. The watch is here. The rings are here.

The pearl bracelet is here. My readers may use the code SAS10 for $10 off any one item at Beauty in Stone Jewelry.

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The first post in the series is here. The second one is here. The third one is here.

Recent posts are summarized here. I purchased all the products I show since I no longer accept gifts or products to review. However, referral links on this site may allow me to earn a small commission without cost to you.