With a 9-5, fashion blog, and newly established jewelry business, I’m often asked how I manage. The truth is…I just make it work, even if that means sacrificing my house (it seriously looks like a cyclone went through it), sleep deprivation, and a neglected husband. These things are terrible, I know, but I want to be completely honest. I’m hoping to correct these bad habits over time and at the top of my list right now is to spend more time with my husband. So important!
Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #3 – My Best Closet Staple
This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.
Have you ever bought something that you weren’t sure about only for it to end up being your favorite closet staple? That’s what happened with this sweater vest. I got it last year from Club Monaco at an end of the season sale. I remember being worried that I wouldn’t wear it, but wanted an alternative to my beige one. Surprise-surprise, I’ve literally worn it weekly for the entire season! Talk about return on investment, right?
My Best Closet Staple
The best thing about this vest is it goes with everything! I’ve worn it with jeans, dresses, and every top in my closet. It’s my weekly go-to, so of course I included it in my capsule. For this look, I chose to layer this vest over my trusty snow leopard sweater, another great staple! The merino wool is so warm and smooth, plus I love the print. I could totally see the top of this outfit being paired with a faux leather skirt and tall boots. So chic!
Now that the winter sales are winding down, I highly encourage you to invest in a sweater vest for next fall. I’m on the hunt for my spring alternative now, but this one from Nordstrom will be awesome for next year. For the warmer months, I’m leaning more towards this utilitarian style. Military outerwear never really goes out of style whether it’s a jacket or vest, so I’m adding it to my wish-list this year.
That’s why Lee’s 10 x 10 challenge is amazing! It really allows you to identify the gaps you might have in your closet and separate your needs from your wants. I don’t necessarily need a vest, but do know that it allows me to maximize my closet and get more bang for my buck. In my eyes, the vest is a necessary closet staple that I will indeed pick up this spring.
I almost forgot to mention the jeans! These are the same cut and style as the ones seen here, except a different wash and no button fly. The fit is the same, but the material is definitely tighter and not as comfortable as the lighter color. You might not find them as comfortable if you are curvier in your midsection. I might even recommend sizing up. I still love the jeans, but won’t be wearing them as regularly.
What are your favorite closet staples? Please share in the comments.
Shop the Look:
Vest: Club Monaco (similar) | Sweater: J.Crew (similar) | Denim: J. Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Purse: Ted Baker (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o
*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.
Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #1 – Mastering the Half-Tuck
I am so excited to kick off this series! I have been wanting to do a capsule wardrobe ever since I discovered Caroline Rector’s Un-fancy! I’m sad that she no longer keeps her blog up, but you can still follow her on Instagram.
If you missed my introductory post to this challenge, you can check it out here. I promise, you won’t be disappointed and you might even want to create your own capsule wardrobe! Now let’s get started with the basics.
Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
Since gaining over twenty pounds, the majority of my clothes no longer fit, but instead of holding onto everything, I went ahead and put most of my closet on consignment and gave the rest away. I understand that getting rid of things can be scary, but I’ve always been very focused on keeping my closet in order, so I knew it was the right decision for me. Plus, if I lose the weight, I know that I’ll want something new and that makes me less worried about feeling remorseful.
Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection
If you’re subscribed to my monthly newsletter, you might have participated in my reader’s survey where one of the questions asked was about what you like to play up or minimize on your body. The response was almost unanimous! Most readers said stomach, and while I covered this topic briefly before, I wanted to expand upon the topic in a blog post.
I have always been self-conscious of my midsection. Even at my thinnest, I had a belly, so I’ve mastered the talent of minimizing it with clothing.
Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Things to Avoid
- Clingy or thin materials. Just don’t do it. If you prefer to wear something fitted, choose a thicker, more structured fabric.
- Pleated skirts. The largest part of my body other than my chest is my midsection. For this reason, I tend to avoid wearing skirts altogether. I can’t stand to have the pressure around my waist. If you like skirts, pick up one that is smooth in material, since pleats can add volume around your middle.
- Low rise pants or jeans. You don’t want them sitting under your tummy or cut across it. It’s really uncomfortable and not very flattering.
Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Best Practices
- Good posture. My photographer always tells me to stand up straight and to think tall! It sounds funny, but it’s true. Take a picture of yourself slouching and then one with great posture and you’ll look like you dropped 10 pounds. I’m serious, try it!
- Watch your proportions. Wearing oversized anything can make or break you. This is why I like to opt for a petite tunic versus a regular one. Another trick is to size down if you can or wear a belt around your waist to create a feminine silhouette.
Tips for Hiding Your Midsection: Good Clothing Options
- I absolutely love these tummy control workout pants that I found at Nordstrom Rack. Seriously life changing! Working out is tough enough, why put yourself through more stress when you don’t have to? These pants make you feel slim and pulled in, plus when you’re twisting and moving you don’t have to worry about exposing your belly.
- Ruched tops and dresses do wonders for your midsection. I love the Zella workout tees for this very reason. I have them in a handful of colors and even wear them as a nightshirt. Another great workout tee is this one from the Gap.
- Vest, jackets and long cardigans are your friend. Think of these as your security blanket. Not only do they provide a lean side profile, but they also add a touch of chicness to your look. Add these pieces to tops, blouses, dresses, and even skirts.
- Have a variety of chiffon, silk, and even polyester in your closet. Be sure that the fabric is not too billowy otherwise it will just make you appear larger. Tops and dresses that have some form of draping at the front will also look great.
- Dresses also help minimize the midsection. Of course, not all dresses are created equal, so try on different styles to see what works best on your frame. Take note of the silhouette and then look for variations of it. If you’re not sure, take a selfie and then assess your options.
- High-waisted denim, pants, or skirts can really help flatter the tummy and elongate your frame. Plus they’re more comfortable than low rise styles.
What tips do you have for minimizing the midsection? Please share in the comments.
Jacket: Nordstrom (similar) | Top: Who What Wear (similar) | Necklace: Ann Taylor (also cute) | Earrings: J.Crew (cute and affordable) |Denim: Banana Republic (similar) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (old) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (another cute option) | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o
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