I was really inspired by these beautiful blouses Madewell recently added to their site and knew I had to include them in an upcoming blog post. I was brainstorming how I would wear them, and it hit me. My go-to dinner out with friends outfit is a nice fitting pair of jeans, a silk blouse, and a cool necklace. This combination is super simple but can be done so many ways and look different every time. It’s a really easy way to look like you put a lot of thought and effort into your outfit – and the really nice bonus is that silk blouses can be worn just as easily for work. For those of you wanting to stretch your dollar by being able to wear something for both personal and work life – the silk blouse is your answer. If silk isn’t in your budget, I’d say forego a few trendy items at Forever21 until it is in your budget. And if it’s REALLY not in your budget, you might be able to find some polyester lookalikes (but to that I still say SAVE UP for the real thing.. because polyester is cheap for a reason).
Outfit one would be good if you’re going to the new hip restaurant – the black jeans help keep it a little edgy and the black cap toe boots scream “cool kid”. I also think this pattern/stripe combination blouse is awesome and something I haven’t seen a lot. And if you want to kick it up a notch (which you should, because it makes for a more interesting outfit) throw on a complementary necklace and add a metallic clutch.
Outfit two is my idea of a good look for a laid back, after work dinner when you’re meeting the girls for Thai food at the BYOB place down the street. You’ll still look like you put some effort in with the gold flats and tribal necklace, but you can be comfortable in your $23 skinny jeans and cream blouse (just steer clear of the red wine, stick with the chardonnay this time around so you don’t ruin your new $100 blouse). You can find the clutch here.
Outfit three is good for any of those middle-of-the-road type outings, when you don’t feel the need to be too trendy but still want to look nice. And also because I am starting to crave brighter spring/summer colors, this outfit is a dose of what’s to come in a few months! The orange blouse is such a flattering color for most skin tones, and the necklace is fun and blends well with its mixture of pastel tones. Add some leg-lengthening flared jeans, nude heels and a clutch and you’ve got yourself a super easy-to-wear look.
