The secret to high-low styling is having the right staples to pull an outfit together. These three pieces are essential to your closet. Everyone needs a classic white top like a button-up or classic crew neck t-shirt that will work with any other piece you put them with. A designer brand handbag can make some of the least expensive things you buy look good. A well-fitting layer like a tailored blazer or a cool leather motorcycle jacket is the key to pulling a figure-flattering look together.
1. Classic Wardrobe Essential| White Top
A closet capsule with a few white tops will help you easily make outfits. Classic understated styles like a button-up, crew neck t-shirt, and white tank top are the foundations for some of my favorite outfits. These white tops go well with anything from my Amazon finds under $40, to your new favorite jeans.
The Best White Button-Ups
These are the best button-ups. The fabric combination is key. Look for styles that are a cotton synthetic blend. These shirts will look crisp but still feel flexible. The best oversized 100% cotton shirt is this one for the Nordstrom 6 February Drop. It even looks good a little wrinkled. Wear it over skinny jeans or as a swimsuit coverup.
More Oversized Options
This super stretchy style from small-brand spotlight Luxerie works great layered. Shop the look with LTK.
I shared 15 ways to wear a button-up on Instagram. You can shop and recreate those outfits HERE.
Essential White T-shirts & Tank Tops
Here are my favorite fits under $50. I own them all. I’ve been sharing classic crew neck t-shirts all season long. Look at some long sleeves in my 2022 Cozy Capsule lookbook and more capsule wardrobes, LIKE THIS.
Premium
If you want to splurge on a premium quality crew get this one from Rag & Bone or this Nordstrom 6 favorite. Both are super flattering.
A white tank is a favorite go-to of mine. The one I’m wearing here with my Gucci cardigan is from the girl’s department at Old Navy! Classic men’s Hanes undershirts do the trick too.
You can’t go wrong with these. See a current roundup in my ’23 Resort Casual Capsule Wardrobe.
2. Essential Designer Brand Accessories | Luxury Purse
The right accessories can even make a Target cardigan worn backward look expensive. The best investment you can make in your wardrobe is a designer purse. Every outfit needs a bag so you’ll have lots of opportunities to wear them. Belts and jewelry make good investments too especially when you can wear them in different ways. However, luxury handbags are the ideal accessory in an outfit, even if your size isn’t.
Shopping for a New Bag
Get my full designer handbag directory HERE. Saint Laurent handbags have been my best-selling brand this year. With a variety of sizes and colors, it’s easy to find the perfect purse.
Monogrammed Bags
High-low styling is easy when you own a designer handbag. Monogrammed bags are always in style but especially fashion-forward right now.
3. Essential Jackets | Classic Women’s Blazer & Cool Leather Motorcycle Jacket
My leather motorcycle jacket is the best purchase I’ve made all year. It looks expensive and feels so cool. An iconic leather jacket with great hardware is part of every fashionista’s wardrobe rotation. Great over a sexy slip dress or your favorite graphic t-shirt.
Top 3 Leather Jackets
These are my top three picks under $500. I have the All Saints “Balfren“. It sells out quickly. If you are able to score one make sure to buy a full size up.
Essential Double-Breasted Blazer
If I’m not reaching for a leather motorcycle jacket to complete the outfit, I’m grabbing a blazer. If you get the right fit you can literally makeover tons of outfits. The best style is one that fits your shoulder and gently nips at your waist. These are the two styles I recommend the most.
Veronica Beard “Miller” dickey jacket.
Get my complete blazer review HERE.
L’agence “Kenzie” Blazer
