Hey queens! It’s Cait, currently coming to you from my closet.
Today’s topic is timeless casual pieces. Using just 10 pieces, you can have the everyday style of your dreams. You’ll be ready to look in style, whether it’s today or in twenty years! These pieces will always have your back.
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1. White Tank Top
The universal white tank. She can be done in any way possible depending on the level of casual you’re reaching for: dressed up with a monochrome look, some gold jewelry, and a kitten heel; dressed down with some baggy bottoms, a sneaker, and a baseball cap. The style opportunities here are limitless, especially if you get a longer tank. Fold her inside-up for a cropped look, pull her down to live out your y2k dreams, or keep it casual and leave her bunched a bit at the waistband. No matter what, she’s bound to look put together.
2. Colored, Fitted T-Shirt
I know what you’re thinking, really, Cait? Why colored? What color? Well, you’ve already got the white tank. This shirt is to start spicing up the capsule wardrobe. Colors I would go with are red or dark blue. For me, those appear most prominently in the rest of my wardrobe. They’re also colors that will always be in style. Having a staple color piece in your closet creates more possibilities than the classic black and white aesthetic, and gives room for more personal expression. What if you’re feeling extra spunky one day? What, you want to wear a plain white shirt in a spunky mood? Not me. Bring on the spunk. The T-shirt itself is such a timeless shape for casual style, and, like the tank, can be styled up or down.
3. Black Long-Sleeved Shirt
Yet another piece to be dressed up or down. This piece is also a key factor for layering. It can go under just about anything: patterned shirts/jackets, dresses, overalls, T-shirts. It adds a lot of versatility, as well as being a staple piece on it’s own. Jeans, skirt, shorts, any cut, any color. The black long sleeve is your best friend come Fall and Winter. Don’t doubt her abilities.
4. Baggy Jeans
Personally, I like a low-rise jean here, but high/mid-waisted jeans are perfectly acceptable. Your personal preference is what matters here. Whether it’s a tiny top or a loose-fitted shirt, the baggy jeans will have your back. They make any look casual, especially paired with a chunkier shoe. I usually reach for a platform here, like an elevated pair of Reboks or Converse. On the other end, a thick platformed Doc Martin or boot looks so timeless with these. By accentuating the bottom half of the body in a big, baggy way, even a nice satin top can look casual. Want to elevate your street style? Drop the straight leg pant, babe. Baggy is here to stay.
5. Maxi Skirt
Pair her with a fitted tee and a chunky belt, and she’s ready for a walk through the park. Match her with your white tank? Classy look for your dinner date. Don’t underestimate the power of a maxi if you’re aiming for a casual yet collected look. I think, with the wardrobe we’ve created, a black, smoother aline skirt would look more cohesive, but a white, flowier skirt is also a great staple. Truly though, a longer, looser skirt is the epitome of femininity. There’s no classier feeling than having to pick up your skirt to ascend a staircase. So magical.
6. Muted Button-Down
Now, we’re going to start getting into outerwear. I picked a muted button-down because any color could look good in the wardrobe, but in this collection of items, we want to make sure we can mix and match all the pieces. You could of course go with the staple white and black, but here, we’ll go with something muted that is cohesive but not clashing with the colored tee we selected in number 2. Maybe a muted brown/cream, or a simple pattern. This piece can also, of course, be worn on it’s own. I like to do a low button, off the shoulder moment with my button-downs, but just buttoning her up and tucking a little into the jeans is a serve on it’s own with the right accessories.
7. Leather Jacket
Whether it’s a Summer night out on the town or a fall morning coffee, a leather jacket is one of the only jackets you’ll ever need for a casual occasion. Versatile, timeless, and badass. Release your inner biker by throwing her over the white tank and baggy jeans, or keep her sexy over an aline black maxi with some chunky black sandals. Whatever vibe your outfit is giving, a leather jacket is bound to make it a little more edgy.
8. Chunky Black Sandal or Boot
Aside from the example given in the last section, the chunky black sandal or boot can be worn however, whenever. Embrace the thick platform here. A wide, bold shoe is a staple for any casual fit. It makes the baggy jeans look baggier, the tiny tops look tinier, and the line of your body look more balanced.
9. White Sneaker
Again, I’m biased to a platform. Any tennis shoe-type sneaker could work here, though. Reboks and Converse are a personal favorite, and almost every style shoe comes with a platform option. These are what one may refer to as the frat shoes, the sh*t-box kickers, or my favorite, the oppa stoppas. They’re your wear everywhere, match everything shoe.
10. Black Purse
Last but certainly not least we have the ultimate staple accessory: the black bag. Go with whatever size fits your daily lifestyle. For me, that’s a smaller size purse, but not quite a clutch. If she can fit the things you bring everywhere (phone, keys, wallet, shades, etc.), you should be all set here. She matches everything, is convenient, and elevates the look. Win, win, win.
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That’s it from me today, ladies! Look for more blog posts in the upcoming days/weeks from yours truly.
I’ve also opened an email, so feel free to reach out with any post or look requests/questions!
ClosetChemistryBlog@gmail.com
Closing the closet,
Cait Kem
Closet Chemistry 