Same Basics, Different Looks (Wardrobe Essential Part IV)

Photos: Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of tumblr.com.

Today’s wardrobe essential that I want to talk about is denim shirt. Denim is such an iconic fabric that perfectly reflects American spirit. There must be at least one denim piece in every woman’s wardrobe right now: whether jeans, jacket, shorts or, our main focus today, denim shirt.

It’s such a versatile, seasonless and ageless piece: you can wear it with shorts, jeans (in different shades), pencil skirt or cocktail dress; you can wear it under a sweater, a jacket, or over another shirt. Sometimes denim jacket can be too casual for certain occasions, but denim shirt never has a problem. As long as you accessorize it right, you can go anywhere in it.

There are so many great denim shirt looks out there, my recent favorite is this one of Miranda Kerr. Olivia Palermo has also been spotted in it countless times. The reason I featured the three looks above mainly because all three of them are based on the same pieces: denim shirt, leather pants and blue pumps.

You can play around these three basics like Olivia Palermo did: add a nice structured leather bag, you get a casual Friday work outfit. It’s also great for brunch, hanging out with friends or running some errands. When the temperature drops, simply throw on an oversized sweater.

Want to dress the combo up? Top it off with a blazer. I love the two-tone version on Olivia Palermo–it adds modern graphic glamour to her look. But any structured blazer you have will do the same: Tuxedo blazer is great for a night out. Velvet one is good for cold weather, while white one is more fresh and polished.

If you want to add more interest to the outfit, look for blazers with unique details, like lace or leather lapel, drape front design, or in a bold color, like cobalt blue or dynamic red.

Build a great wardrobe foundation and maximize it are what I always emphasize in my blog (check the previous posts here, here & here). Invest in high-quality basics, be creative with them!!

Shirt: Madewell (similar here)
Pants: J Brand (featured here)
Bag:Prada Saffiano (similar here; more designer options here)
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (it’s the pair on Olivia; similar here)
Accessories: Michael Kors bracelet; Nars nail polish