3 Ways to Elevate a Simple Outfit

Raise your hand if you have a go to winter uniform?  I’ve pulled a page from the tech giants and have a go to outfit that I call my uniform.  It’s pretty simple and pretty boring all at the same time.  My go to uniform is a black turtleneck and black denim.  Totally boring, yet totally chic at the same time.  The reason I have the uniform is because it is easy.  I don’t have to think about what to wear, with my uniform I have an outfit I love the way I look and feel in, what else can a girl ask for?  My uniform consists of some of my most heavily worn pieces in my wardrobe; a black turtleneck and black denim.  I told you it was boring 🙂

Black Turtleneck

The black turtleneck should be the centerpiece of every woman’s closet.  It is classic, consistent and timeless.  I have multiple black turtlenecks that I rotate through. These are my go to items.

• Everlane Micro Rib Turtleneck – This is a fitted turtleneck, which creates a nice silhouette and maintains its shape.  The neck is tighter and stays up throughout the day.  I personally sized up to a large and it is still fitted.  I recommend sizing up one size. 
• J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck – This is a more relaxed turtleneck.  The material is super lightweight, which makes it ideal for layering or wearing alone on a warmer winter day.  The neck on this is slouchy, so it doesn’t stay high and tight all day.  I have sized up in this to a large and love the fit.  Sizing up provides a little more length on the top so you can wear it untucked.  

Black Denim

I wear my black denim just about every day.  I love dark denim and haven’t been able to find a good wash lately so black denim is the next best thing.  The pair I love is only $68, high waisted with the right amount of stretch.  It maintains its shape all day long and even after several wears.  The jeans also come in three lengths (ankle, regular and tall), which I can appreciate being a tall gal.  ln terms of sizing I wear a 31, which is my true size.  If you are between sizing I would actually size down given that they stretch nicely.  

3 Ways To Elevate A Simple Outfit

Now let’s take my simple outfit and elevate it.  Wearing a simple outfit is fine, but taking that outfit to the next level is what makes a “uniform” a great outfit.  I have three easy ways to elevate your outfit in seconds with items you most likely already own.

Gold Jewelry 

A quick way to dress up any outfit is to add gold jewelry to it.  2020 was the year for gold jewelry from a self proclaimed silver only girl.  I actually wrote a couple posts on gold jewelry.  I found a great new brand Rellery Jewelry that specializes in personalized pieces.  And I also shared my favorite simple gold jewelry pieces in this post here.  Gold jewelry is actually very versatile and glams up just about any outfit.  It has a soft sophisticated side as well.

Animal Print Shoes 

My love for animal print runs deep.  Animal prints have been around for years and aren’t going away anytime soon.  They are the new neutral that goes with any color palette. My snakeskin flats are one of my most worn shoes for work and weekend.  Snakeskin looks rich and adds depth to your look.  Wearing head to toe black is elevated by adding snakeskin shoes.  Here are my favorite snakeskin shoes

Cashmere Scarf 

A scarf can change your entire look in seconds.  While most use scarfs to keep warm, I consider it to be one of the greatest accessories you can own.  I actually own more than 20, which could be perceived as an issue, I consider it having options.  Wearing a scarf as an accessory adds an extra layer to your outfit, literally.  It provides a pop of color to a simple outfit.  If you want a luxe look, pair your outfit with a cashmere scarf, its soft and cozy and will keep you warm all day long. And if you need help tying a scarf check out my tutorial on how to tie a scarf 5 different ways.