From Wearing to Styling: How to Take a Simple Shirt to the Next Level
Gurls, you know how we sometimes throw on a shirt and jeans and call it a day? Been there, done that, and probably spilled coffee on the shirt, too. But today, I’m here to show you how to take a simple striped shirt and turn it into two styled looks that say, “Yes, I do have my life together.” The great thing is, it’s easier than you think!
What Does It Mean to Style Your Outfit?
Wearing an outfit means putting on clothes to cover yourself (mission accomplished). Styling, on the other hand, is like turning a microwave dinner into a five-course meal. It’s about adding those extra touches that make people say, “Wow, she looks amazing” instead of, “Oh, she’s wearing a shirt.”
Styling is where the magic happens, Gurls! It’s the difference between just throwing on that striped shirt and jeans and actually creating a look that’s polished, thought-out, and uniquely you. Let’s dive into how you can make that happen.
The Starting Point: A Classic Striped Shirt
Here I am in my Wrinkle-Resistant Striped Shirt and Slim Straight Jeans. It’s a classic combo, no doubt. The stripes are timeless, and the fit is just right. But let’s be real—this is just the starting point.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple when you’re running errands or lounging around the house. But if you’re heading out for coffee with friends or even a casual lunch, why stop here? Let’s build on this foundation.
Adding Layers for Depth and Interest
Layering is where the fun begins. I threw on a camel-colored V-Neck Sweater over the striped shirt, and just like that, the outfit went from basic to intentional. The peek of stripes at the collar and hemline adds visual interest without being over-the-top. Plus, the camel color is a warm neutral that pairs beautifully with the classic blue of the jeans. The sweater comes in many colors. I already have it in sage green, and I placed an order for the brighter green for St. Patrick’s Day.
This is the way I would wear this outfit for going to lunch with friends, shopping, or just going for a ride with Joe. With him, you never know where you’ll end up, so I like to look and be prepared.
Want to take it up another notch? Enter the Suede Car Coat. This rich brown layer not only adds texture but also screams, “I’m ready to conquer fall in style.” It’s the kind of piece that’ll have people asking, “Where did you get that?” This is probably my favorite purchase this fall. (Feel free to say it’s from Amazon – or NOT—I won’t tell!)
Accessorizing to Tie It All Together
Accessories are the cherry on top. I added a suede belt to cinch the waist a bit and define the silhouette. It’s a small touch, but trust me, it makes a big difference. Then, I slipped into some comfy yet chic suede loafers to keep the look polished but practical.
Don’t forget your jewelry, Gurls! A simple gold chain necklace and Hoop Earrings were all I needed to complete this outfit. The goal is to enhance the look without overwhelming it.
Switching It Up: Wide-Leg Jeans and a Cozy Cardigan
For the next look, I kept the shirt and added a navy 100% Organic Cotton Oversized Cable Cardigan for a cozy vibe. This cardigan is like a warm hug in clothing form, and the chunky knit adds just the right amount of texture to keep the outfit interesting. You could button it up, but I chose to leave it open for a more relaxed feel.
Then, I swapped out the straight-leg jeans for a pair of Wide-Leg Jeans that are oh-so-comfy and effortlessly chic. Wide-leg jeans are having a moment, and let me tell you, Gurls, they’re here to stay. The looser fit balances out the tailored look of the striped shirt perfectly.
To keep things casual yet stylish, I slipped into a pair of white Samba Sneaker with classic black stripes. Comfortable shoes don’t have to sacrifice style, and these sneakers are proof of that! They’re perfect for running errands or meeting up with friends for a casual outing.
Accessorizing with a Handbag
The finishing touch for this look is a structured Buckle Strap Suede & Leather Handbag. The warm tones of the bag complement the outfit’s navy and denim palette, pulling everything together. It’s the kind of bag that’s practical enough for everyday use but stylish enough to make a statement. Sling it over your shoulder, and you’re good to go
Final Thoughts: Why Styling Makes All the Difference
So, Gurls, there you have it—the difference between wearing and styling. By adding just a few layers and accessories, you can take a simple striped shirt and jeans from “meh” to magnificent. It’s not about following rules; it’s about having fun and creating a look that makes you feel confident.
Next time you grab your favorite striped shirt, think about how you can style it to make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s adding a cozy sweater, a statement jacket, or a pop of color with accessories, the possibilities are endless.
Now, tell me in the comments—what’s your favorite way to style a classic piece? Let’s inspire each other to step up our fashion game, one outfit at a time. Until next time, stay fabulous!
Each time you SHARE my posts on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog but also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.
Are You One Of The GURLS?
You will get a daily email reminder from me, letting you know when a new blog post has gone live. Additionally, a “special” email may occasionally hit your inbox, so be sure to watch for those!
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
Psalm 119:1 (NIV)
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Love the shirt/sweater look. I’m trying that look today! Thanks
I so need help with this.
I would have never thought to add these to the striped shirt. Such great ideas to elevate the outfit.
I’d love to try the wide leg jeans but is there a manufacturer that isn’t really wide? Suggestions would be great!
Jan, there are wide leg jeans like the pair I have on, and then there are stove pipe wide leg jeans which are very oversized.
Suede car coat is💋! I have to check that out on Amazon—it checks the Mocha color box too! I also love to slowly wake up and read the news and emails with a good cup of coffee! The exception is AM doctor’s appointments when I have to be up and out first thing!
You’ll love that coat. It feels as good as it looks.
I have that exact shirt! Thank you for the cute styling ideas!
You are always dressing so cute which is what drew me to you. I am definitely lacking the styling and just wearing the clothes. Trying to look more put together and love your posts.
Love the look but hate layers ie the shirt and pullover. I am just not comfortable and fidget with the clothing. I do like the cardigan and that seems to be my go to. Any other suggestions for “upgrading” my uniform of jeans and a t-shirt. Thanks!!
If you don’t like layering with a sweater, a cardigan or blazer would work. I use those all the time as a way to upgrade and elevate my look.
Thank you for the wonderful, practical tips of putting everything together. You’ve helped me so much!
I just love your style suggestions! Currently most of my attire consists of jeans and baggy hoody sweatshirts – particularly worn on my off days. I’m sixty-one and would like to dress comfortably and trendy, but stay age appropriate. I’m overweight and out of shape for my 5’3 frame, so I need to have fairly loose fitting tops/sweaters that land at my hip. Some more fashion tips based on that criteria would be most helpful.
great suggestions. it’s easy to elevate your look if you buy the right pieces. totally worth it!
I can’t believe that one went through. Ha!
I can’t, for the life of me, understand why my comments won’t go thru.
I ease into my day….after 34 years of being in the classroom. I get up, grab my coffee (autobrewed) and do my daily devotional and Bible reading. Then, I open my email and visit with you, a couple of other fashion bloggers, then around 8:30, I attack my day. Cleaning, shopping, cooking, whatever I need to do. Some days, if I don’t leave home, I shower and throw on my sweats….and spill my coffee on my shirt. Lol. I try to make sure I am “together” if I go out in public.
Some days I laze around and others I’m get up and go!! Usually depends on what’s happening any given day. I really like the look of the v-neck over the shirt. It’s such an easy change that I never would have thought of without you bringing it to my attention.
love the camel sweater with the suede jacket.
Memory unlocked – I used to have a car coat just like that years ago and loved it! Maybe it’s time to get another. I love it in the navy.
We just moved into a place with a fireplace for the first time, and now I think a morning cappuccino in front of a fire this winter sounds wonderful.
Love all the styling ideas. I don’t always look that put together but I’ll be trying harder. 🤞🏻
Barb
Thank you for showing how to wear the wide leg jeans. I recently ordered a pair and was thinking about wearing them with my Birkenstock clogs. But the sneakers look great with them, too. PS – I’ll be 70 in April and haven’t worn bell bottom or wide leg jeans since I was in high school back in the early 70’s. I would not have even thought about trying them until I have seen your posts showing us that we can wear them again.
Lisa, I’m so glad I was able to help!!!
I LOVE the camel sweater outfit and am going to try to wear that tomorrow to meet someone for tea/coffee!
I love the way you layer this striped blouse! I am trying something similar! Thank you!
Layering always adds a extra dimension
I love all of these looks especially the suede jacket. So easy to dress up or down.
Thanks for the ideas, I never knew
what to wear under my v neck sweaters.
Good ideas, and I had to do this very process this morning. plain top, jeans, but which earrings, a jacket ( tried on three), and shoes that aren’t stained from mowing! Your pix are very helpful.
Great everyday looks.
Love the sweater and suede coat with the striped shirt!
This is exactly what I love about you. You make clothing fun and not intimidating. I LOVE fashion and clothing. I enjoy trying to style my outfits. I lead a casual lifestyle but I like to look put together. I layer looks as well. Thank you!
Aww, thanks, Pam!
Great post! I have mostly classic pieces in my closet so I like to accessorize with a great necklace, bracelets, scarves or maybe a great hat. I can spend a little more on the accessories without breaking the bank and still look classy.
And. Never have to worry about whether my basic clothing is out of style.
Great styling with the jean’s and striped shirt😍
Love the car coat!!
I arise at 4:00 a.m., grab a cup of coffee and go through emails. etc. About 5:30 a.m., I do some food prep for dinner.
If I don’t plan ahead, I get caught up in the day and we end up going out for dinner.
Becoming an early riser has changed my life I the best way.
I love this! So many of use can’t accessorize or figure out how to make an outfit pop. Thank you for the tips!
For me it has always been jewelry and scarves as my main finishing touch! Thanks for all the great layering tips.
All of these outfits “speak to me”!!
Good!!!
This is such a helpful post. I can’t wait to try this. The best thing about it is that I can shop my closet for some of these basics and then use the links to pick up a couple of things. Thank you!
I want to order the shirt but struggling with what size to order. I am usually a L and have small shoulders but sometimes shirts gap in bust area. What size did you order and what is your normal size?
Gail, I usually order a large in button up shirts for the same reason. This one fit me great, and I had plenty of room. I probably could have sized down, but I would rather my shirt be roomy instead of tight.
Love how the sweater made the shirt next level. 🙂
AWESOME post!!! I love the suede jacket! Mornings are my favorite time of day…I get my coffee and crawl back into my cozy bed! I read a couple different devotionals and the daily Gospel…and your email! Then it’s time to shower and get ready for work! Happy Thursday ❤️❤️❤️
Love thee versatile staples 💙
Would love to see more posts like this.
What good ideas for dressing up or complementing a basic look! It’s given me tons of ideas.
Love the clean look of a shirt and sweater! And yes, I’m with you in the mornings. Love my coffee, fireplace and reading my emails. Here I sit, coffee in hand reading your post! I’m in southwest Virginia, still have snow everywhere, temperatures too cold for it to melt! ☕️ ❄️
Love me a slow, cozy start to my mornings!
I like the stripped shirt.
Such great ways to style a shirt! I sometimes add a scarf. Thanks as always for your great fashion tips.
Thanks for the tips. Like all the looks. I like to start my day with a cup of coffee and my devotionals. I like to take my time to get ready. That’s why I get up 2 hours before I have to leave so I don’t rush. I’m not an early morning person so I can’t start with Bible reading like my friends. When I read the Bible I want to give it my full attention and that’s later in the day. I get up real early to take my grandkids to school or the day I volunteer. Otherwise sleeping in if I don’t have to go anywhere.
I’m a get up and going kind of gal. I relax after dinner.
LOVE the car coat! Wow! Great styling thanks for giving us a nudge!
I love the v-neck sweater over the striped shirt. It made a big difference. You’re always so helpful. Thanks for all your work.
Very helpful post!
I love that you use your Mrs. Claus cup all year! Great suggestions, thanks!
Great outfits! Love the striped shirt and the Brown suede coat!
Love the first outfit and love the suede jacket.
I would style the stripped shirt and jeans exactly the way you did. Love the suede jacket. You look great in both outfits.
LOVE all your helpful hints! You have the best style.
What a bit of class can do to a ho-hum outfit.
Thanks for all these ideas. 😌
Great post! I especially love the first “outfit” with the v-neck sweater and the suede car coat. I wear almost the same thing, but with a suede jacket.
Great ideas to dress up a striped shirt! I really like that leather handbag, too.
I bought the blue striped button down shirt also. It was good to see all the different ways to style it!
The first outfit is my favorite. I am in love with that car coat!
What a great post, I have the striped shirt and v neck sweater in that color. I’m sure I bought them from your blogs previous post sometime. But I didn’t think about putting those colors together. Now I have a new outfit to wear out of my closet, thank you.
I love this classy look yet keeping it casual. A chunky bracelet with pretty pink lips and cheeks sets the finished look. Thanks Tanya for all the great tips! Love your blogs!!!
That cozy cardigan make me want to knit again! Or not!!! Anyway, love it!
I’ve just ordered the blue and white striped wrinkle-resistant shirt from Amazon. Thanks for posting it!
I start my day relaxing with coffee too! & love the car coat!
Thanks for this post! I always struggle with how to add some pizzazz to my outfits. I’d love to see more styling tips.
All of these looks are great! Thanks for the inspiration! I really love the car coat!
I have that Mrs mug too! I love that suede jacket and it comes in petite sizes….