7 looks for 7 days

How to style the Better Basics Kit for every day of the week

 

 

Guest post written by Suzanne Colmer, Owner and Creator of Your Shop Girl Image Consulting www.yourshopgirl.com and Jennifer Kalynuik Lifestyle Blogger @littlelovelifestyle

 

Want to buy less and wear more? Think about how many of the pieces in your wardrobe you really love. The key to a successful wardrobe is buying versatile pieces that mix and match and multitask effortlessly, so you can basically close your eyes and pick two pieces and know that they will go together.

 

Plus, when you invest in your basics the cost per wear on them makes them less expensive than bargain pieces from fast fashion brands. What is cost per wear you ask? Cost per wear is the price of the piece divided by how many times you wear it. If you spend $50 on a tee and wear is 25 (or more) times then the cost per wear is $1-2. However if you spend $20 on a tee and wear it twice before it starts to fall apart then the cost per wear is $10. So that $20 tee actually cost you 10x more than the $50 one. If you are creating your budget for clothes, also consider all the money you have wasted on clothes you don’t love or don’t wear!

 

Plus, remember basic doesn't have to mean boring! Jennifer from @littlelovelifestyle shows us just how easy it is to style the Better Basics Kit, which includes The Fair Legging, Fair V-Neck and Comfy Puff Sleeve Cardigan, for every day of the week with a little creativity and a few simple accessories.

 

 

1. Cozy & comfy. This is your “wear anywhere, drop the kids off at school, weekend walk, zoom with friends” outfit. The Fair Legging, Fair V-Neck and Comfy Puff Sleeve Cardigan are your better basics essentials!

 

How to wear:

Pair it with flats, sandals, or white kicks
Layer up two or three necklaces
Add a casual timeless tote (you can add some colour here too!)

 

Style Tip:

Try cuffing the sleeves or pulling them up to a three quarter length to give the illusion of having longer arms (and looking taller!) It also draws the attention up your waist and reduces bulk on bigger cardigans.

Don't be afraid to alter leggings to your perfect length!

 

 

2. If you are looking to elevate your comfy and cozy look, try pairing your Puff sleeve cardigan with a lace cami and jeans.

 

How to wear:

Try your cardigan off the shoulder

Layer your pendant necklace with a delicate choker and a third necklace

This look works well with flats or a skin coloured sandal

 

Style Tip:

Make sure to tuck in the camisole. If you have a curved hem on the camisole you can also leave it out.

Opt for light colour jeans or something a little distressed for a great summery look. Or bring the same outfit formula into the fall with a high waisted dark denim.

 

3. Sporty and chic! Wear The Fair leggings and Fair V-Neck with white kicks and a denim shirt tied around your waist.

 

How to wear:

Keep your accessories to a minimum with this look.

 

Style Tip:

Your shoes are the main focus here, so make sure you love them! Keep them clean with a magic eraser or invest in some sneaker cleaner. Don’t have a denim shirt? Try a plaid one instead. 

 

4. Take outfit 3 from sporty to cool by switching your kicks with a pair of wedges, add a cool tote, and throw on that denim shirt rather than tying it around your waist.

 

How to wear:

With a wedge, block heel sandal or flats

With a denim jacket or shirt

 

Style Tip:

A denim shirt with a rounded hem is ideal. It allows you to cover the bum while still showing off the length of your leg at the side.

 

5. The perfect outfit for when you don't know what the weather will be like! The Fair Legging with the Fair V-neck layered with a denim shirt and Encircled UnMoto jacket.

 

How to wear:

Break out your white Kicks

A choker necklace and delicate chain are an easy focal point

Pair it with a classic black or camel bag

 

Style Tip:

Try to tuck your V-neck t-shirt into the side or front. The key to a neat front tuck is to make sure you tuck it in nice and flat. Don't just bunch it in your jeans. Also ensure your denim shirt is long enough to cover your bum.

 

 

6. Easy, effortless, and cool! Pair your Fair V-neck and UnMoto Jacket with a pair of skinny jeans and simple black heels (or pointy flats)!

 

How to wear:

Pair it with your favourite heel or pointed flat

Wide or skinny, cropped or full length - any denim will work with this look!

 

Style Tip:

Tuck your shirt in to add inches to your legs (and height). If you are trying to visually lengthen your legs try a cropped denim pant to create the illusion of longer legs. Or try a nude (close to your skin colour) shoe to add inches to your height without breaking up your outfit.

 

 

7. Effortless elegance. The Fair V-Neck in white pairs perfectly with a high-waisted pleated skirt for those patio lunches with friends or date nights we're all mentally planning for once covid is over!

 

How to wear:

With white (clean) kicks or nude shoes

Layer with UnMoto Jacket

 

Style Tip:

A front tuck doesn't work as well with a skirt. Tuck your tee all the way around or knot it in the front. Also, try to wear your skirt higher up to accent the smallest part of your natural waist. Make sure the midi skirt hits right under the largest part of your calf muscle.

 

The great thing about all of these looks is that they can be totally personalized for your style personality. Changing your shoes or accessories can change up the entire look and feel of the outfit. Are you a little more edgy? Trade out the pleated skirt for a leopard silk slip skirt. Is your style more feminine? Add a floral sneaker or handbag. Think of your basic pieces like the meat and potatoes of a meal and the accessories like your herbs and spices. There is sooo many different things you can do with accessories to change up the looks once you have your perfect basics. 

 

Which outfit is your fav? Let us know in the comments below!

 

About the Authors

As the owner of Your Shop Girl and one of Canada's premiere style and image consultants, Suzanne Colmer works with her clients to bring clarity and cohesiveness into their wardrobe. She specializes in closet cleanses that help you love your clothes and have them love you back, size inclusive personalized shopping and curated Canadian capsule wardrobes that allow you to buy less and wear more. Often sought out by the media as a Canadian style expert, Suzanne has been featured locally on Global TV, and CBC and in the National Post and globally as Toronto's style consultant with Tourism Toronto. 

 

Jenny recently moved from her home in Toronto to her cottage 2 hours north with her husband and two children. She is the founder of Little Love Lifestyle, a fun and easy lifestyle blog for mamas, featuring healthy recipes, casual mom style and relaxed country living decor. Follow along on Jenny’s Instagram feed @littlelovelifestyle, where she shares her cottage renovation journey, yummy recipes, and style tips to help mama feel more ‘put-together’ amidst the chaos of motherhood.