Some days, getting dressed can feel so easy. You’ve picked out things the night before. Or you’re planning to wear an outfit that you’ve already worn. And it just makes the day start so much better.
And then there are other days when getting dressed can feel so hard. You stare at a closet full of clothes and think, “I have nothing to wear.” Or you try on something and it just doesn’t feel right. And then it’s 3 minutes before you’re heading out the door – and you throw on whatever you can find. And while you’ve succeeded in leaving the house with clothes on, you don’t feel good in what you’re wearing. Let alone feeling great and ready to take on your day.
You may think I’ve never experienced this. But believe me – I have. Even with a closet full of clothes that I love, there are certain days when I don’t have the energy to figure out what to wear. And the majority of my clients have felt this way, too (that’s why they hired me!).
But the good news is that you don’t have to reinvent the ‘style wheel’ every single day. You don’t need to wear a totally unique outfit to feel stylish on a regular basis. You can start getting dressed the same way, but finish completely different – so that your outfits feel appropriate and authentic. But new and fresh, as well.
Here’s the secret – start with the same pieces, as a kind of ‘blank slate’. Your blank slate can be a solid top and black pants. Or a basic sweater and khakis. Or even a simple dress. And then it’s all about how you finish your outfit – with jackets, shoes, accessories, etc.
Many of my clients feel great in a t-shirt and jeans (another example of a blank slate). So, I wanted to show you how to wear a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans 10 different ways – with examples to take you from right now and all the way into fall. Feel free to copy these looks or just get inspired by them (or peek into your closet to see which ones you can recreate). And be sure to check out the ‘style notes’ for even more outfit ideas and inspiration.
NOTE: If you’re reading this article in the spring, you didn’t click on the wrong link. Because (as I said recently on Instagram), the same outfits that you wore in the fall totally work for the transition to spring. Just start with the outfit ideas at the end of the article (if it’s still cold) and work your way up as it warms up.
WHEN IT’S STILL KIND OF WARM
When it’s still warm (but jeans feel okay), the easiest way to add dimension to a t-shirt & jeans look is with accessories. So, choose ones with personality - like metallic sandals (that go with everything) and a bag with unique hardware and trims. Read this for more details on how accessories can impact your warm weather outfits.
STYLE NOTE: If a basic white t-shirt feels a little plain, this same outfit works with a more detailed top. Try one with texture (like eyelet or lace or gauze) or details (like pleats or gathers) or an interesting neckline or sleeves.
Veronica Beard jeans & Agolde t-shirt (in all outfits), Jack Rogers sandals, ba&sh belt, See by Chloe bag, Ettika layered necklace
A vest is a perfect lightweight addition to a simple t & jeans. It adds minimal weight, but a lot of style. (And it’s totally on trend - which means there are many options to check out in stores.)
STYLE NOTE: I used a white t-shirt & blue jeans as the basis of these outfits - but there are many similar ‘blank slates’ that you can build your outfits around. So, if you’re tired of blue jeans, here are a few easy alternatives.
WeWoreWhat vest (from Rent the Runway), Dolce Vita mules, Aqua beaded bracelet
When your day is all about running errands, nothing beats easy white sneakers and a thin denim shirt. Wear the denim shirt like a jacket - cuff up the sleeves and pop the collar for a little attitude. And if you’re thinking, “can I really wear a denim shirt with blue jeans?” - you can if you want to. Denim on denim was a big trend for spring that’s continuing right into fall (click here for a few outfit ideas).
STYLE NOTE: Trade out your simple white t for a striped t for a little more interest. And if stripes aren’t your thing, pick your favorite print or graphic to add some pizazz.
J Crew cropped denim shirt, Veja sneakers, Clare V phone bag
WHEN IT STARTS TO COOL OFF
When it’s just starting to cool off, grab a layer to complete your blank slate outfit. A simple (but not boring) cardigan and animal print flats take a t-shirt & jeans from weekend to work. And if it’s a cool morning, throw on a khaki trench to finish it off. If you’re out of practice with getting dressed for the office, these are 3 outfits that always work (no matter where you work).
STYLE NOTE: If a t-shirt doesn’t feel appropriate for your workplace, switch to a white or ivory blouse. And here’s a secret - you can do that for many of these other outfits, too!
Loft cardigan, Kate Spade flats, Baublebar earrings
When your weekend starts with taking kids to an early morning sports practice, you need something substantial to keep warm (like this quilted/sweater jacket hybrid). And if that’s still not warm enough, add another layer between your t-shirt and jacket.
STYLE NOTE: Layers are key to get through the change of seasons, especially for cold mornings and balmy afternoons. Read this article for layering tips to use now and all through winter.
Veronica Beard jacket, Tory Burch sneakers & Apple watch strap
Textured tweed jackets are on trend for fall. And so are chunky loafers. But if you’re thinking, “I love these, but what do I wear them with?” - wear them with your blank slate t-shirt & jeans! And then check this out for more outfit ideas for those “I love it, but how do I wear it?” items.
STYLE NOTE: The tweed jacket is an overtly dressed up, feminine piece - so the t-shirt & jeans take it down a notch. And the chunky loafers add a more masculine vibe (as a fun juxtaposition). But if you like the feminine feel, go for a more delicate shoe.
Anine Bing jacket, Sam Edelman loafers, Ettika layered necklace
WHEN IT FINALLY FEELS LIKE FALL
When it finally starts to feel like fall, layers are your friend. Because yes, you could just wear a heavy coat. But you can also wear a vest with a flannel shirt jacket - and then take the shirt jacket off if it gets a little warm.
STYLE NOTE: I love vests, mainly because of their versatility. See how they’re an in-between layer when you need it (and an outer layer when you don’t).
Scotch & Soda shirt jacket, Loft sweater vest, Toms chelsea boots
I couldn’t write an article about wearing a t-shirt & jeans without the simple act of adding a blazer. Blazers add major style points to even the plainest looks. It’s basically instant polish. And I love how it gives this outfit a ‘borrowed from the boys’ vibe - especially with vest and shoes (and if the vest is too much, just skip it).
STYLE NOTE: If you’re balking at wearing a blazer casually - instead of thinking of it as a blazer, just think of it as a jacket. Even put it next to the other jackets in your closet. Click to see how I outfitted a plaid blazer for work, date night and weekend wandering.
Favorite Daughter vest & blazer, Office of Angela Scott oxfords
When is a t-shirt not a t-shirt? When it’s a hidden layer. A t-shirt can act as a protective layer when you’re wearing sweaters in cold weather. Here’s how - the t-shirt absorbs your sweat and keeps it from getting on your sweater. Which means that you can wash your sweaters less often (which means that they last longer).
STYLE NOTE: Wearing a t-shirt under your sweater is just one way of caring for your clothes. Here are a few more (along with other ways that you can express self-care with your wardrobe).
Favorite Daughter sweater, Dolce Vita boots, Burberry scarf
When you have a standout leather jacket, a t-shirt & jeans are all you need (along with cool accessories). You’re basically letting the jacket be the ‘star’ of the outfit - and everything else is a supporting player. I call this ‘getting dressed backwards” - check out a bunch more ways to do it.
STYLE NOTE: Changing your top can shift the vibe of this look. A strappy silk camisole makes it sexy, while a black turtleneck adds a totally different feeling.
Veronica Beard leather jacket & booties, All Saints earrings
Did you get new ideas on how to wear a t-shirt and jeans this fall? If you have questions (or any other outfit options to share), let me know in the comments.
If you’re not sure where to start to create outfits that feel comfortable, authentic and relevant for your life, here are a few things to check out:
See what some of my clients have to say about working together.
Click here if you’d like connect. I’ll send you more detailed information - and then we’ll schedule a Zoom to chat about your specific needs and how we can create the style you deserve. (I’m currently booked through the end of the year, but I’m accepting clients for my waitlist to get started in 2024.)