Style Guide: How to Spice Up Your Basic Jeans and T-Shirts (page 2)

Style Guide: How to Spice Up Your Basic Jeans and T-Shirts

Posted by Alexandra C. | Thursday May 3, 2012

A while back, I wrote about how easy I found getting into a style rut was and I let you in on a few tips and tricks of my own on how to beat those fashion blues. This time around, we're talking about another sneaky style rut that many of us fall into and sometimes, we don't even realize it.

It's called: "the uniform". Everyday, without realizing it, you put on the exact same thing. One of the most common uniforms is the basic jean and t-shirt. Sound familiar?

Don't panic just yet though, we've all been there and there is a way to get out. Now, as long as your denim and tee of choice are a good fit, modern washes and cut well, there really isn't anything too wrong with wearing them. Except that it's about as exciting as watching paint dry. To get you out of that daily dullness, here are 4 ways you can spice up your basic jean and t-shirt. And to show you just how fabulous it can look, we've put together four examples to provide a little stylespiration.

1. Add some brights: A pop of colour, even in the smallest capacity is going to do wonders for your outfit. It can act as a focal point on a neutral canvas. This means that your piece is going to really stand out and speak for itself. At the same time, your entire outfit is going to be more detailed and interesting. You don't need to go with a solid colour either. Try prints, patterns or colour blocked accessories.

1. Catarzi Exclusive to Asos Straw Tonal Trilby (C$52.22)
2. Fold Over Color Block Clutch Purse (US$26.00)
3. Forever 21 Southwestern Beaded Cuff (C$7.80)
4. Tory Burch Aviators (US$165.00)
5. Aldo Stremlow Wedges (C$80.00)
6. Modcloth Emerald School Coat (US$164.99)
Buffalo Felow Jeans (C$118.00)
White Fitted Scoop-Neck Tee, Old Navy (C$12.50)

2. Add a spring jacket: I love a fabulous spring jacket. Whether it's a trench or even a great cardigan, a spring jacket can brighten up an outfit and give it a sophisticated feel. Look for a coat in a bright colour or print to complete a fresh look. A classic camel coloured trench works too for an Audrey Heburn-esque outfit.

1. Attitude Tie-Dye Scarf (C$25.00)

2. Burberry Brit Detachable Hood Yellow Trench Coat (US$543.13)

3. H & M Sunglasses (C$12.95)
4. Forever 21 Tribal Chord Necklace (C$10.80)

5. Banana Republic Flower Brooch Cuff (C$74.00)
7 For All Mankind Mid-rise Bootcut Jeans (US$160.00)

3. Make a statement: A statement piece can be anything from jewelry to a pair of shoes. What makes it a statement piece is the fact that it's an attention grabber. It can be oversized, colourful, detailed, unique or just generally interesting. It doesn't need anything else, on it's own it's enough. Balance out a statement piece with a basic jean and tee for a chic ensemble.

1. J Crew Cashmere Long Cardigan (C$286.00)
2. Big It Up Scarlett Floppy Hat (C$70.00) 3. Asos Patent Fluro Skinny Belt (C$10.44)
4. Nasty Gal Veracruz Ring (US$15.00)
5. Tobi Joia Saddle Satchel (US$75.00)
6. Ardene Bracelets (C$5.50)
7. Dolce Vita Wedge Sandal (US$178.00)
Cheap Monday The Tight Jean in Very Stretch One Wash (US$47.00)

4. Add a scarf: I have about a hundred scarves in my closet and still my collection will never be complete. I love stocking up on scarves because with the variety of colours and patterns, they add something extra special to an otherwise uninspired outfit. They do double duty as a wrap on a chilly summer night as well.

1. Mango Roll-up Cuffs Blazer (C$79.99)
2. Top Shop Intricate Bug Scarf (US$36.00)
3. La Mer Carpe Diem Clear Banded Watch (US$148.00)
4. Zara Suede Slingback (C$99.90)
5. Oakley Changeover Sunglasses (C$175.00)
6. Dannijo Lila Ring (US$270.00)
7. Lia Sophia For You, By Debbie Bracelets (C$98.00)

J Brand 620 Super Skinny Jeans (C$180.83)

How do you spice up an old tee and denim combo?

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23 Comments

	on May 05, 2012 Kewald 2,141 said: I love the bright colours! I want a pair of light blue glasses:)! I do need to add a bit of colour into my wardrobe! My sister got me a lovely yellow purse:)
	on May 04, 2012 mamaluv STAFF said: I am in a mega rut right now too, and it's true - my uniform is dark wash jeans with a fitted tee or tank! It really is amazing what a difference a scarf or bold necklace does, even when it's not too loud. I often wear a very basic cream scarf and/or a long dangly silver necklace over my black tank and it suddenly looks a lot dressier. Now to accidentally-on-purpose lose my running shoes and raise the bar on footwear... LOVE the patterned Aldo wedges and pink trilby in the first graphic!
	on May 04, 2012 Ali de Bold STAFF said: Oooh! I love everything in the first and last graphic. Great suggestions, Alexandra!
	on May 04, 2012 jmca 9,275 said: great article, with great tips
	on May 04, 2012 Aliza 14,011 said: Accessories and brights is how I love spicing up my outfit. Also statement shoes are a really good way to spice things up.
	on May 03, 2012 TashaCat 6,762 said: I so need this inspiration - I'm in a 'I've gained lots of weight' rut. I think 1 & 2 will brighten my wardrobe and outlook. Time to toss last year's white T's (they never look quite perfectly crisp after winter anyway) and grab a few great white T's ...
	on May 03, 2012 schoolmomof4 493 said: I have to try some of thse ideas.... I always shy away from "sticking out liek a sore thumb".....
	on May 03, 2012 MizzRobin 13,788 said: Oooo how I love this article! I was just looking for ways to spice up the white t n jeans and you've given me tons of great ideas! THANK YOU!
	on May 03, 2012 AlexJC 50 said: @sirenstarlight oh no! Sorry about that, should be fixed now! :)
	on May 03, 2012 sirenstarlight 7,239 said: By the way, the top photo isn't showing for me :/ I'm not sure if the photo link is broken? Either way, i'm excited to see it repaired for more style ideas :D