I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I used to struggle BIG TIME when I felt like I had nothing to wear. Then, suddenly, it dawned on me: a lot of the online retailers I browse every day have some impeccable styling to admire. So I tried something new. I chose one piece I wanted to build my entire outfit around that I already owned — be it my new thigh-high boots, the designer bag I finally splurged on, or something as simple as track pants — and I went "shopping" for that item. (Yes, I understand it was already sitting pretty in my closet.)
What I was looking for was simply inspiration for how to wear it. I'd pull up all the thigh-high boots on sites like Net-a-Porter or Shopbop that looked like my own pair, just to see what clothes I could potentially throw on with them. You guys, this trick is brilliant. It helps me get dressed way faster and I always feel chic, so yes, I promise it works! And I'm going to show you how. Just read on to see what I mean — and shop some key wardrobe staples while you're at it.
I decided to check out Net-a-Porter, which offers plenty of thigh-high boots in luxe materials. My own pair is velvet, and while there's no bow at the back, the heel height is about the same as these Stuart Weitzman Hiline Stretch-Suede Over-the-Knee Boots ($800). I landed on an outfit I could easily re-create — I own a Western-inspired belt and a frilly chiffon dress, so voila!
While my favorite pair is black with red stripes, I loved how Forever 21 paired these SBelted Contrast Wind Track Pants ($35) with an off-the-shoulder fitted top. I'm all about comfort, so I slipped on these essentials with my white low-top sneakers too.
I actually own the trousers that complete the set of my pantsuit, but sometimes I prefer casual vibes over super sophisticated. Who knew that I could (and should!) pair my structured jacket, like this FRAME Double-Breasted Wool Blazer ($313, originally $625), with the striped linen palazzo pants I'm always wearing on vacation? Of course I have a white tee, so I stuck that on as the foundation of my look and finished with hoop earrings.
I own a dark wash denim jacket that takes a feminine shape with poufy sleeves, just like this Diane von Furstenberg Pintuck Jean Jacket ($180, originally $448). I had never thought to pair it with my bodycon, ribbed striped dress from Forever 21, but these simple staples look smashing together when complete with metallic sandals. During the Winter, I rocked my shimmering, pink satin sock booties with this look instead.
The navy pinstripe trousers I'm constantly wearing came with an open-back, breezy top that matches perfectly. I had never worn one piece without the other since I liked the set so much — until I landed upon these ASOS Design Skinny Ponte Pinstripe Pants ($24, originally $40). I now realize how great my slouchy turtleneck sweater looks tucked in to the waistband of my pants, and I'm all about finishing with my camera bag that's equipped with the race-car-effect striped strap. It perfectly plays up the thinner lines on my slacks.
I often have trouble wearing my oversize gold hoop with the smaller one I own and pulling it all off. It's not because I don't like the asymmetrical earring trend — I totally do! — I just fear that my outfit will distract from the jewelry or make the pairing look like "too much." When I spotted these & Other Stories Mismatch Hoop Earrings ($29), I quickly realized my top should be simple: a crisp white tee layered with a denim jacket. This turns the spotlight straight on my hoops.
Fun fact: the Gucci tote I wear was actually bought by my grandma when she visited Italy in the '60s, and at that time, it only cost her $500! While my bag is a little larger than this Gucci Ophidia Textured Leather-Trimmed Printed Coated-Canvas Shoulder Bag ($1,390), I love how the brand's iconic logo and stripe look with a pop of mustard, black jeans, and a camel trench. I own a very similar wool turtleneck (though it is sleeveless), but I now style this full look with my carryall often.
I find that, sometimes, wearing skinny jeans works best when your outfit is simplistic. The perfect way to spin it for a night out is by throwing on a sweater with an eye-catching little detail like one cold shoulder or two, and finishing your denim (the Frame Le High Skinny ($144, originally $205) will do!) with a pair of power pumps. Bonus points if you also have a neutral, geometric-shaped bag to throw into the mix.
I know it might seem relatively obvious, but when I saw this Blank NYC Lace Up Skirt ($43, originally $98) finished with a graphic t-shirt and sock booties, it was exactly what I wanted to wear. Sometimes I try to really jazz up my denim being that it's such a classic material, but miniskirts look best when you flatter your legs with smart, comfortable footwear and a much-loved top you feel confident in.
True story: I was trying to style an outfit around my white teddy bear coat and when I saw this Tibi Oversized Faux Fur Coat ($347, originally $695), I instantly fell in love. Only time will tell whether I trade in my own for this updated version, but in the meantime, I'm sure as heck wearing my piece with a white turtleneck tucked into my denim culottes and brown booties.
Sometimes I feel like every outfit I put on just goes with my Parisa Wang Addicted Bag ($245). But how might other women be wearing their pouches? I decided to do some digging and found this all-black outfit on Shopbop. It's minimal, sure, but a slinky black blouse actually makes the accessory stand out even more.
Full disclosure: I actually own these Zara Checked Dungarees ($70), but I'm not going to lie to you — I needed help styling them. I loved how cool the neutral-toned plaid looked layered over an electrifying pixelated print, so I tried wearing this piece two ways: once over a navy silk blouse with a cherry red paisley print and the second time over a contrast maroon flannel.