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When it comes to putting together a quick and simple, yet fashionable outfit, we know that the most important thing is to have good basics. And it won't be the first or last time you hear about the power of having quality basics in your closet, but have you ever thought about how crucial it is to have pieces that take a plain look to the next level? Your closet should have a balance between basic pieces and those that will elevate them to the max, because basics are just as important as giving an outfit your unique touch through accessories or specific garments.
The point is, you don't need a lot of iconic or unique pieces, but you do need a couple that make you feel confident. You should see yourself and your personal style reflected in them. With few but carefully thought out pieces you will make an outfit that may have taken 5 minutes to put together look like it was meticulously planned.
With this in mind, here are a couple of outfit ideas that might work for you to elevate an outfit:
1. Statement Belt
When we think of a belt we usually go for one that just adds a nice little detail, but when it comes to elevating an outfit we need something more, something that will most likely become the star piece of the outfit. That's why this is a great opportunity to go for big buckles, wider styles, textures, embroideries and vibrant colors, which make your outfit more modern and noticeable.
If you want to go a little further you can even try wearing a corset over a shirt or dress. The concept is similar but it will give even more shape to clothes that would otherwise look more straight and flat.
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2. Colorful Bag
It's one of the easiest and coolest ways to upgrade an outfit. None of us leave home without a bag, so it's a very simple but effective way to add that little something extra that our look needs. They are not only necessary for us to keep our essentials in it, its purpose can go beyond that. They are a functional accessory, yes, but they are also part of our outfits and help us express through fashion.
There's plenty of room to play with different bags, especially if you're one of those who opt for neutral colors when it comes to dressing up. Not only do you have so many types to choose from - totes, baguettes, clutches, crossbody, backpacks, etc. - but the colors, textures, embellishments and styles are endless.
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This Orange color is so vibrant and will give life to any basic outfit
Beaded bags are such an amazing option for Spring and Summer.
I am absolutely obsessed with this light blue bag from Ganni
The Polo ID collection is amazing and this bag comes in so many fun colors!
If you don’t feel like wearing vibrant colors but you like a little something, you can always go for more neutral colors bags but with some kind of detail, like the ones below:
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Pre-loved LV
3. A Printed Item
It's all about looking for prints that you feel comfortable with. If you like colors, arts and funkier styles, you can opt for bolder and more daring prints. You can even try mixing and matching two or more prints. But if you're just starting to add prints to your outfits, know that you can go slowly. You can add small pieces, like a shirt or a pair of pants, and see what makes you feel more confident and relaxed.
Also keep in mind that print doesn't always mean colorful and extravagant. You can keep it within the range of neutral tones while still refining your style.
Whatever you choose, prints are a way to make your clothes look less flat, as they clash with plain colors. They help you dress in a more interesting, contemporary and fresh way.
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4. Bold Color Shoes
Many times it is the shoes that finish a look and give it the perfect aesthetic that we have in mind. It is not the same as a pair of jeans worn with sneakers than with high heels, so they must be your allies when it comes to dress. We've all seen the "pop of red" trend and Sofia Richie Grainge rocking a black and white outfit that she effortlessly elevated with red ballerinas, and that's the perfect example for this item.
Now, if you want to try this, here are a couple of tips that will come in handy:
Pick a color (or even a print!) that you feel confident in and won't get tired of.
Choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable enough for walking and going about your daily activities (flats and kitten heels are a great choice).
Try to go for something that is as versatile as possible. You may want to choose plain or with few details.
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These are so comfortable and also come in silver if you're feeling daring
Animal print is trending this season!
5. Necklaces
Even the simplest outfit can be completely changed with an eye-catching necklace. A large necklace or several small ones layered on top of each other can be the cool, bohemian and relaxed touch you need. Combine different lengths, colors, charms and beads for more contrast.
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This three layers pearl necklace can take any outfit from basic to fabulous
6. Padded Shoulders Coat
If you haven't tried it yet, you certainly should! It's a game changer that automatically turns a basic outfit into an interesting, edgy and modern one. Wearing a structured coat will give you a sharper silhouette and add dimension and shape to your outfit. They match amazing with more flowy or relaxed garments, helping balance the whole look. You can easily adapt it to your look as they come in different styles and materials.
You can opt for straighter, sharper cuts, or softer, more flexible shapes that will give the illusion of more movement.
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This jacket is currently 40% off
7. Leather Pants and Jacket
This is a big yes! Leather pants and/or jackets are a must-have in your closet. Why do we love them? For two main reasons: first of all, they are such a versatile garment! They're great for going out at night, but also for daytime since you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. They will help you achieve many different aesthetics, and it only depends on what you are feeling like wearing that day.
Secondly, they add a different texture to your outfits. We usually tend to wear materials like cotton, cashmere, linen or denim, so adding leather will redefine the outfit and make it cooler, edgier and more chic.
If you're thinking about buying a pair of pants, consider the following: choose a cut that you like and that matches the rest of your outfit: if you tend to wear a lot of fitted tops, you might prefer a wider style for your pants. If you're not sure what you should buy, a straight cut is usually okay and goes well with most styles.
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The oversized look is all we want this season
If you are feeling a little bolder, a red leather jacket will steal the show.
And the best part is that's 40% off!
8. Distinctive Sunglasses
If we talk about accessories to elevate an outfit, sunglasses are probably the most popular. A good pair of unique shades can't be missing from your collection. Day or night, it doesn't matter, glasses are an essential piece in any closet today because of their versatility and ability to make a look more hip and casual or more classy and sophisticated.
My best recommendation would be to visit a couple of vintage stores and see what you can find, as you will most likely get a unique and iconic pair that you won't see anywhere else, and what's better than that? However, if that's not an option for you, you can find many stores with a wide range of cool, stylish and distinctive eyewear.
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The Y2K style still has a very strong tone in 2024, these sunglasses are the perfect example!
Playing around with colored lenses always elevates any outfit!
9. Silk Scarf
And last but not least, the versatile silk scarf. What other item can you think of that can be worn in so many ways? As a headband, as a top, over the shoulders, tied to the bag, as a belt, and a recent favorite of ours: tied at one end to the pants. You can wear it all year round so get creative and add it to your outfit. It's all about playing with different styles and having fun.
As mentioned before, you don't need to go for wild colors if you like to wear neutrals, but definitely give yourself a chance to try different prints.
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Prada silk scarf would make the perfect gift!
This silk scarf can be used as a top, as a head scarf and for accessorizing
This post was all about How to Elevate Your Basics: 9 Must-Have Items for Your Wardrobe
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