Clothed with Grace: Building A Wardrobe: Shirts

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Building A Wardrobe: Shirts


I'm excited to be continuing my Building A Wardrobe Series again today. One the first day of the series I shared Essential Blazers and Jackets, one day two I shared Essential Cardigans, on day three I shared Essential Skirts, on day four I shared Essential Jeans and Dress Pants, and on day five I shared Essential Shoes and Accessories. Today I'll be continuing my Building A Wardrobe Series by sharing some essential shirts with you.  As important as it can be to have a few basic tops, a great shirt can be the focal point of any outfit or definitely make a good outfit great.  Here are my thoughts on essential shirts:

  • I've think there are five shirts that are essential to any mixable wardrobe, and that includes: a stripe shirt, chambray, gingham, a detailed blouse, and a polka dot shirt.  These pieces can go with so many things!
  • Like I said above, basics are great, but often the key to a great outfit is a shirt that is a little more special than a plain tee shirt.  Think about color, texture, and print when you buy tops, they are guaranteed to help make your look great!
  •  I recommend not just getting a plain white, black, gray, shirt.  I recommend getting one that has extra details, like a puckered neckline, or unique texture or lace.  These details make the shirt more special, but definitely still versatile in your wardrobe.
  • Fit is definitely important too.  When buying make sure the buttons lay nicely on any button-down option and check the length too.  Can it be worn both out and tucked in?  This is definitely key in creating both dressy and casual looks with the same shirt.
  • I picked some great additional options, I recommend getting a few great prints, like leopard, and I love the jeweled tops that have become popular too.  I definitely think these tops are special and are great additions to your wardrobe, though they are not quite as versatile as the essential shirts I've listed.
Here's a visual of my shirt recommendations:
Building A Wardrobe: Shirts


Today I'm wearing a detailed blouse in lace. It's a fun mixable top that makes every outfit better.



Blazer: Kika c/o same
Blouse: Target same
Necklace: Kendra Scott inspired c/o real deal
 Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o samesame 
Jeans: Joe's Jeans similar
Heels: Feralicious similar

22 comments:

  1. I used to be scared of mixing detail and pattern together but now I love it. Just makes it feel more interesting.

    ~Cheryl
    http://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. That skirt! You always mix and match pieces with nice results. :)

    Visit my blog: I AM JENNIYA.
    Join Oasap Thanksgiving Giveaway .

    ReplyDelete
  3. The lace adds so much visual interest to the outfit! I love all your picks for the essential shirts...I think I need a leopard blouse next!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

    ReplyDelete
  4. Another set of great tips! I love this outfit and your necklace. One other top I would add would be plaid. It's a fun print to play around with pattern mixing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love your skirt and you are right, the lace blouse makes the outfit much more special!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm loving this series your doing. That blouse you are wearing today is so pretty, love the lace.

    Pia
    pjmscloset.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great series Ginny. I Love shirts and blouses and i love mixing them up with different patterns. Great outfit today.

    Don't forget to link up tomorrow to my weekly Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love this fun series - I have always wondered what I would do differently if I could build my wardrobe from scratch.

    I LOVE LOVE that skirt - I am a little jealous that you thrifted it :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I need to get a black and white striped shirt! I can't believe I don't have one! You look fab!

    Please vote for me--> http://www.onlineshoes.com/monthly-shoe-styling-contest

    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Awesome tips! Shirts are definitely my weakest area, back when I just bought whatever I liked (instead of having an idea of where I wanted my wardrobe to be and being intentional about what I bought), I bought a lot of shirts that on their own were great, but just didn't fit into my wardrobe as a whole. I'm still weeding those out, so this list is great to keep in mind! Also, your outfit today is amazing. The texture of the shirt is so pretty, but I also love how you pulled the navy out of the skirt with the blazer! Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm loving these tips! Keep it up, girlie!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amazing look!!!
    Would you like to follow each other?

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think you are totally right. And a white lace top is super essential. I like how you can style it as you would a plain white tee but it's much more interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the lace top paired with that cute skirt :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love your look here of the floral skirt and navy blazer, it's a great combination! I really like your blog! I'm glad that I found it! It would be nice if you could stop by my blog sometime too (I'm from England) as I post my outfits, personal style, likes and much more :) :)

    Raindrops of Sapphire

    ReplyDelete
  16. More useful tips! I really need more solid-colored "detailed blouses" like the one you pictured above. I am naturally drawn to patterns and prints, which aren't always as versatile as the detailed tops like this lace one would be.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great outfit! Love your series...excellent work Ginny!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yes I agree what you're wearing is so work-friendly ....even beyond! That's a great inspirational series too Ginny!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gorgeous skirt!! I love this look! So classy!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the skirt you're wearing in this post, first of all. Adorable print and great colors! As for your tips on shirts, I think you were able to list so many great options. I think a white button up, chambray button up, white lace tee, and striped tee are my own essentials. I also love sweaters :)

    ReplyDelete