What To Wear / by Kate Brightbill

I was asked to give some tips to a friend on creating a great wardrobe. It was a surprising request, because I'm always talking about kids' clothing, but BECAUSE I'm always talking about kids' wardrobes, I thought it would be a really fun change-of-pace to post my own style tips. ;) If your eyes are glazing over already, just know we'll be back to the regularly scheduled program again tomorrow. ha!

Here's the fact: I don't have the most creative wardrobe ever. Here's a look at pieces from {or similar to} my every day uniform:

Spring Wardrobe | StyleSmaller

1. Black Booties 2. Railroad Stripe Skirt 3. Hooray Bag 

4. White Tee 5. Folkstitch Jacket 6. Gladiator Brown Sandals 

7. Blue Skinny Jeans 8. Gold Necklace 9. Black Tank 

10. Brown Hat 11. Sunglasses 12. White Jeans

Black, white, grey, and denim rule my drawers. 

That said, I do love to get dressed. I love working with what is in my closet. To me, money does not buy style, so it's not necessary to spend in excess. My "investment pieces" are well-made tees that fall exactly as they should and get worn a million times because of their comfort, quality, and versatility. I love well-made tried & true pieces that get worn until they have holes. My goal is never to have the MOST clothing... my goal is to wear every piece I own, so I'm not storing unnecessary pieces. I purge the closet constantly. Here's what I'm keeping in the rotation these days:

  • TOPS: For the every day, I switch between slouchy tees and slouchy tanks, and button down plaid. I do the half tuck these days to keep it really casual. If I want to spruce things up, or if I'm going somewhere fun in the evening, I'll switch to a blouse type of shirt, or I'll just change my jeans to a skirt and that's fancy enough.
  • BOTTOM: Skinny jeans or a casual skirt generally... geez, am I original or what? 
  • SHOES: I wear booties year-'round. I buy one great pair of sandals every spring. I wear chucks, Minnetonka flats, and have one fabulous and neutral strappy heel {similar} that takes care of all the fancy events. My shoe closet is not extensive, but I feel I have the right shoe for any occasion. 
  • ACCESSORIES: Earrings every day. Big and gold are my staples, but I switch them out for basic gold triangle studs when I wear my long necklaces. I either go big on the earrings or necklaces, never both. ;) It's the easiest thing to add jewelry to an outfit, and it makes me feel more "put together" and ready for the day when I do. Win-win! 
  • JACKETS: I'm in love with my bomber jacket {similar here} and my faux leather jacket {similar here}. Honorable mentions not yet in my wardrobe, (but wish-listing because I heart jackets so much) here and here.

There you have it! Your annual "Kate's style" report. 

Ps. I'm trying not to hoard these "hooray" bags. They're my current favorite piece in my whole shop... 

xoxo.