Simple Chic

There’s this little thing that I like to call ‘simple chic.’

You know it. It’s that girl you see walking across the street that makes you do a double take, because, come on. She’s got it going on. The one who looks so effortlessly put together it kind of makes you want to throw up. It looks so easy that it gives you heart palpitations because you don’t know where to start.

Often, when I see these women, I immediately think, “Oh my gosh, I don’t have the money to look like that!” I mean, if I could dress like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley every day, believe me, I would! But I simply don’t have the money! The thing is, you don’t have to be a millionaire to rock some solid simple chic outfits. You need a few basics that can be swapped between outfits to totally pull them off over and over again!

The incredible little secret of simple chic is… neutrals… with a pop of accessories. If you are a good little reader and clicked on the RHW link above, you’ll notice her more casual outfits rarely have bold color. They’re based around pairing neutral colors and accessorizing them with a great pair of shoes, a necklace, a solid stack of bracelets and/or bang on sunglasses. What’s more, is that neutrals for spring are one of the top trends this season (but I’ll get to that), so you’ll be looking great AND staying on top of the season’s current trends!

So, that’s nice, you’re thinking. But how do you create this on your own without looking like a gopher in the middle of double-lane traffic when you hit the chaos of the mall?! Easy. Go basic. Grab a great pair of leggings or straight leg jeans (one of my faves). Then, pair it with a neutral, loose fitting t-shirt. Loose fitting shirts look great on all sizes AND they tend to have a thinning effect. (Note to all: if you’re pairing this t-shirt with leggings, make sure you get a long one that covers your bum. Right now, the longer the better, so if it drapes down to the back of your knees, don’t be scared… I guarantee you’ll be the one people are double-taking… and not because you’re wearing leggings as pants… don’t get me started.) Grab your favorite cozy sweater and wear it on top. Again, go neutral. Then finish the look off with a great pair of boots or heels and one or two accessories. REMEMBER! SIMPLE! You’re not going to a ball.

And, voila:

Am I right, or am I right? I might as well be wearing my pyjamas and yet I could toss on my favorite over-the-shoulder bag and jet-set to some high-class European resort without anyone batting an eye.

The great thing about simple chic is that you don’t need a whole new outfit tomorrow. Pair this whole look minus the necklace with a full wool sweater like this or this  and you’ll have a totally new outfit that will leave everyone’s jaws on the floor.

P.S. Often I see women who were almost there. They definitely got the ‘simple’ look down, but they missed the ‘chic.’ It’s the accessorizing that turns the outfit from blah and basic to put together perfection. You don’t need much when you’re going simple. A single necklace, a big, slouchy bag or studded heels is all you need to bring your basic outfit to totally bang on.