Elevated Basics
Jessica Wagner
The Third Piece
Grade school Jess had to wear a uniform, and hated it. Looking back it wasn’t so bad. At the time it felt like an infringement upon my freedom of self-expression.
Today, I find myself gravitating towards a uniform, or my go-to favorites.
Let’s talk typical weekend. Mine is probably similar to yours.
Weekends are spent as a family, going to out breakfast, (no brunch life here!) cheering on soccer games, working the odd project around the house, and cleaning (ugh.) So yeah, I don’t need to style myself to the nines to run to the market and sweep the kitchen floor.
This means my go-to outfit for the typical weekend is minimalist. Skinny jeans and a comfy sweatshirt. Understated and classic. These basics could be seen as careless, but when getting dressed, my goal is to look effortless, comfortable, and cool. (Yeah, this newly 30-year-old still wants to look cool.)
Elevating a basic outfit takes adding “the third piece.” Take your basics, (top, bottom, shoes, bag) and add a layer. This can be a jacket or sweater, or a statement accessory, like a scarf, or hat. These are all ways to next-level your look. Create a point of interest. Compliment your personality. I’m not talking about a signature look or anything, but making an outfit you feel good in, more interesting.
For example: I tend to go for a girlie style (to compliment my bubbly personality!) I have a favorite pair of blush-pink skinny jeans. I might pair them with an "ironic" graphic tee, ankle boots, and a black leather moto jacket (third piece!) The leather jacket is my third piece, elevates the look, and adds balance to any overly girlie vibes. Feeling adventurous? Go for a fourth piece, a leather wrap necklace or slim suede belt will do the trick.
DISCLAIMER: Most fashion bloggers would have you believe holding a cup of coffee in your hand counts as a third piece. This does not count. (Darn!)
Think about the last time you complimented someone on what they were wearing. I’m sure it was because the outfit was striking. Fashion is a lot of things, but it's not boring.
This weekend skip the usual. Knot a printed bandana around your neck. Twist a bow in your hair. Don’t be afraid to drape a sweater over your shoulders or wrap a sweatshirt around your waist. Start asking yourself before you leave the house – “Am I wearing my third piece?”
Do you have a weekend uniform? What’s most important to you when it comes to fashion? Comfort? Trends? Fit? Personality? I’d love to know in the comments below!
Outfit Details:
Leopard Coat: Nicole Miller (old, similar here) Hat: Madewell Biltmore Top: Madewell (old) Jeans: Free People Destroyed Ankle Skinny in Josie Bandana: Vintage Bag: Madewell Shoes: Gap D'orsay Flats (old, similar here) Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Watch: Michael Kors Nails: Sally Hansen Lavender Cloud Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Aruthur