Dressed Up Basics

COAT: MAX STUDIO [SIMILAR] / SWEATER: MICHAEL KORS [SIMILAR] / NECKLACE: FOREVER 21 [SIMILAR] / CROPPED JEANS: FOREVER 21 / HEELS: BANANA REPUBLIC [SIMILAR] / FRINGE BAG: REBECCA MINKOFF / SUNGLASSES: TAHARI [similar] / LIPSTICK: TOM FORD CHERRY LUSH 

I have always been drawn to the ease of dressing up basics, and the beauty of the moment we live in, is that a pair of heels no longer needs to accompany a dress. Audrey Hepburn is one of my style icons, particularly when she played the role of Jo Stockton in Funny Face (1957) with her all-black ensembles, great outerwear, and dainty shoes. That combination is what my mind goes to when I am too frazzled to "decide" on an outfit. 

We were heading into Georgetown for Sunday mass and a picnic lunch, so I wanted to wear something classic enough for church, and comfortable enough to chase after my daughter and niece. A simple grey sweater is such a versatile piece, and I love this all-cotton Michael Kors one I found at TJ Maxx. It has a rounded hem and covers my be-hind, which I am currently enjoying right now, especially because I have a penchant for slim fit bottoms; a tunic-length top creates balance. 

The way to dress up basics is with the accessories: shoes, bag, jewelry, and outerwear. Juxtaposing evening-ready pieces with basics instantly makes them look elegant and ladylike, but not stuffy. With my simple sweater and cropped (faded) jeans, I strapped on my pointy mary jane heels, threw on this cool plaid swing coat, paired with this Rebecca Minkoff red suede fringe bag, chunky silver necklace, and cherry-red lip.  

Though this outfit was a bit dressed up, I was able to swap my heels for boots to make a day of walking Georgetown much more comfortable. We picnicked in the grass, and walked the whole water front. It was a perfect Sunday.