The Secrets of a Mix-and-Match Wardrobe
Tend to fall back on the same tired top-and-bottom combinations? Learn a few new mixing and matching strategies and you’ll spring forward with a livelier look.
The 7 Key Pieces
1. Mango viscose-blend belted skirt, $110, mango.com.
2. Tibi viscose-and-silk belted dress, $458, tibi.com.
3. Joie silk shell, $178, bloomingdales.com for stores.
4. Magaschoni viscose-and-spandex pants, $198, Garmany, 732-576-8500.
5. The Limited polyester top, $45, thelimited.com.
6. Club Monaco suede jacket, $495, 212-459-9863.
7. Victoria’s Secret Catalogue jeans, $69.50, victoriassecret.com.
How to Combine Them
Accessorize piece 2. See the results.
Add piece 3 to piece 4 and piece 6. See the results.
Add piece 5 to piece 7. See the results.
Add piece 1 to piece 3. See the results.
Add piece 1 to piece 5. See the results.
Piece 2
Invest in an adaptable flowy dress. Transform the evening look here by subbing in a work-appropriate suede jacket and refined oxfords.
To buy: Seychelles leather sandals, $95, frockcandy.com. Marilyn Schiff enamel-and-crystal bracelets, $38, marilynschiff.com.
Add Pieces 3, 4, and 6
Start with a mixed-neutral base, then inject pops of one color. Wear your ivory, tan, and black staples together to create a surprisingly interesting palette. Then grab a scarf and a bag in soft blues for a spring vibe.
To buy: Eddie Bauer viscose-and-wool scarf, $29.50, eddiebauer.com. RJ Graziano gold-tone link bracelet, $65, 212-685-1248. Kenneth Jay Lane faux-sapphire hoops, $63, 877-953-5264.
Add Pieces 5 and 7
Go ahead and resurrect your wide-leg jeans. They’re back in style. And what’s more versatile than casual denim in a sophisticated shape? Dress them up (with a silk tank) or down (with a printed top and a scarf).
To buy: Dean Davidson gold-plated bangles, $160 for three, deandavidson.ca for stores. RJ Graziano oval brass hoops, $30, 212-685-1248.
Add Pieces 1 and 3
Team up your light-colored pieces. Just make sure the silhouettes have some details (a ruffle on a shell, a belt on a swingy skirt) so when you put them together, they become striking, not boring. Keep the minimalist look going with classic jewelry.
To buy: BCBG Max Azria sunglasses, $120, bcbg.com for stores. RJ Graziano rhinestone hoops, $38, 212-685-1248.
Add Pieces 1 and 5
You really can pair loose tops with fuller bottoms. The trick is to give yourself an hourglass shape by tucking in the shirt and nipping in the waist with a belt. Add big hoops, a cocktail ring, and strappy sandals for a feminine finish.
To buy: RJ Graziano textured gold-plated hoops, $25, 212-685-1248. Loft acrylic-and-plastic ring, $14.50, loft.com for stores.
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