Big call I know, but I’m sticking to my guns on this one (and for those astute readers, you may have read this post before, I actually wrote it last year, but it just seemed like a great time to remind everyone!)
You KNOW that I’m a huge fan of versatility in clothing and these 4 items are going to give that to you.
One of the questions I get asked the most whether from a 1-on-1 client, or friend, or the gorgeous people coming in to see my at The Stylist’s Wardrobe at Shore City, is “How do I do SMART-CASUAL?”
Well, my pretties, this is one of THE easiest ways to nail smart-casual. Just take these four pieces of clothing, and pretty much wear them in any combination, with pretty much anything else on underneath, and you’ve nailed it!
What you’ll need…….
A denim jacket (get one here from Just Jeans $89.95)
A leather jacket (get one here from Max $299.99)
A pair of casual shoes, trainers in this case (get them from The Iconic here $100)
A pair of black ankle boots (get them from Hannahs here $179.95)
Let me explain.
So, you are going to use combinations of these four items to DRESS THINGS UP, and DRESS THINGS DOWN.
Take this dress for example (a little French Connection number you can grab HERE), most people would see this as a work-only dress. Or something just for special occasions, but by mixing and matching these fab four, you get a lot more uses out of the dress
The key is to USE the “fab four” to turn outfits into something you wouldn’t expect them to be.
Let’s play again……
Here little ole me wearing the same jeans and tee combo, but going from most dressed up to most casual….. wearing leather jacket and boots, then leather jacket and trainers, then leather jacket and denim jacket.
These combos could pretty much take me anywhere in my life from a product launch, to a business meeting (I have the luxury of being able to look ‘more creative than most, given) to hanging out with my mates at a bar, or taking my nephew to the park on the weekend.
One more time for luck?
This time I’ve taken a LBD (little black dress) and dressed it up on the left with all of the leathers (jacket, bag and boots) then turned it into weekend casual with all of the canvas and cotton on the right.
It really IS that simple!
All you need is some variation of the Fab Four (denim jacket, leather jacket, trainers and ankle boots) and with a bit of imagination, you’ve doubled your wardrobe!
Remember, the key is to use the dressy items in the Fab Four (leather jacket + ankle boots) to DRESS UP things that feel more casual and the more casual items in the Fab Four (denim jacket + trainers) to DRESS DOWN more fancy things.
Got it? Good!
Do you already have the Fab Four items in your wardrobe? Are you looking at them in a new light now? Tell me what you think in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
Until Next Time, In Love & Style Always,
Still not sure how to work these items into your wardrobe? Then make sure you book me for a 1-on-1 personal styling package here in Auckland – a wardrobe cleanup and audit comes with every package! We can get you looking and feeling great in no time. More info here.
Great post! Do you think black ankle boots are the better option when wearing black pants – to lengthen short legs? I’m usually more drawn to tan.
if you want to lengthen your legs, then black all the way Melanie! You want to create a seamless leg-line and not cut yourself off with a different coloured boot.
Saying that, if you have a black top on too, then a tan boot could work because the rest of your body is the same colour – know what I mean?
Thanks for your comments. I actually bought these exact boots today as they are such a fantastic flattering style and comfortable with a bit of height. Looking forward to lengthening my pins! I’ve got variations of the three other components, so let the fun begin!
So true!!
Which reminds me.. I really need to buy some cons!
xx
haha I need to upgrade mine!
I absolutely have some fabulous converse trainers on my wish list! Love your Fab Four! http://www.yummomummo.com
they are the bestest shoes around Melissa! x
This is brilliant! I don’t have many clothes, do can totally use these tips. Thank you 🙂
thanks Darci – it’s all about having the RIGHT clothes, not the most clothes so sounds like you’re doing well 🙂
I bought a leather jacket last year and invested in a denim jacket a few weeks ago…..life changing and feel so much sassier when out and about….loving my old wardrobe now that I’m reworking it with these two pieces 😊
oh yay! well done Shell, they make such a difference don’t they 🙂
YES!!! This is something I always need help with – how to get versatility out of my wardrobe so thank you for sharing this helpful piece!
My pleasure Katie! Glad you found it useful 🙂
I only just got a leather jacket about a month ago – and I love the versatility of dressing up with boots or down with the casual runner vibe. I dont own a denim jacket……yet 🙂 hehe might have to pop that on the list. 🙂
oh snap! I LOVE a leather jacket, such a great piece for “inbetween’ weather, and yes, a denim jacket such a good piece too!
Love the fab four! Especially with that striped dress combo.
awww thanks Bron! How awesome is a striped dress!
This makes so much sense – I am going to go and add these to my wardrobe. I get up every morning and go – what will I wear and end up wearing the same 2 or 3 things!
Oh yay! glad to help a little bit with that morning stress haha
Agree! I brought a denim jacket after your blog about it last year and can’t believe I didn’t get one in my life sooner. I now swap out a cardy for either a denim or leather jacket and feel more ‘finished’ as a result.
soooooo good aren’t they Anita!
Great post. I have these all. Inspired!
thanks Silvia! Have fun playing with your different looks 🙂
I have the fab 4 already in my wardrobe… so many new ideas now floating around in my head. Thank you!! Xx
my please Shannon 🙂 So many new options now right?
So two questions. Will the leather jacket look be in for quite a while longer…? And where is your gorgeous pink leather jacket from? All my friends have black and to avoid matching them, I was thinking of another colour. Any suggestions?
Hey Katrina, I don’t think a leather jacket ever goes OUT of fashion! I’ve had mine for almost 10 years now! My pink one is Shopbop a little while ago, but I know that EziBuy have a great one atm. https://www.ezibuy.com/shop/nz/emerge-biker-jacket/p/148034
Tan is another great option, as it works really well with almost everything too!
Hope that helps?
I agree Cait, it’s amazing how a pair of black boots can really dress up an outfit. 🙂
Caitlin, you do an awesome job with your blog. Very cool!
Oh thanks Shiree! I love writing it 🙂
This might be favourite post yet. Thank you!
oh why thank you Jenna! xx
Stumbled across your blog last night! Loving it.
&. Yay have got something right in wardrobe! I just updated my denim jacket & boots so happy to read this post! Love your combos. They are definitely inspiring me to explore where I shop. Unfortunately I tend to rely on a regular. 😬
Hey Jennifer! So glad you found the blog and enjoyed the read 🙂