I’ve found myself in a bit of an outfit rut these past few weeks and it feels like there’s no way out. It’s been crazy hot in the city and I’ve pretty much been wearing a t-shirt and jeans everyday. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes I want my outfit to look a little more refined. I’ve found a few simple things I can do to get that elevated look without completely revamping the whole outfit. That being said, I’m not wearing jeans for this outfit (it happened to be a day that I put in a little extra effort), but these tips can totally be applied to the jeans-and-a-tshirt look.

Cuff It

Let’s talk about cuffed sleeves. I’m sure you’ve been seeing them everywhere on Instagram or you know, on your hipster ex-boyfriend. I personally love the look. I roll up the sleeves on every t-shirt I wear and I think it does a lot to elevate an outfit. It brings a refined, almost tailored look to a casual t-shirt. The tee I’m wearing is from Dermot Kennedy concert I went to earlier this year (if you don’t already listen to his music, I highly recommend it – I’m obsessed!). But this works with literally any t-shirt, button up, or even blazer.

If you’ve seen my outfits on Instagram, you’ll probably know that I never take these two necklaces off. I got one from Pyrrha and the other from a shop on Etsy. I’ve had them for years and love the way they make me look like I took the time to pick out accessories (when I really didn’t). Now, I wouldn’t recommend wearing your jewelry 24/7 like I do because it’s not great for it. I just know I would never wear jewelry if I had to take it off every night and put it on every morning (#lazygirlproblems). However, investing in high quality jewelry that won’t rust or oxidize is a great way to elevate your style.

Wide or Die

Can we take a moment to appreciate that title (at least I think I’m funny)… Anyway… Experimenting with wide leg pants, whether they’re denim or trousers, is great for mixing up your style. Every time I throw on a pair of wide leg pants, I feel weirdly put together – like I actually know what I’m doing (not just pretending like I do). I found this pair of Nanette Lepore trousers at a thrift store and immediately fell in love (similar option here and here). The super high waistline and exaggerated wide legs make them super flattering and perfect for elevating an otherwise casual look. If you’re looking to keep the outfit a little more casual, there are some great wide leg jeans out there. Here’s one of my favorites!

 

Shades

I finish off every outfit with a pair of sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from sun damage, but they just kind of makes you feel cool (even when you’re not – aka me). A good pair of sunglasses is a staple in any wardrobe. My go-to are just the classic Ray-Ban aviators, but I recommend finding a frame that fits your face and investing in the perfect pair.

The idea is to feel put together without having to invest that much time or energy in your already busy schedule. What do you guys do to elevate your outfit? Let me know in the comments below and have a great rest of your week!