From Basic to Boss: Elevate Jeans and a T-Shirt for Work with these 5 steps that will only take 10 minutes.
Today all of us wear jeans and t-shirt to work, but when you have no time to get ready in the morning or are running late to a meeting, styling always is the first to go out of the window.
In this post, I am giving you 5 easy steps to make your jeans and t-shirt outfit look elevated and polished.
And if you like this post, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what outfit you want to see next.
Why should you care?
Honestly, I hear this the most from many women who say wear whatever you want, it does not matter. But if you are reading this, you know that looking good directly influences your mood and your confidence.
And it does not matter whether you are an office goer or stay at home mom. But styling is not this mystery that cannot be tackled.
And this step by step guide will help you instantly transform a basic outfit to elevated office outfit.
Base Layer
The outfit I am wearing is super basic and anyone of you might already own this. I also have added this barrel jeans in white in my 20 piece summer capsule. An excellent alternative for dark jeans. But I wanted to make sure that even you have a basic outfit, how are you able to elevate it.
The t-shirt is crewneck so it’s anyways better than a v neck t-shirt that looks extremely casual. So, my obvious base layer is always picking a crewneck for work.
Step 1: Tuck in your t-shirt
If you are headed to work, you want to look polished and sophisticated. So people take you seriously, not someone who jumped out of the bed and came to work. And an untucked tee gives you that appearance of being messy and disorganized.
Especially if you are wearing a casual piece like a tee, you need to make the most of the look. And tucking in instantly gives you that polished and put together look. Now, if you are someone who is body conscious and feels like that tiny belly pooch is not something you want to highlight. You won’t if you follow along the steps, but you can also half tuck, front tuck.
I have an entire blog post on how to tuck in your tops along with a video guide, so feel free to check that out for some more inspirations on how to tuck in your top.
Step 2: Add a belt
Now before you go in and get that chain belt, please stop. I am sure you are not going to do that, but just pick up a basic black belt. This is perfect for work, a basic black, white or tan belt is a must have in your closet. Checkout my guide on how to pick the right belt for your jeans which will help you figure out the style and thickness of the belt with your jeans.
The belt instantly makes your outfit look polished because it looks like you made an effort to dress up your look. This is such a no-brainer way of elevating a jeans outfit. It also makes your waist look smaller. Yes, you heard that right.
So, all in all it’s a win-win.
If you are sitting for a long time at your desk, just don’t tie your belt that tight. And you will be comfortable all day long.
Step 3: Pick a contrast colored elevated layer
Instead of adding a a denim jacket or leather jacket, pick something that is contrasting. Blazers are always my favorite, but if it feels a bit too much, just pick a crew neck cardigan that looks elevated and is super comfortable.
A casual jacket only dresses down your outfit. But an elevated piece enhances and polishes your outfit. It’s all about the right choices of garment. As the weather is getting warmer, I really get drawn to cardigans. They are comfortable and are perfect for in office days where you still need to stay cozy because the Air conditioner is blasting.
But if you are going out for lunch with co-workers, you can take it off or simple throw it on your shoulders to create a chic look that looks comfy but elevated.
I would pick a contrast shade of cardigan. No one is judging you to wear that. I have been in Corporate for 20 years and I wear them all the time. More importantly, the contrast shade adds an elevated touch to your outfit. It no longer looks basic and boring.
In the outfit I am sharing, my tee and jeans are of the same shade, but even if you are wearing a black or a white tee, you can still pick a contrast shade of cardigan.
Step 4: Add structured shoes
If you are wearing wide leg jeans, you might get away with wearing sneakers, but make sure they are not too contrasting that people only notice that. I know you love flat shoes, but block heel shoes are an awesome alternative. The heels are comfortable and the shoes look so polished.
In this outfit, since my jeans are ankle length, these Mary Jane heels look perfect. You can also wear flat loafers. Any structured footwear will elevate your casual work outfit.
Step 5: Add minimal accessories
Jewelries are always important. They have the power to make your outfit look luxe and polished instantly no matter what you are wearing. But at work don’t wear your flashiest earrings or necklace. And don’t go all out with adding the bracelets. Just minimal pieces that do not draw too much attention. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s a bad thing. People at work judge you. I have been there.
Just pick basic earrings, bracelets and necklace that look minimal. But the most important accessory to add to your work outfit which will instantly elevate your look and make you look smart, is a watch.
You can pick an Apple Watch, but swap it with some gold Apple Watch bands to look elevated. Or just buy a silver watch or leather strap watch. You will thank me later. This makes you instantly look work ready.
This outfit formula will get you ready in like 10 minutes whichever color combo and style of jeans and t-shirt you are wearing. Remember ladies, the right styling always elevates your outfit and it does not matter how expensive or how budget friendly the pieces are.
It’s all about creating a formula that actually works for you. And making sure you follow it.
The red cardigan is also a piece I have added in my 20 piece summer capsule plan.
SHOP THE LOOK
[Navy Crewneck Tee] | [Dark Wash Barrel Jeans] | [Crewneck Red Cardigan] | [Black Belt] | [Navy Mary Jane Heels] | [Silver Watch]
