Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Updating the classics



No matter how into fashion trends I am at any point in time, I always love a polished, classic look. A black pant and a white blouse is a timeless chic work look. I like to put an updated spin on the classics, styling basic wardrobe staples in a way that keeps them current.  Something as simple as a scarf in an of-the-moment print, a skinny pant, and a not-so-classic pump can freshen up a classic and make it perfectly on trend for any season.    

How do you update classic pieces in your wardrobe?  










J Crew blouse, Banana Republic pants, Kohl's scarf (years ago, similar here), Nine West shoes (similar), NY&Co bangle (similar), AT Loft Necklace (old, similar here), Express earrings (similar), Michael Kors watch, Francesca's clutch (similar), DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx (similar)

53 comments:

  1. Ugh, I tried on that blouse at J. Crew and it looked awful on me but it looks SO GOOD on you. :)

    I love this look. I'm usually a little afraid of being boring in black and white, but the scarf totally sets the outfit off! I update my classics with chunky jewelry and a swipe of red/fuchsia/bright orange lipstick. I don't know why but that always seems to keep the outfit fresh!

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  2. LOVE it Sarah! Very elegant and polished :) I also like to update classic pieces with chic scarves and/or shoes! Black and white has never looked so great together :)

    xxx,

    Fashion Fractions

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  3. I usually use accessories to update classic pieces - love the idea of using the scarf here!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  4. I love your whole look! Thank you for following me too, am following you back xxx

    www.southmoltonststyle.com

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  5. Your style is simply flawless.

    I tend to update classic pieces by mixing them with some that are a little more trendy or a little less "conservative". I like to wear basic tops in neutral colors, blazers, neutral tights & simple shoes when I wear my leathers but when I wear my more traditional wardrobe staples I spice things up a bit... higher heels, colorful and/or printed tops & sometimes even patterned tights. That's just me.

    http://theleatherskirt.blogspot.com/

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  6. Such great pictures! And I totally agree...can't ever go wrong with some black and white! I usually throw in some big statement pieces (mostly necklaces) to update my looks.

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  7. Love the look. I definitely use accessories - scarves, lots of jewelry and/or shoes to spice up a classic look!

    www.louwhatwear.com

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  8. Your look is classic and stylish. I have a hard time finding button down shirts that fit well. i may have to try this one and hope that i can look as good as you :)

    http://whichmewillibetoday.wordpress.com

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  9. You look gorgeous. The blouse looks stunning on you. I too tried it on at J.Crew but decided against it. Now I wish I would have bought it- I love the way it looks with that scarf!

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  10. I totally agree with you on the classic point. I also really like the woven detail on your clutch!

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  11. cute outfit totally agree very classic.
    http://inhalefashionandbeauty.blogspot.com/
    Twitter:@Jenna_Iman
    Inhale | Fashion and Beauty

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  12. I love this look. Very chic and stylish. I don't wear black and white together a lot either. Maybe because it reminds me of that time when I worked as a waitress in a pizza restaurant during my teens :-D But it looks so classy with that scarf. Beautiful!

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  13. I love how you took this classic look up a notch with that gorgeous scarf and great shoes!

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  14. I love those shoes in black!! I have them in the nude/natural. Love the scarf too!

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  15. So chic! There's nothing more chic and classic than black and white! I love dressing things up with a fun clutch :) www.casualglamorous.com

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  16. Love how you styled the white blouse and pants. The scarf is beyond gorgeous and those shoes are absolutely fabulous!

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  17. Thst scarf is great! Even better that it is from Kohls :)

    In Pursuit of Style

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  18. gorgeous look, i love your scarf!
    www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com

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  19. This is a great look, I haven't been fashionable long enough to really feel the need to 'update' my classic pieces, but I think a printed scarf is the perfect addition.

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  20. I'm a strong believer in having a couple of classic pieces and the scarf was the perfect touch for this outfit!
    - Gaby
    From Rags to Glam

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  21. very elegant outfit!! Amazing!
    Thanks for your comment!
    I'm following you, I just love your style!
    www.fashionkats.blogspot.com

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  22. The classics look great on you! Love the clutch.

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  23. Fabulous look on you! I love how you updated them with a chic little scarf :) Looking good Sarah!

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  24. You look very chic. Amazing look

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  25. I love the pants. I just got a pair from Express that are "columnist" cut... sorta similar to your pants. I love the accessories that you paired with the black and white outfit.

    xo Teresa
    There is still time to enter my GIVEAWAY!

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  26. Classic black and white combination is always fabulous!

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  27. super cute work look - love the pants!

    http://forallthatjas.blogspot.com/

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  28. Love your classic look! For me its all about changing up the jewelry or shoes when when classic/basic pieces. Love the scarf, too!

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  29. You always manage to make classic pieces look so put together and individual. Love your style. Love love love it.


    xx
    thistimeisacharm.blogspot.com

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  30. Great look, love your scarf and shoes.

    xoxo
    http://melancora.blogspot.com

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  31. great look! always love the classics

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  32. I love your take on classic, and the shoes are gorgeous!

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  33. I so so love your animal print scarf. And look how it made this outfit so incredible. ;)

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  34. I am in LOOOOVE with J.Crews silk blythe blouse... it will be in my next post! :)

    I literally own it in every color (no joke) it is just so versatile!

    You look amazing! Love those shoes!!

    xo
    Alexandra
    www.fashion-feast.com

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  35. I completely agree! Love the scarf :)

    Laura xo

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  36. You look very chic and gorgeous ^__^
    I like to wear something black and satin for a
    classic touch!

    xx

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  37. I'm a big fan of changing up the fabrics - so wearing a more sheer shirt (with a camisole under it for work) - or switching out to some more fun shoes.

    Sorcha x
    Bonfire Brunette

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  38. What a lovely spin on a classic! You look amazing! Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog!

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  39. EU SIMPLESMENTE AMO SEUS LOOKS, SUPER ELEGANTE!

    BJOKAS
    coisasdethalitha.blogspot.com
    @coisasthalitha

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  40. Well done! Love the scarf! Great blouse, J. Crew does blouses so well! So pretty, as always. :)

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  41. Hello Sarah, your look is beautiful
    Fantastic scarf.
    Kiss.
    El blog mery of the style
    http://mary1975.blogs.elle.es/
    happy day

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  42. I love a classic look too- and yes, I too usually turn to accessories to add color or a trend. Plus, you can never go wrong when keeping it sophisticated :) I'm especially loving your scarf, hoop earrings and sunnies- they add just the perfect touch of personality.

    xx

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  43. You totally updated a classic. Love the shoes. I wish I could pull off the workday lipstick like you. I wear it on the weekends, but I've been too spooked to try it at my casual office.

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  44. Stylish !!!
    http://selenite.weebly.com

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  45. I love your blouse, the pockets are great and clean. The scarf is also pretty. I will usually add in a colorful shoe or oversized statement piece of jewelry (typically a necklace or cocktail ring).

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

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  46. you look amazing! i really like blah&white combinations ;) really great outfit.
    if you want - visit my blog, and if you like it - follow me ;)
    xoxo

    http://aaarabesque.blogspot.com/

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  47. I love this fresh updated look! I do the same with classics - accessories can make the look so I change it up with a scarf, the shoes, etc.

    Thanks so much for the sweet words on my blog! :o)

    xo, sam

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  48. you look lovely! what a fantastic outfit, classics with a twist! xx

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  49. gorgeous scarf and sunnies! instant update to a classic outfit

    xo

    Bang & Buck

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  50. Hello! I saw your comment on my Friday's Fancies post and I came to visit your blog. I LOVE it! Your style is so lovely. Following now!
    -Val

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