Nothing to Wear? Here's Help

As a mom, there are a lot of days when you look in the closet and see nothing to wear. You probably spend so much time getting your kids dressed, doing incessant loads of laundry, and trying to keep them from creating even more laundry, that you don’t have as much time to think about your own wardrobe as you used to. Whenever I feel like this, I revert to my fool-proof outfit: a pair of jeans and a tee. But instead of stopping there, I dress it up with statement jewelry, like an oversize necklace and a stack of bracelets. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to make something you’ve had in your closet look new, and it instantly adds personal style to an otherwise basic outfit. Below is a photo of me in my failsafe ensemble, along with my tips for creating a similar look.

Start with a basic tee and a pair of jeans. You no doubt already have this combination in your closet, but if you’re in need of a refresh, I love Elizabeth and James’ new denim offerings as well as their slouchy t-shirts. (This one has a cool sheer panel on the back.)

Elizabeth and James tie-back t-shirt, $172

Elizabeth and James Jimi jeans, $245

After seasons of skinny jeans, I’m loving this updated boot cut. The wash is also very slimming.

Now that you’ve got the foundation of your outfit, add bold accessories, like multi-strand necklaces, thick chains, or piles of bangles. Don’t be shy–wear something dramatic. Right now, I’m loving Giuseppe Zanotti’s new jewelry line. It’s full of goth-style crosses and bullet necklaces that definitely make a statement. Beaded necklaces like the two below are also a good way to add color to a neutral palette.

Greenbeads by Emily & Ashley Knotted multi-strand necklace, $80

Ben Amun seed beed necklace, $95

Giuseppe Zanotti goth cross necklace, $420

Givenchy gold-plated rosary necklace, $1940

A stack of bangles–whether they’re Indian-inspired, beaded, or dotted with diamonds–is another way to chic up a basic look, and these are some of my favorite options at the moment.