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)
Posted by Sarah at 6:25 AM
Labels: , , , , , , ,

53 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 25, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Neris / Fashion FractionsOctober 25, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Courtney ErinOctober 25, 2011 at 6:57 AM

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

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anna (South Molton St Style)October 25, 2011 at 6:57 AM

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

    www.southmoltonststyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. The_Leather_Skirt_BlogOctober 25, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    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/

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 25, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  7. danielle @louwhatwearOctober 25, 2011 at 8:28 AM

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

    www.louwhatwear.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. bridgetteOctober 25, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnnemarieOctober 25, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  10. homestiloOctober 25, 2011 at 9:40 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. Inhale | Fashion and BeautyOctober 25, 2011 at 10:03 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. The F GirlOctober 25, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  13. LisaOctober 25, 2011 at 11:17 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amy @ At the Pink of PerfectionOctober 25, 2011 at 11:21 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. Audrey BOctober 25, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fitness By AliciaOctober 25, 2011 at 12:35 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. Closet FashionistaOctober 25, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Loving this, that scarf adds such a nice touch! :)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. SoniaOctober 25, 2011 at 1:36 PM

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

    In Pursuit of Style

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownOctober 25, 2011 at 1:36 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Laura MullinsOctober 25, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    love the pockets on your blouse!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. LorenOctober 25, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  22. GabyOctober 25, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  23. fashion katsOctober 25, 2011 at 2:36 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. LissyOctober 25, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    The classics look great on you! Love the clutch.

    ReplyDelete
  25. KatherineOctober 25, 2011 at 3:05 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. GosiaOctober 25, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    You look very chic. Amazing look

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownOctober 25, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  28. BriOctober 25, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Classic black and white combination is always fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  29. JasOctober 25, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    super cute work look - love the pants!

    http://forallthatjas.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Real Girl GlamOctober 25, 2011 at 9:13 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousOctober 25, 2011 at 10:39 PM

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


    xx
    thistimeisacharm.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lynn / MelancoraOctober 26, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    Great look, love your scarf and shoes.

    xoxo
    http://melancora.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Life's a shoeOctober 26, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    great look! always love the classics

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousOctober 26, 2011 at 3:51 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  35. creativefashiongleeOctober 26, 2011 at 6:45 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  36. AlexandraOctober 26, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  37. LauraOctober 26, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I completely agree! Love the scarf :)

    Laura xo

    ReplyDelete
  38. ice pandoraOctober 26, 2011 at 1:30 PM

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

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  39. SorchaOctober 26, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  40. Frannie PantzOctober 26, 2011 at 4:31 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  41. ThaliTha MercêsOctober 26, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    EU SIMPLESMENTE AMO SEUS LOOKS, SUPER ELEGANTE!

    BJOKAS
    coisasdethalitha.blogspot.com
    @coisasthalitha

    ReplyDelete
  42. Emily HallmanOctober 26, 2011 at 8:50 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  43. Mery of the styleOctober 26, 2011 at 10:47 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  44. Amanda {feast.fashion.faves}October 27, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    oh yes! so classic chic!! love that scarf!!

    <3Amanda
    feast.fashion.faves
    FB!
    TWEET ME!

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousOctober 27, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  46. AngelaOctober 27, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Luna TigerOctober 27, 2011 at 8:23 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  48. AmbyrOctober 27, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  49. ArabesqueOctober 27, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    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/

    ReplyDelete
  50. SamanthaOctober 28, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  51. Mae BOctober 30, 2011 at 1:27 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  52. Bang and BuckOctober 30, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    gorgeous scarf and sunnies! instant update to a classic outfit

    xo

    Bang & Buck

    ReplyDelete
  53. Val FoxOctober 31, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete

I love comments!! Let me know your thoughts :)

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)