Thursday, August 16, 2012

Pattern Play





What I Wore:
Skirt: NY&Co - $15 (giftcarded)
Belt: Target - $17
Bow Tank: Target - $10
Shoes: Target - $15
Cardigan: Target - $7
Monogrammed necklace: Amazon - $43
Initial Earrings: Colorado souvenir - $15

I've stated multiple times that I tend to gravitate toward solid colors. Patterns scare me a little--I think I'm afraid to go too matchy-matchy. Over the summer, however, I forced myself to focus more on adding more colorful patterns to my closet as a way to maximize my solid items.
Multi-colored tops like this are incredibly versatile without creating a costume-y vibe. I think this makes me embrace the pattern mixing trend even more (because now I've got a few more patterns to play with).

Thank you for all of your suggestions with the dress yesterday! I really like the idea of wearing a blazer--and I definitely didn't think about putting boots with it! Amazing!
Since you are on a roll...How would you style this floral top?
XO,

31 comments:

Tara said...

You styled it perfectly here....I love it paired with fun colors! And it will be versatile since there are so many colors in it that you can choose to pair it with!

aidan norton said...

i have to say that you are looking amazing lately. Everything you have worn this new school year is perfect. You have really stepped up your game with fashion and the school year is barely underway. Loving the skirt look here and added with the wedges and that patterned top really bring the whole outfit together as a whole.


Keep up being super fashionable like you have this year. I know the school year is long, but i know you can look amazing every day.

Clare said...

Looking stylish! You should teach style, not school! Looking awesome as always.


ClareUnderstated Classics

aidan norton said...

i agree with this statement!!!!

Kristen said...

I LOVE this color combo! Great choice. I have a question for you. I once read that it's better to avoid bright colors in secondary education (as opposed to elementary) and to stick with more muted tones. Obviously, that leaves you with a "blah" wardrobe. What's your take on that? Although bright, I think this outfit is adorable!

Callie - Coffee and Cardigans said...

So glad that you got some ideas for that dress - can't wait to see them in action. I think the top is darling! I love the way to styled it today. You look so polished and put together for a day in the classroom. Thank you for being such a source of inspiration for easy, business casual looks!

Callie
www.coffeeandcardigans.com

Emily ACanDoAttitude said...

That is one of my favorite tops. I wear it all the time. I have worn it with everything from jeans/jean skirt to with a full suit. It is a gateway drug to more color in my wardrobe.

Monica Rae Russell said...

love what you did with the color palate and the pattern...I'm afraid of pattern lol...I probably would have paired it with some straight leg chocolate brown slacks and kept everything else the same

tamara said...

I saw that exact top at Target today. I Loved the style of it but thought the pattern was fug....until I see it on you now and I love it! It looks so awesome on you and I love how you styled it!

dotty said...

the bold mix of colors is FANTASTIC!

dash dot dotty

Megan O'Connor said...

I love all of the colors, very put-together. You could definitely wear the top half with jeans and boots for fall (for non-school hours). You could probably also pair the top half - sweater and blouse- with your cobalt blue pants I've seen you in, depending on the drape of the shirt. Cute!

Journey Authentically said...

You can wear this with anything, including the blue skirt in today's post. In fact with today's blue skirt and a blazer and wedges would be cute! Bermuda shorts or colored capris with flats and a different colored cardigan. And any sort of jewelry really---it can mix and match with so much!

Franziska said...

I would do black skinny jeans (duh, so predictable) with a blazer of a similar color as the shirt...probably teal since I have a teal blazer :)

Whitney said...

I actually bought a teal blazer yesterday. I broke my shopping ban for it--totally worth it....I'll definitely have to pair them up!

Whitney said...

I agree--this shirt is so versatile that I'm having trouble just choosing one way to wear it...or not wearing it every day until I've exhausted all of the options...

Whitney said...

The shirt is pretty baggy, even after going a size down. I think that it will be fine as long as I tuck it in the bottoms. :)

Whitney said...

Thanks! I really like yellow with anything!

Whitney said...

That's too funny--I thought it was fug, too...until I tried it on! :)

Whitney said...

I know exactly what you mean about patterns! I think it's great to get out of our solid color comfort zones. :)

Whitney said...

I completely agree--gateway drug! I love that! I definitely plan to wear this a lot!

Whitney said...

I hope that the dress looks as great with the plans as it does in my head. :)
You're such a sweetie, Callie! Thank you!

Whitney said...

Oh, gosh, you guys are too nice.

Whitney said...

haha! thanks, Aidan!

Whitney said...

That's such a good question! Obviously, I don't completely agree with that. I think that might be true if you're more of a "traditional lecturer," but I don't really do a lecture very often. I'm rarely the center of their attention, actually...but I think the kids warm up to a teacher faster if they seem approachable. I don't do anything intentional with my clothes in that respect...but I think that you shouldn't limit your wardrobe in order to get their attention. If you're a good teacher and good at classroom management, you'll be fine no matter what you wear (barring anything obscene, offensive, or revealing, of course).

Whitney said...

Thanks so much, Aidan. This is such a nice comment!
Honestly, I think that one reason for this is because I've lost a little bit of weight and clothes that didn't fit before now fits...so now I've got more clothes in my closet to work with. :)

Whitney said...

Thanks, Tara! I can definitely see you in something like this--I think I subconsciously channeled your expert color mixing here. :)

Kristen said...

Good points! Thanks so much for your response!

Kristen said...

PS. this outfit totally encouraged me to go buy that same top! Love it ;)

kimmie said...

I would probably style it the exact same way you did. There's nothing I love more than a patterned top and colorful skirt! :)

workitChristine said...

great outfit! love the colors!
work-it-blog.blogspot.com

Whitney said...

Thanks so much! I really like the colors, too!