Fashion Formula
Do you ever have those days when you can’t find anything to wear? I certainly do, more often than I’d like to admit. In those times, my engineering self turns to a formulaic answer. Math really does solve everything, doesn’t it?
So, this is the start of another new series that I shall call Fashion Formula. In it, we will explore those repeatable equations I fall back on in various scenarios when I can’t figure out what to wear. These fail-safe equations help me to look stylish, even when I don’t necessarily feel like putting any time or creative effort into my look.
Weekend Casual
Let’s start with a weekend casual formula…
I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of low-key weekends at home lately. I love traveling as much as anyone, but lately I’ve needed some time at home to run errands, pay bills, and play catch up on stuff around the house.
On these weekend days, though, I’ve found myself uninspired to put much effort into my look. But yet I still want to resist the strong urge to run around town in yoga pants and workout gear all day. (Please tell me it’s not just me! Ha.)
So, on these days, I’ve fallen back on this fashion formula to create my weekend looks.
White Tee + Statement Necklace + Destroyed Denim + Sandals + Tote Bag + Aviators = Weekend Casual Look
A few tips to make this formula function optimally:
- A cowl neck top works really well for highlighting beautiful statement necklaces
- A statement necklace adds a punch to a look. To keep it casual, choose a statement necklaces with natural elements like this or this.
- Add elements of pattern or texture through your accessories such as your shoes and bag to add visual interest to the look
Keep reading for links to my exact pieces, plus several other options for each component of this easy equation…
Shop My Exact Look
Helmut Lang top (here) | Rag & Bone jeans (here) | Aquazzura sandals (on sale both here and here) | Mignonne Gavigan necklace (here) | Isabel Marant bracelet (similar here on sale) | Bao Bao Issey Miyake tote (here) | Ray Ban mirrored aviators (here) | Deborah Lippmann nail polish (here) | Nars lipstick (here)
Shop the Weekend Casual Formula
Here are some options for each piece of the weekend casual fashion formula.
White Tee
Statement Necklace
Destroyed Denim
Flat Sandals
Tote Bag
Aviators
What do you do on those days when you just can’t find anything to wear? Through this series, we will develop a set of equations to help you solve the problem of what to wear on those days when nothing else seems to work!
As always, I love to hear your feedback! Let me know your thoughts. Have a great day.
Photos by Ashley Cardoza
Great look! I am wearing something rather similar right now – so guess it can be for both weekends and not 🙂
adoredbyalex.com
Good point! Given my corporate job, I’m only lucky enough to dress down like this on the weekend. But yes, maybe we should just call it a casual chic formula. 🙂
Love everything about this cool casual outfit. The colors in the shoes and necklace are great.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Thanks so much, Rachel! I really appreciate the nice words. 🙂
Love this! So simple but still put together! And those sandals are gorge!!
Thanks so much, Olivia! The sandals are on sale too – even better. 😉
Seriously, SO cute! Love it from head to toe, darling!
Sending you much love!!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.net
Ah, thanks, V! You’re the best. Hugs –
Love the look, especially your jeans!
Thank you, Sarah!
This equation is pretty much flawless! Love the look and can’t wait to read more of your mathematical fashion formulas! Love it!
xoxo Erica
http://www.fashionedchic.com
Thanks so much, Erica! I am such a nerd at heart. Ha.
Have a great day. Hugs –
Even your weekend wear is chic! Love that white tee. xo Nina
Thanks, sweet friend! 🙂
Hi Carrie,
I love this post. I HATE looking like a slob on the weekends, so this really appealed to me. I wear work clothes all week, so while I like to dial it down on the weekends, I don’t like looking like I rolled out of bed.
I ordered the Bauble Bar statement necklace in light blue and I am contemplating the Helmut Lang top you are wearing. What size are you wearing? I think you and I are likely similar “on top”? I’m pretty small so not sure if I should go with the petite or the small?
Thanks again,
Sheri
Thanks, Sheri!
First, I hope you’re feeling better…
Second, yes I know the feeling of not wanting to dress up after being dressed up for work all week, yet still not wanting to look like a slob. This is one of my go to equations for those days!
You’ll love the top! I have it in white and black. I’ve had it for a couple years and wear it a lot, in all seasons. I do believe I got the small, but then I had to get it tailored smaller, as the cowl was too deep for my liking. So, I think you would be more than fine with the petite.
Hope that helps. Hugs –
Thanks Carrie. It’s great to know that you have to get your clothes tailored too!
I will order the petite.
I’m feeling better but still home from work today.
Yes – fit is everything!
Ah, take care. Get some rest.
Ugh. Helmut Lang via Neiman’s won’t ship this to Canada. So, I went to Nordstrom’s and found these two.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/niczoe-drape-neck-top/3914081?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Paper+White&resultback=2746
or
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/free-people-fantasy-lightweight-cowl-neck-tee/3930520?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Lilac&resultback=484
Carrie, do you have any thoughts on which one would look better with your Bauble Bar suggestion? Thanks so much.
While this one is probably more like mine style wise, did you notice it doesn’t come in white? That’s actually a light lilac.
I think you’d get more use out of this white one.
Hope that helps.
Thanks Carrie!
I went with the Nic and Zoe top. I started out with my first choice, your gorgeous Helmut Lang (no shipping to Canada), then went to your CK (Zappos) suggestion and they don’t ship to Canada either.
Fingers crossed the Nic and Zoe will work 🙂
Oh good! Glad to hear. Keep me posted.
Also, I’d love to hear from you what retailers do / do not ship to Canada, so that I can better source for my Canadian friends. Thanks!
Of course! I’d be happy to keep you posted and will let you know about retailers who are “friendly” with Canada. Nordstroms is always good to us north of the border, as is Gap, BR.
Love those sandals, obviously!
The Style Scribe
Obviously! 😉
man! great suggestions! I love the formula~
XOXO Color Me Courtney
http://www.colormecourtney.com
This is such a cute outfit, love the mix of simple and sharp details! So nice
Thank you, Anna!