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Reboot the Basics

Garments like white t-shirts, gray trousers, jeans, black dresses, sneakers and patent leather flats are good grounding pieces for any lady’s wardrobe. You simply can’t go wrong with these basics, as they pretty much go with everything else in your closet and can be worn for just about any occasion. However, after multiple wears, these go-tos can start to feel stale style-wise. But have no fear, with a few simple style swaps, you can reboot your basics with new energy and new outfit combinations.

I can’t think of a more versatile piece than a white t-shirt. Whether it’s crewneck, v-neck, slim fit, or boxy — a white tee goes with just about every other garment in your closet. Of course, the standard styling options with tees is to pair them with jeans, which is all fine and good. However, if you’re looking to reboot your t-shirt, try it with more dressy trousers, or switch out the jeans for a denim skirt. Right now, it’s very trendy to layer a slip or summer dress over a white tee, but be forewarned this is best left to the under 30 crowd. For those of us over 30, we can wear our t-shirts with suits to give standard business fare a casual, laidback vibe. White tees also look fresh paired with printed midi-skirts for ladies of every age.

I am secretly obsessed with gray pants. I have approximately a dozen pairs in different shades and silhouettes, which may seem over the top, but trust they are each distinct (and necessary) in their own way. For those ladies who do not share in this obsession, you may be growing tired of your one and only pair of gray trousers. To revitalize this basic, take it out on the town by rolling up the cuffs, strapping on some gladiator-esque wedges, and finishing the outfit with a sparkly top and statement earrings. Or, get your pants out of the office for a more casual look with a striped or graphic tee and sneakers.

Speaking of sneakers, there’s no denying that sneakers and jeans go together like jelly and peanut butter. However, some people are allergic to peanuts and end up pairing their jelly with a cream cheese bagel. To go the bagel route, take your kicks for a walk on the more polished side, and swap out your jeans for tailored trousers and a striped button-down. Or, pair them with a dress. Mini dresses especially are way easier to pull off with flat and comfortable footwear.

It seems like whenever I’m in doubt on what to wear, the default is always jeans, which is great but can get kind of boring. To revamp your jeans, go for more romantic pairings by wearing them with floral blouses, bohemian tunics, or under short, flirty dresses. Of course, nothing beats a striped boat-neck shirt and a pair of dark wash denim for fresh and effortless style.

The little black dress, or LBD, is such a style staple that it’s almost a cliché. Like jeans above, it’s the ultimate default for dressy occasions. But, black can get boring. Breathe new style life into your sleeveless LBD by taking it to work with a printed button-down and statement blazer. Skip the heels and finish your office ensemble with menswear-inspired loafers. Or, wear your dress like a skirt with a boxy sweater up top and casual flats, or your standard sneakers.

If you find yourself in a style rut with your patent-leather flats, try switching up how you usually wear them. If you primarily wear them for work, try them with jeans or shorts on the weekend. If you wear them casually with leggings or colored denim, give them a go at the office with cropped trousers and a sweater. If you don flats to run errands, take them for a night on the town with a flirty dress or your LBD. For your patent-leather flats, you really can’t go wrong in terms of styling, since they go with just about everything.

By simply switching up not only how, but when, you wear a basic can help you rejuvenate it. Also, many of your basics can work together to refresh your overall style; hello gray pants with sneakers, and t-shirts with LBDs. Another great approach is to switch basics around, like flats in place of sneakers, and jeans in place of trousers, to reboot these wardrobe staples.

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