Jun 10 | Written By Carline Joseph
The shirt caught me off guard.
White, sleeveless, pleated button-up… I was at the new Zara in Tysons Corner, sort of underwhelmed by most of it, and then there it was. And I knew immediately I had to figure out what to wear it with. An all-white, sleeveless pleated button-up with a cinched waist that I knew had to come home with me.
Isn’t she pretty?
Immediately I thought, "what can I wear this with"? My mind started to race. I thought about shorts, or baggy cargos, slacks or even some long flared or cuffed denim jeans. My style. I checked out and headed around the mall. After finding the shirt, Banana Republic had the perfect jeans. They also had a price tag that wasn't happening for me. So, I left. Off to the thrift store instead!
That's where I found these beautiful gingham print capri pants. Bright blue and white gingham. $2.99. No fitting room but I took the chance anyway. I knew I wanted to wear this shirt to church the next weekend so I made it a mission to put together a look that would be budget friendly but still spoke to my style. Chic-casual.
This print is worth talking about heading into Spring/Summer.
Be bold in your closet. Try one bold color and build from there.
When I got home, everything I purchased fit, and needless to say, I was a happy girl.
How would you define your style? It's a question I get asked pretty often, and sometimes I don't know how to respond. Lately, though, it's been "chic-casual, street style with a hint of asking myself, ‘Can I still wear this to the office?” or even just a play of my imagination".
Elevating high-end finds with thrifted pieces or low-end items makes shopping fun, sustainable, and worthwhile. After church that weekend, I took some photos of how I paired it all together, and here is the final look. The details, the location, and even the accessories brought everything together.
Here's the spill of a visual mind.
Wearing — White Pleated Zara Top
Shot on — Canon EOS R6 | 50mm Lens
Location — Corella, Bethesda MD
Styled and Captured by — me
