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TAGStyle! Nothing plain about the WHITE TEE!

What does every woman have in her closet that is TOTALLY un-utilized?  The versatile, classic PLAIN WHITE TEE!  Whether it is Barneys, Gap, Tags or Walmart it is the best kept secret to a PERFECT outfit starter!

I set out to create 10 different outfits with the same WHITE TEE… and there was nothing plain about it!  I know some of you are saying “I don’t wear white!”, or “White makes you look fat”… and I’m here to say anyone can wear these looks, of course you may change the hemline, or the accent color to compliment your personal skin tone, but the starter piece will work for anyone.  Don’t worry, we’ll show you how, and you don’t have to go in debt to achieve these looks.

Look number one: Village Wanderer

Strolling down the cobblestone streets of Carmel By the Sea… chic yet totally relaxed and comfortable.  Start with the plain white v-neck tee.. add a long silver necklace, beachy natural bag, metallic flats (there ARE hills to climb!) and a BRIGHT and FUN polka dot skirt… this hemline is longer, but of course you could go shorter (for those girls with great gams!) just keep the color bright and cool… just beachy.

Look number two: Lunch with the Girls

Yes, you are just going to see the girls, the women who’d love you in all your beauty or a bathrobe and bedhead, but if you are going out, anywhere, lets do it in style!  Such a simple look, our white tee paired with a denim mini (we all have one, or two) and your favorite sneakers.  The key here is again, pops of color.. starting with the FABULOUS bag, xoxo is always great, then pull some colors for top and bottom.  That scarf at the bottom of that basket in your closet.. yep that one.. get it out, you need it!  And every girl should have a fun pair of colorful sneakers.. yes ANY AGE!  Top it off with a contrasting necklace.. chunky is best but as long as it is a dark color, size doesn’t matter.. in this case.

Look number three: Live Band, Will Travel

Okay, so if you don’t have a black vest, go get one!  Now!  Well, maybe not now, it’s 10pm here and that won’t work.. but soon!  The black vest is almost as important as the white tee!  You may have heard that everything looks better layered, well it is true and a black vest makes it foolproof!  It can be short, long, buttons, cotton, polyester.. um, well, maybe not polyester!  You get the picture… Throw it on over just about anything and you instantly look put together.  When you are going out you don’t necessarily want to look like you are trying too hard.. keep to black and white with a large dose of ONE color.. Teal here brings out the blue in the denim.. remember dark wash is more chic for night!  A fun printed belt says you don’t take yourself TOO seriously and the kitten heels are just a hint of sexy.

Look number four:  Boho Coffee House

We all have our favorite coffee house.. not talking about the chain we visit daily to get our fix, even though they know your name .. I’m talking about the one we go to when we want to hang out with friends and hear indie music on the patio.. the coffee house with character..  The mood is always chill and UBER casual.. don’t show up there in heels, unless you want to be the center of some not so positive attention.. an easy summer dress in a watery blue, over our priceless white tee does the trick!  Add a crazy unique bag, ethnic inspired is best, and some comfy but still gorgeous flip flops.. long natural beads and a free flowing belt to define your waist, whether or not you think you have one, do it, you may just love it!  And voila!  You are sooo ready for a night of java and strange, yet thought provoking music.. all in some serious comfort!

Look number five: Day to Night

Oh the things you will see, if you stick with me, yes yes…. it’s the plain white tee!

I have a love affair with the cropped jacket.. seriously I must have 20, different shapes, colors, seasons.. like the black vest they work wonders for that IT factor!  This chic style is fluid, lightweight and not bulky at all.. a single button makes the jacket work appropriate, especially paired with some fabulous low waisted Moda trouser pants in charcoal.  Yes, brown goes with grey.. we’ll talk about neutrals next time!  Since you are starting at work with this look, keep the jewelry understated and simple.. pearls are always striking, just throw on a second necklace to remove the grandma feel.  A bright scarf loosely tied around your neck for some color and bright pink heels make this fun and not corporate boring… the metallic bag, that you probably already have and will never go out of style, works for day or night!  You’ll be ready for anything in this ensemble.

Look number six: Shopping in the City

I am a serious shopper, like when I am out and know I have money to spend, I get a total rush finding the bargain or that special piece you’ve been searching for… when you are shopping like this you need two things: comfort and ease of change… yes I’m talking about the fitting rooms.  Have you ever gone on a shopping trip and realized you wore something that is totally impossible to get on and off??  I have, and believe me I won’t do that again!  Luckily with this outfit, shopping is simple and you’ll last ALL DAY!  Cute flats will go with anything you try on.. as will the denim shorts.  Not okay with short denim?  Capri’s will have the same effect, and we all have those!  I feel better when I feel stylish, so don’t forget the finishing touches.. super trendy scarf, oversized bag for all your small purchases, plus your camera and water bottle..   a burst of sunshine in a short little jacket.. this could seriously be ANY hot color…some shimmery neck candy too,  it’s like the icing on the cake!

Look number seven: Running the blasted errands!

You do not have to look like you just rolled out of bed, even if you did, when you take the kids to swim practice, or stop by the Big Boy to get your milk and eggs.. Grab that same white tee you’ve worn ALL week.. slip on pattered shorts, a very NON matchy printed scarf… hobo style beach bag, because  you know you’ll hear “can you put this in your purse?” and throw on those metallic flip flops you got at the drugstore for 5.99!  Beachy tousled hair is IN so just pin back the front of your hair and you are set for the whole day!  SO SO easy, but you’ll be the envy of all the other moms who are still in their pajamas and don’t want to get out of their cars!  By the way.. the plain white tee doesn’t apply when wearing pajama bottoms.. those are home only items please!  PJ’s in public should always be a NO NO!

Look number eight: Wine Country

Napa valley here I come!  Beauty and comfort is a must when visiting the wine country… lots of walking and wine tasting, classy restaurants, funky little shops and wine cellar tours are on the menu.  Lightweight cargo pants, not your usual olive or khaki!  Choose a cotton pant in a soft color, add our now favorite white tee, a super soft wrap for breezes and a stylish hat to keep cool in the sun… unforgettable embellished slip on flats take you from the country road to the candlelit dinner… a small simple bag, for your essentials and a super chunky wooden necklace.  You’ll look like a resident, and NOT a tourist in this funky chic ensemble.

Look number nine: First Impressions

What do you wear on a first date?  It’s been a long long time for me, but I’m sure I would have done it very wrong back then.. a lot has changed..  Most of us would want to feel good, comfortable and certainly not overdone!  The plain white tee saves the day again… this time with mocha trouser style capri’s and a vibrant wrap in a bold floral print!  Easy to keep on, or take off if the mood strikes…. also works to cover up any bulges, not that WE have anything like that!  A delicate metallic necklace up close to your face will keep his attention where it should be, and to avoid being bland, a bright and really fun bag… always a good conversation piece.  Simple slip on flats, you don’t want to be taller than him… which for me is very possible!  Deep breath.. you look GREAT!

Last but never least,

Look number ten: Classically Audrey

We couldn’t do a plain white tee without showcasing Audrey Hepburn style.. yes YOU can be a princess on your very own Roman Holiday… Ruby red ballet slippers, detailed A-line skirt in linen.. sheer black shoulder wrap, a fantastic red glam bag and sparkly bangles as arm candy… no necklace needed.. Audrey style is definitely a ‘less is more’ look.. you can take this anywhere.. walk in the park, off to the movies, art gallery or just the PTA meeting..  tres chic!

Whew!  Ten outfits, One NOT so Plain White TEE!  The most versatile and essential item in your closet.. if you don’t have one, head out and get one from your local consignment shop or favorite boutique…

remember… you can build anything with the basics…

Stay tuned for more helpful hint and tricks.. TAGStyle for every woman.

Just around the corner in every woman’s mind – is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.  ~Wilhela Cushman