Inspiration Board: Brie - Easy Chic

The clean lines of this recent outfit from Brie create an immediate impact. She describes it as one of her favorite looks and it's obvi why: so simple, but so pulled together! The formula is fashion 101: simple top (Brie describes it as a "tee" and we'll talk about that :)), great jeans and a statement accessory ...or two. As always with simple looks, it's about the choice of piece and the balance - their relationship to each other. A minimalistic canvas has to have a pop somewhere or it can look dull ..or the dreaded "whatever" (read: rolled out of bed, fumbled blindly in closet, could be wearing a skirt on my torso and a crop top as shorts for all I know). A collared shirt like Brie's carries a shade of extra formality that lifts it above the realm of the classic tee. A clean, pared-down look like this is one of many places where the buttondown shines. The material is important: finely woven cotton or textural linen is light and comfortable for summer. I'm a fan of linen because the texture tends to keep it modest and non-see-through, even in light shades. I've envisioned Brie's look done with a neutral flax piece, but I'd personally be happy experimenting with the beautiful lilac or rich emerald option as well. If you're looking for the sweet spot of softness and ventilation, consider cotton voile (pron: "vwall"). It's generally translucent, so will require a cami underlayer (or bandeau, depending on the occasion), but it feels wonderful against the skin on a hot day. Quick note on buttondowns for curvy-on-top gals: size up to prevent gaping at the chest. The waist can be fitted to you by a tailor, belted, or pinned at the back (like, go glam and use a glittery brooch!). The buttondown is polished enough to not need much for accessories, but you can do this look with a less dressy top, like the tee brie spoke of. Just keep in mind that if you do use an actual tee, it'll need a little extra spice ;) (think statement jewelry, scarf, funky belt, fierce shoes). Brie's shown the look with skinny ankle jeans, which is just right for right now and perfect for summer. But this look has such enduring trend appeal that you can use it far into the future and just swing with the denim styles as they change. This combo will work with bootcut denim, straight jeans or cropped wide leg silhouettes just as well. (Stick with heeled shoes for that last one). And speaking of shoes, consider doing a pointy toe pump, as Brie has, for powerful chic, or switch it up: a minimalist ankle strap sandal, or a cute, summery wedge will do fabulously. Just make sure there's something notable about your choice: a mixy-not-matchy shade, a fun material (denim, satin, woven fabric or leather) or embellishments. Ditto if you choose to do this look with flats. Leave the plain Jane ballets and simple black pumps in the closet on this one. Consider a shoe you might ordinarily think of as too formal. Those lime satin strappy sandals you only ever wore to your cousin's to wedding? Your all-over sequin prom heels? The flaming red patent leather pumps you adored, but scare the _____(insert item of choice) out of you because they're so dang bright? Now's the time to dig 'em out, lovelies! Round out the look with a touch more color - a bright lip shade a la Brie - and/or a piece of statement jewelry. One last note on what makes this look so subtly complex: there are actually three different colors at play here, beyond the neutral base pieces - the magenta lip shade, the sky-blue-denim of Brie's heels and the bright turquoise of her statement ring. If you stay neutral with your top, consider trying pops of three different colors like this. It's seriously fun and a non-flashy way to play with bunches of tantalizing shades. What about a yellow ring, amethyst shoes and a pink lip? Bright coral heels with a lime green ring and an orange lip? Yum, right? Emerald, mint and lilac, lemon, cobalt and red, ice blue, rose and burgundy...the possibilities are endless! So get crazy...with subtlety ;) Isn't fashion full of the best contradictions?! Happy styling, darlings!