how to wear: 15 items, 20+ summer looks – part 3
July 26, 2011 
14 Comments
Can you really create over 20 looks with just 15 items, sans shoes? You bet! Part 1 of this series covered the first 4 items, part 2 showed an additional 5, and today I’m adding 3 more. Here they are:
10. A Shirtdress. The shirtdress helps to bridge the gap between work and weekend. You can even make it more casual by wearing flat sandals with it. Here I show a J.Crew shirtdress in navy that looks great with the light jacket from Part 1, alone with a fun necklace for the weekend, or layered under the aqua cardi and belted for a more business casual vibe.
11. A Short-sleeve Top. You can easily add a button-down short-sleeve shirt but to shake things up, why not add a striped tee? (Apparently the one shown just sold out so the link goes to an alternative.) It can work for work paired under a blazer, with a pencil or aline skirt, or the white jeans shown in part 2.
12. A Light Neutral Skirt. The mocha a-line skirt can be dressed up or down and is a great item to have as your “Top 15.” You can add a tank top and flip flops for the weekend, or a black jacket for an important client meeting, or add the tan sleeveless top for a polished, monochromatic look.
Also shown:
- Anthropologie almond necklace
- Black sandals
Total Outfits = 13 : 10+6, 10+4, 10+2+4; 12+11, 12+3+4, 12+7+4; 12+7+6, 12+9, 12+1+6; 11+5, 11+3, 11+3+2, 11+5+6
PS. I’m not dead. 
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Really like the a-line skirt, but can’t seem to find it on Nordstrom’s site. Can you share the brand name please? Thanks
It’s at Gap! Just updated the link.
Which brandvwas the original tee?
What color would be a good alternative for warm colored people?
I think it was also at gap. I would just do the black and white striped – the only other more elegant solution for a striped tee for warm temperatures could be red — it’s just more difficult because most red and white tees are bright red.
I really love all your choices! The hardest problem I have with most dresses is that because I’m 5’9″ they are just too short to be age appropriate. Very frustrating.
I hear you Melissa! I’m 5’8″ and so I must try all my dresses on before purchasing. If you’re looking for a cute shirtdress at an appropriate length and if you have a c-cup or more, try http://www.carissarose.com.
Great suggestions! And I’m glad you’re not dead! Love reading these ideas!
So glad to have 10-12! Three more to come. Your ‘list’ helped a lot on my last trip. Now understand how to tweek my wardrobe correctly! Can’t wait to read more.
Hi, I have found your website very helpfull I am a very claustrophoby person and is really hard for my to go shooping or been on line trying to choose fashion but your ideas does not make me uncious, I am 160 pound, 38 bust line an 38 waist line I have my friends weeding in late august and I need the perfect dress i would love to see your suggestions Thanks
What style of shoe would be more casual and still works with the A-line skirt. Do I need to where heels with a longer hemline like this?
What shoe Gould work with this skort Lenzen for Transition into Fall?
How can I make the midi A-line skirt work for a rectangle?
Could you just mention what the last three pieces would have been?
Thank you.
Wondering what the last 3 pieces are? Don’t see them posted on the site. Thanks!