Outfits Not Just Clothes

blazer-Uniqlo(more blazers here ), shirt-Banana Republic(more button-ups here ), shorts-Old Navy(more shorts here ), necklace-Gift(similar here ), watch-Michael Kors(similar here ),  belt-Gap, loafers-Sole Society(similar here ),  This OOTD features so many elements that speak to my personal outfitting strategy--stripes, a novelty print, mixing prints, rule of three, playfulness, and androgyny. But really it comes down to this outfitting question--What would a privileged white guy wear for a country club brunch? Looking at you knit blazer, anchor shorts, and kiltie loafers! 

shirt- Mango , pants-Banana Republic(more options here ), necklace-H&M(similar here ), flats- Dr. Scholl's Just a simple top and pants for this OOTD. Or, are they? The fabric and buttons of this shirt, along with the boxy cut give off a whiff of menocore , which I'm totally down for. (Check out my combo meno/normcore board here on Pinterest ). Meanwhile the side-stripped pants and leopard flats are standard, yet sleek officewear staples. So we have a bit of aesthetic contrast, but we also have textural contrast with the rougher top and slighty sateen bottoms. Not so simple after all, eh? 😉

sweater-BCBG(more options here via Poshmark ), culottes- Mango , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ), loafers-Zara(similar here ) I love the "cuts" of this outfit. The side slits in the sweater, and it's subsequent high-low hem, the cinch of these high-waisted culottes, their front crease, their wide cropped leg. The overall silhouette may seem simplistic at first glance, but when you take a moment to notice the details there are these juxtapositions of a push-pull/loose-fitted framing of the body. That's one of the things I love about culottes, how they create shape and push the silhouette of what would normally be a simple top and bottom. 

cardigan-Free People(similar here ), blouse-Gap(similar here ), joggers- Le Tote (similar here from Asos ), oxfords-Sole Society(similarish here ), watch-Michael Kors(similar here ) Trying to keep things light and breezy during these hot-sticky days. At first blush this OOTD may seem a bit basic. HUHEVER, if you look closer you'll see some subtle outfitting occurring: Exhibit A. the mesh vamps of these oxfords mirror the pattern of these joggers!  Exhibit B. this high-low hem cardigan is the perfect " third piece " over this shirt and pants.  Exhibit C. The overall vibe of this look is laidback chic, no? YES! I rest my case!