Hooks the Look

Up, Down, All-Around Striped Shirt

Every once in a while, when you least expect it, you find the perfect striped shirt. I’ve shared before that I have a tendency to buy an item and hold onto it for a while before wearing it. Often, this is because it was an impulse buy and by the time I got home, I’ve realized that I can live without it and will likely return it. The striped shirt I’m featuring in this post did not suffer that fate. In fact, I bought the shirt last Friday and I so loved it that I immediately decided that it would be the subject of my next Up, Down, All-Around feature and we took these pictures the next day.

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Shirt – Stylus (exact); Jeans – Old Navy (almost exact)

There are so many positives about this shirt. The stripe is a pretty dark royal blue and the fabric is a nice floaty weight. It has a high-low hem and crazy cool pleat in the back (you can kind of see it in the photo above). But best of all, it was on sale and with a $10 off coupon, it rang up at about $8. Almost feels like I stole it. For my ‘play’ look, I paired up the shirt with my favorite Old Navy jeans and a cami with embellished trim at the neckline that negates the need for a necklace. My white wedge sandals and laser cut tote both of which were worn in Boho Florals (Part 2) put the stamp of Spring on the outfit.

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In keeping with the theme of this series, I have both a work look and a fun look for this shirt to share. For work, I’m mixing patterns and pulling it together with a lightweight cardigan that substitutes for a jacket. A loose knot at my hips visually shortens the shirt which in turn changes the proportion of the outfit. The loafer pumps balance out the details from head to toe.

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Pants – TJMax (similar, another option); Cardigan – Banana Republic Outlet, old (similar); Shoes – Nine West, old (similar look)

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This time ‘fun’ is dressed up with a layering of bold necklaces, cropped pants, and pumps that tie together the color combo of blue and black. The undone bottom buttons are a counter-balance to the turned up collar at the neckline.

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Cropped pants – GAP, old (similar, another option); Purse – INC, old (option, another option)

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Now, onto the Up, Down, All-Around link up for this week. My featured contributor from last week’s link-up is Jodie from Jodie’s Touch of Style. Her blog has a unique spin on the showcasing of fashion. Her mother and her step-mother are Jodie’s cohorts in style and her posts show how an item can fit into each of their wardrobes despite their age differences and personal tastes.

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Have you thought of how an item in your wardrobe could fit into all aspects of your life? How much of your style time is spent at work or at play or at having fun and does that reconcile with your clothing options?

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Letโ€™s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble โ€ฆ all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link-up.

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27 Comments

    • Rena

      I’m glad you like it. I usually avoid button ups for the same reason but I continue to look and I’m glad I found this one.

    • Rena

      Thanks. I’m glad you like my take on the shirt. I bought the pumps many years ago when squared toe was in fashion. I love the mix of masculine and feminine.

  3. Pingback: Silver Shoes 3 (With Pink Pants) - Jodie's Touch of StyleJodie's Touch of Style

  4. robjodiefilogomo

    I tend to try to wear an item right away after I buy it!! Then if it’s not what I really wanted/needed/etc, I can return it right away!
    Your shirt is definitely a perfect basic and what a deal!!! That’s my kind of shopping!
    Thanks tons for featuring me from the link up—how very nice!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Rena

      You are very welcome. Your blog is the ultimate in taking an item and styling three ways.

  5. Nancy Baten

    I love your hair! Haha, I just love curly big hair. And the cropped pants look great on you with those shoes!

    • Rena

      The hair is my style secret weapon. If the outfit fails, the hair can be a distraction. LOL I’m glad you like the look of the cropped pants; it’s become a favorite of mine.

  6. Andrea@WellnessNotes

    Great shirt! You did a fantastic job styling it all three ways! I can just see how much wear you’ll get out of it!

    I’m a college instructor in a quite casual environment, and I do most of my prep work, grading, etc. off campus. I’m still trying to be “casual yet put-together” in my daily life, and most of my clothes work for work and play. In fact, I started evaluating every purchase a while ago and only buy something if it works for more than one occasion.

    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

    Andrea
    http://www.andreaswellnessnotes.com/2016/05/capris-leggings.html

    • Rena

      Thanks. It’s rare these days for me to buy an item that I would only wear for one aspect of my life. I think that you are doing a fabulous job of pulling off a ‘casual but put together’ style.

  7. vanityandmeblog

    A lot of great looks here, and I love all your gorgeous acssesories. I will pop over for the next link up too x

    • Rena

      I’m glad you’ve liked my style. Thank you for letting me know.

  10. 50 Is Not Old

    I really like the shirt with the windowpane pants. That is a fabulous look! I never wear a button up shirt, I might have to re-think that. Lol! Thanks for the link-up opportunity, and for joining me in mine as well.

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you. I think that the pattern mix of the stripes and plaid worked out well, too. I’m a big fan of your blog as your posts have given me new style ideas.

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you, I’m glad you like the look. It’s a challenge to find button downs that aren’t too boxy and that have a bit of an edge.

    • Rena Post Author

      Just trying to follow your example that ‘fashion should be fun’.

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you. I saw your e-mail so I will pop over and check out your post in a bit.

  14. nikkifrankhamilton

    I love how you’ve taken a shirt and made it into such a transitional piece! Sometimes I’m not sure how I should or could do this and you’ve shown me some great ways to go from casual to office! And I love those white wedge sandals! I love a great wedge and the strappy look of these really caught my eye!

    • Rena

      I’m glad you like my examples and I too love wedges. Lots of straps are a must for me to insure fit and comfort. Thank you for commenting.