CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

Welcome back!

If you're anything like me, you take advantage of every chance you get to dress up!

I do this every day at work because, well, let's just say I don't go on a whole lot of dates.

But, of course, that absolutely does not stop me from wearing what I want!  Who needs a man anyways?  Am I right? ;)

So that brings us to today's post:

Casual Sophistication

I'll be honest, if I could wear cocktail dresses, hot pink lipstick, and stilettos everywhere, I totally would.  Unfortunately to society, that would make me a weirdo (especially where I come from).  So I have to keep things "toned down" to a certain extent I suppose.  *Gigantic sigh*

So it's with outfits like that that I feel SUPER awesome while knowing that I'm not standing out in even a slightly negative way.  Are you like me?  Do you wish you could glam up every single day without having people secretly judge you!?  Isn't it annoying?!  

I mean, check out this awesome necklace...

This has always been one of the accessories I have that rarely gets worn just because it is a little loud.  I really, really love it though, and anytime I do wear it, I always feel like my outfit is instantly kicked up a notch.

And it's actually what added the sophistication to this casual outfit.

Right?  I mean, there's your average bodycon skirt and white sweater.  What's more casual than that?  Well, at least when jeans aren't really your thing.  They're really cute together, but pair them with black stiletto boots and a glamorous necklace like this (and a matching manicure!) and you've got instant class.

However, we wouldn't have the "casual" in "casual sophistication" without those not-so-flashy pieces then would we?  

Why don't we take a look at the whole thing then, okay?

I could wear this outfit every... single... day.

Sweater: JCPenney, $20

Skirt: Forever 21, $8.80

Boots: ShoeDazzle, $50

Necklace: JCPenney, about $12-$15

So, I mean, what do you think?

I love, love, love this because, yes, I wore it to work but this would be just as adorable for one of the upcoming holidays, a date night, or even a girls' night!  I would probably slip on my black belt with metallic detail to take this to nighttime, though.  You know, for a little added edginess.  This would look just as awesome with black (and even WHITE) heels/pumps.

So, next time you're wearing a cute, but overall basic outfit, try adding a crazy necklace and some heels! A lot of the time it seems like once I add some killer accessories - like these crazy, cool boots and loud necklace - my whole look instantly comes together.

I really could have gotten away without the necklace, but let's be honest, it is really what ties this outfit together.  Stilettos are ALWAYS a classic option, but here they just weren't enough to totally take this outfit from casual to sophisticated.

You want to know a reason why?  Here's a tip:

When you've got solid colors, basic structures, and no prints whatsoever, adding a statement piece will tie it together.  I mean, STATEMENT.  Five inch heeled black leather/suede boots aren't always enough.  Find something that's eye-catching and anchoring.

Like I said, what do you think?

Does this outfit speak true casual sophistication?

Love it? Hate it? Suggestions? Comments?

I'd love to hear it!