How to jazz up a boring outfit

classic trench over 40

Chinos,  a Breton T, a trenchcoat…

This is pretty much what I wear when I don’t make an effort to dress up. You know, when I have some errands to run, groceries to buy etc. and don’t really have the time to put together an inspiring outfit and think about make up…

I have this rule about how far I’ll venture from home wearing just gym pants and no make up: it’s OK to walk to the corner shop or take the trash out. But any errands requiring me to take the train / bus or walk for longer than 5 minutes means putting on at least some lipstick and an outfit that looks presentable. Enter the no-brain-power-required, easy-peasy Breton T-shirt, chinos and a trench coat combo.

But it’s a boring outfit, even with this fab old berry-coloured trench (this trench is at least 6 or 7 years old but I still think it’s quite a showstopper).

So, let’s add some accessories: funky sunglasses, a pretty bag and multi-tone brogues.

Furla tote bag

I usually like my shoes neutral

I could even say plain and boring. And this is on purpose: I avoid statement shoes like the plague.
It’s not that I don’t like statement shoes; in fact, I could use a few pairs of a bit more extravagant shoes to spice up my wardrobe. Yet, when I go shoe shopping, I usually come home with something sensible in a neutral colour.

I’m a pragmatist: shoes are for walking, and I don’t have the closet space (or money) to store shoes I don’t wear. And I only wear shoes I can walk in.

multi colour brogues

Sure, but I could still find sensible shoes that are a bit less plain, right? 

Well, it really boils down to this: it’s a lot easier to pack 5 t-shirts and one pair of shoes than several pairs of shoes… As I live out of a suitcase, commuting between two homes, all my clothes and accessories have to multitask and mix and match. And shoes in neutral colours and with few details go with anything.

So, this pair of shoes is quite a departure from my usual style. Yet, I think I can make it work: these shoes can be matched with anything blue, green, or fuchsia, which more or less covers the colours I have in my wardrobe…

Burberry trench

I’m wearing:

trench coat: Burberry (old, seen before HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE) /
top: Jigsaw / trousers: Marks and Spencer / shoes: Clarks /
sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana / bag: Furla

How do you feel about statement shoes?

Tiina

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18 Comments

  1. Patti
    11 October 2015 / 11:43 am

    well I don't find your outfit boring at all – but you're right – the coat, bag and shoes add the fab factor. Love those shoes – and I too only choose walkable shoes! xox

    • Tiina L
      13 October 2015 / 12:32 pm

      Thanks, Patti! I love my basics, but sometimes they need a little something extra.

  2. Petite Silver Vixen
    11 October 2015 / 9:27 pm

    Those Clarks brogues are great, aren't they? They go so well with the purple coat and add an extra touch because of their unusual pattern. And your berry coloured trench looks wonderful on you. Much more interesting than a beige one.

    • Tiina L
      13 October 2015 / 12:34 pm

      Would you believe me if I said that I have another pair of the exact same shoes, just in black? Well, if the shoe fits… buy it in every colour, that's my motto.

  3. Connie
    11 October 2015 / 11:44 pm

    This is NOT boring. You look chic and comfortable. I think Breton Ts are the best invention.

    • Tiina L
      13 October 2015 / 12:34 pm

      I agree, Breton Ts are the best, couldn't do without them.

  4. No Fear of Fashion
    12 October 2015 / 5:35 am

    Yep, the shoes spice up the outfit. Great purchase. I am with you in buying solid colour shoes for the reasons you stated. But I vary in shape. My new cream booties are a good example.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      13 October 2015 / 12:35 pm

      I think I need to add a few statement shoes into my wardrobe, just need to choose them carefully.

  5. Jill James
    13 October 2015 / 5:00 am

    No, Not boring at all , just stylish . Love those new brogues , I am sure you will find they go with so much. I agree with your rule about not venturing too far from home in gym gear and no make up , somehow it just doesn't seem right , a girl has her standards.

    • Tiina L
      13 October 2015 / 12:37 pm

      It's really funny, with gym clothes… I seem to have this 5-minute rule: if I have to walk further than that, I need to get dressed first. But the local shop a couple of minutes away? I don't care what I'm wearing…

  6. cherie at stylenudge.com
    14 October 2015 / 1:38 am

    How could wearing brogues be boring?! Never. Thank you for linking up with SHOE AND TELL FASHION LINK UP on Style Nudge. Cheriehttp://www.stylenudge.com

    • Tiina L
      14 October 2015 / 4:57 pm

      Thanks, Cherie!

  7. Jan Graham-McMillen
    14 October 2015 / 2:28 am

    Jazzy, indeed. Such a glam signature color on you … as always. Love all the textural interest, and the very smart addition of that pink bag. Excellent!

    • Tiina L
      14 October 2015 / 4:58 pm

      Thanks, Jan! Yes, I like a statement colour…

    • Tiina L
      14 October 2015 / 5:00 pm

      Thank you, Aleczandra. When I saw this coat (years ago), it was love at first sight…

  8. nadine
    8 April 2016 / 9:49 am

    Couleur qui donne de la gaîeté et de la bonne humeur, j'adore !

    • Tiina L
      8 April 2016 / 4:53 pm

      Merci, Nadine!

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