How to Build a Stylish Modest Wardrobe on a Budget (Pt. 2) + $100 J.Crew Giveaway!
Hello, my beautiful modest fashionista!
So you read my first post on how to build a stylish and budget-friendly modest wardrobe, and you’re confident in your mastery of the basics. Now you want to take your closet to the next level. That’s what this post is all about: elevating the versatility of your wardrobe by incorporating more color, patterns and different silhouettes that are also spring appropriate (because spring is FINALLY upon us). The items featured in this post are still timeless classics that you can wear for years to come, but they add an extra element to your closet and help you set a foundation for developing your sense of style. As with the last post, every item featured is less than $100, and most are under $50.
Denim or Chambray Shirts
Much like the white button-down, denim and chambray shirts are neutral staples with endless styling possibilities. (If you’re wondering what the difference is, chambray is often lighter in weight and color. It’s also the dressier of the two. Both are made of cotton but are different fabrics with different construction.)
How to wear it: With anything! Colored trousers, blue jeans, black jeans, white jeans, maxi skirts, pencil skirts, etc. There is no style challenge the denim/chambray shirt can’t win.
Maxi Skirt
My only regret with the first post is that I didn’t work in maxi skirts. This is a skirt EVERY woman should own. Black maxi skirts are the most versatile option, but it’s even more fun to play with pastel-colored maxi skirts for spring.
How to wear it: With a similarly colored top for classy monochromatic look, or if you have a black maxi, with a striped shirt, jeweled necklace, and black flats. And voila! Instant chic.
Denim Skirt
Denim skirts are back in a BIG way this spring, and I predict they will continue to grow in popularity. Denim skirts are a nice alternative to jeans, and they are more feminine.
How to wear it: 1) With a plain white tee or button-down; or 2) with a denim button-down for a cool denim-on-denim look. Finish with strappy brown flat sandals or black strappy heels if you need to dress it up. This goes without saying, but be careful about fit, and stray from skirts that hug suffocate every curve.
Tapered Black Trousers
This pant is a staple for any working woman. The slightly tapered leg style have proven to be a flattering silhouette for all body types, and it’s easy to find tapered cotton or polyester pants that aren’t too skinny or too fitted. These pants are so versatile and easy to wear, you’ll likely need at least two pairs to wear throughout the work week.
How to wear it: with a white button-down or draped blouse, sleek black belt, and pointy black pumps.
Strappy Flat Sandals
Do yourself a favor. Ditch your flips flops and pick up a pair of strappy flat sandals to get you through the spring and summer. The unassuming style of these sandals pairs well with just about any casual outfit, and they add more style to an outfit than any pair of flip flops ever could.
How to wear it: You can wear this style of shoe with just about anything, but it looks best with jeans or a billowy summer dress.
Strappy Sandals with Heels
It took me a while to come around to this shoe, but now I’m hooked. It’s a simple style that allows your clothes to shine, while adding a touch of modern sophistication.
How to wear it: 1) with black trousers and a white button down for a business casual look; 2) with an elegant spring floral dress for a special occasion; or 3) with jeans and nice blouse to dress them up a bit.
Since spring is right around the corner and I’m sure many of us could you use a break from our ‘blah’ winter clothes, I’ve organized a fun giveaway with some blogger buddies: a $100 gift card to J. Crew (because who doesn’t like J.Crew?!). The contest will run until March 11th and the winner will be chosen and contacted by March 13th.
Here are the gorgeous ladies I’ve teamed up with to make this giveaway possible:
The Everyday Elegance // Coffee with Summer // Eyeliner & Erasers
Holly Loo Ya // Primarily Inspired // She Lives Free
Giveaway runs from 3/2 at 12AM PST to 3/11 at 11:59PM PST. Available to U.S. Residents 18 years and older. No purchase necessary.
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The Comments
Rebecca
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway! It is so fun to connect with some new ladies!! 🙂 I am HOPING and praying that I win!! I would love to buy a couple of new items for the summer!!
Thank you again!
Blessings,
Rebecca 🙂
http://www.caravansonnet.com
Elizabeth
> RebeccaThank you so much for entering, Rebecca! I agree, it is fun to connect with fellow bloggers and make new friends! Now I’m off to explore your blog 🙂
Holly
The fact that I need 200% of these tips!! I have a lot of these items (which is never the case for me) so that’s a pretty big deal. I cannot believe denim skirts are in but hey I heard it here first and I’m trusting you, Liz. No presh.
My shoe game is desperately crying out for this post. You single-handedly just convinced me to buy a floral dress when I win the gift card 😉
But um, thank you for colliding GOD & fashion.
Elizabeth
> HollyHahaha, trust me, my friend! Denim skirts really are back. At least Who What Wear told me so. 🙂 I definitely recommended getting a nice floral dress if you win, particularly since someone has wedding festivities coming up 😉 thank you for always being so encouraging, Holly! And excellent post today!
Elizabeth
Love chambray shirts! And I didn’t know that denim skirts were making a comeback but that’s awesome! Oh yeah, and I started wearing sandals last year and now I’d rather wear them any day besides flip-flops 🙂
Elizabeth
> ElizabethChambray shirts are the best! I actually included them based on the comment you left for the first post. You’re constantly influencing my posts these days 🙂
Morgan
I’d love to buy a great dress for my Eurotrip this summer – or a great pair of jeans!!
Elizabeth
> MorganOoo, Eurotrip?! I’m jealous! What parts of Europe? If you win, you gotta let me know what you end up buying for the trip!
Estrella
All those floral dresses look beautiful. I love their lengths and fits!
Elizabeth
> EstrellaThank you, Estrella! Floral dresses are so beautiful and so much fun to wear.
Toyin
I love all of your tips! I’m all about constantly updating my style!
Elizabeth
> ToyinThank you, Toyin!
Alicia Clay
I would buy maxi skirts and dresses!! <3
Elizabeth
> Alicia ClayExcellent choices, Alicia! If you win, you have to let me know which ones you buy! 🙂
Ashley Bree Perez
If I win I am going to buy some jewelry 🙂 would love to win!
Elizabeth
> Ashley Bree PerezThey do have some great pieces for Spring! If you win, you gotta let me know what you buy. 🙂
Erica @ Coming Up Roses
I just found your blog and I love! What a cool idea for a blog. If I won the gift card, I’d stock up on some amazing pants for work in the summer!
cominguprosestheblog.com
Elizabeth
> Erica @ Coming Up RosesThank you for the sweet compliments Erica! That truly means a lot given how wonderful your blog is. I needed to read your latest post! Thank you for writing that necessary reminder. 🙂
Stacey
I will definitely buy a floral dress or a new pair of shoes! Also, can never get enough of J.Crew’s chino shorts :]
Monica
Oh, this post is perfectly timed because I’m going to be refreshing my wardrobe this year! Chambray shirt and draped white blouse – must add those to my list 🙂
the color palette
hard decision but i think it would be the peony pants!
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/Drapey/PRD~C0199/C0199.jsp?N=21+17+6&Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=4&Nsrt=2&isSaleItem=true&color_name=VIVID%20INK&isFromSale=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row6
Elizabeth
> the color paletteOh, I want those too! The minute they go on sale…
Naomi
I would buy a floral dress and lovely sandals. So ready for spring!
Elizabeth
> NaomiMe too, Naomi! Excellent choices
Elena
I would buy a dress.
Elizabeth
> Elenasolid choice!
Sydney
Hi Elizabeth! I’ve been trying to find a fashion and Christian lifestyle blog and I am so happy I found yours! Your blog is truly inspirational. Also, I need everything you’ve posted!! 🙂
Syd
The Style Roll
Elizabeth
> SydneyAww, thank you for the sweet words, Sydney! I’m so happy you found me too! I see you just started your blog, and you’re already on a roll. Keep up the good work!
Ehi Zedomi
Thanks! I love all of your tips! Excellent! I am a mom of 4 and for a long while I didn’t give much thought to fashion and style… After my 4th child, I decided its time to look fabulous again:)) So, I am all for sites and posts like this. Learnt a lot! Thanks!
Elizabeth
> Ehi ZedomiThank you, Ehi! I saw your photo on your blog, and I have to say you are beautiful! If I’m blessed with children in the future, I hope I look as fabulous as you do after having four kids!
Ali
Love the sandals!!
Priscilla S.
I would love to buy a dress and a pair of earrings.
Elizabeth
> Priscilla S.Good choices! J.Crew has some really cute tassel earrings for spring too.
Gabriela Carter
I love your blog! All your suggestions are helpful and the clothing chic and elegant. If I got the gift card I would buy a TON of pretty skirts 🙂
Elizabeth
> Gabriela CarterAw, thank you, Gabriela! So glad you found the post helpful. If you win, you gotta let me know what skirts you buy. 🙂
S'ambrosia Wasike
First of all, thanks for hosting this giveaway and for your tips in the blog. I love your style. 🙂
If I were to win the gift card, I would invest in some maxi skirts. I’m currently with my husband in Kenya doing ministry and modesty isn’t the best policy, it’s the only policy for women here in the interior. I’d love to purchase a couple maxi skirts to build up my modest wardrobe. You could save me from being the dowdy missionary. ha
Much love!
Elizabeth
> S’ambrosia WasikeThank you for the sweet words, S’ambrosia! It warms my heart to read that modesty is the ONLY policy where you are in Kenya. May God continue to bless you and your husband for taking on such important work. I’m rooting for you!
bn100
Maybe buy some dresses
Elizabeth
> bn100JCrew does have some nice dress options!
terrence
I don’t know what I would buy…but I would probably spend way too much time looking 🙂
Erika W.
I live in J.Crew Chino shorts during the spring and summer so I would buy myself several pairs of those!
Dana Truitt
If and when I win…lol!! The glass is half full, think positive!!..lol!! I will get the Kate Spade watch I’ve been lusting after for a year now!
Dana Truitt
> Dana TruittI will get new jeans with the J.Crew gift card why I thought it said Nordstrom I don’t know~!! This is my correction!! I recently lost 40lbs and none of my jeans fit anymore so I’ll deff get a new pair of jeans!
Elizabeth
> Dana TruittJeans are always good! I’m impressed with your weight loss! I can’t even lose 5lbs successfully.