How I Add Drama To A Casual Look
Some women treat getting dressed as though they’re creating a work of art. Others simply put clothes on to cover their body. Most days I fall somewhere in the middle. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on creating various looks from the same core pieces and how I add drama to a casual outfit.
This time of year you’ll usually find me wearing jeans and a cashmere sweater of some kind. It’s a simple base that can be accessorized to create many different styles. 
If I wanted to look feminine, I could add low heels, pearls, and a curvy, soft jacket. For a sportier look, I could add sneakers, a baseball cap, and a zip-up jacket. You can get a classic vibe by adding nice loafers or driving mocs and a tailored blazer. For drama, I added a hat, ruana, and a touch of animal print.
I started with a patterned belt because a little animal print always jazzes things up. This belt (similar) has got to be at least 20 years old and is one of my favorites. I like the texture of the cow hair and the neutral color. I do have an orange-toned leopard print belt but went with this one to keep things cool-toned.
Once I’d decided on my pale gray boots (similar), my gray Fedora felt like a natural. Hat’s go a long way to help me feel pulled together, as well as protect my face from the sun. They do create hat hair, but they also cover a bad hair day, so there is that:)
You need to feel comfortable being noticed because wearing a hat makes you stand out. They add drama and a touch of mystery to whatever you wear them with.
I’m a big fan of Ruanas and capes. They’re dramatic and their “swish” makes them fun. Mine is a treasured gift from Chico’s several years ago, but this one is similar. I kept the jewelry simple with tiny hoops and a large, artistic pin.
I finished off my casual outfit with another dramatic (for me) touch, red lipstick. I seldom wear red because it can overwhelm my pale coloring but it’s a perfect shade when wearing black.
SHOP THE POST
A simple sweater and jeans, or any casual combination can be dressed to achieve virtually any style recipe you want….based on the accessories you use.
What is your go-to base this time of year?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
What a fun outfit! I agree with others here. I’d love to see how you change up the same basic jeans and sweater for completely different looks. Jeans and a sweater are my go to right now too.
Love this outfit! I enjoy hats also, mostly just for golf. Since staying home so much I’ve been wearing tennis shoes more then my boots. Never would have done this in the past.
I am intrigued by this post!
Please add another post where we can SEE you style “jeans-and-sweater” as described:
“Drama: hat, ruana, and a touch of animal print (via a statement belt)
Feminine: add low heels, pearls, and a curvy, soft jacket.
Sporty: sneakers, a baseball cap, and a zip-up jacket.
Classic: Nice loafers or driving mocs and a tailored blazer.”
If you love hats as much as I do try Conner Hats (connerhats.com) They originate from Australia but are in Florida for their USA warehouse. They have more styles than you can imagine….they come in SIZES and if it is one of their one-size hats they can provide foam strips to adjust the size
As my grand daughter who is ten years old would say, ‘fashtastic’ Jennifer! As to starting with a few core pieces, to me it is similar to interior design. i.e.: Take a bed frame and mattress then by adding accessories you “can create many different styles”. ☺ -Brenda-
I’m with you, my winter go to……jeans and cashmere or merino wool sweaters!
This may be my favorite look yet! Living in Palm Desert, we don’t have many days that require duplicate warm sweaters, however, I will start doing more layering–with leopard accents 🙂 — but with lighter weight pieces. When we do have those chilly days, I will follow your lead!! 🙂
love your outfit but especially your hat! i have many but don’t wear them enough! my latest was TWO burgundy hats after seeing a commercial on tv!
I can’t believe how much the belt pulls your outfit together. Thanks for the tip! I’m definitely going to look for some new belts instead of wearing my old ones.
Hats for me are not comfortable unless they serve a purpose like a sun hat, rain hat, knitted cap, or wearing a baseball cap to a sporting event. I wear a straw for gardening and fishing, so I do wear many. You just wouldn’t see that particular type of hat in my small coastal town. Oh, we do see cowboy hats at our rodeos. I’m afraid my small town may be in a fashionable rut.
You do look smashing in a hat! Great look!
Love this outfit on you!
Your outfit is very polished. My winter formula, too. Sometimes I add a cowl or shawl that I have knit. I also wear my own hand knit sweaters. I usually just add large earrings from my collection of vintage Mexican silver and I add booties if I am going out. We maintain a no shoe inside house, so Ugg slippers at home. Wish I could wear a hat like yours, but my hair is too short.
Of course I love the outfit…it has sass and spunk. BTW, I adore the quote: “Some women treat getting dressed as though they’re creating a work of art. Others simply put clothes on to cover their body.”
May I use that for an upcoming quote of the day on my blog and give you credit of course??
XOXO
Jodie
Of, course!