Have you ever worried about whether you were going to be overdressed or not dressed up enough for an event? Notice how this blouse is formal, jeans & shoes are casual, and my purse is a neutral color yet formal? This is a perfect technique to use when you are not sure what to dress for, in my opinion. I call it the “in between” method. You are in between dressy and casual. It’s a secret method that prepares you for that Sunday brunch date, or maybe an afternoon drink at a chill bar. So mix it all together, but have some sort of pattern that works for you and accentuates your best features.

For example, I am short (barely 5’4) and have a long torso. So, when it comes down to accentuating my features, I want to give the illusion that I have longer legs by wearing cutoffs that are relatively short, and a smaller torso by wearing a blouse that insinuates a higher waistline. (Sorry, Mom, I know you don’t like when I wear short shorts, but I’m trying to work with what ya gave me).

Nordstrom Rack always brings me joy. Up to 70% off designer brands, their clothes actually have quality as well as longevity. This green tank top blouse has been used at many occasions – day and night – and is super soft on my skin. They have similar tanks on their website.

Keds are hands down a go-to shoe for me. They go with dresses, shorts, and jeans to make the perfect casual/semi dressed up look. Be warned: if you get white Keds, be prepared to wash them a lot. White just gets dirty and there ain’t nothin’ we can do about it. The ones that I am wearing here are from Target and are reasonably priced. Hail the keds.

This nude handbag is from Anne Klein, also found at Nordstrom. I recommend having a nude purse because it goes with anything. Might be a lifesaver when you can’t figure out how to pair with a crazy, colorful new dress you just bought for summer.  Who knows!

Jewelry that would go well with an outfit like this would be light and simple bracelets of silver or gold, or an elegant 8-11 inch necklace (I am wearing one here, if you look closely).

All of these pieces are versatile enough to mix and match with other things you might have in your closet. I have worn this blouse at night with some blue skinny jeans and wedges and it looked classy. The length of the shorts are really only okay for summer time, as it is hot and wearing short things is less frowned upon in the hotter season.. Though, I assume you know that!

Sidenote: the necklace I am wearing (see front page picture) is a Moonstone, 8 inch, silver necklace from Etsy, recently purchased as of last week. They have all sorts of colors, but the moonstone goes with pretty much everything I could possibly wear, so I suggest a neutral color like that. I’m a fan of the simple things.

Thank you for reading! Let me know if you have any questions!