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Monday, August 24, 2015

just one more fold and tuck






I have had this white button-up shirt for ages (we're talking high school). When it comes to closet clean-outs, it almost always makes its way to the "get rid of" pile - visions of choir and band concerts, and DECA presentations invade my memories...

But, before I officially bid the pile "adieu," I snatch the shirt back, sigh, and hang it back up in my closet. This shirt gets saved because of necessity. A white button-up shirt is essential, no matter what your dress code, style, or thoughts on uniforms. Really. It's a classic. And it's an easy default for a cleaned up look.

So, why does it teeter on the brink of existence in my closet and the donation pile? The fit. I've had it since my youth (so long, youth), and the sleeves are a tricky 3/4 sleeve length. The hemline is tricky - longer in the back, shorter in the front, is it even the right length?

HOWEVER...

DID YOU KNOW??

That rolling your sleeves just one more time than normal can give an old classic a new look?
A more refined, grown up, professional, "I know what I'm doing" look?

And that tucking your shirt in (or at least a half tuck), says
"I know how to wear my clothes? Looky here, I'm even wearing a belt, check out my waist."?

Because, those two small tricks have the power to transform an old classic into a new and refreshed basic. Trust - I'm so excited to wear this shirt after discovering those two tiny improvements, that it's already been washed, ironed, and paired with another outfit for this coming week.

All after this shirt has seen little-to-no wear in the past several years.
How's that for starting the week off with a bang?


white button-up shirt: GAP
green pants: from a friend via Urban Outfitters
brown wedges: Rocketdog via DSW
brown belt: American Eagle
brown necklace: Target


linking up:

14 comments:

  1. Love this outfit!

    http://everydayfacts.wordpress.com

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  2. Perfectly polished and put together. Way to salvage something old and make it new again! And you are right, every wardrobe needs a classic white shirt. I like the wider cuff on your jeans, too.
    Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
    Jennie - A Pocketful of Polka Dots

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    Replies
    1. thank you! the wider cuffs are essential on my short little legs ;)

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  3. The color of the jeans are absolutely perfect, and I agree with you on all counts about rolling up your sleeves and tucking in your shirt. It's amazing how a few minor adjustments can completely transform an outfit!

    ♥, Brooke
    www.livethepreplife.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. isn't it? you've phrased that perfectly: "a few minor adjustments." thanks for the boost!

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  4. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Great look!

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  5. Thank you for the inspiration, as it makes me want to find other ways to wear items I have owned for awhile. Love that button up tucked, glad you kept up with it.
    Thank you for joining me for Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me link up~
    Rachel xo
    Garay Treasures

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    Replies
    1. glad I could help - isn't it such a great feeling to find ways to style items you've had for ages?

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  6. Adore your colored jeans!!
    Thanks for linking up with Turning heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  7. It's great when you can give new life to a old shirt. It still looks brand new!

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  8. Nice outfit. Could be worn on a casual date or to professional work meeting. I have a white button-down shirt very similar to yours and I sometimes wear it unbuttoned with a colorful tank underneath. Very versitile!
    Ann @ Cairn Cottage - http://cairncottage.blogspot.com/

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  9. White button-up shirt is a perfect versatile piece in any wardrobe and I really like how you styled yours, color of the jeans is gorgeous.

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