The Basic Series: The Plain White T

This is the first of an undetermined amount of posts (Ooo so suspenseful) on basic garments what every woman should have in their closet.  This series is inspired by a 4 week EU trip I am taking in June in which I am only bringing a small tote and 20 inch suitcase.  YUP, you read that right.  If you know me well that is generally what I pack just to go to work on a daily basis. Sooo therefore basics are going to be my go-to!

A lot of people think their wardrobe is boring because it is full of “plain clothing,” but in reality high quality, well-fitting “plain clothing” is the best thing you can add to your wardrobe!!  Think Jackie O, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn…now close your eyes and think of someone in your life who you think is super fashionable.  OKAY so next time you see me (or I guess next time you see that other person you thought of instead of me?)  take a good look at what I’m wearing, chances are 90% of my outfit consists of a basic attire (plain white tank, plain black pants, nice jeans, etc.) and not asymmetrical/trendy/printed pattern on pattern stuff.  I jazz up outfits with certain trendy accents, but the basics are the building blocks.  Well-fitted, high quality basics being the key.

With that said, I would say it makes sense to spend more ca$h money on the higher quality basics.  Feel free to get all that trendy stuff at Forever 21 or Target on super sale as it probably will only last a season or two any way.  Just please don’t buy a Hawaiian shirt.  Ever.  Unless of course you are Johnny Depp in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, that man looks good in anything.

For you history buffs out there the T-shirt originated in the military and was worn under uniforms. Ever seen those vintage pics of musclely men relaxing with their white t’s and camo pants on? (hubba hubba) Okay history lesson over, sorry nerds this a fashion blog.

Beginning List of things worth spending extra money on (**if they fit perfectly**:
Jeans
Real Leather Boots
Black Blazer
Black Pants
Basic White T

My faves:

Below are some of my favorite Plain White T’s ranging from least expensive to most expensive (the one in my photos is T by Alexander Wang – I love how soft and comfortable it is, but at the same time it drapes perfectly) :

 

WORK.

Ooo look I combined a lot of basics here (white t, black blazer, black pants) with a statement necklace and trendy heels.  See what I’m saying here?  You can do a ton of mix & matching with these pieces as well.  And I made this T-shirt totes apropes for work (ew did I really just say “totes apropes”).

Plain white T + Cropped Skinny Black pants + Black Blazer + Statement Necklace + Black Heels

 

PLAY.

Hooray Spring weather is here in New England!  Well at least some days out of the week….between the hours of 10-3.  This outfit is semi-casual and is good for a date or frolicking in a meadow of daffodils.

 

DON’T CARE. (but hey, i kinda care)

Don’t I look trendy?  Little do you know this is basically a step above pajamas mwhaha.  I did a little pattern mixing with the scarf and camo toms.  Also, I love the top knot hairdo, super easy, but looks super chic. Do it.

So quick, go out and getcha self a white t before they’re sold out!  If you are nervous about adding it to your repertoire (it can be scary!) go with the Hanes women’s T, and if you like it try one of my other suggestions that fits your body shape well.  Until the next Basic Series post, au revoir (I’m practicing for Paris, I know goodbye and cheese so far..)!

Plaid Shirt.

Plaid, Flannel, Tartan, Gingham, Stripes, who knew there was such confusion with these patterns/fabrics until I started talking about doing this blog post.  Wow people! I thought it was common knowledge, but I shouldn’t be too surprised as I asked 5 guys if they knew the difference between a skirt and a dress and 3/5 got it wrong… SO there’s that.

Seems like everyone these days are wearing plaid:  hipsters, farmers, Scottish men, me, and now YOU (<– if that sounds a little bit forceful, it’s because it is.  YOU WILL JOIN MY PLAID CULT, say it with me).  The plaid shirt is also adrongenous, but HOLD ON boys do not wear these looks below, I have some other ideas for you and maybe, just maybe I’ll do a blog post about it hmmm.

 

WORK.

Plaid to work??  But, Maureen I’m not a Scottish lumberjack farmer, it won’t look business professional.  Oh, YES it will.  You just need to accompany it with more refined and tailored pieces.  In fact I actually made this outfit into a preppy look with the pearls.  Just don’t wear your wide leg dress pants with the plaid shirt untucked and flats or I WILL call the police.  The fashion police and the regular police because you are obviously on drugs.  Plaid can add some colorful accents to your all black career wardrobe (a lot of you were probably like damn, she’s right all my work clothes are black).

Plaid Shirt + Navy Pencil Skirt + Cardigan + Nude Heels.

 

Who says plaid can’t be a little bit sexy?  OH.  Al Borland.  Good Point.

 

PLAY.

Okay, okay I’ll refrain from buying any plaid lingerie, but you can sex it up a little bit with a sassy little dress. Plaid is a fun way to add a little color and pattern to a plain outfit that you wouldn’t generally get from a coat or cardigan.  And btw I decided I love the leg warmer/tall sock exposure with boots thing.  So do it.  This outfit is semi-casual fun and flirty so go to semi-casual places and have fun and flirt in it.  You could go apple picking, pumpkin picking, drink apple hard cider, drink pumpkin beers, make apple crisp and carve your pumpkin in this outfit.  What fun!

Plaid Shirt + Black Asymmetrical Jersey Dress + Scarf + Waist Belt + Leg Warmers + Chestnut Boots.

 

DON’T CARE. (but hey, i kinda care)

I like to say this outfit is hipster chic.  And by “like to say” I mean I literally just thought of that as I was typing it out.  It’s comfy and warm, but still looks a little tailored and the cuffed jeans make it look like you put some effort into it (little do people know cuffing jeans only takes about 27 seconds mwhahah).  Also if it gets hot in here I can just take off all my clothes. WAIT WHAT!? I mean my sweatshirt…sorry I often think and speak in old school Hip Hop lyrics without even realizing it.  The plaid shirt looks just as snazzy (<– grampa slang) without the sweatshirt as well (refer to the pic below, that guy nailed it!).

Plaid Shirt + Light Crewneck Sweatshirt + Cuffed Jeans + Converse.

 

I mean look how trendy plaid really is, just last week I went to this party and ALMOST everyone there had it on.  This was a complete coincidence. Definitely not a themed party in which I came up with the theme.  Nope.  Definitely not.

Get ready for next week’s MAUREENIE HALLOWEENIE SPECIAL!!  It’s going to be trendtacular!!