Looking for a few ideas as to how to dress up or down an outfit? Then you have come to the right place! This is the first of a series of dress it up/down posts, so if you don’t see anything on here you are looking for just yet you can comment below and let me know!
As we are in full swing of the fall season, which means my favorite – sweater weather – I thought I would share some fall fashion inspiration for this how to dress an outfit up or down post!
Repeat After Me: Accessories Are Your Friend*
Did you say it? If you didn’t go ahead and say it and if you did go ahead and say it again. No matter if you speak it out loud, the most important thing is that you take this tip and run with it girl because this is KEY! If you are like me, then you probably like to have some versatility to your wardrobe and dress up or down depending on the mood and occasion. Just going out for coffee (umm, pumpkin spice cold brew.. I think yes)? Throw on a cute shirt/sweater with a belt, some jeans, and plain sneakers and you are golden! Going to an event (ugh, I miss concerts/festivals… darn you to heck COVID) or out to dinner? Add some cute boots to the mix, some jewelry and a hat if you’re feelin’ extra, and you’re set!
* I will place an asterisk to this tip. There is most definitely something such as OVER-accessorizing and mismatching with things that don’t vibe. Make sure to be strategic with your accessories – you don’t want to be a Gaudy Gertrude. You want to be a Glamorous Gertrude! Well how do I know if I’m Gaudy or Glamorous [insert your name here], you ask? Not to worry my friend, I will make a post about the dos and don’ts of accessorizing. Be on the lookout!
Don’t Be Afraid to Step Out of Your Norm When Dressing Up
I’m looking at you “Jeans and A T-Shirt”! Be a little extra sometimes, you have it in you I just know it! I highly recommend stepping out of your norm sometimes. You see a fashion blogger in an outfit piece that you think is cute as hell, but then you think there is no way you could pull it off? Girl, just do IT! You will rock it! Take these faux leather pants I am wearing in the pictures below… a year ago I would have laughed if you told me I’d be wearing these. But then after seeing a few women rocking them, I thought why can’t I?! These leggings are one of my favorite pieces this fall! Already I have had multiple people ask me about them.
Shoes, Oh My God… Shoes
Yes, I just referenced the shoes guy. Everyone who is not a millennial can lend your blank stare to the YouTube page and learn what I am talking about. But preferably AFTER you finish this post because you will either die laughing or… die laughing (I just can’t see it any other way). Friendly heads up that there are a few curse words in this video and if you are sitting in your office on lunch, you should probably wait to watch this video until you are at home.
So this tip is about shoes as I am sure you have surmised by now. Shoes have a lot of power in the look you are trying to achieve. Just as in the first set of outfits, the white sneaks (or some flat form slip on sneakers) are a simple way to instantly dress down while still looking polished and fresh. Throw on some boots (or wedges/heels) and you’ve instantly got a bit dressier of a look. And different boot styles will give you completely different looks! Take the right and left images below for example, both super cute but different vibes.
Consider Changing Up Your Hairstyle
Certain styling will help you achieve a dressier look or more simple look. A nice curl or wave can instantly add a more dressy look, whereas a simple ponytail or half-up or straight hair style may be great for a simple look. A set of hair barrettes or hair scarves are a fun way to add to the look as well. As for a cute, but still lower-key look, scrunchies are definitely a fun addition.
That’s All For Now…
So that’s my fall fashion centered how to dress up (or down) an outfit, friends! I’ll be back with more outfit ideas and tips soon. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. Perhaps the hair styles I just mentioned can be a fun addition to the dress it up/down series? Or fall fashion continuation with sweater dresses? Comment below to let me know your thoughts and don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
-xo, Jennifer
P.S. The majority of the clothes in this post are from Lulus. Lulus has consistently been one of my favorite clothing stores for the last couple of years. They tend to have good sales and I have found that their clothing is of great quality (no, this is not a sponsored post – I just really love Lulus). If you love some of the outfit pieces I have in these photos, I have linked them below.
Want further inspiration? You can find another way to style this orange sweater with fall’s biggest trend (the shacket) by visiting my post, What’s A Shacket? How to Rock Fall’s Biggest Trend.
“Fashion has to reflect who you are, what you feel at the moment, where you’re going.”
— Pharrell Williams
