Making the Most Out of Your Wardrobe


If you have been reading Smart Southern Style for a while, you know that I am all about maximizing the items that are already in your closet.  I love finding multiple ways to style one piece of clothing for completely different looks.  You all have been asking for more posts like this, so I thought I would share a few examples of how I am doing this with items in my own closet.  I took 3 pieces from the new GIBSON X CITY SAFARI COLLECTION at Nordstrom and am sharing 2 different ways to wear each of them.  Each item I am sharing runs true to size.


First up is this pretty RED PLEATED DRESS.  The dress has small pleats down the entire length and it has a flattering cut with a nice swing shape.  The shoulder straps are adjustable so you can make the neckline as high or low as you would like. I wear my go to STRAPLESS BRA with this dress.   I added some animal print accents with these LEOPARD SANDALS (SIMILAR) & this LEOPARD CLUTCH (SIMILAR).  If animal print isn't for you, a pair of NUDE SANDALS would also look great.  This is a great party dress and would perfect at the holidays too!


For an edgier look with the RED PLEATED DRESS, I swapped out the sandals for these SNAKESKIN BOOTIES.  I added my go-to MOTO JACKET & a fun BLACK BAG (SIMILAR) and think this look is perfect for a date night.  

A third way you could style this dress is by layering a graphic tee over it and tying the hem of the t-shirt in a knot. This would give you a more casual look with the dress looking like a skirt, as the bodice would be covered by the t-shirt.  I ordered this LEVIS TEE to wear over my dress, but it did not arrive before I published this post.  I will be sure to share that look on my INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK once the t-shirt arrives.  I plan to wear this outfit with some cute sneakers.  You can find some affordable sneaker options HERE & HERE.


The next piece that I have worn different ways is this HALTER TOP.  Isn't the print pretty? It also comes in 2 other prints and I love them all.  I think the neck line on this top is so flattering and this is a great piece to have in your closet.  I wear my go to STRAPLESS BRA with this top.  The first way I styled this top is very casual with these JEANS & SNEAKERS.  If it is cooler where you are, you could also throw a blazer on over it like THIS ONE.


This HALTER TOP could easily be dressed up too.  Here I am wearing it with a BLACK MIDI SKIRT and if you prefer a shorter skirt, I love this BLACK PENCIL SKIRT.  I paired this outfit with some BLACK SANDALS (similar to mine) & it would also look cute with BLACK BOOTIES.


The last item I styled multiple ways is this versatile PRINTED DRESS.  You all went crazy when I shared this dress on my Instagram, and I can see why!  I love the ruched neckline and it ties around the waist for a flattering look.  There are so many ways to style a dress like this, and when the temps are warmer, I pair it with some WEDGE SANDALS




Here is a dressier look that would be great for the office.  I layered the dress with a BLACK BLAZER & added some BLACK BOOTIES (SIMILAR).  


This dress comes in several prints and I love it so much I also got it in the same animal print as my halter top above.  This is a more casual look that will work well when it is cooler out.  I added a DENIM JACKET & some TAUPE BOOTIES.   

I hope this post gave you some ideas on how to style items in your closet multiple ways.  If you don't already get my blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, click HERE and enter your email address.   You will only receive an email when I have a new blog post and it is a great way to make sure you don't miss any of my posts!

You can follow me on INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK & LIKETOKNOW.IT for daily outfit posts.  And I am always here to help and answer your questions, so feel free to DM me on social media or SEND ME AN EMAIL.  Thanks as always for reading Smart Southern Style.

StyleLaura LongComment