• Style
    • Simplified Wardrobe
    • 10×10 Wardrobe Challenge
    • Outfits: Spring
    • Outfits: Summer
    • Outfits: Fall
    • Outfits: Winter
  • Travel
    • Packing Guides
  • Lifestyle
    • Interiors + Home
    • Music + Books
    • Beauty
  • About
  • Shop My Outfits
    • like to know
    • pinterest
    • spotify

Un-Fancy

DAILY OUTFITS, Outfits: Spring, Outfits: Summer

Stylist’s block: When you just can’t figure out how to style a basic piece

07/21/23

I’ve had this light blue poplin shirt since the beginning of spring, but I’ve had a hard time figuring out how to style it.

Sounds kind of laughable, right? I mean, it’s a basic and lovely button down — you wouldn’t think it would be that hard to style.

But for some reason, none of the outfits I put together nailed the look I was going for.

You know writer’s block? Well, this felt like stylist’s block.

Until this look!

I think the key is contrast — contrast between the light blue shirt and the slightly darker denim wash + contrast between the light blue shirt with that bright white tank. Also — tan accessories! I haven’t worn these tan flip flops in a looooong time, opting for black ones instead. But I decided it was time to pull them out again. And it turns out, I love that shade of tan with that lighter blue.

Now, of course, this isn’t the only way to style this button down — but it was exactly what I needed to get past this bout of stylist’s block.

Have you ever experienced this type of block with a certain piece in your wardrobe? What helped you get past it? Or are you still in it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

OUTFIT DETAILS

(includes affiliate links)

Abercrombie Oversized Poplin Button Down | Similar: Reformation Oversized Will Shirt

Madewell Brightside Tank

AGolde Parker Long Shorts | Similar for less: Abercrombie Mid Rise Baggy Shorts

Madewell Broken-In Baseball Cap

Polene Numero Un Nano Bag | Similar: Cuyana Mini System Tote

Handmade Anklet | Similar: Madewell Tiny Pearl Anklet & Donni Small Pearl Anklet

Mejuri Thin Dome Rings

Mejuri Beaded Ring

Aurate Infinity Huggie Hoops

Roxy Flip Flops (old) | Similar: Roxy Gabbie Flip Flops

• • •

In case you missed it, head on over to Wednesday’s post — I shared 6 comfortable, casual outfits from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Thanks for being here today! Hope you’re having a lovely day.

Feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the page to keep up with my posts, and find me on Pinterest and LTK for more outfits.

5 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. Mari says

    July 21, 2023 at 7:22 am

    Thank you so much for all the inspiration! I am a frequent visitor and love the idea of functionality and looking put together .

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    July 21, 2023 at 8:38 am

    Those tan accessories work so well with this outfit! Your lovely anklet really pops with this whole ensemble, too!
    Usually I find my styling troubles with a particular piece can be attributed to my mood/mindset/self-concept in a given moment on a given day (hi, Libra!), like a sweater with slightly poofy sleeves that I love and wear all the time will suddenly feel overly fussy and precious. When that happens, I use one of your tips and balance it out with something more basic and sturdy, like my black Doc Martens boots or my partner’s old Levi’s that I “borrowed” from him. :) It works every time! Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Ines says

    July 21, 2023 at 10:12 am

    Light blue with that tan looks really pretty!

    Reply
  4. Margo Robinson says

    July 21, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    It’s fate — I had a similar thing with a blue striped linen BD — with beige buttons. So your solution is my solution. Don’t know why that was so hard. Ha. Thanks Caroline. Love your posts.

    Reply
  5. Yvonne says

    November 27, 2023 at 11:39 am

    Thanks for sharing this fashion piece with us. I completely agree that contrast is key when it comes to fashion. It’s not just about putting together an outfit, but also about the colors and cut of the clothing to create a visually appealing look. I love how the light blue shirt looks with the white and denim shorts you paired it with. It’s an impeccable outfit!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Loved Posts

  • My take on the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan

    My take on the Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan

  • This Everlane dress is perfect and I

    This Everlane dress is perfect and I'm going to wear it on repeat this spring

  • spring 2023 capsule wardrobe {minimalist • sporty • casual}

    spring 2023 capsule wardrobe {minimalist • sporty • casual}

  • I got to see Taylor Swift! What I wore + 10 minimalist outfit ideas for the Eras Tour

    I got to see Taylor Swift! What I wore + 10 minimalist outfit ideas for the Eras Tour

  • My 24-piece autumn capsule + 21 outfits!

    My 24-piece autumn capsule + 21 outfits!

‹›

© Copyright 2026. Un-Fancy. All Rights Reserved. Design by love riot.