Buongiorno! My ladies, the freakin’ weekend will be taking over at approximately 5 pm. Are you ready?
I love going out as much as I did in college. Thankfully, my friends are in the same boat. The major conundrum when it comes to going out– aside from where to go– is what to wear. Am I right or am I right?
Dressing up in the winter can be a nightmare. As we all know, if it were sunny and warm out, I’d throw on a freakum dress and me on my merry way. I’m hoping you’re the same way.
During these tundra-like temps, I turn to denim to cover up my would-be bare legs. From there, I add layers and accessories until I achieve a look that’s streamlined and chic. At least I hope.
Here’s another part of the Get Ready Guide that I hope you enjoy! I promise to work on finding better lighting and background if you promise not to laugh at me. OK. You can laugh.
Tonight, I plan on rocking this respectable look:
Intentionally awkward.
Top: Bisou Bisou. Jeans: H+M. Shoes: Moda Spana. Belt: J.Crew. Watch: Fossil. Necklace: Vintage.
This is how to do dressed-up denim. For denim, go dark and go for the right fit.
Haiii girl. (I love how MamaJ's flower arrangement is taking over.)
When you dress for a night out, the most important thing to understand is your body and what works on it. Loose-fitting tops, for example, look like maternity wear on me because I’m a bit busty. The flowy fabric is fitting through the bust, then poofs out around my tummy, which I don’t enjoy. Long, lean jeans with a waist that sits just below my belly button are most flattering because they don’t cut off my hips. Overall, I’m a Scorpio. I need structure in my clothes.
I also need some mighty fine shoulder pads. (Why so serious?)
Normally, I choose one element to show off. That’s right, show off what you have! I tend to go for legs or cleavage. I’m just being honest. This, though, is form-fitting all around, so the addition of a heel is all it takes to amp it up. Punctuating with gold accessories makes the overall feeling a bit richer. I’ll be adding more bling tonight.
Because the streets are covered in powdery fluff also known as snow, sista needs another layer. I’m all about a great jacket.
Throw a jacket overtop for an added "cool" factor...although it's probably not cool if you call it that. Also, don't throw on that face. Ew.
This jacket is actually made of an almost sweatshirt material. Super cozy, super wearable. The zippers may be silver, but that’s why I have a watch that’s gold and silver.
To complete the look later tonight, I’ll release my hair from the tight bun and let the waves cascade down my back. Poetic.
Honestly, though, no matter what you wear, rock it out. Confidence (even the fake-it-till-you-make-it kind) is always the best accessory.
Ciao for now,
Kailey
Question: What’s your favorite way to dress up denim?
***Outtakes!!!***
Testing!
Eerie.
My head is floating!
Taking some pics of your ‘fit before you go out isn’t a bad idea, either! It helps you see what it really looks like.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
I love that black shirt – so cute! That’s my kind of outfit
You are freakin’ ADORABLE!!
Love this post! You are quickly becoming one of my fashion icons!
Yes, style advice! I just pledged not to buy any new clothes this year and need to get creative in my closet. People don’t really dress up in vermont……it is jeans for everything. I like dark denim and plaid button downs…..with fun jewelry myself. It’s comfy chic. I think?
sarah- That would be super cute! I’d tuck the plaid shirt into my jeans, add a nice skinny leather belt with a gold or bronze buckle, and tuck my jeans into boots that match the belt. Or! You could glam it up with heels! You can take that outfit in any direction you like!
UGH! I had SUCH a hard time deciding what to wear last night, and I didn’t end up going out mainly because of it. Winter sucks! None of my clothes are looking good with my skin tone (quasi Casper). I need summer! I love your look though and all your tips, I will be taking this into consideration tonight fo’ sho
It is also nice to have an honest friend who can save you from a tragic outfit!
I like going out just as much as I did in college too! Except for the fact that now I am incapacited that whole next day. Tear for my youth.
Anyway my go to for dressing up winter going out wear is flat knee high boots. You can walk in the snow and on ice with them without falling and they still make for a cute outfit.
I still have a hard time finding going out tops that work for winter.I like the one you have. Any other good suggestions?
Katie- Bahaha, I am incapacitated the whole next day too. It’s so sad. As for going-out tops that work for winter, I still go for tanks and tees. Basically, when I buy something, I want to be able to wear it in most seasons. A few weeks ago, I wore an orange tank. That back of it has this interesting draping going on, and although it’s looser than I like, I layered a jacket overtop to make the silhouette slimmer. It also allowed for the draping to peek out the back. Bright colors, sequins, bling– these are all good. OR, you can take a simple v-neck tee or scoop-neck tee, add an intensely blingy necklace, throw on some slim jeans and heels, and you’re set. I also really like long-sleeved dresses or sweater dresses for going out. It should be noted, though, that when I say sweater dress, I really mean “a knit dress with a deep v-neck to show off that cleavage.”
My favorite way to dress up denim is a sequened shirt…I’m all about the sequins these days! And heels are a MUST.
Cute outfits! My favorite way to dress up denim is heals and a cute top! I live in southern CA so it is never that cold! In cold weather I like to wear boot over my jeans a cute top and a jacket!
I’ve definitely learned over the past couple of years that it’s much better to wear clothes that fit my body rather than trying to fit my body into clothes that are what everyone else wears! I, like you, need jeans that are up higher in order to avoid the dreaded muffin top and ass bearing! May I ask what type of jeans you like best? I have a hard time finding ones that cover my athletic tush and ride just below my belly button!
Hilary- I love these H+M jeans. They sit right below the belly button, accentuate my booty and are slim enough in the leg. I also have luck when I go to Gap, but I haven’t purchased any from there in a while. I also have an old pair of Levi’s– and I bought them during the low-rise craze– that have a perfect fit!
Just last night I stood in front of my closet with Gracie and was wailing about how I had nothing to wear because it’s SO DAMN COLD AND SLUSHY. Grossness. I eventually settled on a good-girl-in-the-city look (pleated high-waist skirt, thick knit tights, riding boots and a tight black v-neck top tucked in), but it was wayyyy too much effort. I cannot wait for the return of spring!
I like to dress up jeans with a flowy top. Unlike you, I’m not blessed in the boobage department…which pays off when I can wear a top that allows me to carry multiple food babies with no one noticing!
Love your outfit–perfect going out clothes!
I always try to show up legs when I go out…like you said, summer is easy. I would say my go-to look in the winter is tunics or dresses with leggings and boots…my main issue is what the hell do i do with all my outerwear…carrying a puffy coat, mittens, scarf, etc. while in crowded bars is a nightmare.
My favorite way to dress up denim = heels. Louboutins, please.
You look so cute!! My go to way to dress up jeans is sequin tops!! Right now I am loving sequins!! I also tend to wear my black jeans if I’m going out!
Love it! I just got a pair of the most perfect jeans ever. Fit like a dream AND the first pair I tried on. SUCCESS!
I like to dress up jeans with sassy heels!
Nicole- Who are these dream jeans by? Where can I get some!
your so fierce ! love it!
I love skinny jeans, with hot heels, aka louboutins ; ) and a tank and black blazer!
Girl, I hear ya on the flowy tops! With the ladies I’ve got it is not flattering. The structured look on you is perfecto! I usually rock the heels with skinny jeans to dress them up (and because I’m a shorty) and add some nicer jewelry. I’ll probably always be obsessed with leggings – in style or out! I have way too many cute dresses I like to wear year round. Have an awesome weekend!
Love pairing heels with skinny jeans. I definitely like to flaunt the legs, too (can’t really hide ‘em since they’re so abnormally long…) Also! Flowy tops are a must for me! I’m very petite up top (working on putting that muscle on!) and flowy tops make me look not as… tiny.
I love your enthusiasm! I’ve let my going-out excitement slowly die out in the years since graduation. But why? I’m still young and hot. You have inspired me
Love the ‘fit. Enjoy your weekend!
Kacy- You ARE young and supa hot! Enjoy your weekend, too!
i think i have that jacket in black, but its hard to tell from the photo. either way its never looked that “cool” on me, hahaha.
SO fierce. I love to dress up deneim with booties/ankle boots and a cute top w/a statement necklace
xoxo
s
Dark jeans, black clevagey shirt, long necklace! That’s my go-to combo.
oh i love that jacket! i hate wearing winter coats out bc theyre so bulky and i never know what to do with them at the party/bar. not a cute accessory! lol
LOVE that jacket, and the whole outfit. being 5’2″ it’s hard to find pants that fit, luckily i prefer super skinny jeans which are easy to cuff, but i’d love to invest in a pair that’s actually fit for my height.
i’m actually quite the cardigan fiend, target has the bestbest selection. just bought the perfect black long sleeve button down cardi. so classic. and on sale.
SnackFace- I freakin’ love your blog! Especially the outfits!!
Have a fab weekend!
Love your jacket girl!! Denim is the warmest, I’m always trying to dress it up:)
Very cute! I have a problem of going for the “comfy” side over fashionable. I’m trying to change it, though!
I need to take a hint from you and stop wearing itty bitty skirts out to the bars in the middle of winter. I always regret my decision the second I step outdoors.
Whenever I wear jeans out, I like to wear them with heels and an embellished tank.
Love your style! You are so beautiful (naturally) and I love that you don’t take yourself too seriously!
AhhH!! I’m obsessed with fashion too!! I just started my own blog up; check it out!
Adorable outfit, that top looks awesome on you. I live in stylish jeans for weekend fun and love dressing them up.
LEGS. Amazing. Gorgeous. I’m inspired to whip out my jeans and give my leggings a break.
I like to show off my waist with a belted top and a short skirt with black tights. I wear boots that can keep me upright in the snow and on the dance floor. Some nights I have to go through outfit after outfit to find something that fits my mood, but dark jeans and a cute black top are pretty much perfect in any situation.
KAILEYYYYY! So this has nothing todo with fashion, but I had to let you know. I just marinated my chicken in TJs pear champagne dressing that you’ve been using. Holy Toledo. This stuff is amazing. You are amazing. I don’t think I can eat another meal without that stuff. I hope it tastes good in oats! ..kidding. …kinda
I’m so glad I found your blog. One of my goals this year is to actually find a style. I wear practical shoes. All the time. Isn’t that depressing? I love your look…I’m looking forward to seeing more outfits!
Hahaha, both me and my roommate wore denim + a black top to the bar last night. Except we were going to a grimy bar for a punk rock show. Instead of the heels, I donned my favourite chuck taylors and a super casual black tank top that accentuated my arms and shoulders. Love the idea of a Get Ready Guide!
I wear dresses in the winter almost every day
i hate jeannsss
love the denim look for the winter!