This or That Thursday January 9

This or That is my new feature on Thursday that will show one item styled two different ways.  Sometimes styling an item can mean the difference in keeping or discarding an item in your closet.  Hopefully this blog post with help you with ideas for styling similar items in your closet.  I'd love to hear from you so if you have a suggestion please let me know! You might want to know how to style sweaters, shorts, pencil shirts or maybe just ideas on an evening look.

Today, I took one dress and styled it two different ways-- preppy and edgy.  This dress is simple and cute so in order to get the most mileage from it you are going to want to style it several different ways to keep it from looking like you are wearing the same dress over and over again.

The first dress is styled with an oxford shirt underneath the dress.  By adding the shirt underneath the dress you turn it into a jumper. Add a touch of color by adding a wide belt and colored shoes.  I opted for the flat oxford shoe because it's an alternative to the ballet flat.  ---TIP-- MIX IT UP IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR FLATS TRY DIFFERENT TYPES OF FLATS IN DIFFERENT STYLES AND COLORS YOU WILL DEEPEN YOUR WARDROBE.  This look is perfect for the office or to wear to class.  Pair the look with a neutral colored leather bag for your business or school supplies.  This look would be great with a crown braid to add a sophisticated school girl look and adorn a natural makeup pallet, and dainty jewelry.

The second look is an edgier version for the dress.  Rather than wear blazers all the time I switch it up with leather or denim to keep it fun and edgy.  This leather and leopard blazer is an alternative to a plain leather jacket.  This look will work well at the office (for creative jobs), an after hours event or a weekend outing.  I paired this look with a red handbag for a pop of color.  I did not want this look to be a costume of an edgy look so I opted for a handbag with with a few studs and kept the shoes classic.  Wear your hair in a top knot with a cat eye and glossy lip and you are ready to take it to the streets!

The items in these looks and create a number of looks for example... if you took the oxford shirt and wore it on the outside of the dress and added the jacket with the neutral handbag and black pumps you have another look.  Start studying your wardrobe to find pieces to enhance your dresses.  Let me know if you need suggestions for a look and I will be happy to post ideas for THIS or THAT.  Try it! Find a dress in your closet and style it like THIS or THAT and then tag us in your social media on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or INSTAGRAM #iconiclifestyle #thisorthat. I'd love to see your style!