Make the Most of Your Closet - Kimberly

Last week I offered five chances to my readers to have me "take a peak" in their closet and help create some new outfits by mixing and matching up some new combos. In addition, I promised to make a few suggestions as to what to buy during future shopping trips to get the most out of their current wardrobe.

Winner Kimberly uploaded pictures of her 16 core wardrobe pieces for me to work with and gave me some insight on her "style profile".

Style Profile:
Height/Size: 5'8", Misses 8-10, Hourglass Figure
Loves Colors: Rich Blues, Yellows and Purples
Not such a fan of Red
Style is a mixture of preppy (especially for work) and a bit of boho on more casual days.
She stated she really struggled with making choices for accessories and would love more statement necklaces and to learn how to use scarves.

After assessing Kimberly's current pieces and the tidbits she shared I focused on picking out 10 items totaling less than $200 that would offer a lot of bang for the buck with her current wardrobe.

Kimberly said she loved rich yellows, so I zeroed in on this graphic tee and cardigan. The rich golden mustard color will work great with the blues, purples and grays already in her wardrobe.
Rose Graphic Tee - NY & Co, $19.95
Long Cardigan - NY & Co, $39.95

The black and purple plaid long sleeve can be dressed up or down and will be a great wardrobe building block.
Simply Vera Vera Wang Plaid Tee - Kohl's, $20.40

Also, I noticed that her two pairs of shoes were pretty basic black pairs - why not add in a fun gray pair and also a pair of leopard flats, which are truly a neutral and can be worn with browns and blacks.
Simply Vera Vera Wang Jardine Dress Heels - Kohl's, $44.99
Cheetah Ballet Flats - Target, $12.99

You all know I am a fan of belts and with Kimberly's hourglass figure I thought it would be a great accessory for her also. The belt I suggested I actually have, and it is super comfortable and goes with a ton!
Elastic Braided Belt - NY & Co, $13.96

Lastly, I added two scarves and two necklaces to use in accessorizing many outfits.
Peace Sign Scarf - Kohl's, $14.99
Wired Heart Necklace - Forever 21, $5.80
Flower Burst Necklace - Forever 21, $8.80
Chiffon Paisley Scarf - Forever 21, $6.80

With these 26 pieces I created 36 unique outfits. Keep in mind the gray pants, black pants, and trouser jeans are interchangable in almost every outfit which expands the number of outfit choices to almost 90!

The Outfits:

TL - Add a fun scarf looped around your neck and a long simple pendant with this casual jeans and tee look.
TR - Don't be afraid to take your blazers to the weekend by layering over a graphic tee with a scarf and leopard flats. Notice you are combining three prints without it being overwhelming.
BL - For a casual look wear the cardi open over the dress with a scarf and flats.
BR - Jazz up this suit look by using the scarf as a pocket scarf and tucking it into the jacket's pocket. Also belt over the top, but under the jacket to add dimension.

TL - For a great date look, toss on a great statement necklace with the plaid tee, blazer and jeans with a great pair of gray heels.
TR - Layer the cardi over the blue shirt and leave unbuttoned and add the long pendant necklace for an extra touch.
BL - Layer graphic tee under the dress and leave the top portion of the shirt dress unbuttoned and add the belt with flats.
BR - Jazz up the patterned dress with the blazer, statement necklace and gray heels.

TL - For a fun professional look pair the floral statement necklace with the plaid tee and black suit.
TR - Slip on the gray cardi and leave unbuttoned over the dress. If the dress has ties, criss-cross them on the outside of the dress and tie.
BL - Layer the cardi over the graphic tee and belt with the floral scarf. Pair it with black pants (or don't forget you can interchange the jeans or gray pants as well).
BR - The purple jacket will add a fun pop of color with the neutral print top and pants.

TL - The mustard cardi will be a great contrast with the blue top and belt it!
TR - I love the look of short layered over long and this tee/jacket combo is no exception.
BL - Layer the blue top under the patterned dress to add a bit of visual interest at the neckline.
BR - Layer the solid long-sleeve blouse under the patterned top and belt the look. Don't forget many of your sleeveless tops can be carried into fall and winter by not only layering them under jackets and cardigans but by layering under them and wearing them as "vests".

TL - I love combining purple and mustard yellow together and combined with cool gray will create a winning look.
TR - Layer the blue shirt over the dress and belt the top - you will create more options by turning your dresses into "skirts".
BL - Layer the purple short sleeve jacket over the long sleeve jacket, swap out the belt that came with the jacket and belt the look with the scarf - it will add a fun pop of pattern.
BR - The short sleeve cardi will add a fun layer with the plaid tee and peace sign scarf.

TL - Pair the long cardi over the shirt dress and belt the look to keep it looking professional (don't be afraid of mixing navy blue and black together either!).
TR - The short sleeve purple jacket will be striking over the plaid tee paired with the floral statement necklace.
BL - Make a graphic tee office worthing by layering a jacket over it and sporting some great heels.
BR - Yellow and Gray is such a great color combo and this cardigan will add some spice with the cool neutrals.

TL - Keep things simple with solid pants and top, but use the floral scarf as a belt for extra pizzazz.
TR - Belt the plaid tee and toss the long cardigan over - it will be a comfy yet polished work outfit.
BL - Leopard is such an extra fun element to almost any outfit and pairing them with this tee and cardi is a winner!
BR - Layer the long sleeve blouse under the shirt dress and either use the floral scarf as a belt or tie it in the classic "bandana" style at the neck.

TL - Tie the scarf at the neck or line the inside of the cardi's v-neck with, add the belt if you wish.
TR - This outfit may not have any pops of color, but the the pattern elements keep it interesting.
BL - Layer the shirt dress over the patterned dress and leave the bottom couple of buttons unbuttoned to add a little flash. Belt the look to keep everything in place.
BR - Plaid, Peace Signs and Leopard help complete this winning combination.

TL - Tie the floral scarf at the neck in the bandana style, use it as a belt or tie on your wrist to add a pop of pattern with the casual combo.
TR - The hint of yellow flowers showing from underneath the cardigan's gray and black tones will be a fun flash.
BC - Layer the purple jacket over the blue dress to create a fabulous "burple" combo and accessorize with black.

To see all of the outfits in more detail, click here.

I hope this is helpful, Kimberly!!