Make the Most of Your Closet - Lola

Lola is the third fab reader on the list challenging me to make the most of her closet. Lola shared the following 15 (well actually 55 items) with me. You see, Lola is a "dup" buyer - she buys multiples of basics. She also admits to wearing a "uniform" of plain shirt with a cardigan and pants for the work week and much the same only with jeans and sneakers for weekends.

Other info about Lola:
Favorite Colors/Not so favorite colors - blue and recenly become a fan of rich purples, along with black, gray, brown, and tan making up a large part of her wardrobe

Accessories you love or would like to try more of - "Mostly my accessories consist of delicate pieces of jewelry, though I rarely even wear that. I would love to wear scarves/shawls."

Your “style” i.e. boho, preppy, mixture, etc. - "I guess I'd describe myself as Classic Casual."

Height/Size - 5'4", usually a Medium or size 8

Body Shape - hourglass

Now, I have to admit I was a bit daunted by this at first because I felt like I couldn't mix and match the existing clothing items in new and unusual ways given their basic nature and colors. I figured anything I had in mind, Lola had probably already done before. So, I added a few more items than normal to demonstrate some good alternative items to help Lola liven up her wardrobe a bit while staying true to her style and wardrobe "comfort zone".

With that, here are 16 additional items totaling around $388.

Add a bit of fun and pretty with a floral graphic tee.
Graphic Tee - Old Navy, $7.99

A couple of patterned tunic tops will add comfy layering options while adding a more fashionable element than a basic, solid tee to an outfit.
Smocked Shoulder - Beige Geo Print Top - Target, $19.99
Smocked Top - Red Paisley - Target, $19.99

I know Lola typically shies away from shirts that button up due to her larger chest, but shirts can be found to accomodate a large bust or the shirt could be left open as a nice alternative to a cardigan.
Fab Vintage Rose Shirt - Forever 21, $11.50

Lola loves her cardigans and pull over sweaters, but the following items can function in the same way but offer more of a fun twist to outfits.
3/4 Sleeve Leather Jacket - Forever 21, $29.80
Casual Knit Jacket - Forever 21, $32.80 (the one I used as since sold out, but here is a similar one)
Twill Blazer - Old Navy, $39.50
Open-Weave Cowl-Neck Sweater - Old Navy, $34.50
Leopard Cardigan - American Eagle, $34.95

Every gal needs a dress they can toss on for work or a dinner out. This brown polka dot on will be a piece that Lola can layer under and over throughout the whole year.
Strappy V-Neck Dress - Brown Dot - Target, $24.99

Any girl with an hourglass figure can benefit from having a belt in their closet to accentuate their shape, and a belt made with elastic offers the most comfortable fit.
Black Belt - Forever 21, $5.50

For a gal just branching out into the wonderful world of accessories this twisted strand of multi-colored pearls is a fab option and will instantly add a bit of ooh-la-la to even a tee and jeans.
Braided Pearls - Forever 21, $9.80

Lola said she wanted to wear more scarves and shawls, and I have to say what a great idea! Scarves are a great way to add color and patterned to an outfit. Also, don't fret about how to wear them, just click here for some ideas.
Lightweight Patterned Scarf - Old Navy, $12.50

Also, colored and patterned flats are great to add to basics and every gal should have a little heel even if comfort is the main goal.
Softspots Aster Mini Heel Shoes - 6pm.com, $40.25
Steve Madden Barnum Plaid Flats - 6pm.com, $42.55
Red Flats - 6pm.com, $21.00

Now let the mixing and matching begin:

TL - Add a crisp edge to a basic tee and skirt with a cotton twill blazer and twisted pearl necklace.
TR - This faux leather jacket is a great alternative to a cardigan along with a scarf.
BL - As the temps drop pair a lightweight short sleeve sweater under another sweater and add a pop of red flats.
BR - This knit blazer will be super comfy with a skirt and a tee (be sure to add tights too to ward off the winter chill).

TL - Add a pop to a business look with a scarf.
TR - A faux-leather jacket will add a touch of "bad ass" to a casual jeans look.
BL - Red shoes are the perfect end to a black, gray and white outfit.
BR - Mix some patterns with a printed tunic and plaid flats.

TL - An animal print cardi is a great piece to have in your wardrobe this fall and will add an extra punch to a simple pair of black pants and tee.
TR - The faux leather jacket will look fantastic paired over the printed tunic top.
BL - Go simple with a cardi and dress combination.
BR - A cowl neck sweater and skirt can be almost as comfy as pjs, but still allowed at work.

TL - Belt the tee and leave the cardi unbuttoned over top to add dimension to your outfit.
TR - Don't be afraid to mix patterns and utilizing a top and flats is a great way to try it.
BL - Look polished at work but still comfy with a twill blazer and skirt combo.
BR - The crisp white patterned top with red flats will be eye-catching with a black jacket and pants.

TL - Don't forget to add a cardi to your look you don't always have to wear it in the traditional way to add the pop of color and pattern. You can simply cover your shoulders with it or tie it over your shoulders.
TR - Belt the tunic only or belt the cardi and tunic together - switch it up!
BL - Go neutral on top and add a pop of red with your shoes.
BR - The purple cardi over the printed tunic will add a richness paired with the black pants.

TL - Create a casual suit look with layering the twill blazer over a printed tunic and pants.
TR - This faux leather jacket is perfect for work with a tee, pants and fun necklace and shoes.
BL - Keep casual and comfy in this cowl neck sweater, pants and plaid flats.
BR - A pretty graphic tee can add interest to your typical cardi, jeans and sneaks.

TL - Look professional and polished with this blazer, bright skirt and pearls.
TR - Layer the short sleeve sweater over the printed tunic to add visual interest at the sleeves with a pair of pants.
BL - This printed tunic will freshen up the cardi and pants look for work.
BR - A belted cardi and skirt makes for a great work look.

TL - A cardi layered over this dress is a great way to take it into fall and winter.
TR - Stay comfy yet cool looking on a weekend in a knit blazer and scarf with jeans.
BL - Don't be afraid to mix patterns - florals and plaids look great together!
BR - Again, pattern mixing is great! These plaid flats will look great with the patterned tunic.

TL - Bright purple and red are also a great combo when paired with black.
TR - Layer the shirt under the dress and add the scarf for a fun twist on old favorites.
BL - Pearls, leopard and denim = fantastic combination!
BR - Layer a pretty cranberry tee under the cowl neck sweater and pair with plaid shoes!

To get a better look at all the outfits, click here.

Lola, I hope you see some things you like!