Make the Most of Your Closet - Melissa

For the 4th Installment of "Make the Most of Your Closet" I tackled the 19 items that Melissa sent me. Melissa had a good array of items and I was excited for the challenge.

Style Profile:
Height/Size: 5'4", Misses 4-6, Proportional Hourglass Figure

Loves Colors: All Blues, Dark Purples, Dark Fuchsia/Dark Pinks, Red,Brown, Teal

Not such a fan of: Pastels, Yellow, plaid or stripes (I really think you should rethink this one since stripes and plaid go hand in hand with the classic & preppy style you say you have, plus they are a great way to add pattern and interest)

Style: Classic, Contemporary Chic, a little preppy

Accessories I Love: Jewelry of all kinds! I have quite a collection, but no statement necklaces like what is in style at the moment. I love waist belts (not the big corset type though), but can't find any small enough or in my price range.

Want to Try More Of: Prints, layering, creating flattering silhouettes, finding a good pair of versatile flats that are cute, belts that fit my small waist, graphic tees that have no words (I own NO graphic tees and I want to try to learn to wear it to the office as well as casual!)

I want outfits that work for my buisness casual office (with a fairly strict dress code) as well as casual wear that I can wow the hubby with. I want to be put together, sophisticated, but attractive and sexy without dressing overtly sexy. I am only 22, so I want to have fun with it and look like I am a well put together 22 year old, not a 22 year old that dresses like a 40 year old lol. Another challenge: WARM outfits for the terrible upstate NY fall/winters.

Here are the 19 items that Melissa sent me to work with:

Here are the additional 11 types of items totally $207 I suggest for Melissa's wardrobe in order to optimize the items she already owns.

Pretty Graphic Tee - Melissa said she wanted to try this trend, plus it is a great item that can be worn in a multitude of ways with the right layering.
Watercolor Graphic Tee - Old Navy, $14.50

Black Long Sleeve Tee - These are such a staple in my winter wardrobe as they can be layered under a ton of stuff to create an extra layer to keep you warm. I choose one with a bit "fancier" of a neckline and cuffs.
Jersey Top - Old Navy, $14.50

Patterned Tunic - This top can be worn in a multitude of ways, plus it comes with an obi tie belt that can be used in other outfits without the top. For less than $23 you are getting two items that can be used not only together but independantly.
Tribal Flutter Tunic w/ Tie Belt - Forever 21, $22.80

Plaid Tunic - This warm plaid shirt has an updated cut making it a fun piece for cold temps.
Plaid Tunic w/ Tie Belt - Forever 21, $17.80

Striped Top - I am a sucker for stripes, and I think they can add a level of ooh-la-la chicness to almost any outfit!
Striped 3Q Top - Forever 21, $9.50

Patterned Cardi - I think is this a staple every gal should have in their wardrobe. Cardigans are great for casual or work wear and an in the element of a pattern and it becomes a stand out piece.
Floral Cardi - Target, $25.00

Cardigan - Here is another great cardigan with an updated shilouette including the shawl front and tie belt so Melissa won't loose her hourglass figure under the layers.
Metallic Wrap Cardigan - Old Navy, $34.50

Scarf - I'm a huge fan of scarves as you know. They can add so much color and pattern and are a simple accessory that fits everyone!
Floral Scarf - Kohl's, $12.90

Necklace - Melissa said she didn't have any statement necklaces, so I grabbed this one that will add a huge impact and go with practically everything!
Daisette Rhinestone Necklace - Forever 21, $15.80

T-Strap Heels - When I spied these heels I fell in love! They are a great color combo that can be worn with a ton, but yet don't loose their place as being a neutral go-to shoe. Add in the fact that the have a sensible heel and it is a win-win!
Saida T-Strap Pumps - Target, $19.99

Gray Flats - These flats area great neutral color and the pointy toe will help add height even though they are flats.
Anstin Point Flats - Payless, $19.99

Another item that will be needed for some of these outfits showing skirts and dresses is black tights and can be picked up for about $5.

Now with those 30 items I can up with 48 combos for work and play!

TL - A patterned cardi over a graphic tee is a great way to "fun-up" jeans and flats for the weekend.
TR - The black & white polka dot top with look super fun with the floral skirt and black accessories.
BL - The short sleeve blazer can be worn straight into winter by layering over a t-neck sweater and adding a scarf for a pop of pattern (if you had brown dress pants you could sport a similar look to work).
BR - The bright floral cardi will look great with black and cream and those great t-straps.

TL - The scarf will dress up the casual cardi, jeans and boots look for weekend.
TR - By layering a belted cardigan over a pretty graphic tee you can wear it work.
BL - Layer the cap sleeve light blue tee over the black/white polka dot blouse for a fun, vested look.
BR - This look is full of layers and patterns - layer the floral cardig over the stripe tee and add the solid black blazer if its extra chilly that day. Finish off with a dress pants and two-tone heels.

TL - Layering the cardi over the plaid will keep you warm and fashionable this winter.
TR - Layer the striped tee over the LS tee and add a bit of glam to the casual look with the statement necklace.
BL - A floral cardi over the polka dot blouse will be fun and professional for work.
BR - The floral scarf will add a pop of color with the simple black and cream combo.

TL - The scarf and two-tone shoes will spruce up this neutral combo.
TR - Layer the polka dot blouse under the dress for a little pattern play and top off with the solid cardi and belt.
BL - The cord blazer will add a layer of warmth over the printed tunic with jeans.
BR - Keep it simple with a striped tee and cardi.

TL - The polka dot blouse with the statement necklace will be perfectly professional when paired with a blazer for work.
TR - Keep it comfy yet chic on weekends with a t-neck sweater, cord blazer, scarf and jeans.
BL - Super simple with a plaid tunic, jeans and boots.
BR - Boots and a scarf keep this simple outfit interesting.

TL - A cardi and flats with a plaid tunic and jeans make a great casual look.
TR - The pop of bright cardi with the neutral outfit topped off with a statement necklace and belt make for a great work look.
BL - The gray cardi and flats will be great with the striped tee and pants.

TL - Layer the t-neck sweater over the dress to convert it to a skirt look and top off with the belt.
TR - Make the stripe tee work with a wool skirt by layering a cardi and scarf over it.
BL - Wear the black LS tee under the pretty graphic tee and top off with a scarf.
BR - Layer the LS tee under the dress, belt it and add a pop of color and pattern with the scarf.

TL - The layered t-neck sweater and cardigan will be great with the skirt and two-tone heels.
TR - Use the belt from the Tunic over the printed top and cord blazer for a structured casual look.
BL - Bright Magenta and Gray are a great color combo in the casual look.
BR - Add subtle jewel-tones to a work outfit with the printed top, scarf and two-tone heels.

TL - Layer the t-neck sweater under the dress, belt it and wear the blazer open over it all to complete the look.
TR - Sometimes neutrals is all you need, but add some sparkle with a statement necklace.
BL - The gorgeous jewel-tones will be perfect for a professional look.
BR - The cardi and heels add the perfect pops of color to a striped tee for work.

TL - Automatically dress up a sweater and pants with a scarf for work.
TR - Keep it simple on weekends by adding a cardi and boots to a patterned tee and jeans.
BL - Layer the black LS tee under the dress and add a pop of color with the cardi over it all.
BR - Make this sheer tunic work for winter by layering over a t-neck sweater (add camel or brown dress pants for work wear).

TL - Layer the short sleeve blazer over the t-neck sweater and dress pants for work.
TR - The cardi paired over the tie-neck top will be super cute and casual with flats on the weekend.
BL - The patterned tee sleeves poking out from the short sleeve blazer will be super cute (you can easily transition this look to work wear with a swap of the jeans to dress pants or a skirt)?
BR - The sheer tunic will look great under the cord blazer with jeans (once again, could easily swap the pants and make this work for work!).

TL - Get a multitude of looks with this dress by layering over and under it - this time with a t-neck sweater and blazer.
TR - Add dimension to this outfit by layering the cardigan over the printed tee and wrapping on a scarf.
BL - Leave all eyes on the fun shoes with a neutral black, white and gray combo.
BR - Don't be afraid to layer a blazer over a cardi and top combo. Button a few buttons on the cardi, but leave the blazer open so you can see plenty of the magenta color showing.

Well, there you have it, Melissa, 48 looks for work and play. Hope you see a few you like! To get a closer look at the outfits, click here.

The final "Make the Most" installment featuring Rachel's wardrobe will be up in a week or so.