Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

1 FORMULA – 3 WAYS – JULY

07.28.17

Happy Friday! Ready for a new installment of 1 Formula – 3 Ways? I hope so! I love putting together posts for this series because it really forces me to play with my existing options and look for themes throughout my closet. After a 10×10 Challenge I’m often itching to get my shop on and I found this exercise very helpful in keeping my spending under wraps. Especially since it’s sale time!

This ‘formula’ or ‘uniform’ approach is also a great way to pack for a trip or plan looks for a work week. For the most part with this method all the items are interchangeable so you can simply swap pants, tops or shoes around for a totally different look and make way more than just 3 outfits. So easily!

Since the weather has been pretty erratic here lately, I’ve been able to get away with adding a light jacket or blazer most days and if I get hot I just leave it off. These looks aren’t too far off the May Formula but they’re slightly adjusted for a laid-back summer vibe with sandals, jeans and easy t-shirts getting involved.

So let’s take a look at this simple formula in action!

LIGHT JACKET + FITTED TOP + HIGH-WAIST PANTS + BLOCK HEELS


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

LOOK 1 


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY


THOUGHTS ON LOOK 1


THE FORMULA BREAKDOWN:


This look is not particularly ground breaking for me but I love it just the same. It’s definitely one of my go-to looks for just about any day during the week right now. I love it for casual meetings, lunches out and especially for date night (which I wore it to on Tuesday). It’s just an easy classic that never lets me down.

It’s no surprise that I love this colour palette and always feel good in lots of neutrals with slightly unexpected shapes and details. Plus, a base involving a basic tee and vintage jeans can pretty much do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. Adding a fun shoe takes things up a notch and suddenly the look goes from classic to cool.


KEY STYLE TIP


GO AHEAD, REST ON YOUR STYLE LAURELS. | You know the saying, ‘Don’t rest on your laurels.’ which essentially means, to stop trying because you’re satisfied with what you’ve already achieved. In most cases in life, I agree we shouldn’t get complacent, but when it comes to personal style I think we can give ourselves a pass now and then and just go with what we know works. All the best style icons have found a few formulas that worked for them and used them over and over. I’m certainly not one to doubt Audrey, Grace, Jane or Katharine, are you?

Next time you feel like you ‘should’ try something new or you’re feeling meh about your options think about the look you feel best in. Wear it, enjoy it, repeat! 


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY


LOOK 2


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

THOUGHTS ON LOOK 2 


THE FORMULA BREAKDOWN:


If you follow my stories on Instagram you may recognize this look from last weekend since I wore it out to brunch on Saturday. It was the first one that spurred this formula to life. It had been a while since I wore my white Kamm pants and I knew I had to try pairing them with this incredible wrap coat my friends at Garmentory treated me to (from their epic exclusives collection). It turned out to be the perfect brunch get-up for the morning after a friend’s wedding. It was chilly and grey outside but this one had me feeling all the summer feels! A pretty colour and a cute basket will do that I suppose.

I love how this jacket can be worn open for a relaxed vibe or tied up to create a beautiful shape that’s sculptural and elegant. I pair it with my wide leg pants for a statement look but paired with black or white cropped skinnies would look great too. Of course, I couldn’t help but add a couple of doses of black through my sandals and tank and my basket bag was the perfect touch of texture to top it off.

Come to think of it, this one would be great for showers (bridal or baby!), trips to the antique or farmer’s market, drinks with friends and totally appropriate for work meetings or date nights. Definitely a number to repeat!


KEY STYLE TIP


PAIR A NEW COLOUR WITH OLD STANDBYS | Truth be told I was both ecstatic and apprehensive about this lilac colour. I was instinctively drawn to it (despite my usual aversion to purple) but a bit unsure about how I’d integrate it into my wardrobe. So, to ease it into my closet I opted to pair it with the most neutral of neutrals, black and white. Thanks to that decision I immediately felt right at home in this new-to-me tone and started to see lots of ways it would work with other pieces in my currently closet.

When you’re unsure of what to pair a particular colour with, opt for black and white to start. Then you can start integrating other accents and tones as you get more comfortable. Or you can just stick with black and white to keep it simple and let the one colour take the stage.


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

LOOK 3


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

THOUGHTS ON LOOK 3


THE FORMULA BREAKDOWN:

  • LIGHT JACKET – Cream Cardiff Work Coat c/o Only Child (sold out but available in denim)
  • FITTED TOP – Camel Crew Neck Tee by Everlane (color sold out)
  • HIGH-WAIST PANTS – Riley Straight Leg Crop by Agolde
  • BLOCK HEELS – Clou Flat by L’Intervalle (save 10% off any order with ‘StyleBee10’ ends July 31)

I wore this look on Monday but I’ve worn a few variations of it in the past. The base is essentially the same as the first look, high-waisted, vintage fit jeans with a simple crew neck tee tucked in. But with a couple of different additions like my pointed suede pumps in a rich cognac and a less structured approach to the blazer with my Cardiff coat, it feels like a totally different look (at least to me!).

I’m loving the subtle nod to Fall in this one too. Sorry, I know, too soon but this palette of rich, earthy colours, mid wash denim, mixed with some great textures is one I’ll gladly wear any season.


KEY STYLE TIP


MONOCHROME + DENIM | I love the way all the earth tones are working in this look. The camel tee under the cream coat has a really nice monochrome feel to it. Plus it picks up nicely with the cognac flats which give the overall palette a major boost. I love how it contrasts with a mid-wash denim and how the contrast stitching becomes ever so slightly more noticeable too. The palette feels warm, understated and comforting.

Next time you’re putting together an outfit, start by pairing two tones of the same colour family up top for a monochrome look, then contrast with your bottoms and add a rich dose of that first colour through your shoe choice. Think shades of blue paired with camel or khaki or shades of white and grey with burgundy. 


Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY Style Bee - 1 Formula - 3 Ways - JULY

WHICH OF THESE LOOKS IS YOUR FAVOURITE? 

WOULD YOU GIVE THIS FORMULA A TRY?

If you like this formula style series have a look at NOVEMBERJANUARYMARCH + MAY for more mixing and matching tricks! 


WISHING YOU ALL A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!


This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. This income helps limit the amount of sponsored content that appears on Style Bee. Thanks a lot for your support! 

26 comments
07.28.17
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Alexandra Marie says:

    This has actually been one of my favorite combos to wear this summer, and works well even at almost 8 months pregnant. I got the ES Clyde jacket in navy and have been wearing that with a fitted white tank, cropped maternity jeans I cut the hem off of, and a close-toed clog sandal. I have a feeling it will be a great postpartum uniform, also, whenever I can wear regular jeans again :).

  2. MEPLUSLADY says:

    Wonderful uniform! My question is regarding the two light-colored light jackets (1 + 3). If you could only choose one, which would you say has been more useful?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Christina! I would have to say the blazer since I’ve had it for a few years longer and still adore it. The Cardiff work coat has been awesome though! xo

  3. Jade says:

    Love how you’ve created such versatile looks for office wear!

  4. Jessica says:

    I am LOVING look #3! It’s an outfit of butterscotch dreams! Definitely need to incorporate more camel/cognac/caramels/rusts into my wardrobe. On a side note, how do you like your Marais heels? I have the Jane mule in cherry and surprisingly didn’t have to size up (as the company’s website suggested saying they fit half a size small), but then again, the 0.5cm between a 7.5 and an 8 might not be as severe as a 9 to 10 difference. They were definitely snug at first and short in length initially but my foot ended up sliding down perfectly. Anyway, I love the suede and they were immediately comfy! Hope you do a review of yours soon ?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Haha Thanks so much Jessica!

      I LOVE the Marais heels so much 🙂 I got my usual size 7 and they fit perfectly and are seriously SO comfy (and pretty!). Once I’ve spent some more time in them I’ll be glad to share my thoughts. Thanks for your fit notes, that’s always very helpful. xo

  5. Love these looks – and especially love the cream work coat in the last one. Thank you for the encouragement to rest into my own formulas and style, Lee. Your guidance is always so thoughtful and timely!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much for the kind words Dana! So glad you agree about the style formulas 🙂 Sometimes it’s easy to feel like we need to change it up all the time. xo

  6. Shae says:

    Love all these looks! I definitely need some light jackets in my wardrobe. I love the Marais shoes. I’m always afraid of suede though so I went with the MNZ palma lows. We’re almost shoe twins.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you Shae! I am so obsessed with them 🙂 I know what you mean about suede but so far so good (*knock on wood!). The Palma Lows are stunning too. I’m sure they look incredible with all your ES gems! xo

  7. Grace says:

    Any suggestions for substitutes for the Only Child Cardiff jacket? Love the way it looks here!

    • Shae says:

      Elizabeth Suzann is coming out with a cotton canvas version of the short Clyde jacket (now available in linen) with the Signature relaunch this fall. I’m expecting it will come in the natural canvas and I’m hoping to get one!! I’m sure Lee has some other fab suggestions too though 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the suggestion Shae! That jacket would be my #1 recommendation too. Sadly I haven’t come across many similar options however Hackwith Design has some cute coats in their sale right now. Hope that helps! xo

  8. Patricia Kay says:

    Thanks! Yay! Yay!
    Love your formula-posts! So helpful, playful, always classy-finished no matter what pieces you pair up.
    Your “boxes” literally bring peace & joy to my dressing & raise the bar for me to “dress” regardless of the occasion—from everyday to dressier occasions. I can joyfully Open the closet doors and know there is a beautiful outfit waiting! No pressure, fear, anxiousness.
    I am definitely learning to “assess” pieces to remove & realize I need.
    Grateful! Thank YOU!
    And! As always You look beautiful in every outfit! Gorgeous pieces!
    Have a fabulous weekend?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you so much Patricia! Your kind notes always put such a smile on my face 🙂 Thanks for all your positivity and for sharing your style experiences. I know it’s so helpful for others too. Hope you’re having a wonderful summer! xo

  9. Jodie says:

    Love this series Lee!
    Those black jeans are so good on you.
    Have a great weekend!

  10. Liv says:

    Your formula chart makes dressing super easy!

    Liv

    http://livforstyle.net

  11. Heading out again for 10 days on project site work. Always enjoy your post of multiple looks with fewer pieces. Plus the jacket adds a professional look and combats freezing office AC temps!-Laurel

  12. Krystal says:

    That lilac is stunning on your skin tone!