Introduction

Happy Monday to you! I’m super excited about today’s post… About a month or so ago, the team and I had a big creative brainstorming and planning session. One common theme that kept coming up was the desire to show you the versatility of pieces we recommend. Sure – pretty outfits with colorful backgrounds are great. But beyond pretty pictures, we want to make sure we are delivering in-depth, practical ideas for how to wear pieces in real life.

We are going to do that in two primary ways:

1. “Wear + Where + Well Team Wears” features
   • These features show how the team wears one item differently, like this 1 Midi Skirt, 4 Ways article
2. Features like this, in which I personally show you multiple ways to style an item or items.

We hope you find these items insightful and inspiring, as you decide what to purchase to add to your own wardrobe.

Rag & Bone Striped Blazer and Striped Shorts 

Let’s start this series with some striped summer suiting. Classic tailoring is always in style. But why not amp up the impact with some strong, slimming vertical stripes? This fabulous Rag & Bone striped blazer and shorts set demonstrates that you appreciate classic silhouettes, yet you want to express some personality through your style. And of course, Rag & Bone brings the modern cool factor for which they’re known.

I found these items last month when I was browsing in the Rag & Bone store in Aspen, Colorado. I fell in love immediately.

Luckily for you, both the striped blazer and striped shorts are already on sale!

 

7 ways to wear a striped blazer and shorts

While the possibilities are endless, here are seven different ways I styled these two pieces…

Look 1

For look 1, I started with the obvious: I paired the striped blazer with the striped shorts. A matching set can be so striking in its unity and simplicity.

I styled the look with a navy fedora, a navy v-neck tee, and these wonderful d’Orsay polka-dot pumps. You won’t believe it, but these shoes are on sale big time. They are currently on sale for just over $50! What a steal. I love them. Snatch them up while you can!

It’s also worth noting that the hat is part of the Nordstrom anniversary sale. The fedora comes in two colors: navy and fawn. Speaking of the sale, Be sure you check out my top 45 Nordstrom sale picks here.

I finished the look with a timeless classic: a Chanel black bag. This uptown look would be a really chic option for a weekend brunch or a nice lunch with girlfriends.

Look 2

For look 2, I went the casual sporty route. I paired the striped shorts with a basic scoop neck tee, some aviator sunglasses, a crossbody bag, plus my favorite sneakers. I also really love these new metallic low-top Converse sneakers.

This low-key, comfy look would be great for picking up coffee in the morning and running errands around town. For you moms, you could easily wear this for various kid activities.

If you’re really feeling adventurous fashion-wise, instead of a plain white tee, try wearing a graphic tee like this one or this one with the striped shorts.

I’ve rounded up exact and similar options for you to recreate this look. How cute is this new Rebecca Minkoff crossbody I stumbled upon?

Look 3

Look 3 is what I wore during a day of walking around Aspen, Colorado recently. It made for the perfect day outfit: the espadrilles kept it practical for walking, the shorts made it summery, while the long sleeves and hat added a little cover from the sometimes cool temps. Layering a statement necklace over the denim shirt added a nice bit of unexpected interest with the texture.

By the way, how great does my Olive Design straw tote bag look with this outfit? Don’t forget : through the end of this week, you can get this tote at a great discounted price! Read all the details here.

Look 4

Now, for look 4, I added some smart details to the striped shorts to up the sophistication factor while maintaining total comfort and practicality. A feminine but loose fit peplum top, some classic white pumps, and a nice tote bag combined with the striped shorts make this look both fresh and fun.

Look 5

How elegant is look number 5? Even though we all know the power of a little black dress, I was still a little surprised at how effortlessly this striking look came together.

If you’re ever wondering what to wear to a cocktail event, remember this look! A striped blazer over a little black dress with some classy yet sexy black pumps is all it takes to create a killer look. A lariat necklace or pendant necklace is the perfect finishing touch.

Furthermore, if you’re wondering what to wear for a board meeting or corporate presentation, this look could be wonderful! Just make sure your black dress is a more office-appropriate length on you than this one is on me. I’d suggest that it hits just above the knee to be appropriate for a business environment.

Look 6

To me, look 6 screams summer chic! A white tank, white jeans, white pumps (again), a classic white Chanel flap bag, plus statement-making white earrings… It’s almost a complete white-out, with the exception of this statement-making blazer! The white elements provide such a clean background for the striped blazer to stand out.

If you’re wondering what to wear to dinner or what to wear on a date night, consider this simply chic look!

Look 7

You might have noticed I kept the color palette pretty simple and neutral for the first six looks. You know, though, that I couldn’t resist throwing in one option with some color. For the last look, I present to you some pops of red!

My favorite pop of red, as you may have noticed, is my Aquazzura wild thing sandals. These are so comfortable, so fun, and so flattering. I also added in some red sunglasses and a red Oscar de la Renta envelope clutch I’ve had for years. Good news for you: I’ve found a great red envelope clutch available at a much lower price.

A quick word about these jeans… I purchased these Rag & Bone Dre slim boyfriend jeans when I bought the striped blazer and shorts in-store a month or so ago. They have quickly become favorites. The fit is relaxed, but still flattering. I was thrilled to find out they are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, as I noted on Friday. They are available in two different finishes, as seen here and here. You should give them a try! They’ll look great with booties in the fall.

One more note, see how the cowl neck tee frames the Empire State Finery statement necklace, really allowing it to shine. I just love styling this tee that way. It never gets old. It’s always a great way to highlight a necklace.

Conclusion

We girls always like to have options, right? How is this for options? Be sure to click around on the various items shown with the looks. I made a concerted effort to find many options on sale, so there are some great deals to be had!

Which look is your favorite? I would love to hear! Also, tell me how you feel about this new feature and our emphasis on showing you the versatility of items.

Thanks so very much for sharing your thoughts! Have a great week.

Photos by Maritere Rice; Graphic design and collage by Ashley Cardoza