HOW TO STYLE SNEAKERS WITH DRESSES

dress (made by me, tutorial here)  ||  sneakers  ||  bag  ||  sunglasses

I haven't done a dressed up/dressed down post in ages, but when I made this ruffle hem dress last week, I just had to shoot it casually. In fact, as I was making it, sneakers were the styling choice that kept coming to my brain. (you can see how I dressed it up here)

Dresses and skirts are always a little trickier to dress down, but with the right combination it can create such a chic and effortless look.

It's pretty easy to dress up -- heels and a clutch make everything dressy. But with dressed down, try these tips:

1. Choose the right sneakers. For me, the less bulky the sneaker, the better. I recently got these ones and have been wearing them to death, but I also love these ones and these ones.

2. Go with a small semi-casual bag. Since your dress is dressy and your shoes are casual, you want a bag that bridges the gap between the two. I think crossbody bags are the best choice for a semi-casual bag, and I love this one, especially because it's white so it ties in the shoes even more.

3. Don't you dare wear socks. Especially with skirts and dresses, this kills the entire look. Find sneakers that are comfortable enough to wear without socks, or get those little half socks that won't ever show.

4. Think about the silhouette of your dress. Basically any style of dress will work with the right pair of sneakers -- t-shirt dresses, fit and flare, maxi, midi, cocoon, and trapeze. But the key is to pair the right sneakers with the right style of dress. For a midi dress, choose a sneaker with a stacked sole to give you a little extra leg lengthening.  For your t-shirt dresses, anything goes --  try a sleek athletic sneaker, a converse sneaker, or a slip on sneaker. And for more feminine dresses, wear a smaller, more subtle sneaker like I'm wearing above.

shop some of my favorite dresses here:

and favorite sneakers here:

photos by rad and happy

DRESSING UP AND DOWN YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Dressed up look: Nordstrom pleated dress (I sized up for extra length -- wearing size 8), similar nude sandals, DIY leopard clutch (tutorial here, similar clutch here), Pave earrings

Dressed down look: Nordstrom pleated dress (I sized up for extra length -- wearing size 8), Hinge military jacket, BP crossbody bag (under $30), Panacea necklace, Vince Camuto boots

I'm always looking for versatile pieces to add to my closet. There are lots of great little black dresses out there, but I ran across this one that's part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and the pretty pleats and simple, classic shape instantly drew me in.

The best part about this dress, beside the fact that it's on sale, is that it's easy to dress up or dress down. And its shape is flattering on everyone. You need this dress! And hurry and snag it before the sale prices go back up next week.

To dress it up I paired it with some simple nude sandals and a bold clutch, and then dressed it down with ankle boots, a military jacket (that is insanely soft and perfect), a crossbody bag (that's under $30), and a half topknot.

Just a few little tweaks to completely change the look and make a night look perfect for day!

shop the post here: 

created in partnership with Nordstrom

photos by rad and happy

2 WAYS TO STYLE THE JUMPSUIT TREND

DRESSED DOWN:  JUMPSUIT  ||  DENIM JACKET  ||  ESPADRILLES  ||  CROSSBODY BAG  ||  SIMILAR SUNGLASSES

DRESSED UP: JUMPSUIT  ||  SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET  ||  HEELS  ||  SIMILAR BAG

One of the big clothing trends for spring is the jumpsuit. They're such a statement piece, they're super versatile, and they basically feel like pajamas. Can't go wrong with that combination. I spotted this army green one at Nordstrom a few weeks ago and instantly loved it. The army green is different than the black or navy ones I've mostly seen, and I love that this color can easily be dressed up or dressed down. So today I'm sharing two easy outfits to wear this jumpsuit this spring, both on the go during the day, or dressed up for date night in the evenings.

To dress it down, I styled it with a denim jacket (which is always a good casual layering choice), a neutral crossbody bag, and a pair of striped espadrilles for a little pop of pattern.

To dress it up, replace the denim jacket with a slim black leather jacket to add some edge and sophistication, and then a pair of black stilettos. I added a white bag to help keep the outfit a little more appropriate for spring. radandhappy.com

I've rounded up a few more jumpsuits below -- click the icons to shop!

thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post  |  photos by rad and happy 

RAIDING MY SISTER'S CLOSET: DRESSED UP DRESSED DOWN

OUTFIT 1: TEE  |  SIMILAR JACKET  |  JEANS c/o PEA IN A POD  |  BAG  |  NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS  |  SUNGLASSES

OUTFIT 2:  TEE  |  SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET  |  JEANS  |  HEELS  |  BAG (made by me, similar here)  |  NECKLACE (similar here)

Dressed Up/Dressed Down posts are some of my favorites because they're always a good reminder of how versatile the pieces in my closet can be. Today for Raiding My Sister's Closet each of us are showing how to take a piece in our closet and dress it up and down. We each chose a different piece (per my request since the number of clothes I can fit into is shrinking daily), and I chose my trusty striped tee. Everyone should have a good striped tee in their closet...it's a classic and a staple. If you don't have one, I've linked to a few good options below, both maternity and non!

For a regular day of errands, school drop off and pick up, and being a mom, I usually go with a basic jeans and tee look. But to make the outfit more interesting, I add a lightweight jacket, a pair of distressed jeans, and a colorful pair of sneakers. Add a big bag to tote around all your necessities and you've nailed the momiform.

Then to dress it up for date night or girls night out, I swap out my distressed jeans for a dark wash skinny jean with no distressing, then add a leather jacket, a pair of black stilettos, and a pop of print with a leopard clutch. A statement necklace finishes off the look.

Shop my favorite striped tees below, and then check out Janssen and Landen's dressed up, dressed down looks!

   

photos by rad and happy 

DRESSED UP, DRESSED DOWN: JEANS AND A TSHIRT

OUTFIT DETAILS: LEVI'S 700 SERIES JEANS VIA ZAPPOS  | |  WHITE TEE  | |  CHAMBRAY SHIRT | |  CONVERSE  | |  SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET  | |  SIMILAR HEELS 

Over the last year or so as I've discovered my personal style, I've found myself drawn toward more and more basics. They're the foundation of my wardrobe, and as much fun as dressing up can be, basics are practical for my lifestyle and work for all occasions. There's also something so effortless about basics, and that's always what I'm looking for in my style -- never looking too "done up" or like I'm trying too hard. I just want to be me.

Jeans and t-shirts are two of my most worn basics. And paired together, they're a great base outfit and can easily go from day to night. I picked up these new 700 Series Levi's jeans from Zappos a few weeks ago, and although I'm typically drawn toward distressed jeans, I love that these ones aren't distressed so they can transition a little more easily for any occasion. And I love that with Zappos I can order them and then with their fast, free shipping they can be at my doorstep as fast as the next day (but if they don't fit, you can send it back for free with their 365 day return policy).

These jeans are currently taking me from errands in the morning with Fos while B is in school, to date nights in the evenings with Philip. During the day, throw a chambray (or gingham or plaid) shirt around your waist, slip on some converse, and add a casual bag. For night time, take the same basic jeans and tee and dress it up with black heels, a leather jacket, and dressier purse, and a statement necklace. Easiest (and most comfortable) day to night outfit you'll ever wear!

photos by jana laurene  |  created in partnership with zappos and levi's