I’ve been trying to be more intentional about putting together looks that can be worn many different ways. And by doing so, I’ve also been more thoughtful about what I’m purchasing and making sure it’s as “useful” as possible. Of course, there are always the exceptions for special events and things, but in an overall sense, I’m trying to really provide VALUABLE tips to you all (that might even just inspire you to use what you already have….or make you realize that you need a basic that you don’t have?).

So today, I wanted to show you how you can take a color combo or ‘idea’ and create several different looks with it. I only put together 3 looks, but with a few grat, staple accessories you could make so many different looks with a solid-colored dress, romper, or even top. Having some go-to basics like a netural-colored clutch, belt and wedges, you can dress up an ordinary black dress and mix it up lots of different ways.

Anyway, lately, I’ve been really loving pairing black and brown and playing around with neutrals. And today I’m showing you a few different looks I’ve centered around this combo!

This dress is a GREAT purchase and it can seriously be worn so many ways. I’ve put together two looks for you below, but it would also be super cute with Keds, a pop of color or even cute tennies/slip ons!

Not gonna lie, it really bothers me that the browns on the shoes and belt don’t match. I had originally planned to wear these shoes with this look (and the last look), but (ugh!) I forgot them in Dallas and I wore (and shot!) this outfit while I was in Houston. Oh well, you get the picture! ;)

Shop Look #1:

Dress: Topshop Utility Twill Shirtdress Dress // Belt: Gap ‘Clean Leather’ Belt (still available! and ON SALE!) and I also like this one by J. Crew // Clutch: Clare Vivier haircalf foldover // Sunglasses: Prada Cat Eye Sunglasses // Watch: Kate Spade Grammercy // Bracelet: Stella + Dot Amelie Sparkle Bracelet // Wedges: Hinge Wedge Sandals in Cognac

Shop Look #2:

Dress: Topshop Utility Twill Shirtdress Dress // Belt: Gap ‘Clean Leather’ Belt (still available! and ON SALE!) and I also like this one by J. Crew // Clutch: Clare Vivier haircalf foldover // Sandals: Steve Madden ‘Antler’ Strappy Leather Toe Loop Sandal (Size 1/2 DOWN) // Bag: c/o GiGi NY Tori Tote

Shop Look #3:

Romper: Keepsake ‘Recover’ Romper // Belt: Gap ‘Clean Leather’ Belt (still available! and ON SALE!) and I also like this one by J. Crew // Clutch: Clare Vivier haircalf foldover // Wedges: Hinge Wedge Sandals in Cognac // Sunglasses: Prada Cat Eye Sunglasses // Watch: Kate Spade Grammercy // Bracelet: Stella + Dot Amelie Sparkle Bracelet // Earrings: Kendra Scott ‘Maury’ Drop Earrings (currently backordered at Nordstrom) or you can order them directly from KendraScott.com here!

…and just for the record, this romper fits a little boxy. Here’s a photo of the romper without a belt – I think it’s MUCH cuter with a belt! If you want to see more photos, let me know (I just didn’t add them because they’re not very flattering…ha!)

All Photos by Meredith Marceau