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There’s nothing like an impromptu get-together with friends. Heading out to that new restaurant that’s just opened up downtown is a YES, I can be ready in 10 minutes when Shelley or Sandy call. That’s the beauty of having friends who are spontaneous. But, with friends like THAT, I need to be able to pull together an outfit in 5 minutes or less (and leave another 5 for putting on makeup).
Having versatile and easy pieces that can be put together in a FLASH hanging in your wardrobe can be the difference between, “Pick me up in 10” and “I have nothing to wear”. And, while I love color, stripes, and mixing things up, there is nothing that says Easy Elegance than simple black and white. You never have to worry about – “Does it match?” or “Is the restaurant casual or dressy?” when you keep the look understated and elegant.
Start with a black skort
That’s right, I said SKORT. No one but you will know that underneath that beautiful skirt is really J. Jill’s Fit Knit Skort that is marketed as athleisure, but looks great anywhere. The beautifully cut A-line shape and attached shorts are made of a fine knit that looks as good with a hoody as it does with a silk blouse. It’s cut above the knee and has an invisible slit pocket (gotta love pockets). The pull-on style features a WIDE elasticized waistband that is comfortable, high enough to tuck a shirt into, and extremely flattering. Sizes range from XS to 4 XL and it’s available in petite (as shown) and tall as well. I am wearing a size Medium Petite (I went up a size).
Add a white tee
But, not just ANY t-shirt will do when you want to dress it up. This Luxe Supima Back Pleat Tee offers JUST the right amount of drape that gives it a more upscale look (it’s the cotton/tencel mix with enough spandex that just steps it up a notch). This t-shirt is cut wide to slide over the hip area with plenty of room and looks great worn OVER the skirt, tucked-in as I’m wearing it, or French tucked for that I rolled out of bed looking GORGEOUS look. I am wearing a size small which is my regular size.
Slip into a pair of flat sandals
The J. Jill Triple Band Sandals take on a dressier look in gray and white snakeskin (although you could easily get the same sandals in a bougainvillea for a pop of color with the outfit). These easy-to-walk-in sandals offer a padded insole so you don’t have to worry about not nabbing a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. They are comfortable and would look as great with a pair of jeans as they would with a cocktail dress.
A long necklace to finish off the look
This is where my pop of color came in against the simplest of backgrounds. Unfortunately, the Dancing Petals Cluster Pendant that I am wearing is no longer in stock, but one look on the J.Jill website and I found a few others that would offer the same effect that I was going for, like the Exotic Blues Multistrand Necklace or for an array of colors the Fall Garden Station Necklace.
No matter what the latest trend is, having pieces that are simple, classic, and flattering should be the core of your wardrobe.
Check out your nearest J. Jill store or shop online for these (and other) wardrobe essentials that you’ll find yourself living in.
- Fit Knit Skort – $64 *order a size UP
- Luxe Supima Back Pleat Tee – $49
- J. Jill Triple Band Sandals – Regularly $109 – now on SALE for $49.99
- Exotic Blues Multistrand Necklace – $59
- Fall Garden Station Necklace – Regularly $54 – now on SALE for $24.99
Pick these up and more at J. Jill !!!
Do you have any favorite GO-TO J. Jill pieces in your closet that I should check out? 
