One top, two ways: Black list

A black top is probably one of the easiest items of clothing to dress up, or dress down. It’s also one of the most versatile pieces that can be paired with pretty much everything.

This is a black jersey top that was from The SM Store. It has a scoop neckline and looks like a sleeveless shirt. But actually, the sleeves have a bit of an extension, and that extension has pleats. This gives it a unique shape and character.

Because of the "feminine with an edge" vibe of the blouse, I decided to pair it with skirts.

First skirt is this olive green, pleated skirt from For Me. The black waist band blends well with the top, making it look longer and leaner.

Second skirt is this black, printed skirt, also from For Me. It has dainty floral prints and also has soft pleats. It's something you can wear if you want to feel more girly and feminine.

These skirts are just 2 ways from a long list of ways to wear such a versatile blouse.

One top, two ways: Tank you

Whenever you hear the word "tank top," the images that come to mind are either something sporty or something very casual. It's hard to think of a tank top as something dressy or professional, especially if the tank top you have in mind is the usual, plain, cotton tank.

But with the right material and design, a tank top can also be fashionable and elevated.

Take for instance this knitted and ribbed tank top from GTW at The SM Store. It has a nice shape and a cropped design that might look plain, but it can actually be more fashionable when paired with the right items.

Exhibit A: Wear the tank inside a dark coloured suit, and it automatically becomes a girl-boss outfit that is feminine as it is professional. This suit set is from Forever 21, and the Emerald Green colour plays nicely with the neutrality of the tank.

Exhibit B: This maxi-dress is also from Forever 21. It has a vibrant, floral print, and a deep-V cut in front, at the back, and the sides. The neutral tank inside keeps it from being too risque, and at the same time echoes the print's hue.

Now, who said tank tops are too casual and aren't fashionable?

One Top, Two ways: Vested interests

I'm going out on a limb here, but vests are one of the most underrated and underutilized items in fashion.

A vest - when properly used - can elevate an outfit. It's such a simple piece of clothing, but it has a transformative effect. Given the right cut, color and fabric, it can totally change the overall look and feel of an outfit.

Here's an example: A simple denim vest from Bench. It has jean-like details like rivets and metal buttons. The shape is loose and the length is longer than usual. On its own, it looks quite nondescript.

 

But if you add it on to other pieces, it takes on a totally different fashion form and feel. See how these two dresses from Zalora transform with the help of this vest.

Place it on top of a patterned maxi-dress, and it gives a very boho-chic vibe that's very California in it's look and feel.

Wear it on top of a swiss dot prairie dress, and you've got an ensemble that's very chic-Western. It's something that will look like something from Texas or Arizona.

And those are just 2 ways to style this denim vest. If you start wearing this with separates, then it takes on a different persona.

Interesting how one little piece of clothing can do all that.