One of the questions I'm asked the most is "what do you recommend as wardrobe staples?" Which is tough because I don't believe there is such a thing as a universal item that every woman should own (see this old post). A blue oxford shirt, however, is definitely on my personal list of staples. I've had this top for going on 7 years and I've worn it more than any other shirt in my closet. It goes with absolutely everything, including polka dot shorts when I'm trying to figure out how to wear them casually (see them dressed up here). Are oxford shirts a staple for you?
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20
Belt: H&M, $20
Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $340
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Right bracelets: village in Africa
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59
1. Old Navy oxford shirt, $19
2. Lands End oxford shirt, $30
3. Gap oxford shirt, $49.50
Couldn't agree more about the blue oxford! Love the blue with the printed shorts! Great look!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Leopard and Lillies
I do like the idea of oxfords, they are preppy and professional depending on how you style them. This one is definitely a great neutral piece for remixing several ways. Sometimes I forget how great a simple oxford is! Love your polka dot shorts too. Heather
ReplyDeletelove those shorts paired with the oxford. looks fabulous on you!
ReplyDeletewww.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Completely agree! Love this shirt!!
ReplyDeleteOliviamoone.blogspot.com
I love the oxford, but I have been searching high and low for a great denim/chambray shirt. I wold like a dark wash and a light wash. Any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteLove this look J. Your blog is amazing b/c everything is actualyl wearble for the every girl. Love it!
ReplyDeletehttp://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com//
Very nice look and I love the Old Navy one you recommended! It's in my shopping bag right now!
ReplyDeletehttp://easyoutfitsbypip.blogspot.com
I love this color combination! Camel color AND polka dots, perfect!
ReplyDeletewww.mrsskeelsdeals.blogspot.com
Loving the oxford shirt with those cute shorts!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.natinlove.com
I want an oxford shirt so bad right now!!! But the shopping band is in affect until October :(
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I love a blue Oxford with white capris for a casual love or with a black pencil skirt got a business look. Also with black leggings and riding boots... I could go on and on!
ReplyDeleteI love a nice oxford shirt. I'm actually going to feature different ways of wearing it in my next blog. I've found that my blog has given me new ideas of different ways I can wear my own clothes. So thank you for the inspiration. And I also agree that not everything is universally flattering on people and but a good oxford shirt can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteI have had this one oxford shirt from A&F for over 12 years - Great piece to invest in, it never goes out of style!!!
ReplyDeleteI love staples pieces like that which you've had forever. I have an old white button up that is my favorite staple and I have probably had for 7-8 years (should probably be replaced now...)
ReplyDeleteLindsay @LindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
I love those shorts!! How fun!!
ReplyDeleteMeredith
www.createthatoutfit.com
I love oxfords. Definitely one of my staple items as well. And those polka dot shorts are super cute too!
ReplyDeletexx,
Abby
www.abbyisalldolledup.wordpress.com
They've been selling my same shirt at Ralph Lauren outlet for 7 years now so no rush! :-)
ReplyDeleteVery cute look! I love oxfords, but never wear them because they always want to stay closed at the collar. Can't figure out how to get that open look...tips? :)
ReplyDeleteYES - wore mine yesterday! Love yours with the spotty shorts :)
ReplyDeleteyou can see mine here if you like - http://www.thankfifi.com/2012/08/mean-kids-and-ants/
♥ ThankFifi
I bought these shorts and tried them with my polka dot blouse and didn't like it. So now I am going to try my blue oxford shirt.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite Oxford shirt is form the Gap Boys' section.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need an Oxford shirt like that. Love it with those cute polka dot shorts!
ReplyDeletecreamyclothes.blogspot.com
Great style! Love the oxford shirt!
ReplyDeleteRachel’s Lookbook
Great outfit, I am obsessed with polka dots. I don't wear shorts, do you have any recommendation of polka dots pants?
ReplyDeletehttp://glambrownie.com
Just found your blog...love it! Great style.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi! I love your blog, and I've had so much fun browinsg through all of your old outfits. You have such great style! I recently got a MK gold runway watch as a present from my husband, but I'm concerned about the size (I think it's 45mm). I'm wondering if I should go down to the next smaller size as the face is so big, which I know that's the point, but I guess I need to get use to it. Do you mind me asking what size your watch is?
ReplyDeleteLOVE this with the polka dots!
ReplyDeleteAs per usual, your outfit outdoes the inspiration by far; adorable combo with the polkadot shorts!!
ReplyDeleteCassie
http://thriftthick.blogspot.com
Hi J! I just found my old comment where I already asked you this a few days ago and saw your response. I had gone back through and thought my comment didn't ever post, but just now realized I needed to hit "Load more comments" to see it. oops! :) Thanks for responding! Have a great day!
ReplyDeletethe oxford shirt is a great classic to have. this is usually something i can find for a good deal at thrift shops!
ReplyDeletehttp://ohhhsolovely.blogspot.com/
I completely agree on your "essentials" policy ! thanks for the feedback, i love reading your blog daily.
ReplyDeletedid you ever write a post on how to become a personal stylist? I've begun a job in customer service, but I'm learning that my passions lie in personal styling and makeovers. How did you get started? When did you do your first closet consultations?
Any advice would be gold!!!
Best, sarahlaine
just bought one today! love your blog.
ReplyDeleteHey J! Great outfit! I totally agree with you, by the way. Oxford shirts are def. a staple. I really love how you juxtaposed a classic oxford top with trendy polka-dot shorts! You always pull off every look though =D
ReplyDeletehttp://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/
Hi J...I love your blog and your style. If you are ever in Philadelphia I would love love love to hire you to do a closet consult and help me shop! Is there anyone in my area that you know and can recommend?
ReplyDeleterecommend in the mean time I mean : /
ReplyDeleteThank you Alycia! I wish I could recommend someone in Philly but I at this time I don't know anyone who does personal shopping. Please feel free to shoot me an email if you are ever in Orlando though!
ReplyDeleteHaha I thought this question sounded familiar. Happy I could help. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie and welcome to the blog! :-)
ReplyDeletehi j - i also love your style and i really love the karen millen bag. i'm seriously considering buying it, but i cannot find any photos of the opening & inside. can you describe it or if you have photos, could you email me? don't go to any trouble - any extra info you can give me would be great, thanks so much!
ReplyDeletejen
Thanks Jen! Happy to help as much as I can. The lining is a silky leopard print. It has a back pocket that zips, and up front it has an open pocket you can slip your cell phone or other things into. Other things I will tell you are that the leather is kind of a stiff leather (not buttery) and functionally I've been wearing it and loving it. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog and became an instant fan. I love the versatility of oxford shirts. I usually accessorize with some bracelets and roll up my sleeves. A look that you favor also, I think.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for the additional info on the bag j! it looks/sounds so versatile!
ReplyDeleteSarahlaine, thank you! I started shopping with people because they emailed me and asked me too. I try to do one a week now, but I don't at all consider it my main source of income, or my "job" (I usually tell people I am a journalist). I just like helping people, and only charge so I won't be mobbed (I used to do the trips for free, actually, but now I have a long waiting list even with the fee). I know that's not really a traditional answer, so I'm sorry I couldn't help more!
ReplyDeleteAny recommendations on where to find a great Oxford for girls that have a bigger chest? I am a small girl but everytime I get a button down it gaps at the chest.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem - oxfords always gap at the bust. The next size up looks silly. Any advice?
ReplyDeleteGap has an AMAZING button up that I have fallen in love with and it FITS! There is a one pocket on the front - check it out! It's 49.95! I got it on sale - they have 30 off right not too!
DeleteI used to love oxford shirts...until my sophomore year of college when my chest grew 2 cup sizes. Now I can't find any that fit. Any tips?
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a huge problem in the U.S. I have yet to find a button-up shirt that fits my larger-chested clients. My advice is to buy two sizes up so it will fit your bust, and then have it taken in. Will be an added cost, but will be the perfect fit!
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly new to following your blog, but already my wardrobe is more interesting. I've not really bought anything new, but I'm pairing items from my closet I never put together before. This morning, I came into the kitchen and my boyfriend stopped what he was doing and said, Llook at you. I love you in that." It's a chambray shirt, with a mint-green mini-skirt and a white tank. Nice big chunky necklace of brown disks that made it have a safari feel. Thanks for the encouragement to throw together old things to make new. You're saving me a pile on a new clothing budget!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Now I know, how combine my blue shirt! <3
ReplyDeleteNatalia, http://my-crazy-idea.blogspot.com
Aw, I love that Karen! Your boyfriend sounds really sweet. Thanks so much for sharing this with me!
ReplyDeleteHi, really nice post, just wanna let you know maybe you like another blog i like: women trends
ReplyDelete