A popular uniform for Summer is denim and white, even if you haven’t noticed I bet you have at least 5-10 white tops and that’s minimum. White and Denim is such a great uniform for Summer because it’s classic, crisp and so easy to pull together.
For the sake of Summer fun I do try to throw a few pieces of color in there, this Summer it’s touches of neon pink or lime but white is always my go-to first choice when making a new purchase.
Having a go-to uniform is major key to not over spending and staying on/within budget. By having a go-to uniform such as white and denim, all black or nude tones all of your pieces are interchangeable. This cuts down on “not having anything to wear” because you can always create a new look by switching pieces.
When you have a lot of color or print in your closet it makes it harder to mix and match pieces creating actual “I have nothing to wear” moments.
You create more with less by having a uniform
For Instance, these 10 looks were created with …
- 1 Dress
- 1 Jumpsuit
- 3 Pairs of Shoes
- 4 Handbags
- 4 Pairs of Jeans
- 8 Tops
all pieces are interchangeable so you’re able to fully maximize your wardrobe. Even if we took out the “star” pieces (dress and jumpsuit) you can easily create 2 more looks to replace them by switching tops with bottoms, shoes and handbags.
Not only are all of these pieces I used to create these 10 looks interchangeable but they’ll also carry over into next Spring and Summer cutting down on purchases next season.
If you need help making the most of your wardrobe and your budget I’m sharing with you the exact strategy I use to plan and budget for my wardrobe each season. Psst … Step Two is to find your uniform.
It’s the strategy I used to go from, ” I can’t afford Louis Vuitton” to “throw it in the bag” and it’s hands down why I look pulled together even when I’ve just rolled out of bed.
Let me help you get your wardrobe together and Click Below to get started!
Now that we’ve talked about the value of having and knowing your go-to uniform let’s get into 10 looks created from my uniform, Denim & White.
L O O K O N E
90’S MINI SKIRT DRESS
DRESS: if this doesn’t say date night idk what does. It runs small, so size up one size.
SANDALS: My favorite, highest quality pair of sandals. They are more of a splurge but well worth it. I purchased these last year, wear them 3+ days a week and they still look brand new. Sizing chart recommends going up a half size, so I did, they fit great!
CLUTCH: purchased this last Summer, the quality is excellent. It’s the perfect clutch for after hours drinks.
LV LOCKET: I was inspired by the $130+ LV lockets I saw on ETSY to go on Amazon and find a chain I could pair with the LV locket I already have. This statement piece only cost me $11 …. plus the handbag the locket came with lol
SUNGLASSES: a classic pair of aviators are in almost everyones wardrobe, if they’re not these are a good pair to play with the style. They’re only $20 and on Prime.
SUNGLASS CHAIN: another inexpensive Amazon find, I bought this to get the vibe of a pair of Chanel glasses I’ve been lusting after
L O O K T W O
BODYSUIT + SLOUCHY JEANS
Both the Script Name Necklace and Basic Bangle Bracelet are from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com
SCRIPT NAME NECKALCE: This is a delicate feminine take on the trending name necklaces. It’s more elegant and bit discreet. She’s the refined version of the classic name necklaces we have at shopjuliamarie.com.
This style is available in 18kt gold or 18kt rose gold. I’m wearing mine on a 16″ chain.
BANGLE BRACELET: I put this bracelet on 6 months ago and have not taken it off once. It goes to the gym and in the shower with me and no turning. All of our pieces are 18kt gold over sterling silver so they do not turn colors or leave green marks on your body. Typically, if you have a gold dipped item they will fade through the years if worn in water or high humidity but the bracelet has a sealant to prevent that.
The other two bracelets are Cartier dupes from Amazon, they sell out insanely fast. The last link I shared expired in less than 48 hours. I do share on my LikeToKnowit and Instagram stories when I find a new restock so follow me there for updates.
I’ve been wearing all 3 bracelets for 6+ months and none of them have changed even with the shower and gym.
BODYSUIT: You’ve seen this on Instagram at least 5 times already. It is the infamous Zara bodysuit, it is that good that’s why you see it so much.
I have both the nude and white. I bought my TTS but which I would have gotten one size up for length. They’re small but have so much stretch . If you have a longer torso like me I’d get a size up, it should fit just as tight/slim through the body but give you some length so there’s not as much potential side boob.
JEANS: Out of all of my new Spring Summer purchases this season these slouchy jeans are hands down my most worn. I wear them at least twice a week. This exact pair is sold out with sizes going in and out of stock sparingly. They are a top seller so I’m hoping they fully restock in the future. If you find them, your TTS should work.
SANDALS: You have 100% seen these before if you follow UK bloggers. These are a YSL dupe brought to us by Zara. They are leather so they soften with wear. Like YSL these are a staple style at Zara, however, due to their popularity they sell out quickly and can be hard to snag. I waited for them to restock for a few months before I was able to get mine.
I bought my TTS but some people say they ran small for them, keep that in mind if you’re shopping online. They’ve come in different colors previously. I’ve seen white, black (I think), and currently there is a PVC pair.
SUNGLASSES: I found these on Amazon after I was unable to get the Quay style I wanted (the color I want was sold out). I really love my Quay glasses and will upgrade these eventually but these are great for the time being.
SUNGLASS CHAIN: Amazon has come through AGAIN … do you guys see an accessories trend here?! After see a pair of Chanel sunglasses with this style chain I really wanted to play with the style so I searched Amazon, found this one for $6 and here we are.
SCRIPT NAME NECKALCE: This is a delicate feminine take on the trending name necklaces. It’s more elegant and bit discreet. She’s the refined version of the classic name necklaces we have at shopjuliamarie.com.
This style is available in 18kt gold or 18kt rose gold. I’m wearing mine on a 16″ chain.
L O O K T H R E E
CANADIAN TUXEDO FT LEVI’S WEDGIE JEANS
SHIRT: An oldie from Old Navy, this chambray popover is 7 years old.
JEANS: A classic pair of Wedgie Fit Levi’s should be on everyone’s wish list or in their closet. Because I have so many jeans with distressing I wanted to get a classic pair that could be worn in a casual office environment. … my office is my balcony but you get the point.
This is the classic straight leg with a 9″ rise. I just ordered a new pair with knee distressing and an 11″ rise so I’m very excited for those!
It is always recommended to size up one size with Levi’s as they don’t have the stretch we’ve become accustomed to.
SANDALS: You have 100% seen these before if you follow UK bloggers. These are a YSL dupe brought to us by Zara. They are leather so they soften with wear. Like YSL these are a staple style at Zara, however, due to their popularity they sell out quickly and can be hard to snag. I waited for them to restock for a few months before I was able to get mine.
I bought my TTS but some people say they ran small for them, keep that in mind if you’re shopping online. They’ve come in different colors previously. I’ve seen white, black (I think), and currently there is a PVC pair.
NAME ANKLET: This is a goodie from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com I’ve had mine 3 years. It comes in both 18kt gold dipped or Sterling Silver. There’s two sizes both come with extenders. I was very surprised when it fit my thick ankles.
CUBAN ANKLET: was searching for a anklet large enough for my cankle that still had a little hang time. Found this one on Amazon around $10
L O O K F O U R
CAMISOLE + SLOUCHY JEANS
CAMISOLE: This was a random in-person shopping high throw it in the bag purchase. It was only $15 from Nordstrom Rack so I didn’t think much of it lol. Now that I own and have worn it it was a good addition. It’s light weight, airy yet feminine and chic. I bought my TTS.
JEANS: Out of all of my new Spring Summer purchases this season these slouchy jeans are hands down my most worn. I wear them at least twice a week. This exact pair is sold out with sizes going in and out of stock sparingly. They are a top seller so I’m hoping they fully restock in the future. If you find them, your TTS should work.
SANDALS: My favorite, highest quality pair of sandals. They are more of a splurge but well worth it. I purchased these last year, wear them 3+ days a week and they still look brand new. Sizing chart recommends going up a half size, so I did, they fit great!
SCRIPT NAME NECKALCE: This is a delicate feminine take on the trending name necklaces. It’s more elegant and bit discreet. She’s the refined version of the classic name necklaces we have at shopjuliamarie.com.
This style is available in 18kt gold or 18kt rose gold. I’m wearing mine on a 16″ chain.
L O O K F I V E
DISTRESSED VINTAGE T-SHIRT + SLOUCHY JEANS
SHIRT: This shirt is a vintage cut and wash, very high quality in texture. This is a staple style from Free People however, it typically sells out within a week. If you see it, buy it otherwise you’ll be waiting months to a year for a restock. I’ve seen about 5 different colors in this top but the white and washed black are the most commonly restocked.
The fit is oversized, I bought my TTS and love it. I recommend ordering your TTS or a size down.
JEANS: Out of all of my new Spring Summer purchases this season these slouchy jeans are hands down my most worn. I wear them at least twice a week. This exact pair is sold out with sizes going in and out of stock sparingly. They are a top seller so I’m hoping they fully restock in the future. If you find them, your TTS should work.
SHOES: This exact style is from two Summers ago. There is an updated version this season that I linked for you. They run TTS and are very comfortable and easy to walk in.
NAME NECKLACE: This is my current favorite necklace from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It did sell out soon after it’s initial release but is expected to restock in July … it’s well worth stalking so make sure to check back then. I’ll announce on IG Stories as soon as it’s available. You can find me @julia.marie.b
L O O K S I X
COVERALL JUMPSUIT
JUMPSUIT: I love and live for a jumpsuit and when it’s a denim coverall I’m all in. I will not lie to you, this is my 4th denim coverall and my 2nd favorite of the 4. It’s soft and light weight but doesn’t have a lot of stretch, it will not mold to your body but rather your body will mold to it. I ordered my TTS, there is a little pulling in the hip and thighs which is normal for me but a size up would have swallowed the rest of my body. TTS it is!
SANDALS: You have 100% seen these before if you follow UK bloggers. These are a YSL dupe brought to us by Zara. They are leather so they soften with wear. Like YSL these are a staple style at Zara, however, due to their popularity they sell out quickly and can be hard to snag. I waited for them to restock for a few months before I was able to get mine.
I bought my TTS but some people say they ran small for them, keep that in mind if you’re shopping online. They’ve come in different colors previously. I’ve seen white, black (I think), and currently there is a PVC pair.
BAG CHAIN: See info below … these chains came in a 2 pack. I used one as a necklace and the other as a bag chain
LV LOCKET: I was inspired by the $130+ LV lockets I saw on ETSY to go on Amazon and find a chain I could pair with the LV locket I already have. This statement piece only cost me $11 …. plus the handbag the locket came with lol
L O O K S E V E N
SHOULDER PAD T + LEVI’S WEDGIES
SHIRT: The must have but everyone is selling out top of the season, the shoulder pad t-shirt. This is the 3rd version I’ve purchased.
The first was from The Frankie Shop, the quality was excellent however, the shirt was a literal rectangle and didn’t fit well over my hips. It was an $80 shirt and for $80 I needed everything to be perfect so I returned it.
The second was from Nasty Gal, only $15 ish. It was the worst most terrible quality shirt I’ve ever purchased in my adult life, I returned it immediately.
Finally, ZARA came through in a clutch!! They have white, black and mink but it sells out within minutes of a restock. It’s $20 and runs TTS.
JEANS: A classic pair of Wedgie Fit Levi’s should be on everyone’s wish list or in their closet. Because I have so many jeans with distressing I wanted to get a classic pair that could be worn in a casual office environment. … my office is my balcony but you get the point.
This is the classic straight leg with a 9″ rise. I just ordered a new pair with knee distressing and an 11″ rise so I’m very excited for those!
It is always recommended to size up one size with Levi’s as they don’t have the stretch we’ve become accustomed to.
SANDALS: You have 100% seen these before if you follow UK bloggers. These are a YSL dupe brought to us by Zara. They are leather so they soften with wear. Like YSL these are a staple style at Zara, however, due to their popularity they sell out quickly and can be hard to snag. I waited for them to restock for a few months before I was able to get mine.
I bought my TTS but some people say they ran small for them, keep that in mind if you’re shopping online. They’ve come in different colors previously. I’ve seen white, black (I think), and currently there is a PVC pair.
LINK CHAIN: $10 handbag chain from Amazon I DIY’d into a necklace.
NAME NECKLACE: This is my current favorite necklace from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It did sell out soon after it’s initial release but is expected to restock in July … it’s well worth stalking so make sure to check back then. I’ll announce on IG Stories as soon as it’s available. You can find me @julia.marie.b
NAME ANKLET: This is a goodie from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com I’ve had mine 3 years. It comes in both 18kt gold dipped or Sterling Silver. There’s two sizes both come with extenders. I was very surprised when it fit my thick ankles.
CUBAN ANKLET: was searching for a anklet large enough for my cankle that still had a little hang time. Found this one on Amazon around $10
L O O K E I G H T
LONG SLEEVE BODYSUIT + LEVI’S RIBCAGE
BODYSUIT: This was a cheapie purchase I bought expecting to only get a few wears out of it. I was correct, so I’m very happy I didn’t spend much on this. I bought it in the Winter from MissGuided. I ordered my TTS.
JEANS: My Levi’s collection is growing, I bought this pair of Straight Leg Ribcage Levi’s in January. I bought this style specifically for Summer because of the high waist and loose leg. The Ribcage have the highest rise making them great to pair with crop tops.
I went up one size, if you like your jeans skin tight you can order your TTS. As always, when buying something like jeans I highly suggest ordering a few sizes and returning what doesn’t work.
SANDALS: My favorite, highest quality pair of sandals. They are more of a splurge but well worth it. I purchased these last year, wear them 3+ days a week and they still look brand new. Sizing chart recommends going up a half size, so I did, they fit great!
L O O K N I N E
SLIM MOM JEANS + CLASSIC BUTTON DOWN
SHIRT: I bought this classic oxford button down from Madewell a few years ago. I sold it because I only wore it a few times but now I’m kind of wishing I hadn’t but then again, I still wouldn’t have worn it it’s just a great staple piece to have in your closet.
SIMILAR JEANS: I bought these last Summer from H&M, they are a slim Mom Jean. I believe I sized down … I don’t remember, I’m old, I’m busy, I can’t be bothered to remember the size of last Summers jeans haha
SHOES: This exact style is from two Summers ago. There is an updated version this season that I linked for you. They run TTS and are very comfortable and easy to walk in.
BOOKBAG: A classic bag from Rebecca Minkoff, while colors are updated each season the style of bag is always available. My bag was purchased two years ago, they had a pink last Summer but I haven’t seen a pink yet this season. There are some really great nude hues that have become really popular (think SKIMS) that are currently available.
This bag can be worn as a book bag however, I attached both of the straps to wear it crossbody to get the Louis Vuitton Palm Springs bag (or whatever it’s called) look.
L O O K T E N
LEVI’S RIBCAGE + CAP SLEEVE BUTTON DOWN
SHIRT: This top is a classic staple from Madewell. Sizes are in and out of stock right now but it is usually a top you can get your hands on if you sign up for restock alerts. I purchased mine 3-4 years ago, because it runs big I was able to size down to a small.
JEANS: My Levi’s collection is growing, I bought this pair of Straight Leg Ribcage Levi’s in January. I bought this style specifically for Summer because of the high waist and loose leg. The Ribcage have the highest rise making them great to pair with crop tops.
I went up one size, if you like your jeans skin tight you can order your TTS. As always, when buying something like jeans I highly suggest ordering a few sizes and returning what doesn’t work.
SANDALS: My favorite, highest quality pair of sandals. They are more of a splurge but well worth it. I purchased these last year, wear them 3+ days a week and they still look brand new. Sizing chart recommends going up a half size, so I did, they fit great!
TOTE BAG: My tote bag was a random must have purchase because it reminded me of my childhood (hello, 80’s baby!). While my exact tote is sold out I found a very similar option for only $8 ($20 less than I paid) and in 5+ color options.
Hi! I love your style. It’s very similar to mine. Will you please tell me where I can find the denim dress you’re wearing in the first picture? I love it and it will be a great addition to my wardrobe.
Thank you,
Ronda Thompson
It’s from Zara!