Ever since I talked about layering and completer pieces as way to mix up your wardrobe (HERE), many, many people have asked how to do that in the summer when it’s too hot for layers. Jackets, blazers, cardigans, and even vests can be way too much if you live in a really warm and humid climate. But, how else are you supposed to change up a piece? My number one answer is to think of jewelry as a “completer” piece, and to mix up your outfits using accessories.
While Nordstrom has a ton of fine jewelry and brand name statement jewelry, I actually really, really love their less expensive jewelry from brands like BP. A few of my absolute favorite pieces of jewelry are from Nordstrom. This teal bib necklace was the first piece I ever bought from Nordstrom several years ago. It’s probably my most worn piece of jewelry, and it’s still going strong! Also, I picked up this pink drusy pendant (better seen HERE) last year and have loved it for pulling together my outfits in a simple way.
I’m showing this top with different jewelry, but I’m also showing it with 3 different types of bottoms for casual, dressy casual, and dressy occasions to show its versatility.
Also, I avoided using completer pieces since we’re supposed to be talking about remixing a top with jewelry. I used jeans, which might be out of the question in extreme heat climates, but just use shorts in the same color instead.
Onto the outfits! And, all jewelry shown below range between $18-$30.
Casual
For a casual look I chose some of my go-to’s, which are boyfriend jeans and white sneakers. I love boyfriend jeans in the summer as opposed to skinny jeans because they are more relaxed and allow your legs to breathe more. This white tassel necklace creates a bookend to the white sneakers to pull the look together.
I LOVE this mother of pearl tassel necklace, and it’s perfect for summer! I’ve been a fan of the absolutely gorgeous stone Kendra Scott ones for a while, but they are sooooo more than I want to pay. (See them HERE.) The one I’m wearing is a FRACTION of the Kendra Scott necklaces! Mine comes in turquoise and black as well, and can be found HERE. I got the turquoise one too!
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–on sale!)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar with less distressing–size down!)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact–on sale!)
Shoes: Zappos (similar)
Dressy Casual #1
I’ve been eyeing a huge metal statement necklace like this for a while. Online, the model was wearing it with a plain maxi dress which I thought was perfect! This necklace dresses up the plainest piece and gives it oomph.
Here I mixed neutrals to let the necklace do most of the talking, but you could totally wear this necklace over a solid colorful dress or with a plain cotton tee and jeans. I don’t think I’d wear it on regular rotation, but it’s a great piece to have in your arsenal. If you ever need to make any outfit a little more special you can just whip this out and be good to go!
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–on sale!)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)
Shoes: Old Navy
Bag: c/o Gray Monroe
Dressy Casual #2
This one is a little more on the casual side rather than the dressy side. Not that that really matters. What’s more important is that I used the exact same base as the outfit above–jeans, top, and shoes–and only swapped the necklaces and bags. Whereas the previous outfit felt a little more glam, this one has a slightly boho feel because of the necklace’s beads and tassels. I wanted to echo that feel with the laser cut bag. Isn’t it cool how jewelry can change the feel of an outfit?
I used to think it was dumb to spend the same amount of money on a piece of jewelry as I would a top. Why wouldn’t I just buy another top instead? Finally I realized that a good piece of jewelry breathes new life to a ton of other pieces in your closet, often making the cost more worth it than adding one new top. I’m excited to wear this necklace with a bright orange dress I featured a few posts back, along with a few other tops and more dresses of course!
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–on sale!)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Shoes: Old Navy
Dressy
And finally, a little on the simpler side for a dressy look. My earring collection has been hugely lacking ever since I stopped wearing my hair up as much a few years ago. But they are a great way to add accessories, especially if an outfit is a little busy with a piece like this lace skirt.
These earrings are beautiful, though! I also feel like they really classed up my outfit. They’re from a brand I hadn’t noticed before at Nordstrom, called Panacea. As I searched through Nordstrom’s jewelry I kept finding myself drawn to Panacea pieces, like these earrings and the turquoise necklace above. (You can see the whole collection HERE.) They’re a fun mix of intricate design and louder statement pieces. Also, the price range varies with many affordable pieces. I’m gonna keep my eye on them from now on!
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–on sale!)
Skirt: Forever 21 (similar, similar)
Shoes: H&M
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka
Earrings: Nordstrom (exact)
Jewelry can make the same item of clothing laid back, dressy casual, or appropriate for a dressy occasion. It’s taken me a lot of convincing that spending money on a piece of jewelry can extend my closet more than adding another shirt, but I’m a believer now! Here are some current favorites from Nordstrom:
