Fashion Mixology: 8 Outfits from 8 Pieces

I'm so excited to intoroduce a new feature here on A Beautiful Mess, Fashion Mixology! The concept is simply this... We take 8 pieces of clothing and make 8 different looks with those pieces. Shoes and accessories don't count as pieces, only dresses, pants and tops! The goal of this feature is to inspire confidence and ideas to stretch your wardrobe farther. Enjoy...

For this edition of Fashion Mixology, we chose four pieces courtesy of Ruche. We chose basic pieces that could be layered into different looks. We chose a simple brown dress with an interesting lace collar, a striped sweater in a pretty shade of green, a pretty coral top with a tie and a navy pleated skirt.

We also chose four pieces from my own closet. A cute vintage floral top, a pair of skinny jeans, a strapless denim dress and a mustard yellow cardigan.

I love layering tops under dresses. It's a great way to bring a strapless dress into Autumn and Winter!

Tying button up tops over a dress is a fun way to make a top more fitted. Sometimes loose tops can make me look shorter, so I always try to tie up the waist, whether with a belt or a tied up look.

Sometimes simple is best! I wear sleeveless dresses with cardigans SO much in the Autumn and Winter seasons. Sometimes I belt under the cardigan and sometimes over too!

Don't be afraid to layer a sweater under a dress. This lighweight sweater is perfect for layering! I added a belt and a colorful pair of tights to make my look more colorful.

For this look I wore my new favorite top under this cute dress. I wore this look out on a date with Mr. Larson one night. I love the mix of jewel tone colors and neutrals.

High waisted skirts are one of my favorite wardrobe staples! I love wearing them over cute tops that might otherwise be too full for my body type. High waisted skirts look cute on most body types!

For this look I layered a top with a tie and a cardigan and paired them with jeans. This is something I'd wear to work or to a family event. It's pulled together enough, but still completely casual.

For this last look I layered my solid colored high-waisted skirt over a patterned shirt. This is a great option for bright or bold patterned tops as it balances the look out with a solid bottom half.

Hope you're feeling inspired to mix up your wardrobe! XO, Elsie

Additional Credits: Shoes in Look 1 c/o ModCloth, Denim Dress & Mustard Cardigan/Target, All tights and red bow c/o American Apparel, Boots in Look 2/Theadsence, Skinny Jeans/Jessica Simpson Collection, Pink Belt/J.Crew, T-Strap heels in Look 5 c/o Ruche, Shoes in Looks 6-7/borrowed from Skunkboy, Clutch in Look 7/Coming soon to Red Velvet, Sunflower headband/DIY here!♥

Comments

[Liz]

Love this idea! What a great way to utilize a smaller wardrobe!

[Manja]

great combo's! :D

[Julie Khuu]

Love how you start with bright bold color and just keep adding them on! I'm fearless with brights and really believe that every girl should add tons of ROYGBIVs to her wardrobe! This illustrates exactly why...puts a smile on my face :D

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

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[Jessica Ann]

This is so awesome! I have never tried layering a shirt under a dress. I am all about the jewel coloured tights.

[Allie]

LOVE love love all of them. :-)

[Kat]

I really wish i had as much creativity as you Elsie!

K ox

[katie maye]

well i am having quite a dilemma right now. I'm trying to chose a few of my favorites to pin on my fall inspiration boards and i just can't decide, i heart them all!!!!! This mix of colors is jut so bright and festive, amazing! I see tan and mustard yellow on my horizon, possible my fav :)

[Sistakt]

Great post!

[Ashleigh Baker]

I think this concept is going to come in handy when I head to Europe at the end of the month! We intend to pack lightly, leaving plenty of room for our thrifting adventures in England. :)

And? That high-waisted skirt is spectacular.

[Megan Frock]

Look eight is my fav :)

[Samantha]

Ok, I FREAKING love this--I'm a big fan of remixing favorite items since I don't like to get rid of anything. Please do this, like, once a week! (haha...like you have time, but still!)

[Fiona Lynch]

Look 8 is definitely my favourite! I love the accessories with the outfit - I would never have thought about wearing them together but they work so well. Fiona

[Mandy @ Miss Indie]

Oh holy crap. This is the best feature EVER! I can't wait to read more, this is such a fun idea. I really love the pieces you picked for this first post....it's hard to choose a favorite look! They're all so cute, and you've definitely given me some new ideas for my outfits. Thanks love! <3

[Charlotte]

wow this is so awesome!! i did 30 for 30 a few months ago but this is amazing!!

Charlotte x

[jorjiapeach]

ooo! they're all so lovely, it's hard to pick a favorite.

[Kelly]

I absolutely love #7! That is totally something that would work with my current wardrobe. I'm all about the casual, but cute, looks.

Can't wait to see what other looks get featured!

[Libby]

This is such a great idea. Sometimes fashion bloggers seem to have limitless wardrobes; it's nice to see this!

[janna foland]

Your sooooo awesome! I love these types of posts. How do you think them up....you guys are geniouses? :) I think everyone can use fabulous tips like this. I look forward to more posts like this! Hearts, Janna Lynn

[tiffany.]

LOVE this... looking forward to it :o))

xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com

[Sofie]

Great post! The colors are great and I absolutely love the chevron patterned bag! I'm going to try this sometime to see if I can come up with some new outfits.