Friday Five: The one about impact-making details…
I love a minimal simple outfit but, there’s something about a little lace peeking out of a shirt, a low back dress, an elegant silk scarf tied in just the right way that really intrigues me and that can make an impact.
Here are 5 details to take your outfits from plain to insane-ly good.
1- A scarf: if you asked me in December if scarves were on my bingo card for 2025, I would’ve given a resounding no. To be quite transparent, I’ve always shied away from them because I can never quite get them right to look right. I know, hard to believe coming from a stylist, but that should make you feel better. In any event, I recently got this beautiful one from J.Crew, and I have really been loving styling it different ways: tied in a triangle around my waist to create more shape, tied around my bag, and even tied on my wrist. Now that I’ve gotten the hang of scarves, here are some on my radar: Toteme has always been one of my favorite brands, and I think they make beautiful scarves that are very simple and neutral and easy to incorporate into any minimal chic wardrobe. Love this more affordable option from Madewell currently on major sale. This one has more of a bandana western feel but, in silk so…best of both worlds! This brand Bembien has so many cute ones, it will make your head spin. Picture then tied around your raffia bag or worn as a head scarf on your trip to Italy this summer! And how could you go wrong with a brand called Le Scarf? Answer: you can’t. I have a few of their scarves and they are very Toteme-esque, great quality and lower price point!
Here’s some scarf styling inspo that’s even getting me excited for Summer outfit possibilities:
2- A statement piece: think of your minimal summer outfit like a chilled glass of sparkling water—refreshing, crisp, and clean. But toss in a statement necklace, earring, or bold ring, and boom—you’ve just added the lemon wedge, the fancy straw, and maybe even a tiny umbrella. Suddenly, you’re not just dressed, you’re styled. One pop of personality is all it takes to turn your chic neutral look from “quiet luxury” to “who is she?”—and yes, you can totally say, “Oh, this old thing?” with a knowing smirk. Some of my favorite statement pieces ATM are this beautiful necklace from Julietta, this one is also very standout and has a higher neck profile for v or deep v neck dresses and tops, this one is SO COOL and love these earrings currently 40% off! Ben Amun makes some really interesting unique pieces. This one caught my eye and is high on my wishlist. Heaven Mayhem recently restocked their leather lanyard necklaces that have been sold out for months and I just snagged one (in case you’re interested, they will defintley sell out again!) And I think for the price (under $70), you will never go wrong with this COS statement necklace. I’ve been really into wearing black with an all black statement necklace. I can’t explain it, just does something to my brain chemistry but also looks equally great contrasted against white or other neutrals.
3- Lace or Eyelet details: adding a bit of lace or eyelet to your minimal summer outfit is like sprinkling flaky sea salt on avocado toast—suddenly, it’s elevated, interesting, and begging to be Instagrammed. A silk slip skirt with a lace hem whispers “romantic,” while eyelet cotton shorts say “I’m sweet, but I also have plans.” These delicate details add just enough charm to make your neutrals look like they came straight out of a French girl's weekend bag—effortless, breezy, and just a little bit flirtatious. This J.Crew slip skirt with lace details is such a good buy and so easy to style. Pair it with a simple tank or tee, flat sandals and raffia bag and instant summer outfit. Add a statement necklace for bonus points. I absolutely love these Doen shorts but my legs could never. If your legs are your best asset, you need them. I found this longer version from J.Crew that I am seriously considering. And these little cotton eyelet shorts that come in white and black are SO CUTE and an absolute steal! I absolutely love the texture and color of this skirt too! I live for a matching set and this one does all of the summer work for you! And an ivory slip lace skirt is an absolute no brainer that can easily be dressed up or down!
4- Belts: adding a belt to your minimal chic summer outfit is like adding hot sauce to eggs: totally optional, but once you do it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether it’s a leather cord casually knotted, a vintage Tom Ford horsebit moment (hello, quiet power!), or a belt with just enough studding to say “I’m still cool, thanks,” this tiny accessory pulls your whole look together—literally and figuratively. And don’t even think about skipping a clean, classic black or brown one with both silver and gold hardware—you need options, darling. Minimal doesn’t mean boring, it just means your belt gets to do the talking. Jenny Bird just launched some new belts and they are really good. I have this one and it’s reversible! How genius? We love a 2 for 1. Aureum is another brand that really makes great quality belts and I recently got this one as well and can’t wait to style! Also, if you don’t own this belt by now, then that’s on you! One of my most worn belts and such a great price point! Lastly this chic tassel belt just got added to my wishlist!
5- Cashmere pop: a seasonless cashmere sweater in a pop of color is like the chic best friend who always shows up just when your outfit needs a little pep talk. Toss it over your shoulders with a slip dress or pair it with linen trousers, and suddenly your neutral summer look goes from “classic” to “main character at a Tuscan villa.” Whether it’s buttery yellow, sky blue, or even a juicy tomato red, this soft little statement says, “Yes, I’m minimal... but I also know how to have fun.” Bonus points if you casually drape it like you didn’t spend 10 minutes in the mirror getting that effortless look just right. One of the best cashmere knits for the price is this one from J.Crew (size up)! It’s seasonless: perfect for those chillier summer nights, air travel or air conditioned indoors and also great as a layering tool worn tied around your waist or shoulders! And I LOVE this darling little short sleeve Pointelle cashmere version. Nothing screams elevated and chic like a cashmere tshirt! I wear this and this Jenni Kayne sweaters way too much (code JKB15 for 15 off!) Perfect closet staples! And this Row cashmere tee is the ultimate form of luxury and timelessness. And for a more wallet friendly option, I really think this one from Quince will satisfy that cashmere itch.
Don’t forget, anyone can go out and buy the latest fashion trends, but style takes a while to cultivate. Please don’t be so hard on yourself!
Love you guys! xoxo, Jen