Exposing this much skin below my chin & to the top of my lung cavity is the new normal…towards my personal endeavor of layering gold around my neck. For someone who lost track of how many dainty chains she currently owns, sporting three in a layered row is an efficient use of my collection. Plus something has to distract from that revealing deep-v crop during the daylight hours. However, there’s something very useful about a simple crop top when it comes to the high-waisted department of your closet..

Finding ways to “cheat the system” is a favorite past time of mine when determining outfits that keep me feeling comfortable while looking chic enough for a hypothetical Mr. Chow’s dinner downtown (ugh I wish.) Seeing that I dress with this (cheat the system) concept in mind most often, I’ve developed a simple 3-step recipe for mentally feeling like you’re still in loungewear while physically looking like a boss.

OUTFIT DETAILS

H&M pants & gold layers – choker, necklace & body chain | Aritzia top (old) – similar | Asos heels | Topshop clutch

Did you know comfort and style go hand-in-hand when you mix & match your structured & relaxed articles of clothing? Maybe you did but needless to say I consider “the fitted crop top & high-waisted jogger bottom combo” as a staple for achieving such an effortless look. Like the deep-v cut, occasional midriff isn’t something to stray away from so long as you don’t make it an outfit habit. Too much of anything isn’t recommended.

I love a great printed pant – one that form fits in the waist, allows for wiggle room in the leg department & comes together in a structured seam at the ankle. You can’t ask for anything else that delivers in comfort while appearing put-together, especially with the addition of heels for height. In fact, loose fabric pieces – think not-so-skinny joggers and trousers – magically become fitted with elevation.

So the magic 3-step recipe to cheating the “dressed-up” system is: 1) Pair up your fitted and relaxed pieces, opposite each other above and below the waist; 2) Add metal distractions to clothing cuts that might be too much for work but look fab for those after-work drinks and; 3) Elevate your fine self with heels to balance the excess fabric around your stems and keep you from looking like you’re still in pajamas.

TAKE IT TO THE CROP – HAPPY TGIF FRIENDS!

[Linked up w/: Friday Fab Favorites, That Friday, Casual Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, Fashion Friday, Fun Fashion, Grace & Love, Five on Friday, Oh Hey Friday, Friday Finds, Friday Favorites]