how to style a bodice

with an oversized, classic look

The other day, I made an unexpected purchase.

Zimmermann is a brand I felt a little bit intimidated by in all the right ways. Gorgeous prints, patterns, textures and styles galore, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to pull off a “look” with any of their dresses.

This particular day though, I thought why not?

The previous five days had been wearing me down, physically and mentally. The past two weekends were filled with trips to Home Depot, Floor & Decor, showrooms and Best Buy; it was like working an overtime shift after a regular 40 hour workweek. And after four weeks of home renovations with last minute decision making (and don’t get me started on the dust), professional roadblocks and irregular mealtimes (I’m still working on this), I was ready for a Saturday morning and mid-afternoon solo outing.

Matchmaker Bodice Top by Zimmermann

Made of silk and wool with a structured bodice and boning, the top (and this dress, naturally) caught my eye.

I actually love the way it looks with my white linen pant and boot. Something I realized while shopping is that I intentionally wear the most basic pieces (jeans, t-shirt and thin socks with a slouchy knit or light jacket) because it makes it so much easier to try on things without struggling to take things off. Also, going braless or wearing a nude bra definitely helps.

I love a good challenge when it comes to styling pieces that are unique and a bit out of the box for me.

While this top is absolutely gorgeous and sexy, I initially struggled to think of ways to incorporate it into my uniform.

Now as I sit at my one of my favorite local coffee shops with my essential caffeinated drink and book, I feel challenged, inspired, and hopeful all at once.

Look 1:

With a reliable pair of jeans (Denim: Rachel Comey Garra pant), you can’t go wrong with a classic look with a twist of the unexpected. (Bag and Shoe: Tibi | Coat: Max Mara)

Look 2

I think suede and leather look so good together. Especially if the bag is suede. In this look, I would say the “unexpected” piece would be the skirt, because of how flowy and feminine it is in comparison with the rest of the pieces, which are more structured and sleek.

Look 3

I thought it would be interesting to style a structured bodice with the more “functional” look of a utility style oversized jacket. Since my three words are “classic,” “oversized,” and “unexpected,” I thought the Maison Margiela tabi ballerinas added the perfect “quirky” touch I was looking for when pulling together this look.

Look 4

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I actually think sage green looks great with beige trousers, like this Reformation pant. And I thought this look (though it incorporates three different neutral colors) still feels cohesive because of the incorporation of the leather bag.

Look 5

I love a good monochrome look, but once in a while, breaking things up and playing with different textures and colors is fun. The white boots are a recent add to my shoe rotation and they are surprisingly comfortable. I thought the dark brown of the purse was a nice balance with the off white color of the boot and black wool blazer.

Of course, I still have to test the above looks and whether or not these fits will work for me. What I am really feeling giddy about though is how most of these pieces are what I already have in my closet. As for the ones I don’t (yet…) have, I have to remind myself that when it comes to classic pieces, I already have so many options at my disposal. There really is no need to stretch myself thin and feel pressure to buy more things.

What is one item in your closet that is “out of the box” in terms of your usual style? Share in the comments below!