Casual Chic Outfit Basics | The Power Scarf

You’ve heard of the power suit but what about the power scarf? It really does exist! It’s a scarf with the power to transform your everyday outfit into something really special.

Let’s talk about the power of a scarf for a second. It’s an outfit maker in the truest sense and an inexpensive way to amp up your basics. That’s why this week’s casual chic outfit basic is dedicated to The Power Scarf.

If you don’t believe me, check out how a Power Scarf makes the outfit in each of these past looks.

Or in my Daily Style Diary selfies from the past couple of weeks.See? The Power Scarf makes the outfit every time. It’s an all-around amazing accessory. So, what’s makes a scarf a Power Scarf? Well, it’s a magical formula of size, color and pattern.

Let’s deconstruct one of my favorites – this black, tan and coral Power Scarf from Wallis.

It’s got all of the elements of a great Power Scarf – the colors are vibrant, the print is bold, the size is generous and it goes with so many things. I guess that’s why I wear it all the time.

Unfortunately Wallis doesn’t carry that scarf anymore (BUMMER!) but they do have one with similar colors – black, tan and a pop of coral.

[Tribal Print Scarf]

This one from Loft has a similar color combo too.

[Stripe Square Paillette Scarf]

GRAPHIC PRINTS

Graphic patterns happen to be one of my favorites when it comes to scarves. They’re bold and they always make a statement. They’re also a lot easier to wear than you may think. If they scare you, just keep the rest of your look simple.

[Glenda Scarf]

[Double Stripe Scarf]

[Get This Look]

[Sunrise Shadow Scarf]

[Geometric Patterns Scarf]

[Watercolor Hummingbird Scarf]

[Bright Stripes Scarf]

FLORAL PATTERNS

Floral scarves are probably my favorite for spring. They look adorable with stripes and also pair well with denim shirts and pastel jeans.

Wouldn’t this one be perfect with a black and white striped top and some pink jeans? It’s a great price too!

[Floral Print Woven Scarf]

[Gauze Watercolor Scarf]

[Pink Cameo Pastel Scarf]

OUTFIT INSPIRATION

[1/2/3]

I love this look featuring a simple t-shirt and jeans and can’t wait to try it out!

[Via]

This has nothing to do with scarves but…

Yay! I’ve heard from a lot of you this week and you’re loving the popover tunic as much as I do. One reader said “It’s very J. Crew without the high price tag”. YES! I went back to Target this week to get it in pink and they were out of my size. The good news is most sizes are still in stock online, so get them while you can. My local Target doesn’t carry all eight colors, so I’ll have to order them. At least Target.com has free shipping with the 5% Redcard discount! Now the big decision is whether to get it in white and Caribbean blue too. Which colors do you like best?

[Merona Popover Tunic]

I didn’t leave Target empty handed, that would be a shame. Instead I got these super comfortable coral ballet flats.

Isn’t this color great for spring? Wish I had waited and ordered them online because I could’ve saved some money, they’re on sale for $15.99! That’s OK because I’ll be ordering them in the ivory/black and metallic. They’re just a great, comfortable everyday flat and fit true to size. I wear an 8.5 and they fit perfectly.

[Madeleine Ballet Flats]

SPRING TRANSITIONAL STYLE PREVIEW

Even though spring is a little way off (well, a lot for some of you!), I thought it would be fun to start previewing some spring style. I love that my favorite retailers are finally getting it – there’s a transition time between winter and spring and we need clothes for it! They used to jump right into the warmer weather season without giving us ample choices for the awkward transitional time.

Loft

[Lace Front Cardigan]

I have a whole post coming up dedicated to trench coats. Until then, this classic from Loft is a great investment that will last for years.

[Colorblock Trench Coat]

Gap

Pastels are all the rage for spring and Gap has plenty of transitional pieces to fill in the “gaps” in your wardrobe. 🙂

These fun legging jeans come in five pastel colors including a pretty mint.

[1969 Legging Jeans]

[Sunwashed Sweatshirt]

[Essential Striped V-neck]

And of course, they still have their perennial favorites like the 1969 Boyfriend Jeans.

[1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans]

Old Navy

Old Navy’s spring styles usually win me over but this year they left me kind of “meh”. I do love their jackets and still wear my white denim jacket I bought there five years ago. I’m so happy they still carry it. It’s a classic and looks great with all of spring’s pastels.

[White Denim Jacket]

I also love this striped hooded pullover. It would be adorable with boyfriend jeans and red flats.

[Striped Hooded Pullover]

No spring transitional style preview would be complete without including some fun flats. I seriously can’t wait to put my boots away for the winter. Here are some I’ve got my eye on.

These would be perfect with boyfriend jeans, a white tee and a pink, mint or yellow cardigan.

[DV8 Totem Print Flat]

[DV8 Black/White/Coral Flat]

[Anne Klein ‘Buttons’ Linen and Gold Flats]

[Lucky Brand ‘Emmie Luxe Leopard’ Flat]

Of course, no spring footwear collection would be complete without a great pair of rain boots. I saw these yesterday and fell hard in love. I don’t need another but boy do I want them!