Video – How to improve basic outfits: floral top edition

YouTube video
I was snapping some photos for my next wardrobe staples post and felt motivated to get back on YouTube! It’s been a whopping two years since I’ve uploaded a new video, but I’ve gotten many requests from ladies who are just starting to build up their wardrobes. Frankly I find it a bit awkward yapping away into my camcorder, but I suppose it’s good to push myself out of my comfort zone once in a while : )

Outfit details:
Intro – Loft ruffle dress (old), Ann Taylor necklace, Loft floral top
beforeafter_floral_skirt
Work outfit “before” – J.Crew cardigan, H&M; skirt, Ann Taylor pumps (all old)
Work outfit “after” Modcloth cardigan, thrifted skirt, Kate Spade pumps, Ann Taylor tote and clutch (old), Sole Society heels (review)

beforeafter_floral_shorts
Casual outfit “before” – A&F; jorts, old navy flops
Casual outfit “after” – H&M; shorts (old), Talbots sandals c/o (review), Sole Society reversible tote c/o (review), Ann Taylor belt (old), Old Navy outlet hat

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

For Daily Posts

Leave a Comment

69 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    I have the same problem with high-waisted skirts as Anonymous above. The ones that look right often feel uncomfortably tight around the waist, especially when I've been sitting down for a long time, or during lunch.. Is this normal for other people? If so, how do you deal with it?

    Posted 8.11.14 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks so much for sharing the transformation! The work outfit is such an upgrade!

    But I have a question: whenever I wear such high rise skirts, my stomache starts to hurt after a while and I could never have lunch wearing such a skirt. Has anyone experienced the same? Do I just have to get used to the feeling or haven't I found a skirt that really fits yet?
    Thanks Lizzy

    Posted 8.11.14 Reply
  3. Elaine Atkins wrote:

    Ha Jean I have that top!! Love that our styles are still meshing up after all these years 😛

    Posted 8.10.14 Reply
  4. Anne-Laure R wrote:

    Merci pour ces conseils!! il va falloir que je révise mon anglais!! Continuez à me faire rêver!!

    Posted 8.10.14 Reply
  5. Sharon wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    Love your blog.
    I find that most of your outfits involve wearing heels. I'm a busy mom of 2 young kids and need to be on the go 24-7; heels don't fit my lifestyle! Can you give us non-heel people tips on what to wear to elongate our frames? Any tips?
    Thanks so much.

    Posted 8.10.14 Reply
  6. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, I love Ann Taylor floral skirts and always buy a bunch, only to be puzzled by how to wear them, since they are so colorful (only green and purple, or embroidered blue)… can you give some advice?

    Posted 8.10.14 Reply
  7. Vanessa wrote:

    So glad to see you back on Youtube Jean! I really loved how you explained your wardrobe change choices as opposed to just showing us the outfit. I feel a lot of fashion Youtubers only show the end result but not the process. The video was very informative. I loved it!

    Vessi :: arts & petite style blog

    Posted 8.10.14 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks – great advice. I didn't realize that a cropped cardigan could make such a big difference.

    Posted 8.9.14 Reply
  9. Anonymous wrote:

    Love the pink top in your video! Where can I get it? Thanks!

    Posted 8.9.14 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, thanks for posting practical video on daily mix and match. I know it might be a bit early to ask, but I have been looking for a fitted coat (ideally in wool/cashmere) for the winter. I know that you have recommended JCrew's lady day coat earlier, but I was wondering if there is any other alternative coats (any brand is ok) with a feminine and fitted silhouette. I came across Weekend Max Mara's Riom Short coat on Bloomingdale's website, though the price tag of $895 was totally breaking the bank. It would be great if you could let me know any more affordable options available. [I prefer darker colors such as black, navy, or grey.]

    Posted 8.9.14 Reply
  11. Amanda S wrote:

    This was wonderful! Please keep the videos coming!

    One question, where is the necklace from during the intro to the video?

    Posted 8.9.14 Reply
  12. Koffee Pause wrote:

    What a lovely video, Jean. I love how you explain things, it's so clear and straight to the point. I'm looking forward to watching your next videos 🙂

    Posted 8.9.14 Reply
  13. ladysarahinlondon wrote:

    You are very clever! Amazing transformation, proving good fit is everything.

    Posted 8.9.14 Reply
  14. Miss Hot Couture wrote:

    What a cute video! This may be slightly off topic but I really enjoyed your makeup and hair tutorials before!

    http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  15. Anonymous wrote:

    Very informative! Thank you so much for posting videos again. I feel like dumping all my clothes and rebuild a whole new wardrobe…

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Awesome video! I loved your outfit combinations. Your blog posts are always a style inspiration to me. Also, congratulations on your engagement! Best of wishes! 🙂

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  17. A Golden Tulip wrote:

    Love this video, the three steps are so versatile and this vedeo really helps in understanding each in detail and with examples. Your style is amazing.

    xo
    http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  18. Angela wrote:

    This was awesome! I hope you make more posts /videos like this in the future. I am about to start work after university and so I am just starting to build my work wardrobe. Your blog has been super helpful! Thank you so much!

    Question for you: when would I wear a normal length cardigan then? With trousers? For reference I am 5'1. You would not believe how incredibly hard it seems to be to find cropped cardigans right now. Maybe my luck will improve come fall/winter.

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  19. Anonymous wrote:

    This is so helpful! Recent stress has led to me going to work in easy, bland, boxy outfits. I feel so much better when I look cute. Your instructions make it feel really easy to make outfit upgrades 🙂

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  20. Allison wrote:

    You are so cute. Love this!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  21. rodelma lopez wrote:

    love the before and after look jean… great posts

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  22. Caroline wrote:

    awesome! thanks jean! I love your videos – keep 'em coming! you may be petite, but you have great, big personality which shows more easily on video 🙂

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  23. andrea wrote:

    You did such a good job on this video Jean! I realized I need to invest in a cropped cardigan to wear with my pencil skirts this fall!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  24. Arianne @ Glitter Geek wrote:

    I love this!! So great for those of us who have a bit more trouble putting together a desk-to-dinner outfits. I love the changes in the first outfit. They really make all the difference!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  25. beautylanparty wrote:

    Your new place looks perfect for filming! So much sunlight! 🙂 Loved the looks as usual – would not have expected less. Enjoy your weekend!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  26. nisprihtime wrote:

    A well-fitted cardigan makes all the difference! Only recently realized how tired my selection was – a cropped version goes a long way!

    brownandintown.blogspot.ca

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  27. Li wrote:

    Great video! I have a floral top from J.Crew that I love. I Usually wear it with a skirt, but I may try something new!

    Li (simplyli.com)

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  28. Liz | Shopping My Closet wrote:

    Great video!

    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
    Come by! Weekly Style Me Wednesday fashion blog link-up

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks so much! It was really helpful for me that you spelled out so many principles behind your decisions: color, silhouette, detail, as well as making sure patterns are of different scale when you mix them. Thanks so much!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  30. Temi Truly wrote:

    Great post! Love the 1st transformation!!!

    ❤ Temi Truly
    New Blog Post: July Lust List

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    I love these type of posts and I love the video. It's amazing what a few changes can do to an outfit and thank you so much for sharing your tips with us!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  32. maryeb wrote:

    I am so glad you decided to make videos again. You do a great job of describing all the detailed elements that go into creating a great outfit in general, but especially for us fellow petites. Thanks, Jean! I'm looking forward to your next video.

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  33. the Florkens wrote:

    This! I love this. I think this is where I struggle.. I find something is the "good" but I never know how to just bump it up to that next level and make it "great." I like the idea of putting thought each day into Color, Silhouette, and Details. I definitely need more "detail" pieces in my wardrobe, along with much fun colors and patterns like that Loft top. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm going to put these tips into action!

    -Kate
    http://www.theflorkens.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  34. Raven wrote:

    I love this video. You introduced some great tips and was very informative. The outfits are like seeing a girl transform into a woman. Thank you for inspiring my next work outfit!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  35. Juliana @ Veste Básica wrote:

    I loved the video! Só informative. I felt that I really learned something! Will be sharing this on my own blog. Thank you and keep'em comin'! Beijos!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  36. Florence wrote:

    Love it!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  37. Joyce wrote:

    I'm so glad you're making videos again!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  38. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    $15 dollars? These are awesome pairing!Love to see more videos:) XO

    http://www.shallwesasa.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  39. Shelly wrote:

    Totally loved this video, it definitely helped in giving more details about the changes in outfits 🙂 – welcome back to YT! Thanks for the tips – can't wait to give it a try!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  40. Olivia wrote:

    I loved the video!! 🙂 thank you for the tips as I learn to update my wardrobe to a more grown up look!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  41. jannyisms wrote:

    This is a great tutorial. I never thought to break up an outfit into the three simple components you described but it totally makes sense. I'm absolutely guilty of the rectangular silhouette thing. I usually focus so much on covering/hiding areas instead of highlighting and flattering the whole figure. This is a helpful reminder to reframe my perspective. Thanks for creating this video!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  42. TaraMixandMatch wrote:

    Love seeing your videos, looking forward to more 🙂

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  43. Claudia Regen wrote:

    So helpful, thank you!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  44. Paula Walsh wrote:

    Loved this Jean and looking forward to more. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  45. Angie J. wrote:

    very informative! love the finished outfits (although I think the raggedy shorts didn't look that bad!) and you are so cute Jean 😀

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  46. Carol from Petite Style Online wrote:

    It's great to see you back on youtube! Thanks for sharing your great tips 🙂

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  47. Vickai! wrote:

    Jean-ius! Love how you break it all down. Am totally guilty of the "rectangular" work outfit. =

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  48. Dressed with soul wrote:

    Step out of the comfort zone in my opinion is not only regarding outfit combinations a good decision 🙂 Nevertheless I love your updated outfits <3
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  49. Heidi's Wanderings wrote:

    The outfits are so cute. I really like the first set of pics. And the video is great.

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  50. Ariana Röthlisberger wrote:

    I love those kind of articles – they help me soooo much! The difference (especially in the work outfit) is amazing. And you are as cute in the video as you are on the pictures 🙂

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply

Get the newsletter!

What updates would you like?