Hi friends!  I am so excited to share this series will you all, as it really showcases how I build my wardrobe around great basics, classic investment pieces, and affordable trendy items.  This post will be the first of 3, showcasing this basic black tank dress.  I am going to show you how to take a simple dress, pair it with a few great pieces, and make 3 completely different outfits that can take you from work to play.

A basic black tank dress can do so much for your wardrobe, and you can find them at any price point.  I picked up this one from the Lou & Grey line at LOFT.  The dress is made of Lou & Grey’s signature soft material, so it is super comfortable.  Plus, right now at LOFT, it’s 50% off, making it $25!  Get it right here!

My first outfit is a great date night or weekend look.  I paired the tank dress with one of my favorite trends this Spring/Summer – the lightweight trench coat.  I picked up this cute pinky-mauve one from Forever 21 and it was under $30.  A trench coat can be a great investment piece, but a casual, lightweight one in a fun color, shouldn’t break the bank.

I love how the trench is slightly longer than the tank dress.  In my opinion, it gives the outfit a more chic and stylish vibe.  I also got this trench coat in black, and it’s great paired with my colored dresses!

For the shoes, you can’t go wrong with a great neutral block-heeled sandal.  These Steve Madden Carrson heeled sandals are perfect.  They are under $100, come in tons of colors, and are decently comfortable.  I always find Steve Madden heels slightly uncomfortable, so you can take my opinion with a grain of salt!  At a great price, these shoes are a great “investment,” in that it is a basic shoe that you can wear so many different ways.

My Outfit

Lou & Grey Signature Soft Racerback Dress (50% off right now)

Forever 21 Belted Trench Coat (smilar here and here)

Steve Madden ‘Carrson’ heeled sandal (more colors here)

Tom Ford ‘Anoushka’ sunglasses

All added up, my outfit is under $150!  You’ll have to wait and see how I pair this simple black tank dress for work and a casual day out!  Until next time.

-Jacqueline