
There’s something irresistible about throwing on a men’s shirt with a pair of leggings. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is. The cross-dresser in all of us? Or maybe we all just love turning an ordinary piece of men’s apparel into an extraordinary accessory for ladies. With that in mind, we ventured to Goodwill, grabbed a basic men’s shirt, and enlisted resident stylist Misty Spinney‘s fashion expertise to craft 10 killer looks.
1. Skinny Jeans and a Belt
This look is perfect for everyday, and gets style points from a super hot belt and pair of skinny jeans.
We rolled up the sleeves to give the shirt a little more shape, and paired the look with strappy leather sandals.
2. Sassy Cargo
For this look, we kept Brit’s sleeves rolled up and simply tied the shirt to expose a little sassy midriff.
Love these little bootie sandals to complete the look.
3. Strapless Mini Dress
That’s right. You can turn a men’s shirt into a strapless dress! Perfect for a modern cowgirl look.
First, button up the shirt without the sleeves on. Take the sleeves and twist them, then criss cross them around your back. Bring them back to the front, tie a little knot, and you’re done!
4. 90s Hipster
Hipsters were around in the 90s, we promise. This look takes the classic look of a checkered shirt, Converse, and a plaid shirt and updates it with a little suspender action.
Clip the suspenders directly onto the shirt and see what shape works best for you.
5. I’m On A Boat
A pair of boat shoes, pinstripe pants, and a ruffled up shirt are all you need to channel your inner boat maven.
To ruffle the shirt we did two things: First, put a rubber band around the sleeve and blouse it out to create a little bubble. For the waist ruffle, use a safety pin to ruche on both sides.
6. City Girl
Black leggings and boots are every city girl’s go-tos. Add a men’s shirt and hip slung belt to shake things up a bit.
We’re kind of obsessed with this belt! It’s got tons of little loops so you can wear it high-waisted, hip-slung, and anywhere in between.
7. She Means Business
A boss in the boardroom? Why yes. Tuck your shirt into a high waisted skirt, add a simple thick black belt and throw on your hottest black heels.
8. Day n’ Night
An ideal look if you’re starting your day at the office and ending it at a cocktail party, art opening, or concert.
Underneath the shirt we’ve got a lace bodice that peeks out ever so playfully. Tuck the bodice and shirt into a pair of black trousers, and throw a long necklace over the whole look.
9. Bohemian Chic
Definitely the hippiest number on here, this look pairs good old boot leg corduroys with a DIY tube top!
To create the top, fold the collar of the shirt into the inside, creating a semi shelf bra. Take the sleeves around in the back, and tie up in the front, like the strapless dress.
10. T-Shirt and Jeans Upgrade
Nothing beats a t-shirt and jeans. Upgrade your look by going for a boldly hued pair of red jean and adding an old school t-shirt. Tuck in the color of your button down to create more of a blazer look.
This is a great look for a Saturday in the park, and we love any reason to bring back vintage tees that don’t quite work on their own.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.