2. Maintain a simple color palette that you can build from.

Mel wears a lot of red, blue, and white, and because these colors go together, she can reach into her closet and intstantly mix different pieces together in many ways. Of course, you shouldn’t limit your wardrobe to just three colors, but know which colors suit you and then find pieces in those hues that can easily slot into your preexisting wardrobe.

3. Utilize jackets and vests.

Mel loves her denim jacket, and it adds a casual vibe to her outfits. She is also a huge fan of vests. A cute jacket or vest can add a great touch to an otherwise simple outfit, so invest in these staples when you see them around!

4. Mix girly and masculine elements.

I love the way Mel pairs oxford shoes with a girly dress, or back pants with a feminine blouse – this juxtaposition of masculine and feminine creates an interesting contrast in any ensemble. Masculine elements have been a huge trend for many seasons now, so invest in some menswear-inspired shoes or a boyfriend blazer and mix them with more feminine pieces.

5. Have fun with color.

Mel likes to add a splash of color to her outfits, whether it’s in the form of a colorblock dress, a vibrant print, or just some brightly-colored tights.

Outfit Inspired by Mel

dress / denim jacket / tights / shoes / bag/belt

To create a look inspired by Mel’s style, I decided to go with Mel’s red/white/blue color palette. To start, I showed her love of florals with this blue dress. I then added red tights for a splash of extra color, and found a similar version of her trademark denim jacket. I then added a belt for waist definition. For a hint of masculine edge, I grabbed these cute little gray oxfords. I also added a pretty white bag, as Mel often shows her bag on her blog and tends to favor white shopping totes.