How to Build Your Own Statement Piece Outfits This Summer

I love finding clothing that looks great but is also comfortable enough to actually wear. Statement piece outfits are one of my favourite ways to look put together without making an outfit complicated or uncomfortable. That is especially important during the summer.

Recently, I bought a shirt from Temu that I immediately liked because of the way it looked. It is a short-sleeve shirt with a collar, a loose casual fit, and a black-and-white design with a noticeable gold chain-link pattern throughout.

I did not buy it with the intention of creating a bunch of different outfits. I simply liked the shirt. However, once I started wearing it, I realized just how versatile it could be.

It works with several of the basic pieces I already have in my wardrobe. Since I tend to prefer black and neutral clothing, the shirt gives me an interesting piece to build an outfit around without making the rest of the outfit complicated.

So, I decided to see how many statement piece outfits I could create around one shirt.

I came up with nine ideas, but since I only need eight, I decided to leave the skirt outfit out. I am not really a skirt person anyway!

Here are the eight outfits I would actually wear this summer.

Why I Like Using One Statement Piece

I think statement pieces can sometimes seem difficult to style.

You see a bold pattern or an interesting design and think, “What am I actually going to wear with this?”

I have definitely done this before.

However, I have found that having simple basics in my wardrobe makes it much easier. Instead of trying to find another interesting piece to go with it, I can let the statement piece be the main part of the outfit.

That is exactly what I am doing with this shirt.

The black and white pattern gives me plenty of options. The gold chain-link design adds something extra, while the black and white colours make it easy to pair with neutral bottoms.

For me, the goal is always to look put together while still being comfortable.

1. Shirt + Relaxed Jeans

Let’s start with one of the easiest combinations: jeans.

I would pair the shirt with relaxed jeans for a simple, everyday summer outfit. The relaxed fit keeps the outfit casual, which works well for running errands, shopping or spending a day around town.

This would probably be one of my most casual ways to wear the shirt.

I like that the jeans do not compete with the pattern. Instead, they provide a simple base and allow the shirt to stand out.

I would wear the shirt fully buttoned and untucked, which is how I normally like to wear it.

Add a pair of flip-flops and you have an easy summer outfit without having to think too much about it.

Why this works

The relaxed jeans balance out the statement shirt. The shirt adds interest, while the jeans keep everything casual and comfortable.

2. Shirt + Black Loose Capris

Next up are my black loose capris.

These have more of a culotte-style shape, so they give the outfit a slightly more polished look while still being comfortable.

I really like this combination because the black in the capris works with the black in the shirt. At the same time, the white and gold pattern keeps the outfit from looking completely black.

This is another outfit I could easily wear for running errands, shopping, taking my daughter somewhere or simply spending a summer day out.

It is also a good choice when I want something cooler than jeans without wearing shorts.

Why this works

The loose shape of the capris keeps the outfit comfortable, while the black creates a simple background for the patterned shirt.

It is a good example of how a statement piece does not need another statement piece beside it.

3. Shirt + White Yoga Pants

White might not be the first colour you think of when styling a black patterned shirt, but I actually really like this combination.

The reason is simple: the shirt already has white in the design.

The white yoga pants pick up that colour and create a brighter summer look.

I would still keep the shirt fully buttoned and untucked. That allows the patterned shirt to remain the focus while the white pants add a fresh summer feel.

This is also a comfortable outfit, which is important to me. I am not interested in putting together an outfit that looks nice but makes me uncomfortable all day.

Why this works

The white pants pull one of the colours directly from the statement piece. It creates a connection between the top and bottom without requiring an exact match.

This is something you can easily try with your own statement pieces. Look at the colours in the item and see if one of them can be repeated somewhere else in the outfit.

4. Shirt + Fitted Black Yoga Pants

This is one of the combinations I have actually worn.

I paired the shirt with fitted black yoga pants, and I really liked how comfortable and polished the outfit felt.

The yoga pants give me the comfort I want, while the shirt makes the overall outfit feel more put together.

This is one of those combinations that reminds me that comfortable clothing does not have to look like I have simply thrown on whatever was closest.

The shirt adds structure and personality to an otherwise very simple outfit.

I could wear this for a casual day out, errands or spending time with my daughter.

Why this works

The fitted black pants keep the bottom half of the outfit simple, allowing the looser shirt and bold pattern to stand out.

It is also a great example of my favourite approach to fashion: comfortable basics with one interesting piece.

5. Shirt + Black Dress Shorts

For a really warm summer day, I would swap the pants for black dress shorts.

These are not casual athletic shorts. They are made from a nicer fabric and have a more tailored appearance.

That makes them a great match for the shirt because they keep the outfit cool while still making it look put together.

This is the type of outfit I could see myself wearing for lunch, shopping, running errands or spending time around town on a hot day.

Whether I would choose this on the absolute hottest day would probably depend on the weather, but it is definitely a good summer option.

Why this works

The tailored shorts add a little polish, while the statement shirt keeps the outfit from feeling too formal.

The black also ties in with the black parts of the shirt, making the combination easy to put together.

6. Shirt + Black Wide-Leg Pants

Wide-leg pants are another option I really like.

For this outfit, I would pair the shirt with black wide-leg pants. The fit is one of the reasons I like them. They are comfortable without looking sloppy.

This combination feels slightly more polished than jeans but still fits my everyday style.

It could work for work, shopping, lunch or an evening out.

I also like how the wider pants balance the loose fit of the shirt. Both pieces have room to move, which is exactly what I want during the summer.

Why this works

The black wide-leg pants create a simple base for the patterned shirt. The relaxed fit also keeps the outfit comfortable while still looking intentional.

This is probably one of my favourite combinations because it fits my personal style so well.

7. Shirt + Black Balloon-Style Joggers

The black balloon-style joggers are probably the most casual option on this list.

They have a very relaxed, slouchy shape, which makes them perfect for days when comfort is the priority.

At first, you might not think a bold collared shirt would work with joggers. However, I actually like the contrast.

The statement shirt makes the joggers feel a little more intentional, while the joggers keep the outfit relaxed.

This could be a great option for a casual summer day when I want to be comfortable but still feel like I made an effort with what I am wearing.

Why this works

The contrast is what makes this combination interesting.

The shirt has a noticeable design and collar, while the joggers are very casual. Together, they create an outfit that is relaxed without looking completely basic.

8. Shirt Open + Black Tank Top + Black Capris

Finally, I can completely change the look of the shirt simply by wearing it open.

I have worn the shirt this way with a black tank top underneath and black capris.

This gives the shirt a completely different purpose. Instead of being the main top, it becomes a lightweight summer layer.

I originally saw a similar outfit online and liked the idea of recreating it with my own clothes.

This is a great outfit for a summer activity, especially when I want something casual and easy. I can wear the shirt open, have the black tank underneath and keep the rest of the outfit simple with black capris.

It also gives me the option of taking the shirt off if the temperature gets too warm.

Why this works

The black tank top and capris create a simple base, allowing the statement shirt to stand out when it is worn open.

It also shows that you do not always have to wear a statement shirt in the traditional way. Changing how you wear it can completely change the outfit.

How to Build Your Own Statement Piece Outfits

You do not need to own the exact same shirt to use this idea.

In fact, you can do this with almost any statement piece.

Maybe you have a patterned blouse, colourful cardigan, bold skirt or interesting jacket sitting in your closet. Instead of wondering what you can wear with it, start with simple pieces you already know are comfortable.

My basic formula is:

Statement piece + simple or neutral bottom + comfortable shoes = easy summer outfit

For me, black is especially useful because I already prefer black clothing. It gives me an easy base for patterned or more noticeable pieces.

However, you could use white, denim, beige or another neutral colour depending on what is already in your wardrobe.

You can also change the style of the outfit by changing the fit of the bottom.

For example, fitted yoga pants create a different look from wide-leg pants. Relaxed jeans feel different from tailored shorts. Even though the shirt stays the same, the outfit changes.

You Can Dress for the Weather Too

One thing I like about having several ways to wear the same piece is that I can adjust my outfit depending on the weather.

If it is a cooler summer day, I can wear the shirt with relaxed jeans.

If it is warm, loose capris or wide-leg pants give me more airflow.

On a really hot day, dress shorts may be a better choice.

For something more casual, I can wear the shirt open over a tank top.

This is especially useful during an Ontario summer when the temperature can change throughout the day. I want clothes that keep me comfortable without giving up the feeling of looking put together.

You Do Not Need a Huge Wardrobe

One thing I have taken away from styling this shirt is that you really do not need a huge wardrobe to create different outfits.

I bought this shirt from Temu because I liked the look of it. I was not thinking about creating eight different outfits when I bought it.

However, once I started looking at what I already owned, I realized how many options I had.

That is something I am trying to keep in mind when buying clothes. I want pieces that I can wear in several different ways rather than something that only works with one particular outfit.

Having basic black and neutral pieces makes this much easier.

Instead of constantly looking for something new, I can take one interesting item and build around it.

What I Learned From Styling One Shirt Eight Ways

Putting these outfits together has actually changed the way I think about statement pieces.

I used to think that a bold or patterned piece could be difficult to style. You might love it in the store, but then wonder what you are going to wear with it once you get home.

Now I think it can be the opposite.

A statement piece can actually make getting dressed easier.

You already know what the main part of your outfit is. From there, you can keep everything else simple.

For me, that means comfortable pants, neutral colours and a pair of flip-flops.

The result is an outfit that looks like I put some thought into it without actually having to spend a lot of time deciding what to wear.

And honestly, that is exactly how I want to dress in the summer.

Final Thoughts

I think this shirt is a perfect example of why I like simple fashion.

It has a noticeable black, white and gold design, so it gives an outfit some personality. However, the colours make it surprisingly easy to wear with the basics I already own.

I can wear it with relaxed jeans for a casual day, black yoga pants when I want comfort, white pants for a brighter summer look, tailored shorts when it is hot or wide-leg pants when I want something a little more polished.

I can even wear it open over a black tank top and turn it into a completely different outfit.

The biggest lesson for me is that you do not need to buy an entirely new outfit every time you want to wear something differently.

Sometimes, you just need one statement piece and a few comfortable basics.

That is what makes statement piece outfits so useful. They allow you to have fun with your clothes while still keeping your wardrobe practical.

And for me, if I can look put together while staying comfortable, that is a summer outfit I will happily wear.

If you liked reading this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing it, you may enjoy one of these other blog posts: 
10 Easy Spring Outfits for Busy Mums You Can Throw Together in Under 5 Minutes

How to Dress for Humidity and Still Feel Put Together

Summer Fashion: A Single Mum’s Practical Approach

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