This light blue poplin t-shirt has been in my closet since spring began, but I haven’t been able to figure out how to wear it.

It sounds a bit ridiculous, doesn’t it? It’s a lovely, basic button-down — I don’t see how it could be difficult to style.

For some reason, I couldn’t get the look that I wanted with any of the outfits I made.

Writer’s block is a common problem. This felt more like a stylist’s blocking.

Look at this!

The key to this outfit is contrast. I like the contrast between that light blue shirt, the denim wash and the bright white tank. Also, tan accessories. These tan flip-flops haven’t been worn in a long time. I prefer black ones. It was about time I wore them again. It turns out that I really like that shade of tan paired with the lighter blue.

This isn’t the one and only style to style this button downward — but this was just what I needed in order to overcome this bout of stylist’s block.