#50Styles50States with Old Navy

I’m so excited to be partnering with Old Navy & People.com on their 50 Styles, 50 States campaign! They’ve asked a blogger in each state to share their unique state style, and I’m representing Iowa!

Iowans have a keen sense of personal style. We focus on creating effortless looks that balance both form and function. Des Moines is a hub for art, food, and culture that easily influences the fashion choices we make. We often look for versatility in our wardrobe that can easily transition from days spent in the office to catching the latest show at the Civic Center, wandering around the Farmer’s Market, catching the latest restaurant opening in Western Gateway Park, or a concert in the East Village.

With an office renovation in the works, my day-to-day working environment is always changing. I often find myself traveling to my favorite coffee spots around Des Moines to get a change of scenery from my home office. You can often find me catching up on emails and tackling my to-do list at an East Village favorite, the Scenic Route Bakery. I love that I can meet coworkers for meetings between site visits (I work in office furniture and design at Pigott, Inc.) or spend time sipping coffee after hours catching up with fellow creatives.

I try my best to get ready everyday, as I never know what will unfold. Finding a wardrobe that is effortless, comfortable, and versatile is key. I prefer to wear my Old Navy mid-rise super skinny ankle jeans in a dark wash paired with a patterned tank for my daily uniform. I always keep a neutral sweater in my bag just in case the AC is turned on high. Heels aren’t practical during the day for me, but that doesn’t mean I skimp on shoe style. A punch of color can pull an entire look together, and that’s exactly what these ballet flats do. It’s a balance of form and function around here!

Summer is on the brink of ending and I’m trying to soak up as much outdoor time as possible in Des Moines. This means spending Saturday mornings at the farmer’s market. Picking up my fresh veggies and flowers for the week ahead, and splurging on my favorite sweet rolls from Mast Family Farm at the farmer’s market. Public art installations are something that you can always find around Des Moines, so it wouldn’t be a stop at the Farmer’s Market and RoCA (one of the best spots for cocktails and appetizers before seeing a show at the Civic Center), to snap a photo of the mural wall. Yes – this is the wall featured on Chris’ season of The Bachelor!

Old Navy provides affordable, on-trend, and versatile pieces that I can mix and match with my current wardrobe. I swear by the ‘3-Outfit’ rule. If you can style 1 piece at least three ways, you know you’ll get your cost per wear out of the piece. Swapping out a pair of skinnies for shorts and swapping flats for espadrilles, I’m soaking up every last drop of sunshine summer has to offer, the moods of Mother Nature can change in an instant, so it’s always best to be prepared!

Speaking of Mother Nature, while she is on our side, make sure to check out all Des Moines, Iowa has to offer with this list of ‘Where to Eat and What to Do in Des Moines’:

Where to Eat:

• La Mie Bakery
• Manhattan Deli
• The Continental
• Magnolia Wine Kitchen
• Vivian’s Diner
• Bubba
• Malo
• Exile Brewing Company
• Jasper Winery
• Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
• Fong’s Pizza
• Gong Fu Tea
• 5 Borough Bagels

What to Do:

• Des Moines Social Club
• Trestle Trail
• Up/Down
• Iowa Cubs at Principal Park
• Wooly’s
• Des Moines Art Center
• Brenton Skating Plaza
• Botantical Center
• Pappa John Sculpture Park

So now it’s your turn. Upload your favorite Old Navy outfit and tag @OldNavy #OldNavyStyle #50Styles50States and let everyone see your outfit inspired by your favorite hometown haunts! To see how others in your state styled their favorite outfits, check out the #50Styles50States round up on People!

Look 1: Open Front Cardigan / Trapeze Tank / Skinny Ankle Jeans / Pink Flats / Faux Leather Tote / Necklace (only sold in Old Navy stores)

Look 2: Trapeze Tank / Faux Leather Tote / Espadrilles (purchased in store, no longer online)

Get the Look

Photography by Cassandra Monroe Photography by Cassandra Monroe

This post is sponsored by Collectively and Old Navy. All opinions are my own.