Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece.
Recently, at the East Hampton Library’s Authors’ Night, attendees could find Christie Brinkley beaming from ear to ear and signing copies of her memoir, Uptown Girl. As she posed with fans and fellow authors like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bobbi Brown, I couldn’t help but notice how adorable her outfit was.
The 71-year-old model layered a colorful floral blazer over a simple white tank top and a pair of high-waisted white shorts with gold buttons, then accessorized with red Mary Jane ballet flats. Compared to run-of-the-mill jackets, like a relaxed denim or a cushy knit, her patterned blazer is a polished statement piece that turns any outfit into something eye-catching. Plus, they make an ideal transitional piece that you won’t have to tuck away with the rest of your solely summer wardrobe once fall hits.
Join me in recreating Brinkley’s playful yet polished outfit by shopping blazers, tank tops, shorts, and ballet flats inspired by her look. Prices start at $7.
Christie Brinkley Outfit Blueprint
- Floral Blazers: Alexia Admor Olya Jacket Blazer, $90 (orig. $229); nordstromrack.com
- Genhoo Long-Sleeve Blazer, $44 (orig. $54); amazon.com
- Karl Lagerfeld Paris Floral Satin Blazer, $120 (orig. $189); saksoff5th.com
- Alexia Admor Janet Chain Trim Blazer, $90 (orig. $259); nordstromrack.com
- White Tank Tops: Gkbk High-Neck Tank Top, $8 (orig. $10); amazon.com
- Old Navy First-Layer Scoop-Neck Tank Top, $7 (orig. $10); oldnavy.gap.com
- High-Waist White Shorts: Jmitha Mid-Rise Jean Shorts, $30; amazon.com
- Westbound Pull-On Button-Embellished Marina Shorts, $29 (orig. $49); dilliards.com
- Red Ballet Flats: New York and Company Page Mary Jane Ballet Flat, $30 (orig. $60); nordstromrack.com
- Dream Pairs Square-Toe Mary Jane Flats, $27 (orig. $33); amazon.com
Sonia Moskowitz/Getty
Alexia Admor Olya Jacket Blazer
Nordstrom Rack
As I chased inspiration from Brinkley’s look, I immediately turned to Nordstrom and soon stumbled across this striking iteration of a floral blazer. Similar to Brinkley’s, it showcases a vibrant swath of flowers and has a below-hip length and notched collar. Where they differ is that this one has a belted waist, which allows you to wear it either relaxed or cinched. Its structured silhouette makes it a versatile piece whether you’re headed to work or happy hour.
Gkbk High-Neck Tank Top
Amazon
A reliable white tank top is a closet staple everyone should own. One such is this $8 top that mimics Brinkley’s with its modest neckline and slim fit. Amazon shoppers agree the tank top is not see-through, which proves helpful in case you don’t own a flesh-tone bra. One such shopper also added that the top “has a nice thickness that makes it feel more durable than a typical tank.” They also noted that it showed no noticeable wear or tear after multiple washes.
Westbound Pull-On Button-Embellished Marina Shorts
Dillard’s
Although Brinkley’s shorts are adorable, I opted for a similar style in a longer length for more coverage. These eight-inch (ish) shorts are constructed in a pull-on style and showcase four tortoise shell buttons on either side pocket. One reviewer notes that they weren’t sure about buying a pair of shorts without a zipper or elastic waistband, but that the shorts “have a bit of stretch and pull up and down easily.”
New York and Company Page Mary Jane Ballet Flat
Nordstrom Rack
As we’ve seen on celebrities galore, ballet flats are everywhere this summer. Brinkley’s pair stand out from the pack with their cherry red hue and Mary Jane-style strap. This half-off iteration I found at Nordstrom Rack mimics those design aspects, plus has a square toe and a soft-foam footbed for extra comfort.
Keep reading to shop more blazers, tank tops, shorts, and ballet flats inspired by Christie Brinkley. My other finds include a Karl Lagerfeld satin blazer with a watercolor-esque pattern and high-waisted white shorts with two-button detailing and cuffed hems.
Genhoo Long-Sleeve Blazer
Amazon
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Floral Satin Blazer
Saks Off Fifth
Alexia Admor Janet Chain Trim Blazer
Nordstrom Rack
Old Navy First-Layer Scoop-Neck Tank Top
Old Navy
Jmitha Mid-Rise Jean Shorts
Amazon
Dream Pairs Square-Toe Mary Jane Flats
Amazon