Practical Fashion Advice for Women | The Well Dressed Life

Incredible Under $30 Satin Pajamas

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 by Megan Kristel

In September, my oldest, Maddie, started 8th grade, and we began a few whirlwind weeks of figuring out where she would go to high school. There were open houses, campus tours, entrance exams, and all the prep that accompanies it.

She had her heart set on one school in particular for years, and here we were, actually committing to it. I had that moment all moms know well, where your heart simultaneously soars and aches as you watch your baby leave behind one chapter and enter another.

Maybe I’m in the in the minority here, but I think teenage girls are the best. My daughter and her friends are lovely, smart, confident young women. They are eons more emotionally mature than I was at that age, don’t take themselves so seriously, and have great senses of humor.

Here we are on New Years Eve:

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Watching her come into her own, especially in such a challenging year, has been pure joy. But I realized that the next few years are about to fly by even more, so I suggested we find something to do together, every week, like a standing date.

Since we both love true crime and murder mysteries, we decided to watch something in that genre every Monday night, and because her sense of humor is as dark as mine, she started to call it “Murder Monday.”

Over the last several months, we watched everything Netflix and On-Demand had to offer. But by the time the holidays came around, we weren’t, as Maddie says, “feeling very murder-y.”

So now, we’re watching The Crown. lol.

We look forward to our time together all week. One morning, she was heading out to school, lamenting about how boring it was going to be and how Mondays “are the worst,” but then turned, did a little dance and said, “Oh! Murder Monday!!”

Keep Them Talking

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received for raising teenage girls, was, “Just keep them talking.”

And that’s what we do on our Monday nights. She’ll talk for hours about anything and everything. I get all the “tea,” and I soak up every minute of it.

Like clockwork, at 8pm last Monday, I changed into my pajamas and headed to her bedroom. When she saw me, she said, “Um, I LOVE your pajamas! Can you get me a pair?”

— Record screeches. —

“You want a pair of MY pajamas?” I asked, flattered and stunned.

It’s important to understand that we are style opposites. She is painfully cooler than me.

She wears Doc Martins and band tee shirts, and I’m in … J.Crew and LOFT. She thinks I have great style “for a mom.”

So, of course, I immediately pulled out my phone and ordered her a few pairs because, THESE ARE THE GREATEST PAJAMAS EVER! And, I can’t remember the last time she actually liked something I was wearing for herself.

Silk Satin Pajamas: Under $30 XS – XXL

They feel indulgent but are under $30. I’m super impressed with how they wear and wash. Their quality for the price is incredible. And I’m not alone in my love for them, they have thousands of 5 Star Reviews on Amazon.

When I like something, I tend to go all in, so I ordered multiples.

I have pink (above), white and navy. Maddie is wearing the teal (you can’t tell in the picture, but it’s a gorgeous color) and has a black pair.

I’m wearing a large, and Maddie is a small. We are both about 5’10.

Under $30 Silk Satin Pajamas

Pajamas, $20 – $26

Available in XS – XXL in dozens of pretty colors. Order these for yourself to up your pajama game in the New Year!

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

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How to Wear Black Leggings

January 16, 2021January 13, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Today we are doing a deep dive into how to wear black leggings. I was inspired by a question posted over in our Facebook Private Group.

“Am I getting too old for the tunic over leggings looks? I’m careful to stick with darker leggings, so I don’t look like I’m wearing a tiny dress. Thoughts?”

See the entire question and all the thoughtful responses from our community here.

First things first, as long time readers know, I don’t believe in worrying about our age when getting dressed. There are other factors to consider that will help you look your best in any situation.

Regardless of our age, there is a way to wear leggings as an outfit AND look chic, modern, and sophisticated.

Wearing leggings is more popular than ever, and even when this whole mess is over, the athlesuire trend isn’t going anywhere.

For today’s post I’m focusing specifically on black leggings. Since our goal here is to help you create a timeless and classic personal style, I would recommend ONLY wearing black leggings in these outfit formulas.

How to Wear Black Leggings

As you can see, I avoid prints and patterns and keep to a solid color palette. If you’re trying to create a timeless, classic look, stick with sophisticated tones. You can add interest with texture, and mixing neutrals. Layer in some of your favorite accessories, like scarves and try to wear the jewelry you tend to save for special occasions in your daily looks.

After living in leggings during all three of my pregnancies, I’m not here to recreate any of those looks, lol. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to fit and proportions.

Avoid “babydoll” tops, or tunics that are too clingy. They tend to look sloppy and outdated.

Black Ponte Knit Leggings

Old Navy High -Waisted “Stevie” Ponte Knit Leggings, $28

Here I am in them:

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Let’s start by talking about the kind of legging to wear.

Aside from them being black, the style of legging you choose to wear is important and will effect the overall feel of your outfit.

Don’t wear the leggings you wear to the gym. They are too thin and not the right kind of sporty. Instead, you want to wear something substantial.

That’s why “Ponte” knit is a great choice. Ponte is a double knit, so you get the comfort of stretch with depth and coverage. They’ll feel more like a pant.

For an affordable option, I’m a big fan of the Old Navy High-Waisted “Stevie” Ponte Knit pants currently on sale for about $20 in sizes regular, tall, and petite up to an XXL and in plus size here.

These are an excellent alternative to the Zella-Live in a legging.

Alternatively, these “Ponte Legging Pants” by American Giant get rave reviews; they are more expensive, but think of them as actual pants, not leggings.

In the outfit formulas below, I’m featuring the Old Navy bottoms. If you’re feeling edgy, you can absolutely replace these with our favorite Spanx Faux Leather Legging.

Pair with: A Tunic Blouse

High-Low Popover Tunic Top, $32 + Denim Jacket, $79 +Sneakers, $95 + Crossbody, $158 + Earrings, $98

I love featuring items I know you already own, like this high-low tunic from J.Crew Factory. It keeps showing up on our Faves Lists. It’s just a crisp and classic blouse that is ideal for pairing with leggings.

As a layer, I used another Readers Fave, the KUT denim jacket. I’ve had mine for years and still wear it frequently.

In this look it’s okay for the shirttail of the top to peak out under the jacket.

If you are looking for a comfortable, stylish sneaker to wear in your everyday outfits, go with these All Birds. They are of high quality, and you won’t look like you’re wearing your gym sneakers.

Finally, a straightforward pair of gold ball-style studs fill in your ear without being too much, and a fantastic crossbody bag from Madewell will keep you handsfree with a ton of polish.

Pair With: An Oversized Sweater

Sweater, $35 + Booties, $52 + Hoops, $65 + Ring, $50

This is the kind of look I wear working from home or hanging with my kids. It allows me to do everything I do in a day, from sit on the floor with the baby to grab dinner out with my husband.

H&M makes some of the best-oversized sweaters to pair with leggings at fabulous prices. Look for one like featured above, with a high-low hem; it is the most flattering style for a top paired with leggings. You want something to cover your bum, but often, when the hem is cut evenly across, it can cut off your proportions and make you look frumpy.

The high-low hem allows you to maintain your height while feeling comfortable with how much you expose.

I like to mix neutrals like black, beige, and dark tan. The combination is quite elegant, so I added another favorite, these Sam Edelman booties in “saddle.” Scoop these up if you are still looking for a new pair of suede booties; they are on sale for $50, marked down from $130.

Then I added some fun accessories, like a these gold-tone updated hoop earrings and a statement ring.

Pair With: A Long Cardigan

Cardigan, $52 + Tank, $8 + Boots, $140 + Leopard Clutch, $275

Finally, grab a long cardigan. I like this one from Halogen at Nordstrom. It’s affordable and not too long, so many right now will make you look like you’re wearing your bathrobe if you’re not careful.

Layer it over a simple tank. I LOVE this $8 option from Old Navy because it has some swing to it that will mimic the cardigan’s swing. You don’t want a tank here that is skin-tight; instead, look for one cut away from the body with a little movement.

Zhush up the look with these gorgeous suede tall boots, also by Sam Edelman. Wearing a boot with leggings is an easy way to dress it up.

I added this Clare V. leopard clutch because I want to show you how you can use leopard print as a neutral. It’s also on my wish list, but I haven’t bought it because we have no place fun to go right now. A good dupe is this foldover clutch from Tuckernuck that is under $50.

Some Real Life Examples:

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My 5 Best Tips for Styling Black Leggings

1. Keep your colors neutral and avoid prints and patterns.

2. Wear a “real” shoe, like a boot, sneaker, or even a pair of heels.

3. Accessories! Incorporate some of your favorite pieces, like scarves, hoops and statement rings to add depth and interest.

4. Don’t wear your gym leggings, instead opt for a “ponte” knit that will feel substantial, hold you in, and still allow for comfort.

5. Pay close attention to proportions, while you will want something to cover you rear, don’t let your top consume you. Look for a top with a high-low hem to help create a long, lean line of the body.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

How to Look Stylish Every Day

January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Let’s talk about how to look stylish every day because it’s easier than you may think. It doesn’t matter your budget, lifestyle, or body type. All it takes is some upfront time and a little discipline to look your best, whether you are running around in yoga pants or headed to the office in a suit.

For over a decade, I was a personal stylist. I didn’t work with celebrities or high profile women. I didn’t have clients with limitless budgets or closets full of couture. Instead, I worked with women like you. Hard-working, budget-conscious, busy – oh, so busy.

How to Look Stylish Every Day: Seven Easy Tips

My clients were in all seasons of life: stay at home moms, seasoned executives, single professionals and recently retired. While they were diverse, they all shared one thing in common: they wanted to look stylish within their lives without having to fuss and fret about it.

Today, I thought I would share what I learned from working and speaking with thousands of women. I didn’t pull these tips out of thin air. These are the strategies and advice that worked for my clients time and again.

Not on this list are the standard go-to’s like have fresh manicure, keep your make-up dewy, and hair styled. Of course, these things make a HUGE difference, even if you’re just wearing a sweatsuit. But today’s list a little deeper, to the real core of making daily style easy.

They are practical, simple to implement, and will help you look stylish all the time.

1. Get Rid of “Just Okay”

The key to looking stylish is only to wear things you love.

One of my biggest “Aha’s” was when I realized how many clothes women buy that are “just okay.”

Think about how many things you have bought just because (1) it fit, (2) it was on sale, (3) you needed something, or (4) all of the above.

Almost every woman I know has an article of clothing or an entire outfit that they make do with, but they don’t love it or even like it. Sometimes it doesn’t reflex their style at all.

If this sounds like you (and it probably does because this is all of us), get rid of it. I do this for a living, and I can immediately think of three to four things I wear that I am, at best, lukewarm about.

2. Let Go of Dated Clothes

In a similar spirit, if you want to look stylish, please stop trying to get a lifetime’s worth of wear out of your clothes.

Clothes. Wear. Out.

Of all the advice I give, this is the one I get the most push back over. I promise you on all that is holy; if you are wearing clothes that are 20 years old, they are dating you.

You are not supposed to keep clothes for decades. There are, of course, exceptions, but they are the exception. Even the most basic garment will become dated with time. This is simply because lines, cuts, and silhouettes change and slowly start to date your look.

Patterns, prints, and color combinations will go out of style too.

How long should your clothes last? That’s a difficult question to answer because it depends on what it is and the frequency of use. While there is no specific expiration date, it’s safe to say goodbye if you are hitting the 20-year mark.

Staying aware of trends and the expected shifts in fashion will help train your eye to notice when a piece isn’t up to date anymore. Also, ask your best friend, sister, or daughter; they’ll tell you the truth 🙂

3. Choose a Neutral Color Palette

This tip is not for everyone; however, if you lean more classic and traditional, with a twist, stick to neutral, tonal colors is an easy way to look stylish. Not only do neutrals mix and match easily, but you can also quickly create a monochromatic look – which is pretty much the epitome of chic.

Love bold color and pattern? Go for it! The key for you to stay current is to evolve with the ever changing cut and construction of clothes. And as I mentioned above, patterns and prints will date you eventually, too, so let them evolve within your wardrobe as time goes on.

4. When In Doubt Wear Black

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🙋🏼‍♀️Do you need a few “going out tops”? . The kind you wear for drinks with friends or a date night? . Overwhelming, this is the biggest void in most of my readers wardrobes. . And it makes sense. After spending our days working and taking care of our families, on the rare night we can go out for a little, we have nothing that feels special . Isn’t that a crummy feeling? . Standing in your closets, flipping through pieces you either JUST wore to work or maybe they don’t feel fun or special. . So over the next few weeks I’ll feature some pretty and affordable pieces you can mix into your wardrobe so you have a few things on hand when you get a minute to have a grown up night out. . Today I’m starting with wrap-style tops. These are flattering for all body types and quickly dress up basics you already have. Like this textured faux wrap blouse from @jcrew ☝🏼follow the link in my profile for all the well priced, size inclusive options.

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When did people start hating on wearing all black? I find the resistance to wearing black baffling. All-black outfits translate across so many styles. It can be artsy, euro, classic, city chic, anything! You can wear it unadorned or use it as a canvas to showcase statement jewelry.

Some of the chicest women in history made head to toe black a classic. So if you like black, wear it, it’s always in style, it’s simple, and it helps you look stylish on days you don’t want to think about what to wear.

5. Invest in Simple Upgrades

Three items you could spend on that will instantly elevate your look:

a great coat in camel or dark grey

a better quality handbag in a similar neutral tone

and your everyday shoe.

If you are always grabbing your boots, invest in the best quality you can afford. Spend your day in sneakers? Buy one that you can wear with outfits for a sporty yet pulled-together look.

When you combine a higher quality item in your everyday outfit, you add a sophisticated element that creates an elegant style.

One of my favorite things to wear in the cool weather is a turtleneck and jeans. It’s an easy go-to for me when balancing working from home and life with my kids. But if I have to run out to an appointment or meeting, I can immediately up my style factor by throwing on a camel coat, grabbing a classic bag, and wearing a better shoe.

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I love neutrals. Whether I’m investing in a piece or picking up a bargain I always opt for neutrals. So when I throw on an outfit it looks chic and sophisticated.

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Play around with the elements in your daily look to add a touch more style.

6. Consider a Uniform

Often, when I reference a uniform, readers think I’m suggesting you wear the same thing every day. That’s not necessarily the case. Of course, if you want to take the Steve Jobs approach to dress, go for it.

However, a more realistic way to translate a uniform would be to create different versions of your favorite, stylish outfits that you to wear every day. For example, one of my “uniforms” for work is jeans and blazers. But I don’t wear the same jeans and blazer every day.

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❤️My favorite outfit combo: jeans, blazer and boots. . . These ankle boots by @sam_edelman have become my do-to. . They come in an array of colors, I’m wearing “whiskey leather” and they pretty much go with everything. . . I paid full price – and I’d do it again because they are that good. But they are on a crazy good sale right now. 👆🏼Follow the link in my profile for all the details. And comment below if you picked them up!

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Instead, I use similar elements to build out different looks. Some days it’s light washed jeans and a casual blazer, other days it skinny jeans and a moto jacket. For a meeting, it might be slim-lined black pants and a sleek blazer. By duplicating looks, I can keep my style harmonious and “feel” like me without being overly repetitive.

7. Have Enough of What You Need

Think about how often you stand in your closet wanting to wear something, or could build an outfit, except your favorite pants are at the dry cleaner, or you JUST wore that perfect white tank.

These are the items you need more of, not similar, but more of the exact same.

I own three pairs of black Theory ankle pants because I wear them so much. I also own multiple pairs of Paige skinny jeans in dark wash blue, several of the same pure white tanks, and at least three of the same black crew neck cashmere sweater.

Why? Because these are building blocks to my wardrobe, and if I don’t have a black sweater on hand one day, I can’t create 3-4 outfits. That’s limiting and makes it difficult to look like your most stylish self every day.

Consider your building blocks. What are the items you wear all the time, what’s always being washed – create a list, and pick up a few more of the same. This way, you’ll look stylish every day without feeling like you are reinvention the wheel every time you have to get dressed.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

How To Find Your Style

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Today we’re talking about how to find your style.

Discovering your personal style seems easy enough, but start to dive into it, and you’ll quickly realize it can be confusing and a little overwhelming.

Have you ever sat down and thought about what kind of clothes and outfits you like?

Probably not, because as busy women, we have no time has the time?

For many, myself included, there comes the point in life when we end up with less of a style and more a closet full of clothes we accumulated over the years.

How to Find Your Personal Style

The decades since I graduated from college are a jumble of personal style trial and error.

I fully embraced the late nineties style with my low rise jeans and mid-drift tops, not so much a personal style as a required uniform for frat parties and college life.

After graduating, I remember trying to look like a “grown-up” or my version of one. Thankfully, that was a quick phase, and I spent most of my twenties and early thirties experimenting with different styles, all while having babies and building a business.

While I’ve always understood the fundamentals of dressing, like proportion and fit, it’s very different to navigate personally. As we age and watch our bodies change, it took me a minute to understand that what worked in my 20’s and 30’s doesn’t work on my body at 40 after three pregnancies – no matter how much I work out.

At my core, regardless of my age or size, I’ve always loved classic American Style. As a young girl, I worshiped Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrara. I was mesmerized by their shows, models and dreamed of growing up to exude their effortless elegance.

But it wasn’t until my late 30s and now at 40 when I felt like who I am as a woman and my personal style match. Like they are finally meeting at the same point.

Because for years, I convinced myself that that was too boring. So I bought things because:

I thought I should like it.
It was on sale.
I was just happy it fit.
Or all of the above.

Maybe that’s the beauty of aging, the confidence you get in being able to say, this is who I am.

So how do you create a personal style that feels authentic?

What are you supposed to do when you like everything?

And where should you start if you have no idea?

Today, we’ll talk about how you can find your personal style, based on what worked for me, and the strategies we used to help clients over the years.

How to Find Your Personal Style in 6 Easy Steps

When I worked with clients, the first step in our process was to figure out her style.

I created a client questionnaire, which included a section that asked them to think about women with a style they admire. It could be anyone, but it always ended up being celebrities from Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly, Laura Hutton, or more current famous women like Jen Anniston or fictional characters such as Olivia Pope.

It was an easy first step to get a sense of what the client liked.

To start this process, ask yourself, who do I think always looks great?

This is like a brain dump; it can be anyone with any style. THEN, take that list and narrow it down to who you want to dress like.

For example, I love Diane Keaton and Helena Bonham Carter. I appreciate their bold, wild, and unique style. But do I want to dress like them? No.

Readers often tell me they get stuck here because they like everything. And I get that!

It’s a lot like when you’re in the process of decorating your home. You can enjoy all kinds of style, but what do you want to live in?

Can you want to live in more than one? Sure!

And that’s what makes your style unique. It’s how you combine those elements in your unique way.

I narrowed my list down to three:

Gwyneth Paltrow
Oliva Palermo
Carolina Herrera

What do they have in common? They all share a classic American style with some modern elements that feel relaxed and casual.

Who’s on your list?

Of course, we don’t have the resources (budget, stylist, make-up artist, etc.) to dress like a celebrity every day. So we want to create a visual to help practically guide us.

This step is by far my best, most well-received tip. We go through this process in detail in our free Wardrobe Challenge (coming back in September!).

It’s the most effective way to break down the difference between styles you appreciate and how you want to dress every day. AND it helps you build a wardrobe you love quickly and easily.

Spend some time on Pinterest. Create a personal style board, and “pin” all the looks you like. Then, and this is important, go through them and edit down to only the ones you love.

You may have pinned all different styles. But remember, there is a difference between appreciating a style and wanting to live in it. The pins you keep should only be the ones you want to live in.

After you gather a few dozen pictures, look for cohesive elements.

Do you prefer:

Pants or skirts?
Silver or gold?
Mixing prints and patterns or monochromatic?
Romantic or tailored pieces?
What colors show up over and again?

You’ll quickly discover there is a thread of commonality within the looks you keep.

Having clarity around your preferences is the first step in understanding your style and making better choices going forward.

Once your board is together, use it as a guide while shopping. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if that piece will help you create the look you are going for.

Armed with your Pinterest board, do a quick edit purging everything in your current wardrobe that doesn’t get you to your ultimate style goal.

Quite literally, stand in your closet with your Pinterest board open and see if your current wardrobe is a reflection of it.

Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t. That’s generally the takeaway.

Follow our tips on how to organize your closet in 60 minutes.

Be ruthless. You’ll feel lighter when you get rid of items you don’t like, need, or use.

As you look at your favorite styles, try to determine the pieces that keep showing up.

For me, my signature pieces ended up being dark skinny jeans, an animal print flat or bag, a crisp button-down, white tee shirts, a tan boot, and better jewelry and, for work, sleek dresses and neutral-to-me pumps.

These pieces work as an anchor for your style. They are the items you can always count on to ensure your outfit “looks like you.”

One of the reasons your wardrobes and style goes off the rails is that we don’t put the proper time and strategy into shopping. We need to be intentional about what we bring into our closet.

A simple tip to follow when building your wardrobe is only to buy something you can wear three different ways.

The pieces that meet this criterion are what should be your core wardrobe pieces. These will help define your personal style and make it easier to get dressed.

Of course, you’ll buy items that you can’t wear three ways, but they should be few and far between.

As you move through discovering your style, you’ll start to feel more confident in your choices. It’s essential to trust your instincts.

Don’t talk yourself into a purchase you’re not thrilled to make.

Stop wear something because someone told you to.

Avoid buying something just because it’s on sale.

The process of building a wardrobe takes time. Try not to feel overwhelmed by everything you might need. Write a list of what you could use to pull some outfits together and only purchase from that list.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

Holidays at Home: Accessories to Make it Extra

December 17, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Are you planning on staying in your pajamas this holiday? Go for it! I plan on wearing mine the entire day after Christmas, and the day after, and the day after that.

For the week between Christmas and New Years, I’m going to jazz them up a bit, so it doesn’t feel like just any other day in 2020.

Today, I’m wrapping up our Holidays at Home series with some ideas to make even a jammie day feel a little more special, and you probably have many of these ideas already in your closet.

Holidays at Home: Accessories to Make it Extra

This short series is all about giving you inspiration. I always recommend seeing what you have first before you bring anything new into your wardrobe. This week we featured cozy sweaters, festive pants, and at-home party dresses.

As always, inventory is limited and prices are subject to change.

Crystal Necklace

Necklace, $68

Take inspiration from our favorite TV Mom of 2020, Moria Rose, known for pairing her pajamas with silk vests and diamond brooches. Pull out some of your old costume jewelry pieces and layer them on. More, is more here.

Want something new? This crystal necklace from Baublebar is a fun option to wear under your collar.

Sequin Flats

Sequin Flats, $18

Swap out your beat up old slippers for a pair of blinged-out flats, like this sequin covered pair from LOFT that are only $18.

Headband

Pearl Headband, $20

Headbands are the secret to turning a bad hair day around. Pull your hair into a big messy bun, add an embellished headband, and poof, you have yourself a chic up do. Give it a try over these next few weeks and see how pulled together you feel with zero effort. I love this faux pearl encrusted headband at WHBM for $20.

Feather Sleeve Blouse

Feather Sleeve Blouse, $99

Looking for some drama? This feather sleeve blouse from Nordstrom is so fun. You can wear it with dark jeans, simple black trousers or velvet pull-on pants. Or, pair it with your favorite pair of cozy joggers and slippers.

Silk Pajamas

Silk Pajama Set, $110

A holiday pajama day may call for a new pair, like this WASHABLE silk set from Bare Necessities. Order today, and you’ll get FREE two-day shipping. Then, layer on your accessories, pour yourself some hot cocoa or a glass of wine, and veg in front of the T.V. all day long.

These are also a lovely last-minute gift. 😉

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please consider following on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

Holidays at Home: Dresses and Jumpsuits

December 16, 2020 by Megan Kristel

One category I barely touched on this year is special occasion pieces. It’s crazy to think that we’ve gone almost 12 months without a wedding, a girls’ trip someplace fun, a Broadway show, or a fancy dinner out.

Not that I ever needed a closet full of cocktail dresses, but now, my kids ask me why I’m “dressed up” when I put on a pair of jeans.

The last time I got even close to dolled up was my 40th Birthday party last November. Just thinking about it makes me realize how much we all need a fun night out to blow off some steam.

Hopefully, that night is coming sooner rather than later.

For now, consider wearing something glam for the holidays, whether it’s Christmas cocktails with a small group or New Year’s Eve on the couch with Netflix.

Before you buy anything new, go in your closet, all the way in the back, and pull out something you saved for a special occasion. Throw that on instead of your leggings, pour yourself a glass of champagne, and toast to the fact that we survived this miserable year.

If you need some inspiration or want to pick up something new, scroll down to see some easy ideas in all sizes that will arrive just in time to celebrate.

Holidays at Home: Dresses and Jumpsuits

Velour Dress

Velour Dress, $25

Eat and drink all you want in this loose $25 velour dress. Just slip it over your head for an instantly elevated look as comfortable as wearing your favorite nightgown. To make it EXTRA extra, where you best jewelry and a bold red lip.

Long Wrap Dress

Wrap Front Maxi Dress, $99

I got really into long wrap dresses over the summer. They were a fantastic alternative shorts but felt infinitely more polished. See what you already have and consider wearing it around the house next week. Maybe add a gold flat or slipper. You’ll instantly feel the power of getting dressed and how it sets the mood for you and everyone in your home.

This one from Nordstrom is available in red and black, and can be worn year round.

Sweater Dress

Sweater Dress, $149

You likely have at least one sweater dress in your wardrobe, and maybe it’s not getting the wear you thought it would when you bought it. Go put it on! It’s the definition of one-step dressing. If you want to get dressed this holiday season without overcomplicating things, the sweater dress is your best bet.

If you need one, I love this option from Ann Taylor, with the one-shoulder buttons. You can wear it now, at home, and then take it to the office with tights and boots. Available in sizes XXS – XXL.

Jumpsuit

Metallic Jumpsuit, $149 (ON SALE $75)

I adore this metallic jumpsuit from Banana Republic available in all sizes including petite and tall. It’s super flattering on, defining your waist and pulling the eye in with the faux wrap style top. Do me a favor and never ever wear it with the ankle boots shown above. Opt instead for a strappy heel if you need some extra height or a simple pair of flats.

Sequin Dress

Sequin Mini Dress, $54

When I was in my early 20s, my friends and I threw a New Years Eve party (these days I’m lucky if I’m awake when the ball drops). For fun, my girlfriends and I bought ridiculous, cheap cocktail dresses. They were gaudy, but also kind of fabulous.

This season, Express is killing it with affordable holiday options that remind me of that night. Why not wear something you otherwise would never wear, like a sequin covered dress.

But, I’m thinking this sequin sweatsuit is the PERFECT outfit to wear to kick 2020 to the curb. Gaudy, but also kind of fabulous 😉

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Holidays at Home: Fun and Festive Pants

December 16, 2020December 15, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Yesterday, we featured five chic and affordable sweaters to wear while we celebrate the holidays at home. Today, we’re talking pants, not just any old pair of pants, but fun, festive, and slightly over-the-top.

After a year of sweatpants, leggings, and joggers, I’m ready for the opposite, like silk drawstring, velvet pull-on, and sequin-covered bottoms.

I know many readers plan on going all-out with their looks this holiday, despite the fact (or because of the fact) that this year was the worst and our gatherings might be smaller than usual.

I plan to do the same, but I want it to be easy.

A great tip is to pull your family’s outfits together now, so you can avoid the last minute trip to Target for tights, shoes, etc. And don’t forget about yourself! In years past, I stopped short of my own outfit, and, of course, I ended up scrambling at the last minute.

Holidays at Home: Fun and Festive Pants

Prices are subject to change, so please keep that in mind, and inventory across the board is limited and selling out quickly. As always, there are plus, petite and tall sizes available in several of these options. All of the featured retailers have holiday delivery.

Velvet Pants

Velvet, $118 (ON SALE $59)

A pair of velvet pull-on pants may be the definition of glamorous comfort. They make pulling together a holiday look so easy, and they feel like sweatpants. Pair with a tonal sweater for an elevated monochromatic look.

Available in Regular, Petite and Tall up to a size 24, in colors dark spruce (above), navy and black.

Satin Drawstring

Satin, $89.50 (ON SALE $45)

Personally, I think I am going to host Christmas Eve in these satin drawstring pants and a black sweater, then glam it up with accessories (Thursday’s post!). Like wearing pajamas but better.

Available in XXS – XXL on sale for under $50.

Plaid High Waisted Ankle Pants

Plaid, $25

While I would NEVER wear these in public, there is something so fun about them. If you’re hosting a small gathering why not wear something way out of your comfort zone.

These plaid bottoms from Old Navy are only $25, available in all sizes including regular, petite, and tall up to a size 20.

You can keep the look simple with a basic black sweater, or go all out and pick up the coordinating plaid sweater! Just ditch the ankle boots and, instead, wear a simple flat like the Birdie velvet loafers.

Sequin-Covered Trousers

Sequin, $54

Express has some fun dress up pieces right now. So many I had a hard time picking just one. But these sequin covered trousers are the perfect way to send 2020 packing. They have a relaxed fit and are ankle length, so you can wear them with a flat or a heel.

I would wear these with a grey slouchy sweatshirt to balance and black heels for New Years Eve in front of the TV or, pair them with this $25 fuzzy white sweater featured in yesterday’s post.

Available in Regular and Petite in XS – XL.

Faux Leather Leggings

Leather, $98

Finally, these Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are a long time reader favorite. If you already have them, wear them with a basic or sequin-covered tunic, depending on your tolerance for bling. Find more styling options in our post How to Wear Faux Leather Leggings.

Available in XS – XL here and plus size here. Buy one size up.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.