I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas, but I started this week. My kids have been in full-time, in-person school since the start of the school year (it’s been wonderful) but are going virtual for two weeks, beginning on Monday.
Knowing the next few days will be filled with distractions, I’m putting in a marathon effort this weekend to get the holidays set up.
This year I want to make it as cozy and fun as possible. That shouldn’t be too hard since Vivi turns two a few days before Christmas. Getting to redo all of our holiday traditions with a little one again has been an absolute gift. I’m not sure who is enjoying it more, her or me.
One of my favorite childhood traditions was how my mom made sure we always had a few special things to wear, like pajamas just for Christmas Eve and a new Christmas Day outfit. Of course, I do the same for my kids. Because what we wear can set the tone for the occasion and end up marking a memory.
And for me, there is no pattern more memory-evoking than a Fair Isle print.
So as we head into the weekend, I’m rounding up some of my favorite cozy Fair Isle sweaters for holidays at home. They are perfect for this time of year, for Thanksgiving, the night you decorate your tree, or just snuggling on the sofa with a holiday movie.
5 Fair Isle Sweaters for Thanksgiving and Beyond
How fun are these? They’re the stuff of Hallmark Movie magic. If you pick one up, or already own one (and you really only need one) keep your look simple: a pair of jeans, a pull on pant, or a jogger, the pour yourself a glass of wine and relax by the fire.
Below are my top picks in all sizes including regular, tall, petite and plus:
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.
We talk a lot about creating a chic and classic style on a budget. No matter your budget, you have one, and you need to know where to splurge, spend, and save. The best tip I can give you is to be selective about every item you bring into your wardrobe, especially those pieces considered a bargain.
Inexpensive, sale-priced, clearance items tend to be where we let down our guard. It’s too easy to throw a $20 top or dress in our carts. But what happens when we do that repeatedly is we end up with a closet that doesn’t make any sense.
You’ve been there, I’ve been there, we’ve all been there.
That’s why it’s important to know the style you are trying to achieve before you shop, and then hold even the most affordable item to that standard.
Ponte knit is ideal for this time of year. It’s stretchy, soft, and has a great fit. You can dress it up or down. It pairs with everything from tall boots (below) to sneakers and a denim jacket.
This dress works so well because of its timeless cut and heather grey color. It’s also not too short, so you can take it to work, dinner, or even a relaxed Thanksgiving.
Today, I’m showing you two sophisticated looks with this inexpensive piece at the center.
To say I love this look is an understatement. My favorite way to dress is in layered neutrals. It creates such a gorgeous richness that works for any occasion.
When you focus on wardrobe building, you’ll eventually get the point that you already have everything else you need to create a fresh look when you bring in one piece.
This look is an example of that. You likely already have a pair of black ankle boots. If not, these booties by Vince Camuto are on sale at DSW. Their block heel makes them incredibly comfortable. Pair them with opaque tights to give your leg a long line.
Then, I added this gorgeous belt from LOFT. Right now, it’s on sale for only $15. It’s subtle but has a designer look and feel. Wrap it around your waist to bring in some visual interest.
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.
Over-the-knee boots have been popular for some time. Over in our Facebook Private Group, I get questions about them frequently. Specifically how to wear them and if they are age-appropriate.
So let’s start with the question of age. It’s simple. AGE DOES NOT MATTER. The Well Dressed Life is all about helping you achieve a modern and classic style, which is inherently timeless and ageless. I break down my philosophy on age and “appropriate” dress here.
For style inspiration, you have a lot of options. But first, lets talk about the boot.
I wanted one that was versatile, affordable, casual and easy to incorporate into my uneventful life.
I will never be comfortable posting pictures of myself, but thank you to everyone for being kind. I know the pictures are helpful, even though I feel like a major dork in them.
Are they the best quality? They do the trick, which is to let you wear a trend while it’s popular without feeling committed to it and spending a small fortune.
They are surprisingly comfortable. The block heel gives nice support and they are not too high making them super easy to walk in.
I paired them with the Joe’s Curvy Skinny Ankle Jean. (On sale for $80 at Nordstrom Rack – they usually retail for $189). I LOVE these. They are high waisted, with nice stretch. But the slide over any skinny jean easily.
I’ve worn them a few different ways, usually with jeans (above) or leggings and a long cardigan (below). The key is to keep it simple. Almost think of them as pants, if that makes sense.
I original purchased the tan suede, and just ordered them in black for the holidays. I think the suede adds a richness to the look but again, has a casual vibe.
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 View Post 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.
These days, workwear leans a little more casual than usual, which can make getting dressed feel redundant and boring. Instead of feeling like you’re limited to the same old outfits, use it as an opportunity to try something new.
This classic patterned, oversized blazer is just the thing. It’s only $30, available in regular, tall, and petite up to a size XXL. Whether you’re working from home (and running to Target in between conference calls) or heading into the office a few days a week, scoop this up and get inspired.
When incorporating a trend or a style outside your comfort zone, it’s important to maintain some timeless elements. This is what helps your look stay modern. Here, I’m using an oversized blazer (trend) with a houndstooth pattern (timeless). The combination strikes the right balance, and the price point allows you to give it a try without making a significant investment.
Below are two outfits, created with items you already have, and a few you can easily pick up to continue to expand your wardrobe.
Making a casual look fresh and pulled together comes down to combining casual pieces with a few polished ones. It’s that tension between a sneaker and a proper handbag that is unexpected and modern.
Here, I’m layering the blazer over a grey sweatshirt. Fit-wise, this works because the blazer is oversized. Use a sweatshirt that is lightweight and not too boxy. It’s extra cute if you have one with a zipper and hood. Use whatever you already have; just be sure it’s thin enough to fit under the blazer.
Then, a pair of sneakers. These Cole Haan sneakers continue to be a best seller. I love using them in outfit posts to show just how versatile they are. The British tan accent on the shoe tongue gives them a sophisticated feel and pulls out the blazer’s rich tones.
When I create these outfit posts, I always want to provide some helpful tips. Maybe it’s an unexpected way to wear something or a product recommendation you end up buying and loving. Then, I want you to feel inspired. Perhaps you have similar items hanging in your closet and never thought to wear them together until now.
Finally, and perhaps what makes this site different from other style sites, I want you to build a functional wardrobe. You’ll see items repeated throughout a season and even the year because that’s how we dress in real life.
Because these pants are straight leg, you can easily wear your favorite ankle boot. Just remember that the pants’ hem should sit on the top of your boot, creating a break.
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.
Mock neck blouses are popping up across retail, providing a welcomed change in the sea of your standard v-neck tops. These overtly feminine pieces are an attractive option for work, especially if you only dress from the waist up. They bring attention and color to your face, which is all most of your colleagues are seeing of you these days anyway.
If you are back in the office, they pair beautifully with any bottom, like a slim pencil skirt, a full pleated skirt, and your favorite trouser in the best cut and shape for you.
Of course, take this out of the office to drinks and dinner with a pair of jeans. Or, add a faux leather skirt and wear these straight into the holidays.
Pick this style up if you have narrow shoulders and a small bust; however, avoid if you are bustier since it will only make you look wider and fuller than you are.
General body types this will complement are triangles since it will add volume to your upper half balancing out the lower, and straight up and down because it creates curves and visual interest. Hourglass could also pull it off as long as you balance your waist and hips.
It’s also a fantastic option for Petites with a small frame.
I found five seriously gorgeous options in a range of sizes and prices.
5 Fresh Workwear Blouses for Fall
Banana Republic: Satin Billow Sleeve Blouse | Under $50, in regular, tall and petite, in rose (above) and navy.
J.Crew: Long Sleeve Ruffle Neck Top | Originally $89.50 (on sale for Under $50 with code FALLTIME) Sizes XXXS – 3X in green (above), white, pink and navy
Ann Taylor:Seersucker Mock Neck Top | $69.50 in dusty teal (above) sizes XXS – XXL
Nordstrom: 1. State, Keyhole Blouse | $69 in green (above) and pink sizes XXS – XXL
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.
Faux leather leggings are all the rage. In 2019, they were in our top 10 best sellers for the entire year. For months I heard from readers who stepped out of their comfort zone, gave them a try, and LOVED them.
Today, I’m showing you how to wear faux leather leggings even more ways, with a casual 2020 spin.
And take your time with this one because there are so many good, wearable items in the post.
For today’s looks I created three easy ways to wear these leggings in your real life. You’ll recognize some of these pieces from past posts (remember, we’re trying to build a mix and match wardrobe over time), others are new and worth taking a peek at.
While last year we focused on dressing these up, this year is a little different. You can add instant style to a weekend outfit by swapping out your basic leggings for your faux leather ones with a few simple tips.
First, keep your color combinations sophisticated, like the camel and black combo above. Or, work with all black, grey and black or winter white and ivory.
Everyone’s “normal” looks so different right now, depending on where you live in the country (and the globe, frankly). Maybe you’re out and about, back in the office, meeting a small group of friends for lunch … whatever you’re up to, celebrate it by getting dressed.
Next, boots. If you are wearing an ankle book you want leg of the legging to fit into the boot. Don’t show any skin between the bottom of the leg and the top of the boot. Instead, have them create one continuous line. This will help keep the eye moving, giving a long lean look.
The one thing that has saved my sanity over the last few months have been date nights. The second our restaurants opened back up (locally, restaurants are at 50% capacity indoors), Bri and I were there to support them and give us a break from the relentlessness of daily life.
Last weekend, we celebrated our anniversary (17 years!) with dinner out and I wore heels for the first time since early March. It felt glorious.
So if you’re going out, get dressed up, if only to feel like yourself again.
Below is a picture from last November. I dressed them up for my 40th birthday party with a pair of black heels from Sam Edelman and an ivory sweater with some metallic threading.
Sadly, this was the last time I saw all of my friends in one big group!
Here’s hoping we’re back to normal soon so we can get dressed up and celebrate together because I’m really starting to miss fun.
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 View Post 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.
Today we wrap up our last set of challenges. We’ll focus on discovering new outfit combinations you already own, making sure you have what you need for all aspects of your busy life, and creating a strategy for going forward.
But before we jump in, I have to thank everyone for participating with such enthusiasm!
It has been so fun to see everyone’s closet “after” pictures. This round especially showed us so many examples of how to get creative with organizing a closet. It’s beneficial to see regular closets instead of the unrealistic ones we see on Instagram and Pinterest.
One of the things that set this site apart from others is that our readership genuinely fuels it. I never wanted to start a blog to talk about myself (you would be so bored). So while I certainly feel a connection with our audience, even friendship in many cases, I want this to be a resource first and foremost. The content produced here is inspired explicitly by your comments, questions, and requests.
This week is going to wrap up the challenge, but not the process.
Remember, it takes time to put all this into practice. That’s why so many women do this challenge every season.
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to do the work not only to find those items, but figure out how to translate all those gorgeous inspiration pictures into an outfit that will work with your lifestyle, budget, and body type.
If you are new to our community, I encourage you to ask specific questions, and request posts covering different topics. Our readers influence every post on this site. I consider our readers more like clients, so the recommendations, tips, and advice I share are all deeply considered based on everything I know about you.
Use our archives while searching for inspiration. Almost every style post notes how to translate each look based on size and body type.
I guarantee the more you participate in our community, the more you’ll get out of it.
Week 4: Create New Outfits and Write Your Wish List
If you haven’t completed week 3, please do that first. If you are just starting, or feel like you’re running behind, do not stress. This is suppose to be fun!
Take your time! There is no rush. These posts will remain on the site for you to reference. If you use Pinterest, you can pin these to a board for easy access.
Challenge #1: Create New Outfits
Spend some time in your clean and organized closet.
Doesn’t it feel so good?
With the clutter removed you might be amazed at the outfit combinations you never noticed. Every time I go through this process I always find a new way to wear something or rediscover an old favorite.
And there is just something so motivating about a clean, tidy closet.
My closet – after the edit.
To guide you, use your curated Pinterest boards and your lifestyle diagram. Try to recreate a few of the looks for each of your categories.
Use Pinterest as a search engine. Say you have a pair of black jeans. Type “black jean outfits” into Pinterest and be amazed at how many ideas you get.
Yes, I know the pictures on Pinterest are almost entirely of young, super-thin, super-tall women in four-inch heels.
The idea is not to replicate each look. Instead, be inspired by them. Look at the color combinations, pattern pairings, layers, and accessories. Those are the essential elements.
You may want to swap out a skinny jean for a straight leg or wear a different shoe. We all have to make adjustments to meet our specific needs.
Here’s an outfit I “found” after I did this challenge in January right before the world shut down.
Remember to use your entire wardrobe. Break up “sets,” and incorporate pieces you are saving for a schedule special occasion.
Pro Tip! Take pictures of your outfit options and keep them on your phone so they are at your fingertips when you need a reminder.
Challenge #2: Write Your Shopping List
As you work through your wardrobe, creating new looks, jot down what you need to create more outfits.
Could you use a different style pant?
Maybe an updated shoe would pull several outfits together.
You might need something as simple as a cami so you can start to wear a lightweight sweater.
Write down anything that would add more life to your existing wardrobe.
Keep this list with you (I keep mine on my phone) and only purchase from the list! By doing so you will stay focused, and your wardrobe will become more functional. If you buy things that are not on the list, you’ll end up with a closet full of items you don’t need all over again.
AND share your shopping list in our FB Group. I use all of the conversations on that feed to help create posts for each season.
Enjoy your new space and the fresh start!
Your closet won’t always look this great. Life will get busy, and you’ll need to regroup. The good news is it will be so much easier to keep it tidy now that you have a system. I follow this process twice a year, only it doesn’t take four weeks; it takes about an hour to get back on track.
Remember that your wardrobe is ever evolving.
You’ll never be “done.” There will always be something on your shopping list, an item that needs to be replaced or a new look you want to try. I hope that after this exercise, you start to hold your purchases to a higher standard and realize you don’t need so much, you just need the right options for you.
Join me in our Private Facebook Group for a LIVE Q&A!
On Sunday, October 18th at 7pm EST, I’ll host a Facebook LIVE, answering all of your questions, sharing tips, and my best advice to keep your closet organized, and begin to build a wardrobe you truly love.
