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.
Last month our series, “What to Buy at,” featured Banana Republic. I love BR for their classic modern style and commitment to offering an inclusive size range. They make my job so much easier.
After that post, I received several questions about how to wear these joggers, specifically, how to style joggers in an outfit for work and weekends. So today, I’m breaking down a few options to wear for whatever work looks like for you and ideas to make them casual, since right now those worlds are merging together.
If you are new to our site (welcome!), today is an excellent example of how many of our posts are designed to help you build a functional, practical, and chic wardrobe. I use items from popular, mainstream retailers, focusing on realistic price points and inclusive size options.
My goal is to help you build a wardrobe much like I did when I worked with my private styling clients. I reuse popular items throughout each season, so what you purchase through this site becomes a piece you turn frequently.
In the looks below, I used a combination of items you may already own, along with some new options, all well priced, all available in a range of sizes.
Maybe the best thing to come out of 2020 is jogger pants. They are having a big moment. With work and home life being one and the same, it’s nice to have a few pieces you can grab that straddle both worlds.
The cut, tapered leg, and drape of a jogger make them a more polished alternative to leggings and sweatpants. At this point, we know how much better it feels to get dressed in some capacity for our day. Feeling pulled together makes all the difference in our mood and productivity.
Don’t let the casual nature of these pants throw you. Wear them like you would any pair of black pants. Here, I used this black and white marled sweater from Gap. It’s easy-peasy, comes in regular, tall and petite up to an XXL and on sale for $41. This is suppose to be oversized, not giant, but not fitted. I like how the sweater complements the joggers; both feel cozy and casual.
The trick to wearing a casual jogger with a jacket is to make sure the fabric of the jacket works with the jogger’s material. Here,I’m using the Ann Taylor motto jacket we featured earlier this month. It’s done in a knit, which means it will complement the blend of the joggers.
When video conferencing, think about wearing colors that bring light and warmth to your face. The sweater is a lovely base to add some simple accessories, like a chain link necklace and stud earrings. These small details will add layers to your look and help you look more professional.
What’s not professional are these Ugg slippers 🙂 Who knew when I bought them in late 2019 just how much I would wear them, lol.
Finally, consider your make-up if you are regularly on camera. You may need a darker or brighter lipstick, so you don’t look washed out. My favorite is this red lip by Kosas.
Below is our article from March (when all of this nonsense started). I used a similar pair of olive joggers to create three casual outfits. Almost all of the items are still available.
Joggers are what you want to wear when you don’t want to wear sweats. They are slightly better, and make all the different in that space between feeling sloppy and like you still have your life together.
I’m featuring them in a dark army green. It’s a fantastic, updated neutral.
You likely have these pieces already hanging in your closet. I want to call out the tee shirt because it’s what many of you are looking for. It’s a lovely ballet neckline with a sleeve that goes to your elbow, making it ideal for layering or to wear alone.
I added a long necklace by Kendra Scott (on sale for under $40 at Nordstrom Rack) – because why not? Jewelry makes me feel human.
Finally, I am crazy about these shoes by Louise et Cie. They are a leather slip on sneaker in a leopard print available in lots of sizes for under $50, also a Nordstrom Rack. I was not allowing myself to buy another leopard print shoe, but will be breaking that rule with these.
I took the joggers and added a simple grey sweatshirt by Everlane. I find they run slightly small, so size up, or pay close attention to the measurements.
Then I added these chic and comfortable Rothy’s in camo. I’m wearing my Rothly’s in my office almost daily. There’s something about wearing a real shoe that helps me feel grounded.
Now, keep in mind, my office is a few steps away from my house. I have to go outside to get in, so wearing shoes is required. I get it might be less important if you are currently working at your dining room table – just something to consider.
Finally, these earrings, by our new favorite Gorjana. I’m mentioning them because they come in gold AND silver tone, and so many readers have requested more silver options. They are incredibly affordable and a simple way to raise your spirit.
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.
If there is one item sure to be hanging in all of our closets, it’s a pair of black dress pants. They are our go-to, the most basics of the basics. And while the practicality of being able to turn to them over and again is part of their appeal, they are the first piece to feel redundant.
One of the most common complaints I heard from clients, looking for a style update was, “All I wear are my black dress pants.” This typically meant they were wearing their black pants the same boring way and not styling them.
Over the years I’ve featured dozens of black pant outfits, with recommendations on the kind of cut and style that will work best for all different body types.
So today, I thought I would share a guide to creating cohesive outfits around a simple pair of black pants by featuring the top black pants (chosen by our readers) and rounding up some of the best looks we’ve created over the years using them.
Let’s start with today’s featured look, ideal for a professional office. Here, I’m using black pants like a pedestal to show off a statement jacket. Working with toppers (blazers, jackets, and structured sweaters) with interest like texture and subtle pattern is the easiest way to elevate a basic pair of black pants.
Pro tip: To create a cohesive look, pay attention to the buttons on a topper. If the button is black, pair with black bottoms. Many inexpensive jackets have cream or white buttons; in this case, it’s helpful to have your tailor/dry cleaner replace them with either a gold or silver-tone OR one wrapped in the same fabric as the jacket.
I’m using the Talbot pants above because (1) they are a reader favorite, and (2) they have a flattering cut in what they are calling a “barely boot.” This means that the leg of the pant only slightly flares at the bottom, giving a lovely line to the leg with a hem meant to break on the top of your shoe.
These are a very traditional trouser, so if you don’t like “skinnies” and need an ankle pant alternative, they are worth considering. It’s generally a good rule of thumb to size down in Talbots.
When wearing a bootcut pant: your top needs to be fitted to your body (it doesn’t have to be skin tight) and if you’re wearing a jacket, the bottom of it should stop at your hip bone. Chances are if you wore a blazer any longer than hip bone the look will feel overwhelming on you.
I really like this layering tank by Karen Kane (also available in black). You want to wear a scooped or straight neckline with a v-neck jacket. This creates space between your chin and chest creating a long, elegant neck, and helps extent the line of the body.
For shoes, you can wear a pair of pumps, but you might also consider a wedge. These by Nine West are only $45. A wedge with a bootcut are a nice pairing because the weight and shape of the wedge balances the width of the leg.
Finally, you can’t go wrong with a high quality, classically shaped black bag with a little tonal texture. This black bag by Gigi New York is an investment. I so appreciate it not being covered in logos, BUT you can have it monogrammed which makes my preppy heart sing.
Another look I created a few years back (in case you still have these pieces) shows the timelessness of this combination.
Creating a column of color is an old trick that helps you build a uniform-like look. Pick any black layering top, like a shell or sleeveless black blouse, pair with your favorite black pants, and add any topper in a complimentary color.
Here, I used the classic combination of black and red. You can see how the black buttons in the red blazer pull the look together. For fun and interest, I used these popular tortoise print heels instead of the standard black pump.
Pro tip: Never break up a suit and wear it as a separate. Proper suits (bought together, cut from the same fabric, etc.) are designed to be worn together. Once you break it apart, you’ll notice that it doesn’t feel right. You’re likely pairing it with the wrong fabric, or the shape of the jacket is not matching the shape of the bottoms.
Instead, have better separates in your closet so you can create suit-like looks with more mix and match versatility.
Here, a casual yet structured blazer is over a pair of skinny leg black pants. The jacket has a bit of texture, the shoes are a brushed suede, and the bag has quilting details. These small elements come together to give what is a relatively simple look, a level of complexity.
There is nothing as basic as black pants with a sweater. But how do you take it from boring to a styled look? Here, it’s about fit and a sophisticated color pairing, as I did here with black and camel, and below in black and red, and then add lux (not necessarily expensive) accessories.In any look, impeccable fit is the absolute most crucial element. It doesn’t matter if your pants are $50 or $500; fit is what creates that well-dressed look.
The same goes for quality. Buy the best you can afford and take care of your clothes. When you wear simple pieces, the fit and quality take center stage and make or break your look.
Here, we elevate the look ever so slightly with a pattern loafer in a slim profile, and bold gold tone jewelry.
Or, you can keep it simple like this red and black look below and focus once again on fit and grooming. By adding a bold lip, oversized sunglasses and a dramatic coat, you can take this outfit from nothing special to rather glamorous.
Keep black pants from looking lifeless by adding seasonal layers, like this collarless sweater blazer from J. Crew (still available in an array of colors). It’s a nice alternative to the more formal looking blazers, mix in a scarf and interesting layering piece for more depth.
Texture and Details
Don’t be afraid to add texture and pattern to black pants. This instantly elevates the style factor, especially in the fall.
Below are a few examples of looks created over the years that lean away from the traditional black/white, red, camel combination and mixes things up.
Wearing a blouse and pair of pants to the office is just about as standard as it gets. After a while, though, you can start to feel uninspired. That’s why having a closet full of interesting basics is the key to creating a composed work appropriate outfit, that is still easy to throw on.
Everything about today’s look is simple, but with the exception of the pants, each piece has something extra. It’s these extra details that add the interest needed to create a cohesive outfit.
I found this velvet blazer and was inspired to create a look I would wear to a formal work event. It’s just elevated enough. The cut and style keep it professional, while the velvet adds a bit of drama without being over the top.
By pairing it with workplace staples, you won’t look like you are wearing a special occasion piece. The whole look is thoughtful, chic and effortless. Best of all, most of the pieces can be worn several different ways so you get the most out of your purchases.
Our 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.
