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.
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.
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.
We receive so many requests for posts featuring cute outfits with black jeans so today I’m sharing a few that are practical, chic, and can be created with pieces you may already have in your closet.
Black jeans are an obvious wardrobe staple that you can dress up or down.
Below, I list my top picks for black jeans at all price points, share tips on how to best care for them and offer inspiration on how to style them for a day of working from home, a casual weekend, and a date night.
And please keep in mind, because our readership is far reaching, everyone is experiencing various forms of restrictions differently. My priority here is first to help give practical tips, and also keep things forward thinking and optimistic 🙂
Premium denim is expensive for a reason. Long time readers know my focus is always on buying the best you can afford, with the understanding that just because something is the most expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best.
Brands like Paige (above), AG, Citizens, etc., all focus on quality material and fit, and they last much longer.
Unfortunately, they don’t offer much in inclusive sizing.
In the just under $100, or “mid” range, I like KUT from the Kloth. The Diana (above) has a curvy cut and is available in missy, plus, and petite. Consider sizing down in these. When you try them on for the first time, they should feel tight. Tight like you are going to want to get the next size up.
Don’t, because they stretch out immediately.
Finally, we love Old Navy around here. They have a completely inclusive size scale (including tall) and are decent quality for the price. These are $20 jeans, so don’t expect them to last longer than a season or two. They will shrink and fade faster than the better brands.
So you get the most out of your purchase, it’s important to care for them properly. Do everything you can to avoid washing them. Of course, if you stain or spill something on them, you have to wash them. But if you’ve only worn them for a few hours, fold or hand them back up neatly until your next wear.
I know that sounds gross, but once you start to wash them, they will shrink, fade, and generally lose their shape. This goes for all jeans.
It’s helpful to have more than one pair so you can rotate wear. Spot clean when necessary, and when you are ready to wash them, turn them inside out and follow the instructions on the tag.
Okay, let’s get into outfits …
Today I created three cute outfits with black jeans, a laid back look, a casual chic outfit, and something simple for weekend date night.
For our first look, I was thinking of days working from home, or travel, when you have to head to the airport or train station (eventually). I’m using a skinny black jean, you could also wear a slim straight leg.
Grab a basic white tee; I like these v necks at J.Crew. Then, add a long cozy layer. I’m a big fan of H&M. This cardigan is a wool blend, and I love the color – it looks extra sophisticated.
Layers that add interest without bulk are essential to incorporate as the weather cools. So, I went as classic as it gets with a Barbour olive vest. (In my mind, I spend weekends in the English countryside.)
Keeping things simple is the key to getting dressed and out of the house on the occasional date or girl’s night out.
Last year, a friend was wearing a beautiful blouse at a friend’s 40th birthday dinner. When I asked her where she found it, I nearly fell off my seat when she said Express. I know! She said, but some of their things are great and affordable.
And isn’t that just what we need a night out tops to be? Because I have no room in my budget for a $200 top.
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.
In this ever-changing world, a routine is something I’m craving, so getting up and getting dressed has been essential for keeping my mood and outlook bright. That’s not to say I don’t have days where I look like the wrath of God. I sure do.
It’s because of those days that I know first hand how much better I feel when I take 20 minutes and pull myself together.
Like many of you my days start early and go late. I’m juggling a career, school obligations, growing kids, and the busiest toddler you’ll ever meet. So clothes need to be easy, comfortable and polished.
The outfit below is great example of how simple, affordable pieces, with a little extra detail, can create a wear anywhere outfit that works for long days at your desk, to car line, to sitting on the floor playing with the baby and everything in between.
I’ve worn this outfit twice now, once for drinks outside with some friends, and most recently, yesterday (below) for a busy day of work. It’s quickly become a go-to.
Let’s start with the top by Madewell. I bought it at the Nordstrom Sale last month. It’s super soft, like a thermal, with a tie front detail that gives it a little extra something. Available in five colors in sizes XXS – 3X. It runs small, so go up a size; it’s not as long as it looks on the model. I’m almost always a medium top but went with the large, and it fits well.
To care for it, you can throw it in the wash as directed, but then I hung it up until it was almost just slightly damp and then threw it in the drier for 10 minutes. This way, it stayed soft and didn’t shrink.
You want to size down in these. I ordered (and am wearing) the 10, but I should have bought the 8. When you put them on the first time, you want them to feel almost too snug; I promise you that they will quickly stretch out and conform to your shape.
What’s important to note here is that the top will hit right at your waist, so having a jean with a mid – high rise will keep you “in” and prevent you from looking like you are wearing a crop top.
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 Postand 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.
Here on the East Coast, right outside of Philadelphia, it feels like we skipped over a lingering summer and jumped headfirst into Fall. The leaves are already turning orange, and it’s cold enough in the mornings that my kids voluntarily wear a hoodie to the bus stop.
Our big girls are back to school (in person!), the baby is turning two and has two speeds: running and asleep, and our calendars are as overscheduled as they were in the pre-COVID good old days.
I’ve never been more grateful for all the things on our plates. Whenever I want to complain about the busyness, I remind myself that the alternative is a disaster.
Now that we are in full swing with the Fall season, I need to spend some time organizing my closet, and pulling my wardrobe together, so getting dressed for the day is easier. It’s no surprise that after this last six months, my closet needs some TLC.
And! Don’t forget! Our Fall 2020 Wardrobe Challenge starts THIS FRIDAY! This is the BEST time of year to participate, whether you are new to The Well Dressed Life, or have participated in the past, you will walk away with insights, clarity and a perfectly organized closet.
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 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.
As we move into fall, I’m going to start talking more about specific body types and how pieces I’m featuring can work to hence your shape. So going forward, on posts like this one, I’ll highlight how and why it will work for certain body types.
But before I dive into it below, please remember these are just guidelines. Nothing in fashion is set in stone.
How gorgeous is this look, made with items you may already have and under $100 if you want to pick up something new.
What’s important here are the jeans. If you wear a peplum top you MUST wear a slim bottom, either straight or skinny, depending on what looks best on you.
I’m using these Wit & Wisdom jeans because I know many of you already have them. It’s nice that they hit right at the ankles, this creates an airiness to the outfit. For a other white jean options in all sizes check out our series Basics Building: The Best White Jeans.
Now, the accessories. There is a lot going on in the top, so while we want to keep the rest fairly simply, it’s nice to also draw attention to your face. These these affordable earrings are stunning. They add texture, movement and are just incredibly chic.
Then, this stunning bag, that was originally $177 is now only $48. WHAT? Yes. Total year end steal.
Finally, since this is for the warm weather, these slides are perfection. They are part of the Nordstrom sale and 40% off. Scoop them up now, wear for the next month or so and have them at the ready next spring.
Now let’s take this pretty piece into the fall. I have no idea where we’re going, but let’s pretend we’re finally go out and about with friends. Like brunch! Remember brunch?
As a much needed layer I added this long cardigan by Halogen , also part of the Nordstrom sale, fully stocked and under $40 and comes in regular and petite. I went with a tan instead of an ivory because it’s not as sever of a contrast. The tan makes it feel monochromatic and seasonally appropriate.
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.
