Today, I’m taking the always popular J Crew Sophie Open-Front Sweater-Blazer and styling it two ways.
Work-life will be casual for the foreseeable future. And while I am happy not to have to pour myself into a pair of pantyhose, I am getting sick and tired of leggings, sweatsuits, and pajama bottoms.
Looking for a happy medium, I took today’s key piece and created two fresh looks ideal for the home office or anywhere you’re going these days.
This easy to wear sweater-blazer comes in nine colors including navy, featured above. Sizes run true from XXXS – 3X. I have no idea how long the sale will last so scoop one up today if you’re looking to add a few updated layers to your early spring wardrobe.
When I create outfit posts, I try to use pieces I know many of you already have first. To do so, I check our best-sellers list. If something the community loved previously is still available, I use it first because my goal here is to help you build your wardrobe and not always buy something new.
All of the items I highlight I also recommend, the idea being that you can use these posts as inspiration and find a curated selection of items to purchase when necessary, saving you the time and hassle of searching on your own.
Pair with these straight-leg jeans from Old Navy, available in regular, petite, and tall for under $40. You can also wear dark wash jeans or swap out for a white bottom in the warmer weather. I like the contrast the lighter wash jean provides against the polish of the button down.
Because we need a little sunshine, I went with yellow suede loafers for a pop of color. Navy and yellow is a classic, preppy combination; there is something so cheerful about it.
Don’t love yellow? You can wear any comfortable, polished flat; a pair of Rothy’s would be fun (this leopard pair is my personal favorite), or throw on your heels and start practicing walking in them again. 😉
Finally, I added this chic pair of readers by Kate Spade since I’ve recently joined the bifocal club, although now they call them progressives. I’ve decided to ignore how old they make me feel and embrace them as a must-have accessory.
This outfit is made entirely of reader favorite items that may be hanging in your closet.
First, grab your favorite Breton top. Maybe you have the Boden option (currently sold out) or this one from J.Crew (up to size 3X). The featured top is by COS as another classic option for only $25.
Finally, you need some kind of earring. These small CZ stud half hoop earrings are lovely. I’m featuring them in gold, but you can pick them up in rose or sterling silver depending on your preference.
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.
We talk a lot about creating a chic and classic style affordably. No matter how large or small your budget, 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 essential 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 fits well. You can dress it up or down. It pairs with everything from tall boots (below) to sneakers and a denim jacket.
This dress works 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 to run errands.
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.
After wrapping up our Wardrobe Challenge last Friday, many participants realized they need some new blouses to wear with black pants
So I thought it would be helpful to feature some well priced, size-inclusive options. I’m focusing on black and white blouses because it’s the easiest combination that always looks chic and modern, and chances are, you already have a pair of workhorse black pants hanging in your closet.
5 Blouses to Wear with Black Pants
This round-up has everyone covered, including petite and plus-size options, starting at only $17. So whether you’re heading back to the office after almost a year of working from home, or you want to break up the monotony of endless days in loungewear, there’s something here for you.
The side ruched detailing of the Vince Camuto blouse creates a faux wrap that will bring in your waist. The length makes it ideal to pair with skinny or straight leg bottoms, avoid a wide or boot cut leg with this.
Right now, if you put this 5 Star Reviewed LOFT knit blouse in your cart, it’s marked down to $17. It has a flattering v-neckline and a pretty drape. You can wear it tucked, half-tucked, or out depending on what looks best on your body type.
I adore this velvet bow blouse from Banana Republic. It will add some drama to any basic black bottom, and it’s only $33. A black cami is sewn in, so you don’t have to worry about what to wear underneath.
Need a professional, statement-making blouse to perk up your boring basics? This black and white piped trim blouse by DKNY (at Macy’s) is lovely. You can wear it tucked into a pencil skirt, half-tucked in pants, or wear it with your pajama bottoms for a Zoom meeting 😉
When I saw this pretty blouse at my local Target from their Ava and Viv line I knew I wanted to feature it. The quality is impressive (for only $25) and will work with any black bottom worn tucked in or out. You can even layer it under a open cardigan or blazer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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