What to Buy at Ann Taylor

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Many of us grew up with Ann Taylor as a cornerstone in our wardrobes. The brand generally makes getting dressed easy, coordinating pieces, colors, and prints to help busy women pull a look together quickly.

But when you dress head to toe from a brand or a single store, you start to lose your personality and authenticity. While I’m all for a system that helps you create a uniform of sorts, you run the risk of missing out on the opportunity to develop your own unique style.

Today, as part of our “What to Buy at” series, I rounded up my top picks from their new arrivals. These are the best, most practical, and polished pieces that, when paired with your other wardrobe staples, create a modern outfit that doesn’t look so “Ann Taylor-y.”

These posts are inspired by my years as a personal stylist. Before a client arrived at our shopping appointment, I would spend hours going through stores, selecting only the best pieces, and filling up her dressing room. It was such fun for me, and immensely helpful for our clients, who worked with us because they didn’t have the time or patience to shop independently.

Think of this series as just that; these are the pieces I would put in your dressing room, based on everything I know about our readers who are looking for help creating a timeless, classic, modern wardrobe on a realistic budget.

What to Buy at Ann Taylor

Currently, Ann Taylor has an overwhelming selection of new arrivals. I reviewed every single item, filtering each one down by considering price point, wearability, size range and styling options.

Camp Shirt

Spotted Camp Shirt, $69

I am absolutely crazy for this camp shirt style in a fresh blue and white print. It’s the easiest thing to throw on with your dark jeans to work from home or take it to the office under a navy suit.

Available in missy, petite and tall sizes.

Puff Sleeve Top

Puff Sleeve Top, $55

Maybe you’re venturing out on your first night out in, oh, say six months 😉 and you want something that feels like the opposite of a sweatshirt. This sweet puff sleeve top is perfect to pair with a slim pair of black ankle pants and a manageable heel.

It’s fitted, feminine, and the polka dots are the palest shade of pink – so pretty. This top would be especially nice if you are narrow in the shoulders and looking to bring some balance to your waist and hips. Skip if you are broad-shouldered.

Available in missy and petite up to an XXL.

Tie Waist Shell

Tie Waist Shell, $55

I can never pass over a tie waist top, and this one is ideal for readers in warmer weather climates. The cut of the neck, along with the detail at the waist creates visual interest without adding layers. You can wear it with any bottom, from jeans to dress pants. Black bottoms of course will look timeless, but consider adding a color like a deep burgundy or green to lean into seasonal colors.

Sizes are limited to small, medium and large.

Leather Belt

Leather Belt, $50

If you are looking for a classic trouser belt, in either black, cognac (above) or NAVY stop what you are doing and order this. It’s so hard to find a simple, stylish belt that looks expensive at a reasonable price.

I ordered this in the cognac to pair with jeans and a white top. You can also wear this over a sweater dress or blazer – though you may considered sizing up if you are going to add it on top of a bulky piece.

Tortoise Heels

Tortoise Pumps, $128

These were an incredibly popular pair of heels last year that are recently back in stock. I have these, and am always surprised how comfortable they are considering their height. The tortoise print works as an elevated neutral, so you can wear it with anything and they add a just a little extra kick of style.

You can see me in them here.

All sizes, also available in a slingback style.

Coatigan

Coatigan, $159

These days, long cardigans look more like sloppy bathrobes that have seen better days. By mixing the softness of a cardigan with the structure of a coat and you get a “coatigan”. A genius solution to stay cozy but looking polished. I’m crazy for it.

Pair with your black jeans for a busy day at home, or throw over a black dress for the office. So many options!

Available in missy and petite, up to an XXL in black and tan.

Moto Jacket

Moto Jacket, $169

Moto jackets have been a wardrobe staple around here for years, and for a good reason. It’s the perfect piece to add as a layer and bring some modern edge to your outfit. It elevates a tee shirt and jeans and tones down a feminine floral dress. This specific piece in a mushroom color will add structure and texture to any outfit combination.

Available in missy and petite up to an XXL.

Boatneck Top

Boatneck Top, $90

If “tops to wear with jeans” are on your shopping list for fall, this elegant boatneck top in a navy and white print is a great option. Throw it on, give yourself a half tuck, add a pair of boots and call it a day.

Available in XXS – XXL.

Wrap Skirt

Wrap Skirt, $79

I couldn’t tell you the last time I wore a skirt, so I ordered this to shake things up a bit. I love the print and faux leather detailing. I’m going to keep it simple and pair it with an of my black fitted sweaters and a pair of boots.

Available in missy and petite from 00 – 18.

Mock Neck Sweater

Mock Neck Sweater, $79

Finally, I’ve never met a turtleneck I didn’t love. It doesn’t matter the style, from fitted to oversized, I wear them all the time. And you don’t get more classic than a mock neck, ribbed sweater for the fall. Pair with your favorite jean, a pair of hoop earrings and ankle boots for the the easiest and chicest look possible.

Available in XXS – XXL.

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.

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.

The Best Jeans for Women in Every Style and Shape

September 21, 2020September 21, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Let’s talk about finding the perfect pair of jeans.

I promise you, they exist, but finding your best pair can be frustrating and a little discouraging. I’ve been there, literally breathless in a dressing room, or my closet, trying to get a pair of jeans over various parts of my body.

Happily, over the years, I’ve discovered truly great pairs for myself, clients and my readers.

So, today, I’m hoping to make your search a little easier by rounding up my picks for the very best jeans for women in every style and size.

I’m including regular or missy, petite and plus sizes for skinny, straight and bootcut styles.

The Best Jeans for Women in Every Style and Shape

Jeans: Joe’s Curvy Skinny (on sale) | Tee: $9.50 | Boots: $100

The Three Most Popular Style of Jeans

For today’s post, I’m focusing on a classic five pocket design, in a dark or medium wash in skinny, straight and bootcut styles.

I picked two or three of my favorites at different price points, so within each category you’ll have a high, medium and low price (or what I call splurge, spend and save).

Currently, my favorite pair of jeans are these Joe’s Curvy Skinny jeans I scored on sale at Off 5th (above). When I was a stylist, Joes Jeans were a client favorite. Their Curvy Bootcut make your legs look a mile long and their Petite Provocateur Bootcut jeans have a cult like following.

We feature a lot of skinny jeans in our posts. Mostly because they are the abundantly available. They are also more flattering than you may think, if you find the right pair.

Universally speaking, a straight leg works well on most body types. You still want them to be narrow, but this cut will give you the current silhouette of a slim cut bottom without having to deal with fabric clinging to your legs.

The bootcut style has come and gone over the years. Recently, bootcuts have gone back to their original glory, as a better version of their late 90s predecessors. The flare on most current styles is just enough to cover your shoe. Its slim cut helps bring some much-needed balance if you have wider hips and broad shoulders.

The Fit of Jeans

Jeans are the kind of garment you just have to try on and see what happens. There are no blanketed rules telling us what style works for what body type. It all comes down to how the jean fits you as an individual and how you feel in them.

I’ve had a plus sized client fall in love with a skin-tight pair of skinnies and look phenomenal in them; and a petite client, who swore up and down that a bootcut would overwhelm her, walk out with two pairs that helped show off her curves. There is no science to it.

Generally speaking, the more stretch in a jean, the more they will stretch out, so consider sizing down when ordering. You want a new pair of jeans to almost feel too small, because after wearing them for just a few hours, they’ll start to conform to your body.

Also, if you run into the very common issue of your the waistband either feeling too loose or gapping, have them fitted by a tailor at the waist. It’s an easy fix so you can get them over your hips and sit comfortably at your waist. I did it all the time for clients.

Scroll down to find your size and preferred cut.

The Best Straight Leg Jeans for Women

One, $178 | Two, $89 | Three, $27

One – DL 1961 Jeans are my favorite. They are expensive, but the quality and fit are out of this world. There is just enough stretch, great for travel, perfect for the office, and easy to wear on the weekend. Available in sizes up to a 34 which is about a 16.

Two – KUT from Kloth is a well priced, quality brand with nice fit and style. Available in sizes 0 – 16.

Three – Old Navy won’t last you more than a season or two, but are a fantastic price and fit well. Available in regular, petite and tall, in up to a size 20 with short, regular and long lengths.

The Best Skinny Jeans for Women

One, $179 | Two, $37 | Three, $32

One – Paige Denim are like the gold standard of skinny jeans. They have classic style, awesome fit and last for a good long time. These have a mid-rise available in up to a 34 or a size 16.

Two – Article of Society are a great deal at their regular price, but on sale they’re a no brainer. I’m a big fan of their fit and styling. They will stretch out faster then premium denim so you may consider sizing down. Limited sizes include 22 – 34.

Three – Old Navy’s Mid-Rise Rockstar one of my all time favorites. They look like designer denim for a fraction of the price. Again, these will stretch out quickly so you’ll get one season at the most out of them. Available in regular, petite and tall, in up to a size 20 with short, regular and long lengths.

The Best Bootcut Jeans for Women

One, $110 | Two, $90 | Three, $68

One – Joe’s boot cut jeans are my favorite. They have impeccable fit and a classic dark wash. Also, note the length in the picture above, this where you want them to hit, just slightly puddling on top of your shoe. These have a high rise and go up to size 34, which, for Joe’s is a 14/16.

Two – KUT from Koth has nice stretch in a dark, go with everything wash. These run large so size down, available up to a size 14.

Three– Wit & Wisdom is another well priced option at under $70. They are more casual, ideal for the weekend and run big so size down when ordering. Available in regular and petite sizes, up to a 18 or 14W.

The Best Petite Straight Leg Jeans for Women

One, $109 | Two, $84 | Three, $68

One– NYDJ makes fantastic jeans in all sizes. Their petite straight leg was a go-to for clients. Available in three colors up to a size 18P.

Two– We don’t see a lot of Jag Jeans anymore but they also make a sold jean for under $100. There pull on style (above) give you the slim look of a skinny jean with more comfort and room. Available in regular and petite up to a size 12.

Three– Wit & Wisdom have what they call an “Ab-solution” which is basically mesh panels that hold you in (yes, please). These run big so size down. Available in regular and petite sizes, up to a 18 or 14W.

The Best Petite Skinny Leg Jeans for Women

One, $238 | Two, $139 | Three, $59

One – Citizen of Humanity are not specifically a petite jean, but I’ve had luck with them for petite clients. Worth trying if you want a premium denim. Available in sizes up to a 12, runs small.

Two – Another NDJ in a super dark wash. Nice for those of you that like a high waistband that sits above your belly button. Available in regular, plus and petite up to a size 24.

Three – Liverpool has comfortable, under $60 jean in a dark designer wash. These are pull on so they will feel like a legging and feel comfortable at your natural waist. Available in up to a size 12P.

The Best Petite Bootcut Jeans for Women

One, $185 | Two, $68 | Three, $35

One – Joes makes by far the BEST pair of petite boot cut jeans, especially if you are a little curvy. Available in up to a size 32, runs small, high waisted.

Two – Wit & Wisdom has enough stretch and a waistband that sits right at your natural waist. Also available in regular up to a size 18.

Three – These Old Navy jeans are just a solid option, in a classic dark wash for under $0. Also available in regular, and tall up to a size 20.

The Best Plus Straight Leg Jeans for Women

One, $144 | Two, $44

One – NYDJ makes the best plus size jeans in all styles. They consistently have great fit and proper pocket placement. Available in sizes 14 – 28W, with a high rise. Order one size down.

Two – These Old Navy have an incredibly reasonable price tag and classic fit. Available in sizes 16 – 30, in regular, short or long lengths.

The Best Plus Skinny Leg Jeans for Women

One, $144 | Two, $28

One – I say show off your curves. Wear these James Jeans skinny’s with a killer heel and your favorite going out top. Available in sizes 12 – 28.

Two– If you don’t want to spend, Target has you covered with their brand Ava & Viv. Just remember they are a one, maybe two season wear, but are under $30. Available in sizes 14 – 30.

The Best Plus Bootcut Jeans for Women

One, $109 | Two, $98 | Three

One – From NYDJ these are like a trouser jean, great for the office on a casual day paired with a one or two button blazer. Available in sizes 14 – 28.

Two – These jeans from KUT are the most casual, they could be your go to weekend jean, but are still polished. Available in sizes 14 – 24.

Three – A slim boot cut is ideal to bring balance to your shape without creating more volume and these Seven7 jeans are just that at a fantastic sale price.

Tall Sizes

Let’s talk about tall sizes. Many of the options above include tall sizing and are noted. Old Navy in particular offers all kind of sizes from traditional tall cuts to just longer inseams (depending on what you need).

Banana Republic and J.Crew also offer a solid tall selection and Talbots has long as an option within their sizes.

I am 5’10, but don’t wear specifically tall cuts. Instead I’ve had luck with premium denim offering longer inseams – something to consider as well.

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 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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What to Buy at Banana Republic September 2020

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020 by Megan Kristel

When I stopped working with private styling clients to focus entirely on The Well Dressed Life, my idea was to offer the same advice and recommendations, just to a broader audience. One of the ways I do that is in our series, What to Buy at.

Here, I review every new arrival from some of your favorite retailers and highlight the best of the best. I consider price, fit, size range, quality, and, most important, the conversations we have in the comment section and our Private Facebook Group.

Because our goal is to create not only a classic, timeless wardrobe but also one that is versatile, you’ll see these items throughout the season, with the ideas to wear them several different ways. Think of this site as daily access to your own personal stylist.

So to kick off the fall shopping season, let’s round up the best of the best at Banana Republic.

What to Buy at Banana Republic

Banana Republic has become one of my most favorite retailers. They offer an incredible selection of modern classic wardrobe staples at reasonable prices, in an inclusive size scale. I can always count on them to have precisely what I am looking for in styles cut for grown-ups without looking frumpy.

For September, I’m highlighting pieces you’ll wear now and throughout the season, perfect for work-from-home, in the office, and a casual weekend, that all mix and match together.

Joggers

Jogger, $55

If there is one thing we can all probably agree on, it’s that 2020 is the year of the jogger pant. I ordered this super soft version last week in black and green. They are $55, in missy and petite sizes up to a XXL. Pair them with basic tees, cozy sweaters, slim lined sneakers or flats.

Silk and Cashmere Sweater

Silk Cashmere Sweater, $38

This silk and cashmere blend sweater has been a long time reader fave, and is currently on sale for under $40. It’s a fantastic work-from-home basic that pairs beautifully with jeans or the joggers above. They are calling it “relaxed fit” which basically means it fits the way you want a sweater to fit, not too tight, with just enough room to move.

Sizes are generous and the colors are perfect for the season. In addition to the red, I love the burgundy and dark green options.

Wrinkle-Resistant Wrap

Wrap Dress, $78

We love a few things around here: a leopard print, a wrap, and low maintenance dressing. This under $100 dress has it all. You have your choice of black, floral, or the above print, available in missy and tall sizes up to XXL.

The fabric is wrinkle-resistant, so whether you have to travel to work or have long days on your feet, you’ll look pressed all day.

And, props to BR for actually featuring models of all sizes; you can see this on a fuller figured model.

Sweater Blazer

Sweater Blazer, $97

Readers are always searching for a piece like this. It’s not a blazer; it’s not a cardigan, it’s somewhere in between.
But once again, they are using a term that may turn you off. They are referring to it as “cropped,” but it’s not, at all. It merely hits at your waist.
Wear this over your favorite layering tank and a classic pair of trousers to the office, or add a scarf and some pretty jewelry for religious services on the weekend.

It’s available in missy and petite up to a size XXL in black, grey, and burgundy (above).

Short Sleeve Cable-Knit

Cable Sweater, $62

I scooped this gorgeous sweater up in camel (above). It will be gorgeous with white jeans, dark jeans and boots, black pants, or even a faux leather skirt.
Available in camel and red, in missy and petite up to a XXL.

Utility Shirt

Utility Shirt, $55

With the classic elements of a crisp collar shirt, this “utility shirt” ups the style factor by adding a high-low hem, tie waist, and front pocket detail. Another Zoom meeting option pair it with dark jeans or the Spanx Perfect Pants.

Available in missy, petite, and tall up to an XXL in four colors, including black and white.

Flight Jacket

Flight Jacket, $77

I’ve been searching for a classic olive fall jacket to feature here for weeks with not luck. Sizes, or the style itself, were too limited on everything I found. Leave it to BR to create exactly what I wanted, in sizes missy and petite up to an XXL.

The color goes with everything, the waist is pulled in to create a shape, and the price is right. You can wear it with everything, including with white jeans like I featured last week.

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.

How to Wear White Jeans in the Fall

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020 by Megan Kristel

On the East Coast, the leaves are just starting to change, and you can smell fall in the air. Which means it’s time to begin to transition into our cooler weather wardrobe. But before you go and pack away some of your summer staples, there are a few you should keep on hand, like your white jeans. Today, we’ll break down how to wear white jeans in the fall, with inspiration using pieces you probably already have hanging in your closet.

How to Wear White Jeans for Fall

I came up with three looks you can easily recreate, with items that are key pieces for a fall wardrobe. You’ll see me repeat these throughout the next few months.

To build your look, wear whatever jean works best for your body type: skinny, straight, or subtle bootcut. As much as I love a distressed jean, save them for the warmer weather. Skip styles that have rips and tears, frayed hems, and other embellishments.

For today’s post, I’m using these best selling white skinny jeans from NYDJ.

Outfit One: Camel and White

Blazer, $228, Tee, $35, Bag, $230, Flats, $124

Pairing tan and white together is such a gorgeous combination. Here, I took a simple white tee from Loft and used it to create a column of color. The tee is a little oversized, providing a relaxed vibe.

To layer on top, this go-to blazer from J.Crew in camel is divine. It’s almost always available online, in petite, missy, and tall sizes up to 24. Right now, it’s 40% off with the code ADDTOBAG making it under $140.

Then, play with neutrals to pull the look together. Add some texture with a tonal, embossed flat, and a top handle bag by Marc Jacobs on a fantastic sale at Off Fifth give structure and style.

Outfit Two: Black and White

Headband, $23, Earrings, $48, Sweater, $37, Flats, $59

Next, the easiest look to recreate: black and white. Simply grab your favorite black sweater like this reader favorite from Banana Republic. It’s a silk and cashmere blend, with a relaxed fit in sizes XXS – XXL and it’s under $40.

Then, black suede loafers like these from Nine West, under $50 studs and a tortoise headband from J.Crew.

Outfit Three: Olive and White

Jacket, $109, Bootie, $130Tee, $30, Crossbody, $65

This look is my favorite, using items I’ve featured for years.

Take a striped tee, you can use any neutral color combination, here I used gray and white. Then, layer an olive green jacket, like this timeless staple from LL Bean. Add our go-to Sam Edelman tan suede booties and a black crossbody bag from Sole Society.

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.

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

How To Find Your Style

August 13, 2020August 13, 2020 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 looks you like?

Probably not, because as busy women… who has the time?

For many, myself included, there comes a 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 Style

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

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

After graduating I remember so clearly trying to look like a “grown-up” or what I thought I grown up looked like. 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.

How to Find Your Style

So how do you create a 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 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 so 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 own 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 guide us in a practical way.

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 like and styles you want to live in, 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 having an appreciation of 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 you’re 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, look for what pieces 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 our wardrobes and style goes off the rails is because we don’t put the proper time and strategy into shopping. We need to be intentional about what we bring into our closet.

As simple tip to follow when building your wardrobe is to only 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 the process of discovering your style, you’ll start to feel more confident in your choices. It’s important 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 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.

What to Buy at the Nordstrom Sale: Workwear

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Today, we’re landing the plane with the Nordstrom Sale and focusing on Work, Work, and more Work. Whether you’re in the office or juggling all the balls in the air at home this fall, there are few pieces worth considering.
I also include some workout wear, because nothing gets me motivated to kick my fitness routine back into full swing like new gear.

For these recommendations, I followed the same strategy as our previous posts covering Reader Favorites and Accessories and Beauty.

I looked at our analytics to determine what brands and styles historically work for readers, and I asked myself, “what would I put in a dressing room for some of my styling clients?”

This helped me curate a list of items that are both practical and stylish at the best possible price.

As always, sizes are inclusive whenever possible.

What to Buy at the Nordstrom Sale: Work, Work and More Work

For many of us, workwear looks different this year. Even if we are headed back into our offices, the vibe may feel a bit more casual. So this roundup includes options whether you’re home-based, hybrid, or back to the grind like nothing ever happened.

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Dresses

The dress has long been my go-to, to wear and recommend. Back when I traveled extensively for work, these dresses were in full rotation. They just make getting dressed so easy. If you need to look professionally polished but have zero time in the morning, you “zip up and go,” and you’ll look like you put in some major effort.

Don’t miss these dresses – all well under $100

Tahari Cap Sleeve Dress, $76 – The color on this dress is gorgeous, while the length is better if you are on the tall side.

Vince Camuto Cap Sleeve Dress, $76 – Don’t shy away from a peplum detail, if you are dressing a body type that needs some curves, it creates a lovely, feminine shape.

Tahari Pleat Dress, $70 – I adore this option, you can’t beat a dress with a sleeve and flattering side detail.

Tops and Layers

Leopard Blouse, $30 – A fantastic layer under a black cardigan or blazer, or wear it alone on hot days.

Polka Dot Top, $49 – Would look beautiful with slim cut black pants, or jeans.

Cece Tie Sleeve Top, $49 – In the poppy red option, this becomes the perfect blouse to throw on for non stop video calls.

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan, $86 – Like a bathrobe you can wear to Target, this BD cardi is divine. I’ll be wearing mine with leggings and flats all season long.

Treasure & Bond Blazer: $65 – If you want a blazer that works with jeans, this one button from Treasure & Bond is a fantastic choice. Wear with dark wash or black skinny or straight jeans, or pair with a simple white tee and light washed boyfriend jeans.

Pants

Spanx Perfect Black Pants, $85 – I ordered these for myself and can’t wait to try them. They’re a more polished alternative to leggings.

Vince Camuto Stretch Trousers, $56 – I recommend these trousers by Vince Camuto all the time. In petite and regular here for under $40, and plus size here. They run full so size down.

Just a few pieces this year to feature, but they are so worth it!

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ASICS GEL-Kayano, $100 – My all-time favorite gym sneakers are by ASICS. You can’t beat the comfort and support. You kind of feel more athletic in them ;). I scooped these up for under $100, which regularly retail starting at $160.

Adidas Edge Lux 4, $50 – Another fantastic sneaker option are these Adidas Edge. Also comfortable and super stylish for only $50.

Zella Studio Crop Leggings, $36 – For as much as I spend on clothes, I have my limits, and one of those limits is $100+ leggings. No thank you. Zella’s are wonderful all round and during the sale, under $40.

Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket, $84 – The perfect piece to throw on for early morning walks. If you’re in between sizes, go up one. I initially ordered a medium, and it just fit. I eventually ordered a large and gave the medium to my daughter.

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

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What to Buy at the Nordstrom Sale: Accessories and Beauty

August 11, 2020August 11, 2020 by Megan Kristel

Continuing with the Nordstrom Sale, today, I’m highlighting the top Accessories and Beauty picks. Today’s post isn’t too involved, just the best of the best.

Their inventory in these categories is hit or miss. To keep things simple and to save you time, I’m only featuring items I either personally use, know you are looking for and are in line with our Well Dressed Life style guidance.

And speaking of inventory, this sale does always sells out, but I don’t remember a sale where things were selling out this quickly.

I am “influencer” level, which means I was able to shop yesterday, and a quarter of what was in my cart was sold out by the time I got around to ordering. Of course, this is the least of our worries these days, but it is annoying since they make such a big deal about the sale.

I’m not telling you this to create some sense of urgency. Just if you’re wondering what is going on, you’re not wrong in thinking it’s odd. In years past, they did a much better job replenishing fast selling items at least through cardholder access.

Anyway, back to business! As I publish this post, all of these items are currently in stock. I picked up a few for myself, as you’ll see below.

Nordstrom Sale: Accessories and Beauty

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Accessories

Tory Burch Crossbody, $150 – This chic Tory Crossbody is the only bag in the entire sale worth mentioning. I ordered it for myself, I think it’s gorgeous.

Cubic Zirconia, $27 – Simple, everyday studs.

Layered Chain Necklace, $59 – We talk a lot about long necklaces, this one, in silver or gold tone is perfect for over fall tops and sweaters.

Quay Australia Sunglasses, $36 – Oversized and glamorous sunnies for under $40, also in my cart 🙂

Huggie Earrings, $23 – These are so pretty on, just a little sparkle but easy to wear all day long. Available in silver or gold tone.

Gold Hoops, $40 – Argento Vivo is a jewelry brand that offers modern yet classic styling at affordable prices. These hoops are gorgeous and a nice way to try the brand.

Gorjana Collar Necklace, $42 – Perfect to layer or wear on its own, this Gorjana necklace as just the right amount of bling.

Pearl Necklace, $40 – I also purchased this pretty pearl necklace, to sit under collared shirts or with a simple tee.

I use, love and personally recommend all of the products below.

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Beauty

Personal Microderm, $133 – I featured this personal microderm tool just last month. You can read the full review here. I paid $200 for it on Amazon, so the savings is fantastic.

T3 Curling Iron and T3 Hair Dryer, – These have been my go-tos for years. Using them together cuts my drying and styling time in half, and the heat from the iron really locks in the curls. To prevent damaging your hair, be sure to use a heat protecting product.

Caviar Shampoo and Conditioner, $72 – An absolute splurge, but one I grab during every sale.

Beauty Blender Set, $35 – These little guys make a huge difference in your make up application, and need to be replaced frequently.

Bobbi Brown Lip Duo, $29 – I love a good lipstick and gloss combo and this color is the perfect pretty neutral for fall.

Slip Pillowcase Set, $125 – I can’t sing the praises of these silk pillowcases enough. They stay cool at night, feel so indulgent, and have a ton of beauty benefits like reducing wrinkles and preventing hair breakage. I’m picking up a new set for myself because 2020 is the worst.

What to Buy at The Nordstrom Sale: Reader Favs, Jeans, Coats and Shoes

Be sure to check out all our Reader Favorites, plus the best jeans, coats and shoes in the sale.

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.

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