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Cashmere Sweater + Ponte Skinny Pants

Today I’m sharing an outfit I wore to church a couple weeks ago — the day after I ransacked my closet! I remember opening my new and reduced closet for the first time to select an outfit. I went right to this cashmere sweater and ponte pants.

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This outfit is pretty basic. I’ve always been a fan of a cashmere sweater and black trousers. It’s been my go-to winter church outfit for years. This updated version of a classic crewneck sweater features a slightly longer silhouette and a side-slit hem.

Rather than traditional dress pants, I wore ponte skinny pants. I like the fit better than a trouser because I can tuck them into my boots on a cold day. I also like how they give the outfit a more modern look, and they’re less businessy, although I would think they’d still be appropriate for most office environments if you’re looking for work wear.

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I usually go for a v-neck sweater, and I’m honestly not sure why I ordered this one in a crewneck. I think there was a reason at the time, but a v-neck is typically more flattering on most women, especially those of us who are, ahem, more well-endowed. (See the v-neck version.)

Either way, v-neck or crewneck, I consider a basic sweater such as this an essential wardrobe piece because of its versatility. You can wear it with ponte pants or dress trousers for church or the office, or you can dress it down with jeans for a more casual look. It also works well with skirts. You can accessorize with a long necklace or a scarf, and you can top it with a blazer, leather jacket, poncho or a cape. For example, I wore it with a scarf, jeans, and rain boots one day last month.

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These Halogen cashmere sweaters come in a wide variety of colors, and the price is quite reasonable at $69 (sale price.)

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Regarding cashmere: I think every woman should have at least one cashmere sweater in her closet. They are so luxurious and soft and lovely. But you should know that not all cashmere is created equal. I’ve had several of these Halogen cashmere sweaters, and I like them because they are priced well and they come in an array of gorgeous colors, however, they are not what I would consider investment pieces. They are thin and tend to pill so I can get one or two seasons out of these before I need to replace them.

If you pay more for higher quality cashmere, they will feel nicer and will last you many years. Nordstrom has some higher end cashmere, and I love Ann Taylor or J.Crew for investment quality cashmere. If you watch, you can still get decent prices when they go on sale.

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For church last week, I styled this sweater with my black ponte skinny pants (similar), black wedge boots (similar), and silver accessories. I carried a light grey handbag to give some contrast to the outfit. Black would be okay, but the grey stands out against the dark pants and boots.

I felt pretty and put together in this outfit. The key to wearing a simple sweater and pants and looking chic is to make sure the fit and proportion are spot on. I like to wear sweaters in rich, bold colors such as this magenta because they compliment my coloring. This sweater also comes in some pretty pastel shades as well as some gorgeous neutrals.

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Details: Halogen Crewneck Cashmere in Purple Dark | similar ponte skinny pants
My Stella & Dot Alexia Necklace | similar wedge boots (budget option)
Marc Jacobs satchel

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21 Responses

  1. Gorgeously simple and classic look. Love that color on you too! I bought a few Halogen cashmere sweaters last year from Nordstrom and love them!

  2. This is simple yet stunning! This cashmere sweater is to die for and the color is absolutely perfect for you. I really love this look and the leopard scarf looks great too! Now I’m wanting a cashmere sweater – never owned one.

  3. love the pants tucked into the boots! and yes agree on cashmere. I always suggest purchasing an EVERCARE from Bed Bath and Beyond for my clients…to remove pilling. It saves at least for one more season!
    you look fab as always.
    C

  4. started following your blog the past month and am really enjoying it! Going to put some money aside for some Ponte pants which will be a step up from wearing jeans this winter. I love to accessorize and your outfits always inspire me. Also been working on downsizing my wardrobe and only keeping what looks good .. your last post inspired me to organize some things differently which makes the closet more appealing. Thank you for all the effort u put into your blog!

  5. I have worn the same outfit!! I even have the same scarf!! I am excited to go through my closet this weekend!! Can’t wait to simplify!

  6. It’s amazing how similar my taste is to yours. With that said, I tend to seek out budget options. For instance I recently purchased a sweater of nearly identical color (except v-neck) from JCPenney for about $12. It’s a cotton blend which I find to hold shape and texture very well if you lander properly. I have an office job where they consider this type outfit appropriate although I wear suits on occasion. I do love your blog and visit frequently, but admittedly I always take the concepts and seek the best combination of style and value. I can’t spend my future retirement funds on clothing lol.

  7. Ponte pants look great on you. I have tried on many pairs but they are not flattering on me. I have larger, bumpy thighs and they seem to accentuate the bumps and size of my thighs. I really wish I could wear them though…

  8. I thought you might want to know that Ann Taylor has cashmere sweaters for $49.88! Online only and final sale. Non cashmere are $24.88 also final sale.

    1. Thanks, Joyce. i was looking at them yesterday. 🙂 I don’t think they had the right style/color/size combo that I’m looking for, but I will look again b/c I wouldn’t mind replacing some of my cheaper pieces with something nicer and longer lasting. 🙂

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