If you’re a regular around here, you know I pretty much live in one of two basic uniforms this time of year — a pullover sweater and jeans, or a cozy cardigan/tank top combo with jeans.
I love the simplicity of an outfit that comprises elevated basics, and no one does elevated basics like Ann Taylor, so today I’m styling two effortless fall looks from their newest arrivals.
The first features this chunky ribbed turtleneck sweater and black skinny jeans.
I’ve had some requests to feature more sweaters without wool, and this one is extremely soft and not itchy at all.
I love the texture of the knit and the contrasting ribbed trim. It’s also such a gorgeous shade of pearly white.
I did order my regular size small in this sweater, but I think I would prefer the fit of the XS.
You can see that it’s quite boxy, and the arms are rather wide. Sizing down would give it a more flattering fit.
I paired this chunky sweater with black skinny jeans, and I took one shot of the outfit with the sweater front-tucked so you can see the button detail on the jeans.
They’re black with gold so they look a lot more sophisticated than your typical button-fly jeans.
When I want a cozy outfit with a few more levels of interest, I go for a cardigan/tank combo.
This long v-neck cardigan was one of the first pieces that caught my eye when I was perusing their new arrivals to prepare for this post.
The “rustique” color looks so rich and luxe, and I love the contrasting buttons and the ribbed trim.
When it arrived in the mail, I was thrilled with the quality of the soft, cozy knit. It feels extremely soft against the skin, and because it’s mostly acrylic/nylon, it’s machine washable.
Style Tip: I like my cardigans to fit close to the body for long, lean silhouette, so I sized down to an XS in this sweater.
I’ve had this ivory mixed jersey tank for several years, and it’s my go-to for wearing under jackets and cardigans.
It has a woven layer in the front for a more elevated look and a comfortable knit back, and I appreciate the wide bra-friendly straps and flattering scoop neck.
This tank is so good, I actually have it in the black as well — it’s definitely a wardrobe must-have. It runs true to size; I have the small.
And can we just take a minute to discuss this belt?
I’ve been wanting to wear more belts because they add such a nice finishing touch to an outfit. This snake print belt is the perfect accessory to pop this look.
Speaking of accessories to pop an outfit, this croc print tote with the leopard lining adds another layer of texture to this classic look, and it’s the perfect size for everyday.
It has a detachable zipper pocket inside, and it fits easily over the shoulder when you want to be hands-free.
And these jeans are a modern classic, for sure. They’re an ankle-length skinny with a raw hem and a comfortable 10″ rise, and the color is a versatile medium stone wash.
They’re also 40% off right now, with code POPUP. Both jeans in this post run true to size; I have the 6.
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photos: Alison Cornell
24 Responses
I love seeing sweaters that don’t contain wool. I feel as if everyone keeps their homes too warm for sweaters and you never know with restaurants and stores so I layer for those trips. Of course, who am I kidding? Where am I going to be going this winter? lol. I love the tote. I usually only carry my phone with my credit card into stores these days, but I haul so many things to the car when I run errands that a tote would be fun. It would also work for shopping in places where I’m just running in for an item or two as my mantra is “No bag, please.”
Yes, totes are perfect for that, and this one is nice b/c it’s not as huge as some.
Love that gorgeous cardigan, unfortunately we’re still waiting for cooler weather in South Texas. It looks like fall, but it’s been in the upper 80’s and today it will be 89 so no cardigans or sweaters for me yet 😞
Yikes! This is why I love PA in the fall… spring, notsomuch. I will be envious of your weather come March and April. 😉
I like the cardigan! What color would say that is? Is it brown or more burgundy in person?
It’s sort of a burgundy with brown/rust undertones.
Very pretty outfits on you! The color of the pullover sweater is so pretty. That neckline and I would have a serious battle, and I envision it ending up with makeup stains, requiring it being laundered after every wear. I love the style and color of the cardigan! I’m happy that you had a great Monday and hope that the rest of your week goes equally as well.
Yes, that is always an issue with white turtlenecks. I try to be careful, but this one is machine washable, so that’s convenient.
Could you also share the link for your necklace? It looks so pretty with this look!
Sure, right here: https://shopstyle.it/l/bnzTy
I like both outfits. I have a question on the off-white sweater. In a post while back you referred back to a post from a few years ago. In that one you said the sweater wasn’t flattering because of the wide banding at the waist. How is this one different? I think you look great and the wide ribbing makes the sweater more interesting I think.
Yeah, I see the similarities. This one is overall a thinner knit, although still has that chunky look about it, and the banding is taller. I think the styling on this one is a bit more modern, too, but it’s definitely a tricky look to pull off. I would love to try it in the XS, even though the model is wearing hers kind of oversized.
Love these looks. I don’t tend to gravitate towards my black Jeans so any inspiration welcomed! I too have started to wear belts a little more, it really does give it that finished look.
And I can’t seem to stop wearing my black jeans… lol!!! Lately they seem to be begging to go with everything. I had planned to wear the black jeans with the rust cardigan too, but they are so high rise, I couldn’t wear the belt, so I swapped them out for this blue pair with a lower rise, but I like the blue a lot with that look too. It’s good to have options!
Hi Jolynn,
I LOVE wearing sweaters and longer cardigans (like the one you styled today) with jeans and booties. Like you, that’s my major “go-to” casual outfit in the fall and winter. I have a request. I live in Missouri. I’m cold natured and a tank isn’t warm enough for me in the winter! I have to have sleeves! At the same time, it’s not comfortable (and typically doesn’t look good) to have a bulky top underneath a cardigan. Body suits, to me, are an inconvenience, but I would love to see more versatile “under-the-cardigan” looks. Turtlenecks are an option, just curious what else could be!?
PS. Love your blog!
Hey Melanie, I struggle with layers under cardigans because I hate for anything to feel bulky. My go-to when I’m looking for something warmer than a tank or tee is a thin long-sleeve tee. Something like this: https://shopstyle.it/l/bnz77
Some ladies do blouses or turtlenecks or button-down shirts, too.
I like this long cardigan with the jeans, tank and heals! The length of the sweater is the key. The heals make it look important! LOL It is important! Heals make you look like you’re taking this casual look serious! I guess it’s time for me to put away the sandals!
Important, LOL! Yes, a good pair of pumps definitely levels up a look in a certain way. I’ve always been a fan. 🙂
Here’s a passed on compliment. Recall it’s in the 90s here but mornings are comfortably chilly in the high 60s. So I found I was out of paper towels yikes, so ran off to get some and a few other things. I have a similar cardi from Target— it’s light but not quite a light as the summer Talbots and Lofts were. Which are kinda like a heavy tee weight. Anyway. My rusty cardi, my dark wash skinny crops (mid calf) very old Jones New York, a white sleeveless vee neck and my butterscotch Sam E’s and I dug in my bag of masks, found one from old navy that was a paisley denim blue with touches of rust and turquoise and off I went. It was essentially a clone of your yesterday outfit except the shoes and a strange lady walked up to me and said, my dear, you look fabulous. Like fabulous dahling with an English accent. She said and I quote, American women just don’t take the time to put together a flattering ensemble (she said Ahm-Samb) and I told her that you were my muse! She said that you did a very good job! And I agree. I did pop on some Kendra silver and turquoise to go with the mask, can you believe it!
That is hilarious. And thank you! xo
Jo-Lynne,
First let me say thank you for always responding to our questions and comments if we’re looking for advice or your opinion! I follow several blogs and some ladies don’t ever answer a question. All the sweaters look great on you. How do you choose? It’s a good thing I guess that you live somewhere cold so you can wear them. 🙂
Have a great evening!!
Yes, that is true! We wear sweaters 9 months of the year.
I love the snakeskin mules with this outfit. I’m thinking I’d get a lot of wear out of those. I’ve seen them before but can’t find the post with the link.
Here they are. https://shopstyle.it/l/bnXXu