Greetings and hello Monday! Today’s look is a date night outfit that I wore out to dinner a few weeks ago. I was waiting for this leopard print sweater to go on sale again, and it’s 35% off today with code SAVINGS! My favorite black AG skinny jeans are on sale as well.
This sweater fits close to the body without being clingy for a just-right fit. I love the way the pattern is more concentrated in the center, which enhances your natural curves.
While I tend to shy away from crewnecks, this one is more open than some. I also like the finely ribbed trim at the neck, cuffs, and hem for a more streamlined shape.
For size reference, I’m in the small, and it fits well, but there isn’t any room for shrinkage. I haven’t washed it yet, but I would suggest sizing up if at all in doubt. I’m sure a medium would fit just as well or better.
If you aren’t familiar with J.Crew Factory, it’s J.Crew’s lower priced outlet store. The products are made specifically for the outlets, and the quality isn’t the same as J.Crew, but then neither are the prices. It’s a compromise I’m willing to make because I’ve found some great treasures at J.Crew Factory over the years.
For example, this striped turtleneck and this striped tee are fall/winter wardrobe essentials I fall back on year after year. And this quilted puffer vest is a great budget-friendly alternative to J.Crew’s iconic Excursion Vest. I also recently ordered these Chelsea rain boots, and they’re just as good or better than the Sam Edelman version. And don’t forget this adorable floral top that I styled a few weeks ago. It’s also 35% off today with code SAVINGS.
Also good to note: If you sign up for J.Crew Rewards, you get free shipping on J.Crew Factory orders. Otherwise, there’s a flat $5 shipping for any size order. You have 60 days to make any returns, but they do charge a $7.50 shipping fee, or you can return in one of their stores for free.
Black jeans seemed like the obvious pairing for this sweater, given the predominantly black print, but I also like how it’s shown on the website with blue jeans for a more casual look. I could go either way.
My favorite black jeans are 30% off today with free shipping and free returns. I get asked a lot about black jeans that don’t fade, and these still look like new. I wear them multiple times a week, and they’re a couple years old. I can’t recommend them highly enough. They’re TTS, or size down if in between; I wear a 28.
I styled this outfit with both flats and heels to show how versatile it can be. First, I’m wearing it with my black suede loafer mules.
And then I styled it with my black suede pumps, which is how I wore it to go out to dinner with friends a few weeks ago. I added my black leather jacket for warmth and added interest.
My jacket is the Bernardo brand, and I’m really happy with it. I picked it up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year. The leather is incredibly soft, and the quality seems really good for the price.
Many leather jackets push up into the $500-1000 range, but the Bernardo brand is usually under $400, and they often go on sale. It’s definitely a good brand to look for if you’re in the market for a leather jacket. (I wear a medium in this brand.) They seem to mostly be sold at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
I kept my accessories simple with a pair of double hoop earrings, and I carried my snakeskin embossed bucket bag.
I really love the mix of patterns and textures in this outfit. At the root of it all, it’s just a sweater and jeans. But with the suede shoes, snakeskin embossed bag, buttery leather jacket, and the unexpected print in the top, it all works together to create a chic and modern look that would be appropriate for many occasions.
leopard teddie sweater // black jeans (30% off; budget option) // similar loafers // similar pumps // similar leather jacket // earrings // bucket bag // photo credit: Alison Cornell
Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the winter outfit she’s styling today!
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I’m not really feeling a hangover from the time change, but I’m not liking it getting lighter earlier while I have the blackout shades up and the curtains open to let the night air in. I guess it’s time to pull out my eye mask out. It is very foggy and damp here, with a rather wet week in store, which means fewer opportunities to hunt. Very nice outfit! I can see you wearing that sweater with a pop of color in your shoes, and it still looking fabulous. Enjoy lunch with your friends. We are going to look for a tractor, which we so desperately need.
I really wanted to love this sweater but when it arrived, I discovered the background was very beige. I thought it would be a white background. I would have been willing to sacrifice an less flattering neckline if the sweater had been a stark black/white but since it wasn’t I returned it. Yes, a pop of color would look great!
Yes, it’s definitely beige. I like it because it’s a cool tone, but I can see how it might not be what you expected.
Love the outfit and I’m a sucker for animal print.. I agree that J Crew factory is still a good choice for the price… my daughter and I have both picked up some great deals and it still wears really well:) always pleased with their clothes. Have a good day.
Hi!! I loved the outfit you wore yesterday to church- the cardigan in blue/green/rust and cream and the cream shirt underneath, as pictured on Instagram. I can never access the info about these pieces. Will you be posting this outfit on your blog? Really appreciate your wonderful and thoughtful work, JoLynne.
Hey Carol. I didn’t link that, sorry. Here it is: http://www.shopstyle.com/shop/dcrmom/43174656
Love this for a date night. It’s a little bit edgy and fun but still super classy. I love your black mules on you and notice you get a lot of use out of them. I picked up a really similar pair for a great price because I have very few solid black shoes. I’m not sure if it’s all in my head or the way I’m trying to style them, but I’m struggling getting them to feel right. Maybe it’s because I’ve gotten so used to always wearing lighter colored shoes that they just seem more dramatic, lol. I’m going to keep trying before I throw the towel in because I always love your outfits with them! 😉
Yeah, maybe that’s it. I also have dark hair, which helps bookend the outfit, so I think I tend to gravitate to darker shoes. But I also love them on other people; I think you just have to get used to the more dramatic look.
I had purchased the same sweater right before you did, which I find amusing because our tastes are so alike, and you usually buy things first. I wore almost the exact same outfit on a date with my husband about 3 weeks ago. I had purchased the medium because I usually need to size up in this brand. I like the fit but think the small would have worked too.
Too funny! And good to know the sizing isn’t too exact.
Nice outfit. I have a leopard Tippi sweater from J. Crew from a couple years ago that looks quite similar to this – the leopard print is a little different, but it’s fitted and has that slightly wider crewneck like the one shown. I’m going to have to copy your styling sometime soon. Have a great day!
Yes, I think these are copying the Tippi. 🙂 Let me know how the outfit turns out!
Which AG jeans are they? I didn’t see the inseam On Bloomingdale’s page. I need to double check before ordering.
They’re the legging ankle jeans – inseam should be 28″.
Great outfit x 2! I can see translating this to workwear with my leopard blouse and black blazer.