Whenever I’m a loss to put together an everyday outfit that makes me happy, I go back to my tried and true wardrobe basics in my favorite color combinations, and this one never fails me.
Rails Cheyenne wool jacket (S) (similar for less) // Nordstrom crewneck sweater – 32% off (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // LØCI sneakers – (39) (more color options) // Jenny Bird earrings
I’m taking about black and camel, and there is usually a pair of black or blue jeans in the mix.
My camel sweaters are some of my most worn winter wardrobe staples, and this crewneck version is a great price right now. If you like the look but prefer a cooler color tone, the beige hummus heather and brown taupe are also nice options.
Camel isn’t the best color for me to wear near my face, so adding the black jacket (which is one of my better colors) helps keep me from looking washed out.
Plus, I just find the camel/black color combo pleasing to the eye. Even when the outfit components are casual, they look more sophisticated when pairing these neutral colors.
I absolutely love the styling on this jacket, and it’s so comfortable to wear. It isn’t lined, but it slips on and off easily over the sweater, and there’s plenty of room for movement, thanks to the boxy shape.
Treasure & Bond makes a similar style for less, if that’s of interest to you. That one is lined, and it has an elastic waist, which gives it more of a bomber jacket silhouette.
To keep this look casual, I wore my favorite slim straight ankle jeans in a medium/light indigo wash, and I added a black belt with silver hardware to define the waist and add another element of interest.
If you’re looking for belts, this B-Low the Belt brand makes really nice, supple leather belts with modern details. They’re a bit splurgy, but if you appreciate finer leather goods, I feel like they provide a good value for the price point.
I love how these LØCI Origin logo-patch sneakers bring the colors from the outfit together. Of course that’s not necessary, but it’s fun if you have something like that.
The VEJA Esplars with the black accents would also look great with this outfit, and I recently noticed the Vince Oasis. I know I don’t need more sneakers in my life, but those are calling my name.
This is another look I styled recently with my favorite winter color combo. This time I went for a more dressed-up version with a pressed bouclé wool coat and these fabulous stiletto heel booties.
Andrew Marc coat (S) // Nordstrom crewneck sweater – 32% off (S) // MOTHER Hustler (29) (also at Anthro) // Sam Edelman boots – 30% off at Bloomies; 35% off at Zappos (8) // similar scarf // similar bag // BaubleBar necklace // similar earrings
These booties are shockingly comfortable for a pointy toe/stiletto heel combo, which is also what makes them super chic. The 2 1/2″ heel keeps them walkable and also looking current, as lower heels are trending at the moment.
I like the black suede, but they also come in black leather, if you prefer a more weather-resistant material, and there’s a brown suede option too.
And I’ve been wearing this coat a ton lately because it’s so easy to dress up or down. It has a nice slim fit with welt pockets and button tab cuffs.
I always prefer a single-breasted design, as it seems less bulky and generally more flattering on my frame, and I like that this one only has two buttons, which leaves the neckline fairly open.
I rarely wear a necklace with a crewneck, but in this case, I added this chunky gold chain, and I really like it. I’m also wearing these trendy gold sculptural hoops, which have sold out, but Anthro has a similar pair. In fact, I just ordered those in silver.
I’m wearing the same camel sweater underneath, and I also added a camel scarf to increase the style quotient and add more of this rich color to the outfit. Mine is from J.Crew, and it’s been discontinued, but Madewell has one that looks similar.
Finally, these jeans are the MOTHER Hustler in Healing Jars wash. I really like how the ankle-length flares show off the pointy toe booties. When I was in Chicago this weekend, I noticed a few stylish women rocking this look, and I was glad I brought mine along.
(I wore these jeans and booties with this coat and a leopard blouse out to dinner on Friday night. By the way, that blouse is on sale at Saks right now!)
How about you? Any tried and true color combos you find yourself reaching for again and again?
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!
photos: Alison Cornell
19 Responses
Mine are cream, navy & camel. I love these three colors together. They scream elegance & understatement to me. I love yours too!
That does sound lovely, I need to wear more navy.
I wear a lot of camel with other browns. I’m going to try it more with black. It does look sophisticated. During December I tend to wear more holiday colors but I will be going back to my camel ,ivory and browns.
My outfits include a lot of holiday colors, especially tartan plaids, velvets, and fair isles in December! They just make me happy!!! Heavy on the red, black, cream and pink mixed in. On December first I love bringing out my “holiday clothes” Tupperware container full of holiday cheer! Come January it will be my blues, grey, cream, black, denim, and some burgundy. I love your black, cropped, wool jacket.
I was thinking about your observations of jean styles in Chicago and you are absolutely right! I am a Chicago-metro native living in the western suburbs and the majority of women wear straight or ankle length styles. We wear outerwear about 10 months out of the year. Full length wide leg, boot-cut, and flares are impractical in what is mostly messy weather here. Also, they don’t showcase our cute shoes and boots as well as straight and ankle-length styles do! Footwear, outerwear, and handbags are what others see outside of our homes so that becomes our fashion statement. I do see wide leg or boot cut crops but mostly during the warmer months.
Interesting! Makes sense. I did notice lots of cute coats and shoes.
Hello Jo-Lynne,
First you & your husband looked fantastic!
I have a question about the casual sneakers. I have suffered with Plantar Fasciitis, so I have to be careful with shoes. Which of your sneakers that you wear, P448, Loki, Veja do you find have the best support?
Merry Christmas & Blessings in 2024!
Beth
I feel like the P448 have the most cushion and support combined, and they are comfortable right out of the box. No breaking in needed.
The LOCI have good arch support, but they hurt my feet on the top where they crease, and also under the ankle bone on one foot, and the tongue was protruding into my ankle on that same foot as well.
While the VEJA do not have much arch support, they break in quickly and are very comfortable for lots of walking. I’ve worn them all over Disney.
I hope that helps!
I have had chronic plantar fasciitis for years, and even though I love the sneakers Jo-Lynne shows, I can’t wear them because my feet would be screaming at me the entire time and for days afterward. I have had really good luck with Olukai sneakers. They have lots of styles that are very on trend, and all of their shoes have great arch support. I can wear them all day, even when I have to be on my feet most of the time, and they keep my plantar fasciitis under control.
I’ve always loved black and camel together and it really is a workhorse for me. I’ve not purchased any “holiday clothing” this year but rather using the black and camel pieces in nice fabrics and textures, along with shiny jewelry and belts/shoes/bags to elevate them for parties and events.I’ve been so pleased with how it’s working so far!
I love that! If I didn’t style holiday looks for the blog, that is pretty much what I would do too. Accessories can go a long way in changing up a neutral look.
Love this. My go-to is black with denim or black-on-black. By default, I buy most pieces in black first. I just find they have more utility to me that way. Black never feels wrong here in NYC, so I often find myself throwing on some black to head out when I don’t know what else to do. I also often wear a black tee and jeans as my default WFH outfit during the week; I’m typing this in a black tank and dark straight-leg jeans right now.
Yes, I am with you. Black and denim or all black is my other go-to. I love it “black never feels wrong” – I’m not in NYC, but I agree with that sentiment! 🙂
This may be off topic, but did you recently style a dark emerald green silky blouse? Thought I’d seen it here but can’t remember what store it was from. Or maybe I’m losing my mind! Lol.
Hi Megan, there was a dark green “silky” blouse from LOFT on December 3. I found it on Jo-Lynne’s Shop My Daily Looks. Seems like there is only Small remaining as of now. https://jolynneshane.com/shop-my-daily-looks?sc-list=43589587
Yes that is the one I remembered! Hate that it is now sold out in my size, but at least I know I’m not going crazy!
Sorry, I didn’t see your question yesterday. Yes, it sold out. So bummed!
Love the Andrew Marc black coat with the camel sweater and those black SE heeled boots; those boots really make the outfit! I think even I could wear that heel height in those. Classy!
Thanks! Yes, the boots are very walkable. 🙂