Greetings on this second day of the new year! Today I’ve got my first What I Wore Lately of 2025. This is where I share a snapshot of my everyday outfits—what I wore, where I wore it, and a few thoughts on how each look came together.
Real Outfits, Real Life: What I Actually Wore
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
These photos harken back to the week before Christmas, and I wore this outfit to go with one of my daughters to an appointment. This hooded sherpa vest had just arrived from Evereve, and I was excited to wear it, so I styled a monochromatic look with grey wash jeans.
Camdyn Sherpa Hooded Vest (S) // Vince sweater (M) (option) // MOTHER Weekender (29) (option) // rag & bone Walker Chelsea Boots (39) // Victoria Emerson bracelet // Jenny Bird hoops // Marlyn Schiff necklace one & two (silver)
The next day, Paul and I had a morning meeting, and I pulled out this pink cropped cardigan sweater and jeans to wear. I had just posted my most regrettable purchases of the year, which included this brown suede hobo. (I actually like the bag; I just don’t seem to reach for it very much.) Determined to use it or donate it, I paired it with chocolate brown boots and carried it that day. I also just got this fun pyrite beaded necklace with gold coin charm, and I think it looks really nice with this outfit.
old LOFT trench // Vince sweater (M) // MOTHER Weekender (30) // Veronica Beard boots (8.5) // Marlyn Schiff necklaces one & two (gold) // similar gold hoops // Michael Kors Sonny Hobo
We had dinner reservations on a chilly Friday night, and I wore this neutral look—I love grey jeans paired with an ‘oatmeal’ sweater. This sweater is an old Vince, and it’s a super thick and plush cashmere, which is hard to find these days. (Although the boiled cashmere cardigan above is a strong contender.)
I used to find a lot of good deals on Vince sweaters at Nordstrom Rack and Saks OFF 5TH around this time of year, and I’m pretty sure this was one of those. Even though it has the dreaded drop shoulder, it’s the perfect length with a relaxed silhouette. I also love the shape of the v-neckline, and it’s such nice quality, I just can’t part with it.
old Vince sweater // Sanctuary faux fur jacket (S) // MOTHER Weekender (29) (option) // PAIGE Annika Kitten Heel Bootie (8) (option) // Marlyn Schiff necklaces one & two (gold) // similar gold hoops // Jenny Bird bangle
That Saturday was extremely cold and windy, so after Pilates that morning, I wore this cozy outfit for the rest of the day. This turtleneck sweater is such a good find—it’s super soft, flattering, and available in a bunch of colors. It’s also a great price, and some colors are even on sale.
Caslon turtleneck (S) // similar MOTHER Weekender (29) // UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot (8) // similar gold hoops
I wore this next outfit to church and out to eat afterwards on the Sunday before Christmas. These black denim trousers are from last year, and I don’t wear them a lot because they feel rather dressy for most of my daily activities, but they’re perfect for church.
Andrew Marc coat (S) // Vince sweater (M) (option) // PAIGE Leenah trouser jeans (29) // PAIGE Annika Kitten Heel Bootie (8) (option)
When we got home, I changed into an outfit that’s a little more casual and comfortable to go visit a friend.
Lucky Brand sweater (S) // similar MOTHER Weekender (29) // rag & bone Walker Chelsea Boots (39)
I wore this sweater dress to a Christmas Eve family gathering. As I looked back at pictures, I decided I don’t really like this dress as much as I thought I did. It’s kind of bulky through the chest and shoulders, and it doesn’t do anything to define my waist. I wish it had a more open neckline, at least. I’m not sure I’ll be keeping this one.
LOFT sweater dress (M) // Spanx tights (C) // Dolce Vita Raj Western Boots (8) // similar earrings
We celebrated Christmas here at home with just the 5 of us, and I didn’t change out of my pajamas until later in the day. Even then, I kept it cozy and comfy. The fleece flares are from last year, but the t-shirt and wrap are still available, even though they’re old favorites. These UGG slippers are on sale, by the way!
Athleta Pranayama Wrap (S) // ATM Schoolboy V-Neck (M) // old Athleta pants // UGG Dakota Slippers (8) // Jenny Bird earrings
I spent most of the next day at home, cleaning up from Christmas and getting the house ready for out-of-town guests arriving that evening. After being a total slug the day before, I felt the need to put on real clothes, but I kept it comfortable. This v-neck shaker knit sweater is another old Vince favorite. Also, the Anna Beck Station Necklace was one of my Christmas gifts from Paul.
old Vince sweater // similar MOTHER Weekender (29) // UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot (8) // Anna Beck Station Necklace // similar gold hoops
I finally received this cashmere cable knit crewneck sweater that I ordered from Bloomingdale’s during Black Friday weekend, and I love it, but alas… it sold out before I could show it to you.
C by Bloomingdale’s sweater (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // adidas Spezial (8) // Jenny Bird earrings
This was another lazy day at home, and I didn’t even bother with makeup or real pants.
wool/cashmere hoodie (XS) // old Athleta pants // UGG Dakota Slippers (8) // Jenny Bird earrings
And you can file this under ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’: I think this green sweater is so pretty for the holidays, so I wore it again with the AG Mari washed black jeans to host family for an after-Christmas party. I like how the luxe knit of the sweater contrasts with the toughness of the faded black jeans, while the dressy slingback pumps add just the right festive touch to keep it holiday appropriate.
Vince sweater (M) (option) // AG Mari (29) // Sam Edelman Bianka Mesh Slingbacks in Black Dot (8.5) // Anna Beck Station Necklace // Marlyn Schiff necklace (silver) // LAGOS earrings
I had Pilates the next day, and it wasn’t as cold as it had been for a while, so I didn’t need my big parka. I just wore the Athleta Altitude Fleece Lined Jacket over my tank top, with my favorite Vuori leggings.
Athleta Altitude Fleece Lined Jacket (S) // Athleta Ascent Seamless Tank (M) // Vuori Clean Elevation Legging (M) // Brooks Ghost (9) // Jenny Bird hoops
When I got home, I did some try-ons, and then I wore this simple look for the rest of the day. I ordered this Jenni Kayne sweater during their 40% off sale, and it’s really pretty—but the neckline feels a bit high and choky, and it’s not my best color. That said, the shoulder buttons and bold ribbed trims are lovely details, and the thick, luxurious cashmere knit looks and feels amazing.
Since it was a Final Sale purchase, I’m keeping it, but if I’d paid full price and had the option, I’d probably return it. Lesson learned: Don’t take chances on a Final Sale item unless you are sure you’ll love it.
Jenni Kayne Grace Crewneck (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // similar loafer mules
I snapped a picture of what I wore to Pilates the next day, even though this jacket is old and no longer available. I figured it’s proof that I do hold onto some things from year to year! Vuori and Athleta are my go-tos for activewear, and both brands really stand the test of time. I also wore this to take a walk before getting ready to go out for the evening, thus the AirPods.
Also, I just replaced my old white On Cloud running sneakers with this pair in the Pearl/White, and I don’t know why I waited so long. It’s so nice to have a fresh, clean pair with plenty of support and good tread.
Vuori jacket (S) // Athleta In Motion Seamless Tee (M) // Vuori Clean Elevation Legging (M) // On Cloud 5 Running Shoe (9)
And that brings us to New Year’s Eve! Paul and I had early dinner reservations at a nice restaurant nearby, and I wore the washed black jeans and mesh slingback pumps from our holiday gathering, this time paired with a fun metallic top.
I was debating between this and the Vince Camuto v-neck sequin top that I featured in this post a while back. I didn’t have time to try on both, so I went with the metallic—it felt fun and different, whereas sequins are kind of expected for NYE, but I’m thinking the v-neck is probably more flattering. This top is kind of boxy.
Anyway! I topped it off with my Sanctuary faux fur jacket, but I didn’t get a picture with it—or any of the two of us either. I’m kicking myself for not asking someone at the restaurant to snap one for us. I wanted to, but I felt silly, which is so dumb. I don’t know why I think anyone cares!
Roscoe Metallic Top (S) // AG Mari (29) // Sam Edelman Bianka Mesh Slingbacks in Black Dot (8.5) // old Stella & Dot bracelet // Kendra Scott Sophee Crystal Drop Earrings
Finally, I wore this comfy quarter-zip sweatshirt and jeans to hang out at home yesterday. (I didn’t bother to take pictures, so if these look familiar, that’s because I grabbed them from a Try-On Haul.) It was cold and windy, and I had nowhere to go, so I spent most of my day organizing photos from the year and planning blog content. I even got started on our 2024 family photo book, which feels like a record—I don’t usually tackle those until halfway through the next year!
Gap Factory Oversized Quarter Zip Sweatshirt (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // P448 John (39)
And that’s a wrap for What I Wore in 2024! As always, let me know if you have any questions about sizing, styling, or where to find similar pieces. I’ll be back soon with more outfit ideas and style inspiration for the new year!
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51 Responses
I am assuming that you use a steamer, so these questions are based on that assumption. Which steamer do you use? If you were to buy a new steamer, which would you get? I have heard that there is a steamer that uses a hair flat iron-type of device to emit the steam but also to press the fabric. Wondering if it works.
I have the big industrial-size stand-up kind, but I know Cyndi Spivey loves the one that works as both an iron and a steamer. I borrowed hers when we were in TN last fall.
Happy new year to all!
It’s always fun to see what you’ve worn. I sense you’re drawn to the tans more lately as that color seems to be popping up more in your photos. I agree about the sweater dress and actually did the initial time you shared it. It’s not that it’s terrible, I just think you can do better.
You asked about substack. I get turned off when starting to read an email from someone I appreciate and then it has a link to finish reading in substack for a subscription fee. It’s like watching tv and having to subscribe to 5-10 premium channels just to watch shows. So, for me I probably would decline.
Totally agree about new On shoes!! I just ordered two new ones because the style I wear went on clearance for 107.00 in two fashion colors! My feet are thankful for fresh support!
“I get turned off when starting to read an email from someone I appreciate and then it has a link to finish reading in Substack for a subscription fee.” I agree, I hate that. I wonder if there’s a way to make it so an article is either for paid subscribers or not, without doing the bait & switch thing. If I started a Substack, I would not charge initially, but things change, and this space changes constantly, so I can’t ever say never about much of anything. Content creators are fighting an uphill battle against AI and changing search engine algorithms, and the time may come when I would have to change to a paid model… but I certainly hope not. 🙂
Hi JoLynne, Happy New Year to you and yours. Thanks for all you do. I love your blog. I think I started following you in 2018. You’ve upped my game – thank you. I read your blog on my iphone. One thing I’m experiencing is with the side-by-side photos. They are minuscule. Enlarging fades details. No problem when there’s one photo above/below another. Thought you’d like to know how it ends up at this end. What’s a substack? Sounds like a sandwich, which answers the question on whether I’d use it. Always willing to learn though. All the best.
Hm, that is odd. When zoomed in, they shouldn’t lose their quality. I wonder if anyone else is noticing that.
Happy new Year! Thanks for this post—I always enjoy seeing your everyday outfits. I agree about the sweater dress, but thought maybe adding a long necklace or scarf would help to break up the grey & make it feel less boxy? I keep seeing longer necklaces shown in some of the other sites I follow, so maybe they’re coming back? I’ve mostly seen bigger pendants on cords, rather than chains. As for Substack, I don’t use it & probably wouldn’t go there to read another post. I like getting your emails & using your current site, and I do like Instagram. Hope that’s helpful!
Happy New Year! Regarding the gray Loft sweater dress: A while back, you had worn and reviewed the gray striped sweater dress from Evereve with black tights and knee high boots. I loved the look and my husband gifted the sweater dress from Evereve for Christmas to me. I’ve already worn it too and plan to wear it to an upcoming dinner out. Honestly, I liked it on you and was really happy with the look on myself! The material in the Evereve dress was excellent too. Thanks for always presenting a few options.
I’m glad you like it ! I almost wore that one, but I wore the last family gathering so I was trying to change it up, but I think I would’ve been better off sticking with the striped one.
I agree on the grey sweater dress. If it was v neck I’d like it better.
What is substack? I like just reading your blog,but I do love videos. I follow Kay Harms and love her YouTube videos. She is such a delight even though her style is alittle old for me. I don’t shop Talbots yet.
I agree, she does an excellent job with her videos.
Always love to see what you actually wore and that you do actually keep items longer than a season like the rest of us. I have clothes from 5 years ago or more that you recommended and I still wear and love, including Vince sweaters, which I had never heard of until I started following you around 2017.
I don’t even know what Substack is, so that probably answers your question.
I’ve subscribed to a few Substacks and I find them burdensome and repetitive. I usually end up canceling. I rarely watch IG lives for the same reason.
Happy New Year – it’s a bummer about the JK sweater. I think the buttons at the collar are a nice touch. Admittedly, I don’t know much about Substack. I started to follow a couple different accounts, but the way it’s laid out doesn’t appeal to me so even though the content might be appealing to me, I find myself not reading to material. Is that a Substack thing or a creator thing? I am not a blogger or content creator and my kids make fun of me when I repeatedly ask them the difference between an IG reel and a story. I don’t know why I can’t wrap my head around it. What is the appeal to Substack?
It was suggested to me as a possible way to reach a new audience, and it’s heavy on the writing, and I enjoy writing. But I don’t need anything else to juggle, so I’m just toying with the idea. Trying to stay relevant! 🙂
Happy New Year! I enjoy reading your blog and doubt I would read your substack. I think Shelly summed it up perfectly – “You asked about substack. I get turned off when starting to read an email from someone I appreciate and then it has a link to finish reading in substack for a subscription fee.” No thank you.
Such a great reminder for all of us to be careful with what we buy on final sale since the items can’t be returned. The grey sweater dress is very pretty, but as you said, it isn’t very flattering. With that being said, I know that I have days where I feel full in the mid section and don’t want to wear any tight fitting clothes, so the dress would be perfect.
I notice you aren’t wearing a belt in many of these. How do I know when to tuck in sweater & wear a belt & when I should leave it untucked either no belt???
I notice you’re not wearing a belt on many photos. How do I know when to wear belt & tuck sweater in & when to leave it out with no belt??
It depends on the proportions of the outfit, and it’s often just a matter of preference, no right or wrong. If I’m at home all day, I’m more likely to leave a shirt out, but if I go out and add a jacket, I often belt it.
Happy New Year Jo-Lynne!
I agree that the gray sweater dress would look better with a V neck which I think is universally flattering! I don’t know what a Substack is so I can’t answer that.
Thank you for all you do to keep us in the know regarding fashion and how to style it!
Hooray for a day of organization and family dinner/game night! Gumbo sounds yummy — I will put that on our menu for the week. (Not to say it will actually get made, but it is a new year full of ambition!) Everything I know about Substack I learned from reading today’s comments. I am open to learning, so if you decide to give Substack a shot, please take it slow and maybe provide user tips so we don’t all freak out. Having said that, you are so good at what you do, and it is okay to stick with a known format if that is what makes the most sense. Cheers to 2025!
Happy New Year!! I really enjoy reading your blog and love that you provide lots of photos and updates as to what worked and what didn’t work for you. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what Substack was so I did some research. Personally, I don’t think I would subscribe or even read the posts. I’m old school and your blog is perfect. I especially enjoy the daily e-mails and the “Try on Hauls”. You’ve really helped me stay current in the way I dress without the need to buy what is considered “trendy”. I love your casual style.
Happy New Years to the Shane family! First thing I noticed about your outfits from the past 2 weeks is there is no red, or holiday plaids (two things I love!!). I did like the black fair isle sweater and New Years Eve sparkling top!! As for Substack, I receive writings from a Christian author on Substack which I truly love and am happy to support her writings by paying for a subscription yearly. There are two other writers that I can access their Substacks in full on FB. I like reading them, I am interested in their topics and their opinions on things that also matter to me. I have not had to purchase, seems like the entire writing is on FB. All this to say, if you have the desire to do more writing and develop a Substack account, I would certainly support that, because I really enjoy your writing. But I would not want you to replace your blog with all the photos, that is a highlight of mornings!!
You can use photos in Substack, but I am not replacing the blog. No worries there! I don’t have much red, but I did have red nails for the past 2 weeks! 🙂
Hi and HNY!
I haven’t used Substack. Agree that if there’s a pay click to keep reading…..sigh. I’m about done with FB! I do like the Tribe to post questions, though. The FB feed is just ads and things I’m not interested in. Few actual posts from people I know. Insta trending that way but more on point still.
I follow Kelly Snyder at Adore Your Wardrobe and love that she’s moved to a YouTube channel. So convenient! subscribing is time efficient. I also like podcasts….which I can listen to in the car or while exercising.
What are the jewelry trends for 2025? I need to streamline my inventory lol!
I love podcasts, but I am not a good “talker” which is also why I don’t do much video. I enjoy Kelly’s YouTube videos, tho. Jewelry trends for 2025 is an upcoming post I’m working on!
Really enjoyed this post and like your blog content as well as your emails. I may be aging myself, but I find YouTube & blogs way easier for me to shop and track who aligns with me for style and age wise as well as personality. I found someone on Instagram that I liked, subscribed to their blog and content was great, style was hit or miss and a little too “old” but I liked some of his content. Then he changed to Substack, charged a fee and I stopped following and subscribing as there wasn’t enough of what I needed to pay him to do. My thought has always been if we want to support you, we buy through your links but maybe it doesn’t pay enough anymore? Anyway, I like your blog and emails! Do you do mat pilates or reformer? or if I search your blog will I find all your pilates comments? I used to do mat pilates years ago, got away from it when I joined a gym but now want to add it back in to my rowing, walking, jogging routine. Thanks for all you do! Happy 2025!
At the moment, affiliate links are still a large part of my income stream, but that may not always be the case—there are so many factors. You don’t have to charge for a Substack subscription, and many people don’t, or they only charge for certain parts. I would definitely not start out charging, it would be more as a way to expand my audience and reach. 🙂 I do reformer pilates.
Love your posts! I get the most out of your fashion blog than others I have tried. I am not a fan of substack from what I have experienced with it. I think Shelly said it perfectly. However, I would try supporting you in it if you decide to try it.
Thank you so much for all you do to help us keep up with fashion, be smart about it and keep ourselves looking our best.
Happy 2025 to you! Sounds like you had a good couple of days to rest and recharge with your family. Me too. I think I shared with you already about my sweater dress dilemma; I just felt like it was rather shapeless and I think we can both do better. 😊 As far as Substack goes, I’d have to pass on it. I do love your writing style but I prefer to read your daily blog with photos and I also like the FB JLS group. I so appreciate your approach to sharing fashion; you’re so helpful, fun and friendly without throwing constant ads or pressure to buy in our face.
Hey JoLynne- Came back here to ask what size you’re wearing in the Caslon turtleneck sweater? I usually size down in that brand but haven’t bought anything from them in a while so not sure what size to order. Thank you! 😊
It’s a small. It runs slightly big.
Thank you! The last week has been so cold around here but as fate would have it, today we have sunny skies and a high of 75 degrees (it’s so beautiful outside). I’m still ordering it in navy and I can wear it on an upcoming girls trip to wine country.
Hi Jo Lynne and a very happy new year. This is always my favorite post. I will never use substack – I don’t need another techy outlet. The gray dress is gorgeous but I understand how you feel. It would look good on my body as I am straight up and down with no boobs or hips haha.
My big question is how to whittle down your closet. I have watched your posts on this and our other friend bloggers and I am hopeless. I really think I over buy which is great for my influencers tee hee but not for my budget or stuffed drawers and closets. My goal this year is to buy better high end things and not many things. How many jeans, sweaters, v neck white shirts, etc does a girl need. Not to even mention hand bags and shoes.
I had to chuckle on your comment on workout clothes. I have some that have been around for 20 years and they DON’T wear out!!
Purchasing fewer things definitely helps, but I think you also have to get over the emotion of giving away perfectly good clothing. It feels wrong, but if it’s good quality and in good condition, and you aren’t using it, it’s better to pass it on to someone who can. And if it’s too worn out to even donate, find a good recycling option. Try at least getting it out of your closet, and see how good it feels to have a spacious closet space filled with only clothes you love!
Happy New Year! One thing I love about your blog is that you show real life outfits- even the ones that you later decide are a miss. I’ve never heard of a substack, but after reading one of the other comments, I understand what they are, and it would be a hard pass for me. Thank you again for all you do. You’re my favorite!
I enjoy your blog but have no idea what a substack is, so that’s likely a no.
Thanks for sharing. Have you every had your colors done? I ask because I feel like you have similar coloring to me yet you often wear camel and some light browns and muted colors that don’t look great on me. I think they look fine on you but just curious if you intentionally choose them because you like them or if they are when has been told flatters you.
I’m a winter. I try to pick cooler shades off camel and brown, but I also know they aren’t my best colors. I just enjoy wearing them. 🙂
Came to the comments to say I like the way you curled your hair in the NYE – very flattering on your face shape. Think I missed the question about substack? I’m not familiar with it. If it’d a paid subscription I’d opt out (unfortunately after a job loss we’re in a season of having to cut any expenses that aren’t absolutely necessary). If it doesn’t require a subscription then I’d be willing to give it a try. Although truthfully I much prefer the blog format. There are many bloggers-turned-influencers that I used to follow but don’t because they only do long video posts. I’m a fast reader and much prefer to skim at my own pace than have to listen to someone talk about something I’m not interested in. Even in posts like this, if there’s an outfit that doesn’t fit my style or lifestyle, I can scroll past it to go on to the ones that do. Versus with a video I’d have to either listen and wait or keep hitting the ten second forward button – and either way I’d probably give up! Hope that’s helpful info?
I’m the same way – I’m a fast reader and much prefer reading a blog to watching a video. And thank you, I spent a while on my hair that night! lol
As to Substack – those who have changed to substack, I’ve unfollowed. I prefer the known quality of a blog format. I do follow on Instagram but find your blog posts give more information.
Forest green looks so good on you. Love the gray jeans. I agree on the gray sweater dress. A V-neck might make it more flattering. I’m never buying a sweater dress since it’s never really cold enough where I live. I donated the one sweater dress I bought two years ago. As far as Substack I quit following a doctor when all his interesting articles required a fee. It would be a no for me. I like your blog the way it is.
I agree with the other comments in that Substack would be a hard no for me as well. Shelly summed it up well. I am turned off when a blogger tries to entice with a Substack for a fee. Your blog is perfect the way it is and has inspired me to make better fashion choices. I look forward to reading it each day.
PS I still don’t understand what substack is but from now reading extra comments, if I had to pay anything to read I would not. I like the way your blog is now.
I’m a big NO on the Substack. Tried it once and found it really cumbersome and I think there was even content you had to pay for, which turned me off. I can barely figure out the social media I have and I’m not looking to add any more, honestly. Hoping old-school blogs stick around because that’s where I am.
Happy New Year! We are getting an Evereve here in Northern Virginia!
YAY! You’re going to love Evereve. The stores are so nice.
You referred to a oatmeal colored sweater as have a “dreaded drop shoulder.” What do you find is not the best with a dropped shoulder if a person has a pear shaped body?
It depends on where the seam is placed, but it tends to make shoulders look broader, which is not a bad thing if you want to balance out wider hips or if you have narrow shoulders. I have squared-off shoulders, and I feel like it makes them look bigger. It can also accentuate a larger bust, which I sort of have as well. I also feel like it looks a little dated, but they are still around, so I dunno… maybe it’s just me.
These posts are my favorite! It is fun to see professional photos of everyone at their best, but day-to-day reality of getting dressed for real schedules and activities are my favorite! Thanks for putting these together to provide inspiration for everyday life!