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.

This first look is from January 2nd, right at the start of the new year. I took my younger daughter to the mall and then to her hair appointment. (She left her car in Nashville over Christmas break, so I was happy to play chauffeur—it gave us extra time to chat.)

I often pair a quilted or puffer vest with a sweater for mall outings in the winter—it’s just the right amount of warmth for getting from the car to the door, without overheating while shopping indoors. This sweater is an oldie but goodie—anyone remember the Equipment Oscar? I snagged it during an end-of-season sale at Shopbop, and it’s been a staple in my winter wardrobe for six years now. (Yes, I remember these things!)

Rowan puffer vest (S) // old Equipment cashmere turtleneck (budget option) // MOTHER Weekender in Layover (29) (similar for less) (budget option) // similar Chelsea boots // similar belt // Lagos earrings

For some reason, I wore this outfit to the nail salon after a photo shoot that morning. There was no need to dress up, but I wanted to match my nail polish to this sweater, so I wore it! Actually… I think I had it on from the photo shoot—we took pictures for 5 Ways to Style a Vest. It’s all coming back to me now! Anyway, this sweater is such great quality for the price point. Sizes are a bit picked over, but there are several colors available, so you might just get lucky and find the perfect combo!

I tried it with a front tuck, and while it looked great from the front, the side view felt awkward.

Since the length works as is, I decided to leave it untucked and topped it off with my grey Theory Wool & Cashmere Car Coat from the #NSale. Unfortunately, the coat has sold out, but I found something similar at the Theory Outlet. To finish the look, I carried a black bag to coordinate with the black boots.

Theory Wool & Cashmere Car Coat (S) (option) // Nordstrom sweater (S) // MOTHER Weekend (29) (option) // similar Chelsea boots // similar bag

The next night, Paul and I went out to dinner. It was very cold, and since we were just heading to a nearby spot, I wanted to keep my look cozy but still put-together. I started with the same grey jeans and a different sweater—the burgundy Talbots cable knit flare cuff sweater I’ve featured so often.

similar coat // Talbots sweater (S) // MOTHER Weekend Flare in Wanted! (29) (option) // Paige Annika Kitten Heel Bootie (8) // similar bag // Anthro earrings

But I’ve been wearing these grey jeans a lot lately, and this burgundy sweater also pairs beautifully with dark-wash jeans, so I swapped them for the MOTHER Weekender in Teaming Up.

The next question was, do I match the sweater with my coat or go with a black one to match my boots and bag? I love a monochromatic look, but it was so cold, and the black coat is warmer, so I went with that.

similar burgundy coat // black wool coat (S) // Talbots sweater (S) // MOTHER Weekend Flare (30) (option) // Paige Annika (8) // similar bag // Anthro earrings

The next day was Sunday, and when I went to get dressed for church, I decided to break out my black trouser jeans for a change. Black also pairs beautifully with shades of burgundy, but I didn’t want to wear the same Talbots sweater again, so I reached for this old Nadaam boatneck cashmere sweater. I did the usual front-tuck vs. untucked comparison…

And I came to the same conclusion: untucked feels sleek and uncomplicated, and the length and shape of the sweater work perfectly with these black trouser jeans, so I went that route once again.

This time I went with suede pointy toe booties because I like how the suede contrasts slightly with the inky black denim, and I was dying to wear my new Stuart Weitzman boots. These are a major splurge, but I like how they add a bit of drama to the simple look, and I know I’ll have them for years. And once again, a black bag was the perfect finishing touch. I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without changing bags, but this one seems to go with everything this winter.

Andrew Marc coat (S) // Nadaam boatneck sweater (S) // Paige Leenah (29) (budget option) // Stuart Weitzman Naomi (8) // similar scarf // similar bag

That Monday was a snow day, and I wore this athleisure look with my favorite Athleta fleece-lined zip-up sweatshirt and the Rainier bootcut pants. I never thought to pair them with snow boots until I noticed this line in the product description under Fit + Sizing: Shorter length to fit over your boot and stay dry in the snow.

Turns out, it was the perfect outfit for running to the store for a few things that afternoon in the snow and slush. (I threw my long puffer on top.) These boots are fleece-lined, incredibly warm, and 100% waterproof—so cozy and practical for winter weather.

Athleta Altitude Fleece jacket (S) // Athleta Momentum tee (M) // Athleta Ranier pants (M) // Sorel Out N About IV Duck Boots (8.5)

It was snowy and cold again the next day, and I wore a slightly more elevated look with the duck boots and a different pair of performance pants—this time, with a ribbed sweater hoodie layered under my quilted vest.

Evereve Cooper Quilted Vest (S) // wool & cashmere hoodie (XS) // Athleta Altitude Fleece Lined pants (option) // Sorel Out N About IV Duck Boots (8.5)

The next morning, I wore my new duck boots with leggings and a performance tee to go to a Pilates class.

The North Face Metropolis Parka (M) (this year’s version) // Athleta Ascent Seamless Tank (M) // Vuori Performance Jacket (M) // Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Leggings (M) // Sorel Out N About IV Duck Boots (8.5)

Then I came home and changed before heading back out for an eye doctor appointment. I know… such an exciting life I lead! I just threw on what felt easy and comfortable—you all know how much I love this sweater and these jeans. It felt too cold for sneakers, but the duck boots seemed like overkill, so I pulled on my trusty rag & bone Walker Boots instead. I wish these hadn’t sold out; they’re such a great option for casual days.

I chose my black parka to tie in with the black boots, and because it was sooo cold; and at the last minute, I grabbed my favorite scarf. I love how it adds a pop of pattern to the look—and, of course, some extra warmth for those trips to and from the car

The North Face Metropolis Parka (M) (this year’s version) // Jenni Kayne Flynn in Shadow (S) // MOTHER Weekender Fray (29) // similar boots // Burberry scarf (option) // similar bag // Marlyn Schiff coin charm necklace

I snapped this picture when I got back from my workout the next day. This fleece-lined funnel neck sweatshirt is marked waaaay down and it’s such a good one for going to and from the gym, or for chilly outdoor walks.

Athleta Altitude Fleece Lined Funnel Neck Sweatshirt (M) – extra 30% off! // Ascent Seamless Tank (M) – extra 30% off! // Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 Leggings (M) – extra 30% off! // On Cloud 5 Running Shoe in Pearl/White (9) // sunnies

I changed into this casual look to work from home that afternoon. Some of you have asked for more non-sweater options for super casual days at home, and this Oversized Quarter Zip Sweatshirt from Gap Factory is a great choice. It’s on-trend, comfortable, and super affordable.

Gap Factory sweatshirt (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Paul Green Hadley sneakers (8) // Jenny Bird hoops

Another great option, though a bit more pricey, is the Zoey Rib Inset Hoodie from Evereve. It actually arrived in the mail that day, so I tried it on to share it on Instagram, and then I ended up keeping it on to meet some friends at a sports bar that night for the Penn State game.

It was a cold night, but I didn’t feel like dealing with my long puffer, so I threw on this short vegan leather puffer instead—it really amps up the look. I finished it off with my VEJA sneakers with black accents to tie everything together, and once again, my black bag was the perfect choice.

Abercrombie Vegan Leather Puffer (S) // Zoey Rib Inset Hoodie (M) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // VEJA Esplar (39) // Jenny Bird hoops

I wore this outfit home from a photo shoot the next day and ran a few errands along the way. I felt so chic in my new Quince scarf coat! I’ll admit, I initially thought this was a gimmicky product, but it’s surprisingly practical. I don’t always think to grab a scarf when I’m heading out, so I loved being able to wrap the attached scarf around my neck for extra protection from the wind and cold. When not in use, it adds a stylish touch just hanging down.

Quince Double-Faced Merino Wool Scarf Coat (S) // Talbots sweater (S) // MOTHER Weekend Flare in Wanted! (29) // Franco Sarto Vianca (8) // similar bag // similar earrings

I met a friend at the mall on Saturday, and I went with my usual sweater/quilted vest combo. I opted for the lighter-wash MOTHER Weekenders, although I think the grey ones would have looked amazing with this outfit—especially since monochrome is having such a moment right now. This was my weak attempt at switching things up, haha! Once again, a black bag and black boots felt like the obvious choice to complete the look.

Evereve Cooper vest (S) // similar turtleneck // MOTHER Weekend Flare (29) // similar Chelsea boots // similar bag // similar belt // old John Hardy hoop earrings

I wasn’t feeling particularly inspired when I got dressed for church the next day, and since I was running late, there was no time to experiment or get creative. I grabbed my favorite Jenni Kayne sweater and paired it with the darker-wash MOTHER Weekenders.

I know—I’ve worn these jeans in about 75% of my outfits over the past two weeks. At this point in the season, I’ve figured out what works best for me, and it’s hard to convince myself to wear other styles that I don’t feel as good in, just for the sake of variety. I did, however, opt for brown boots and bag this time!

Jenni Kayne Flynn in Shadow (S) // MOTHER Weekender in Teaming Up (30) // Veronica Beard Lada Chelsea Boots in Espresso (8.5) // old John Hardy hoop earrings // Anna Beck necklace (option) // Clare V. Midi Sac

Okay, home stretch! I wore this new look to a workout on Monday morning. I eventually took off the sweatshirt, but it’s always nice to have a light layer for warm-ups. And I like my new On Clouds in the Pearl/White so much that I went ahead and grabbed a pair in the Black/White combo, as well.

FP Movement Intercept Cotton Blend Sweatshirt (M) // Vuori Energy Tank // Free People You’re a Peach Pocket Leggings (M) // On Cloud 5 Running Shoe in Black/White (9) // Jenny Bird hoops

I came back home and eventually changed into jeans and a sweater, but I forgot to take a picture until it was almost dark outside. By that point, I wasn’t even wearing shoes, but I snapped a photo anyway. And I know it’s mean to share this sweater since it sold out before I ever had the chance to show it to you. (I did mention it, though! Hopefully, a few of you snagged it when it was on sale over the holidays.)

I’ve actually worn it once or twice without photographing it because I can’t find anything similar to link. It’s the perfect easy fit with such a pretty knit, soft and cozy, in a gorgeous shade of taupe. I keep stalking it, hoping they’ll bring it back, but so far, no dice!

C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere Cable Knit Crewneck (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Jenny Bird hoops

Then yesterday, I wore this look to Bible Study. Don’t hate me, but I went back to the grey MOTHER Weekenders. I wanted to wear this sweater, and I really love a monochromatic look. I tried it with my black AG Mari straight leg jeans and black loafers, but it was too cold for bare feet in loafers, and I really like the lower contrast look with the grey jeans.

Also, I realize this sweater is a ridiculous splurge, but I did get it for 30% off. It is such a nice thick and cozy knit that feels amazing against the skin, and the subtle variation of colors in the donegal pattern is so pretty. I’m sure it will go on sale again.

Vince cardigan (S) // AG Mari (29) // MOTHER Weekend Flare in Wanted! (29) // Vince Hilda (8) (option) // Anna Beck necklace (option) // Yurman earrings

I topped it all off with the Quince scarf coat—I wanted a black coat to coordinate with the black boots and bag… yes, again! My The North Face Parka would have been fine, but I thought it would be fun to level up a bit more, and I’ve worn the Andrew Marc bouclé wool coat a lot, so I grabbed this. Once again, the attached scarf turned out to be a life saver when I was going and from the car because it was so cold and windy yesterday.

Quince scarf coat (S) // Vince cardigan (S) // MOTHER Weekend Flare in Wanted! (29) // Vince boots (option) // similar bag // Yurman earrings

I came home and did some try-ons before heading to a chiropractor appointment for active release therapy. I’m still going once a week! We’re still working on that second ankle injury, and yesterday he also worked on a weird kink in my neck that popped up out of nowhere. Things I never thought I’d say before turning 50… haha!

These silver Gola sneakers just came in, and I think they’re so fun for a change. I typically reach for the MOTHER Dazzler when I’m wearing fashion sneakers, but I thought these might work with flares, and they do!

The North Face Metropolis Parka (M) (this year’s version) // Zoey Rib Inset Hoodie (M) // MOTHER Weekender in Layover (29) // Gola Torpedo Sneakers (8.5) // Jenny Bird hoops

I often get asked what bag to carry when wearing silver shoes, and I think any color that works with your outfit is a fine choice, as long as the hardware doesn’t clash. This bag has a mix of black and silver hardware, so it works perfectly—not that I would have bothered to change bags just to run to the chiropractor. I just happened to be using this one already, but if I were heading somewhere more important, I’d definitely take it into consideration.

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