Happy Thanksgiving! I trust you’ve moved on to coffee and dessert by now, or maybe even a nap. If you’re ready for a break from all the socializing and eating, you can peruse my latest round of outfits.
This week has been a cold one, and I’ve been chasing warm as best I can. I’m starting to realize my exposed-ankle days might be (mostly) over for the season, so I’ve been searching for alternate ways to look stylish, but keep warm. Do you have any tips or tricks for cold days?
MONDAY:
Bell Sleeve Top, c/o Michael Stars | Claude Cardigan (size: S/M), L’envers | Skinny Jeans, c/o Everlane | Chelsea Boots, Everlane | Bag, thrifted Madewell (ethical alternative, on sale!)
I’ve been wearing my Everlane skinny jeans a little bit more, mostly because it’s been cold, and it’s hard to beat the functionality of skinny jeans in the wintertime. I love the look and the thickness of the fabric they’re made with, but they don’t allow for nearly as much movement as my Rag & Bone jeans. To close the ankle gap I added my chelsea boots to the equation, although, if I wasn’t going to be outside as much, I would have opted for oxfords or mules. I did a quick assessment of my pant situation and every single one of them is ankle-skimming or cropped! This means I’ll be relying a lot on my ankle boots to make sure I stay warm this winter.
This sweater makes me really excited for all the cold days to come this winter. Last winter I was on the hunt for a warm-toned cardigan, and I’m so happy to say I’ve found one. I first learned of L’envers from Joanna, of Pyne & Smith. I stalked out their website for awhile, and finally took the plunge and ordered one of their hand knit sweaters. Their motto is ‘putting ethics back in aesthetics,’ which I love. The sweater is made from 100% French merino wool, where it is spun. And it was knit in Castilla-et-Leon, Spain.
I wanted something I could wear for many years. Originally, I bought a sweater from Doen, and while it was gorgeous, it didn’t seem as timeless (nor as versatile) with the one I ended up with. I am very pleased with the classic style and fit of this cardigan by L’envers. The wool is soft enough to wear on bare arms, and it is very, very warm.
Style Score: 9
TUESDAY:
Waffle Sweater, c/o Everlane | Modern BF Jean (sized down), Everlane | Isa Boot, c/o Nisolo | Bag, thrifted (ethical alternative, on sale!) | Chore Coat, c/o Tradlands (use code SEASONSANDSALT to save 15%)
Hiding those ankles again to stay warm… speaking of warm, this waffle-knit sweater plus the chore coat combination was surprisingly cozy. Thicker fabrics go a long way, and can be a nice break from big outerwear. I’ve been spending extra time outside this fall because one of my daughters has tutoring sessions 2x per week at her school, and I spend the 45 minute sessions with my other two kiddos on the playground. While they scale the play structure, I usually have my nose in a book. It’s surprisingly relaxing (once we get there). But it means I have to choose outfits that accommodate all the outdoor time.
Style Notes: I love this look. It’s elevated casual. I like the structure of the jacket and the polish of the boots. But both are tough enough to do almost anything in.
Style Score: 10
WEDNESDAY:
Jacket, Bridge & Burn | Jeans, Vintage (similar 1 + 2) | Rain Boots, thrifted (ethical alternative)
Oops! Some days are so busy that squeezing in a picture feels impossible. This is a standard, rain-friendly look for me. I alternate between this one and the City Anorak from Everlane (as pictured last week). I honestly don’t remember for sure what I wore under it. I think it was the L’envers cardigan with a black scarf. You can never be too cozy, right?
Style Notes: I often feel like I have two looks each day, one for indoors, and one for out. This ‘outdoors’ look is one of my preferred. Loose jeans and well-tailored jacket, plus ultra functional shoes.
Style Score: 9
THURSDAY:
Flannel Shirt, c/o Tradlands (use code SEASONSANDSALT to save 15%) | Modern BF Jean (sized down), Everlane | Boots, Loeffler Randal, style discontinued (love these!)
In this silly, second photo, I am trying to show you guys my socks. It was another cold day and I opted to layer in wool socks, instead of showing my usual slice of skin right there. And I think it looks pretty good. I am not one to suffer for fashion. But sometimes it sends me to the land of serious outfit repetition, like jeans and ankle boots 24/7.
Style Notes: I wanted to try styling this flannel differently than how I did for my Tradlands post. And honestly, I like the other look better.
Style Score: 7 – Not my fav look, but highly functional.
FRIDAY:
Claude Cardigan (size: S/M), L’envers | British Tee, c/o Zappos | Jeans, Vintage (similar 1 + 2) | James Oxford, Nisolo | Bag, thrifted (ethical alternative, on sale!)
I love this classic look. It’s the kind of thing I imagine myself wearing now and 10 years from now (maybe with slight updates). Modern classics never go out of style for me. Cardigan + jeans + oxford and a sensible bag = Andrea through the decades.
Style Score: 10+
SATURDAY:
Sherpa Lined Jacket (men’s S) | Sweater, old (similar option) | Jeans, Rag & Bone (nearly sold out, like these too) | Isa Boot, c/o Nisolo
This is the ultimate weekend outfit for me. Relaxed and casual, but still pulled together. I’ve been experimenting with wearing this sherpa-lined jean jacket a little more, and I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. The key: to not think about it too much. Seems obvious, right? Well, easier said than done for someone who is an over-analyzer. But I’m learning!
Style Score: 9
SUNDAY:
Dress, c/o Vetta (use code: SEASONS for 10% off!) | Tights (similar) | Boots, c/o Everlane | | Leather Jacket (S), Reformation | Scarf, Grana
Proof that I’m not quite sure how to dress up, but I’m always trying.
Style Notes: This dress looks really good on it’s own, but of course I needed another layer to keep warm. I like the leather jacket, but the oversized scarf felt like too much. Next time I’d skip the scarf and go for a contrasting clutch.
Style Score: 8
In Review:
FAVORITES: Tuesday + Friday
KEY LESSONS: Warmth is paramount (in most cases) and not over-thinking a look can be really helpful.
I like love your new cardigan! So classic. I was drooling over last weeks vintage cardigan! My son’s name is Aran and I am on the hunt for an Irish Aran knit cardigan. Love your weekly posts. It motivates me to get out of my gym cloths and use my closet! Happy Thsnksgiving!
Divya-I saw some Made in Ireland Irish Knit cardigans at TJ Maxx the other day! I think they still had some online–I was considering buying one myself!
Love your warm outfits this week!!! I’m starting to notice my COLD bare ankles too…I had my clogs in my winter capsule, but now I’m rethinking that! It may need to be boots, boots, boots.
https://sites.google.com/view/americancloset/
Thank you for the tip! I will check it out online.
Hi Divya! Thanks so much. I found my vintage cardigan on Poshmark, but there are lots on Etsy too. I love that it’s your son’s name too.
Love your outfits this week! I am also looking to transition cropped pants to winter with boots! I have them in black, brown, and blue so I can’t justify buying another pair, but I love the tapestry ones I’ve seen in stores.
I am thinking socks are the key! The right socks make those cropped pants feel a lot less breezy.
I live in a chilly northern climate, and I really want socks to be in style. I am so tired of cold ankles! I think you should start it.
HAHAHAHA, love this. I’ll do my best!
Oh so much to say about cold weather dressing. No one knows how to stay warm better than NYCGs, because we can’t escape the outdoors – unless you have a chauffeur or literally take taxis everywhere, you gotta pound the sidewalk daily in all weather! Here’s the thing: tights or thin leggings under yer pants, always. (Unless those pants are fleece-lined, which is also a good idea. On really really cold days, you can wear the tights under the fleece-lined pants!) Also, avoid thin-soled shoes (like oxfords) if you will be walking outside for more than a few blocks/minutes – go for clogs, platforms, thicker rubber tread, etc – you gotta keep your feetsies well off that cold ground. Finally: shearling boots. (If, as with Bean boots, there is mysteriously no shearling in the sole – WHY?!?! – add shearling insoles.)
Great insights Koyuki!! Especially the bit about the shoes. That is probably why clogs are so warm!
Question: how do you avoid being overheated the second you set foot inside? I worry if I layered up on the bottoms, it would be hard to cool down!
This isn’t usually a problem for me – on a very cold day, I rarely feel overheated indoors with a thin pair of tights/leggings under pants. Everyone is different, of course – know thyself! The main thing, though, is to think about what you’re doing. Like, if it’s a park/playground day, I’m not going to worry a whole lot about whether I’ll feel a bit warm when we duck into a cafe for a snack. If I’m going shopping downtown (meaning going in and out of stores), or taking my kids to multiple classes or going to places that are a longer walk from the subway, I could easily be as much outdoors as indoors, so I’ll mostly dress geared to outdoors. If, on the other hand, I know I’ll be taking a taxi at least one way with no in-between walking, I might dress a tad less warm. Also, really, it’s only the work of a minute to duck into the bathroom and pull off tights if I’m just too super hot and I know I’ll be indoors for awhile (like at a friend’s house or restaurant).
You make it seem so easy!
Alright, you know what?! Next issue of Baby Coffee zine will be on cold weather dressing. Clearly the world is crying out for this topic. Pls consider your contribution. Stay tuned.
I would love another copy! That clog one was so good!
I LOVE Sundays outfit. I always feel awkward and like I’m trying too hard when I need to dress up, especially when it’s cold, and I’m going to come back to this for inspiration when I need to dress up in a few weeks. :)
Thank you Beth, that means so much. I, too, feel exactly was you described. Something about dressing up in winter is particularly hard. I think it’s the coordination of all the pieces!
Also, your new cardigan looks so beautiful on you. Congrats on a lovely acquisition.
Thank you! It’s a very, very warm addition!!
Definitely needing to figure out the ankle thing too. Keep me posted with your ideas ;) OB-sessed with that sweater….
I will do my best! Going to try to put together a blog post in the next month about styling ankle boots and pants…
I love that scarf with the leather jacket-dress combo! Tucking the ends into the jacket might look a little tidier and less busy. Now you’ve got my wheels turning on pairing my tan large “travel” cashmere scarf more often with my leather jacket. I love the contrast in cozy textures (soft + buttery).
Agreed! The contrast is my favorite too. Thanks for the tips. :)
Loving that chore coat!
Thank you Lo, me too!!