I spent some time working on layering this week. The addition of an oversized wool coat has allowed me a lot more wiggle room in this department. Winter has always been a struggle for me, because pulling several layers together in an intentional, non-cluttered way is not my strong suit. However, layering is the smartest way to keep warm and the most practical way to stay comfortable, and I am determined to get better.
I keep thinking back on the comments a few of you left recently about your layering strategies – include a good base, and carry a bigger handbag for stowing scarves, gloves, sweaters, etc. Being mindful of these two tips made my layering efforts feel a bit more simple this week!
MONDAY:
Claude Cardigan (S/M), L’envers | Henley, c/o Tradlands, sold out | Modern BF Jeans (27), c/o Everlane | Belt, decades old! | Isa Boot, c/o Nisolo | Tote, c/o Cuyana | Earrings, c/o Passage
Style Notes: This thick henley makes a great base for keeping warm. I tried to offset this decided-masculine look with some of my favorite earrings. I like the structure, warmth and color palette of this look.
Style Score: 9.5
TUESDAY:
Alpaca Cardigan, Zady (sold out, similar option in cashmere) | Rib Tee, c/o Michael Stars | Skinny Jeans (28), c/o Everlane | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar) | Tote, c/o Cuyana | Crescent Necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry
I found it helpful to carry this tote around nearly all week. It seems someone is always shedding gloves or a hat, and this is a simple way to keep it all contained. Not to mention, if I’m untangling myself from a scarf when indoors, it’s nice not to have to worry about it slipping onto the floor.
Style Notes: Surprisingly, I felt like reaching for my skinny jeans today. I think it’s because I like them with these boots. I also quite like the shade of blue they are. In an effort to keep warm, I employed the simplest layering strategy I know, shirt + cardigan. I love the way this cardigan operates because it’s big and soft, but still drapes to the lines of any given outfit.
Style Score: 9
WEDNESDAY:
Shirt, c/o Power of My People, sold out | Pants (6/M), Jesse Kamm | Isa Boot, c/o Nisolo | Tote, c/o Cuyana
I pulled out two pieces to wear that haven’t gotten much love lately. In all honesty, I’ve been afraid of these pants since Christmas (hello treats), but thankfully I wore them just fine. (I did peel them off early, a few hours before bed.) This shirt is entirely warm, almost like a sweater. I didn’t layer today, but I remained nice and warm.
Style Notes: At first I tried tying this shirt, but it felt too fussy around the waist, so I opted for the front tuck. This made the outfit a touch more casual and definitely more comfortable to wear. I’m crushing hard on this color palette.
Style Score: 9
THURSDAY:
Cocoon Coat (6), Everlane | Chore Coat (M), c/o Tradlands (and currently 30% off!) | Raglan Sweater, 5 years old! | Jeans, Vintage Levi’s (501) (very similar) | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar) | Tote, c/o Cuyana
Today, I wanted to push myself to experiment with layering coats over coats. I tend to shy away from this chore coat unless the temps are warmer, until the other night when I had a ‘no-duh’ moment, and I realized I could wear it like a mid-layer cardigan. Because ‘coat’ is in the name of this article of clothing, in my mind, it was exclusively reserved as outerwear. I often tend to be black and white until something snaps me out of it, and this was certainly the case.
I loved wearing this as a mid-layer. It was warm, but my favorite thing about canvas coats is the utility. They just feel indestructible, and the pockets are awesome.
Speaking of pockets, the ones on this wool cocoon coat are pretty amazing too. They hold my large cell phone with ease; they’re nice and deep, I never have to worry about anything falling out. Perfect for freeing up my hands.
A quick note about stock on the cocoon coat: It’s nearly sold out, but I’ve been watching it the last several weeks, and limited sizes will come back in stock for a day or so, and be gone again. That’s how I snagged mine. If you’re still hoping to get one, I suggest you check the listing for the coat once per day!
Style Score: 10
FRIDAY:
Sweater Coat, Aritizia (similar in an oversized fit) | Relaxed Silk Shirt (6), Everlane | Modern BF Jeans (27), c/o Everlane | Isa Boot, c/o Nisolo | Tote, c/o Cuyana | Coin Necklace, Nashelle
I finally decided to take another try at silk. I had been wanting to add a black, long-sleeved top to my closet, so I used some of my Everlane referral credits to order this shirt. After hearing people tout the warmth factor of silk this winter I wanted to see for myself. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I like wearing silk. It’s like a personal pick me up. It’s silky, drapes beautifully, and lends a bit of luxury to an everyday look. If I were going to employ a legit uniform, I would pick a shirt like this.
I decided not to bother with dry cleaning this, because that’s too fussy for me. Last night I put it in my front loader on the ‘hand wash’ cycle with a scant amount of soap, and it looks like it came out just fine!
Style Notes: I prefer this look without the sweater-coat. Overall it was a bit fancy for me. I think the silk would have paired better with a nubby old cardigan.
Style Score: 9
SATURDAY:
Cardigan (M/L) Cuyana | Tee (M), c/o Bridge & Burn | Jeans, Vintage Levi’s (501) (very similar) | Clogs, No.6 | Bag, c/o ABLE | Sunglasses, Ray-Ban
I think I am finding my Saturday rhythm! The key is just to grab your very favorite items and pile them on. Soft tee, check. Even softer cardi, check. Very favorite jeans, check. And of course, clogs. It was in the mid-50’s over the weekend, so I went for bare ankles, but I threw a pair of socks in the car just in case. And I topped off the look with my wool cocoon coat (again) which is actually long enough to cover this cardigan!
Style Notes: Very happy with this color palette, and overall laid-back vibe.
Style Score: 10
SUNDAY:
Cocoon Coat (6), Everlane | British Tee, c/o Zappos | Necklace (hiding under my shirt, oops!), c/o Claus | Clyde Work Pant, olive in cotton twill, Elizabeth Suzann (similar in cotton canvas) | James Oxford, Nisolo | Bag, c/o ABLE
I mapped this look out in my mind’s eye the night before. Sometimes inspiration just hits me, and sometimes I stare blankly into my closet. This was the former. What you can’t see is a cute (super old) light gray cardigan underneath my coat, lending sort of a bookish vibe. I love the classic nature of a cardigan and oxfords. Somedays I feel edgy, and some days I feel nerdy. It’s nice to have items that support my mood.
Style Notes: Gray, black, olive and burgundy make a beautiful color palette. It’s rare for me to build a combo without cognac, tan or cream tones, but I am happy with how this turned out.
Style Score: 9
In Review:
FAVORITES: Monday/Thursday/Saturday
KEY LESSONS: Layering doesn’t have to be hard.
love your wavy hair looks, especially with the last two outfits!
Thanks Lexie. I am struggling with it big time right now, about ready to shave it off! Thanks for your encouraging words!
Someday I am going to have that loop crescent necklace!
That’s a good classic winter outfit on Tuesday.
Wednesday’s combo is really good looking on you, I’ve never seen you in all blues like that.
Saturday you look so happy and YOU, I love that!
Have a good rest of your week!
Looking forward to seeing you do the 10×10! I am going to do it this time, and try to document 5x. I have been stress shopping A LOT since Kaden was born. This weekend I went through everything and did a major edit/ purge, so my closet is in good shape. Now to decide what to include!
Xo! Jodie
Hi Jodie! Isn’t it crazy how we tie our shopping to our emotions? I have been guilty of doing that too. Good luck with your 10×10, I can’t wait to see your pics! And I do hope you get that crescent necklace one of these days soon. :)
I really enjoy looking at the weekly outfits! My days favorite are Monday and Sunday. Have you looked at the Madelyn Sweater Coat by Only Child? I have been eyeing for sometime now! I like it has the dolman sleeves for layering. Would love to get your input…
Hi Divya! I tried the Madelyn Coat in wool, and while it was beautiful, the sleeves were too short for my taste. But yes, those dolman sleeves were a dream for layering! I think the design has changed since I’ve tried it, the sleeves look a bit longer now. It seems like a great option!
Hey, not specific to this post, although sort of related since it’s winter wear, but do you know Marine Layer? They seem ethical/sustainable, and I recently got this flannel shirt from them and flippin’ LOVE it. https://www.marinelayer.com/products/skylar-flannel?variant=400043147290 It popped into my head to recommend ML to you as I read your post while wearing it on an Austin “snow” day (tiny but dangerous layer of ice on some roads and intermittent sleet).
Yes, we have a Marine Layer store in Portland, their stuff is so soft!! When I first heard of them, they seemed to talk more about ethics/USA made, but now it seems harder to find the info. That shirt looks super cozy!
I am so excited to hear that the Everlane silk handled a machine wash! I was thinking about trying to hand wash mine but was unsure about what type of soap to use. Any suggestions? Also noticed a small stain on it that I’m unsure on how to get out because I’m new to silk.
I use the Laundress delicate wash! Seems to work just fine (so far, even on items labeled dry clean only). One of the tricks with silk is to make sure you don’t soak it too long, that can cause it to shrink. Like Andrea, I use the hand wash setting on my washing machine, and it seems to do a great job!
Thanks for the tip Jessica!
I just used my regular ‘free and clear’ detergent, in a very small amount. But my shirt is black, so it made me less nervous. I would try the Laundress, I have heard so many people recommend it!
I’m super into your monochromatic Friday look. Also, real talk: are the Kamm pants worth it? I’m seriously considering a pair but I just don’t know if I can pull the trigger for the price. Did you do a review somewhere and I’m missing it?
Hi Katie, I did a review on sizing awhile back. I think they are pretty epic pants. No other wide leg I’ve tried (and I’ve tried many) comes close. They are a unique, thick canvas material, and the slim cut on the hips is incredibly flattering. If you do decide to try them out, make sure you buy them from somewhere with a good return policy, so you can make up your mind in your own home. They are a little stiff, which takes some getting used to, but the fabric relaxes a bit with time.
Hey Andrea! This question is not on topic but nevertheless: did your Pons stretch? I’m considering a pair but I’m an 8.5 and they don’t seem to come in half sizes. Need to know whether an 8 will murder my feet or if they’ll stretch out!
Hi Jenny! They will definitely stretch out!
THANK YOU!!! :)
You articulated my struggles with layering perfectly and I’m avidly taking notes on your techniques. I do love the chore coat as a mid layer – this also works great with denim jackets if their shoulders/sleeves aren’t too bulky. Nice work!
Yes, good call on the denim jacket! Too often I leave mine for spring only. I’ll keep this in mind! Great idea!
Love Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday in particular — there’s just something about an old t-shirt and jeans that is marvelous, especially with those clogs :)
Also, I have a question about the Kamm pants (apologies–I tried to leave this question on the original post reviewing them but the option to leave a reply seemed to be missing!). Where do they hit on the waist? At or above the belly button? And if above, is it by a lot? I have and love the Everlane Wide Leg Crop, but I’m looking at the Kamm pants because of the longer inseam. My only hesitation is that I generally loathe pants that hit above the belly button, especially when they are stiff/tight–it just feels to me like my internal organs are being squished.
They hit above the belly button! They are nice and high. :) But that is what makes them so great. They are pretty stiff pants, definitely not as comfortable as the Everlane ones. But I am found mine loosen/soften a bit over time! The longer length is definitely nice. It makes them feel more ‘all-seasons’ than my Everlane ones are.