Happy second day of spring, gals! While the calendars may say spring, this Chicago weather is more like, “nah, not today”. And unfortunately, I am completely over all of my winter clothes. This makes getting dressed in the morning more of a chore than I’d like – especially when it comes to casual Friday.
Whether I’m going to the office, running errands or having brunch, I’ve found myself reaching for one outfit every time – the outfit I wear when I have nothing to wear.
My key to creating this look is a combination of outfit staples that never go out of style and trendy pieces that add some flair. It’s classic. It’s comfortable while still looking put together.
The outfit I wear when I have nothing to wear
And you don’t have to tell me. I know that the idea of purchasing more winter clothes is sort of a buzz kill. I’m over here eyeing a new spring wardrobe, but there is one perk to stocking up on winter staples in March. Sales. Many of the pieces that make up this look – pieces that have been staples in my closet for years – are on sale! And I’m not talking about 10 percent off … I’m talking major sales. And since they’re classics, you’ll get use out of them for years to come.
Black Ribbed Turtleneck
Honestly, I don’t know another 25-year-old gal who wears a black turtleneck as much as I do. But, every time I wear this turtleneck to work – which is about once a week – someone stops me to ask where it’s from. As many times as this has happened, I’m always a little surprised – “oh, this old thing?” Well, if you must know – it’s from Chico’s. And I copied my mom. Sometimes we even accidentally wear it on the same day. But seriously, this is going to be the most old-lady thing I’ve ever said, but there is something to be said about a good turtleneck. A black turtleneck and pearl studs makes me feel instantly chic. Throw on a fun pair of statement earrings and put your hair in a ponytail, and you have a completely different look.
This Chico’s turtleneck is sweater material, and even though I’m usually someone who is hot all the time, I’m always pretty comfortable in this one. Once the weather gets a little warmer, the J.Crew tissue turtleneck is a favorite, too. And because I know how confusing the sizing can be, I am wearing a 1 – which is also a big plus about shopping at Chico’s. How often does a girl who wears a medium (8 or 10) get to say she’s wearing a 1?
Madewell Cali-Demi Book Jeans
These Madewell jeans are easily the most flattering, most amazing jeans I’ve ever owned. They have a flare, but it’s not an over-the-top boot cut that sometimes makes me feel a little wide in the hips. The crop flare look works during the colder months with ankle booties, but also works with sandals in the spring and summer. My love for these jeans runs deep.
And, because I know that there are very few people who enjoy spending $128 on jeans, I have a trick for you. If you bring in ANY full pair of jeans (meaning no capris or jean shorts), regardless of where they are from – to a Madewell store, they will give you $20 off regular-priced jeans. And trust me, these are worth $108! Plus, the jeans to donate are used to make home-siding installation, so you’re doing something good for your closet and the environment.
J.Crew Parke Top Coat
This season, I was on the hunt for a casual, tailored top coat. As a Chicago gal, a good coat is really the savior of all outfits. Running an errand in leggings and an old t-shirt? Throw on this coat and no one will be any the wiser. You’re put together! You’re stylish! Please don’t run into someone who suggests going to a warm bar, because I can’t take my coat off! You get the gist.
And, because the cut and fit is so classic, and the quality is so good {J.Crew winter coats are my favorite!}, I’m confident that I will be wearing this for years to come. This particular style is sold out, but this style is very similar, and I love this oatmeal color!
A New Day Fur-Lined Loafers
These are the ultimate Fucci loafers {Fake Gucci}, and for a price tag of $24 instead of $1000, they are one of my favorite purchases of the last few months. People have come up to me while I’m wearing these to ask if I actually spent that much money on the Gucci loafers. I’ve also had people ask me if I’m wearing slippers, so make your own judgement call. Either way, they are so comfortable and can easily be “dressed up” {aka this outfit} or dressed down with leggings. I’ve even worn them with sweatpants. Which kind of made me feel like an old man, but in the best possible way. I’m also obsessed with the furless option for spring!
Ray Ban Aviators
Truthfully, the idea of spending more than $100 on sunglasses kind of hurts my soul. But, these sunglasses are so good, that it doesn’t actually make me feel that bad. I wear them year round, and they have become somewhat of a signature eye-wear look for me. And, I don’t see Ray Ban aviators going out of style anytime soon. So, if you’re on the fence, I’m pretty sure you won’t regret this purchase … you deserve it! {This is my new version of treat yo’self in case you need someone to enable your shopping habit.}
Do you have a go-to outfit combination? The outfit you wear when you have nothing to wear? Tell me in the comments below or over on Instagram!
Happy styling {and shopping},
