Late Winter Fashion File: The Staples
Moving back to the Pacific Northwest and having a baby this year has me updating my wardrobe and getting back to my fashion roots a bit.
I'm loving filling up my closet with textures, knits, and comfy tees. I've cleared out heaps of things that I didn't ever wear (and really didn't like) that had been clogging up space as well as my approach to fashion. These days, I'm choosing fewer items; hearty and classic pieces that can go the distance in a capsule wardrobe for each season, are easy to mix and match and easy to care for. I thought I'd share some staples here as well as some of my new favorites that can transition into Spring, because surely, surely it is coming, right? Each photo is linked to the item shown and there are prices listed, as well as my own descriptions below. No affiliate links or ads here, just a girl who loves to be comfortable in her clothes and loves to gab about her favorite finds. Cheers to the Comfy Chic!
1.HM Striped Boatneck top $14.99
This is my go to shirt that probably gets worn multiple times a week. It looks great with pants or joggers, under sweaters and cardigans, and even pairs well with my floral pencil skirt and camel wool mini. Its super soft and I love to throw it on with jeans and a statement necklace or keep it basic with a ball cap. In the Spring it will probably be paired with all my chinos and a jean jacket too.
2.Toggle Sweater $89.95 (40% off with code FORYOU)
This sweater is sitting in my shopping cart right now. I can't wait to wear it in leiu of a jacket throughout the Spring. I think it will look great over just about anything, but especially paired with jeans or white cords and a tee. I'm always a sucker for a toggle, but I really love the lapel on this one too.
3.Hunter boots$150
These boots get worn almost everyday. I throw them on to walk the dog, water the backyard, run outside quickly, go to the beach (just hose them down afterwards) or watch soccer from the boggy sidelines....and of course, for all the rainy days around here. They are amazing with skirts or dresses and possibly my favorite item that I own. I bought a knock off pair my first year in NYC and by the end of the season they had creases that let the water through. These have been going strong since 2011 with near daily wear without wearing out. You can often find these on sale at discount sites online, especially if you aren't picky about color or calf length. In addition to the classic black matte, I'm always pining after the hunter green and the navy ones!
4.Diana Stretch Skinny Jeans $89.50
I was introduced to these jeans by StitchFix and I adore them. They are slimming to my just had a baby body, super soft and they stay put! They are pricey, but for the same amount as two pairs of jeans that don't fit from a cheaper retailer, and considering I wear them almost daily, they have paid for themselves and then some.
5. HM Fine Knit Sweater $19.99
I wear this over all my basic tees with jeans or cords, but its delicate enough to wear with a skirt too. Light enough for layering but will also be a key piece in the Spring or over tanks and tees on summer nights.
6. Sperry Duckboots $99.95
I bought this pair of boots for my daughter and ended up wearing them more than she did. I actually bought a pair for every member of our family during Amazon's Black Friday Sale because I wanted to avoid rain AND snow boots and these do double duty. They kept the kids toasty warm while we've played in the snow this season, have a strong grip for the ice in our area and also keep water out on soggy days.
7. Loft infinity scarf $34.99
Mine is jewel toned but similar to this one. Its super soft and adds style to any tee. I love to pair mine with a casual look, a top knot and big earrings. Its also large enough to unravel and use as a nursing cover when we are out of the house, which means one less item to carry.
8.Mid rise skinny black jeans $27.99
These fit so so beautifully. From Target of all places, I wear mine on rotation with all my other jeans or if I want to look more sophisticated but don't need to spring for a dress pant.
9. Felted Fedora $195
My husband bought me this for my birthday and I might have screamed. I love it. I wear it with casual tees, chambray shirts, dresses....everything. Especially wonderful in fall and winter, but I think I'll be taking it into Spring too. Its ridiculously expensive (again, birthday present!) but its one item I will truly own forever.
10. Lush Perfect Roll Tab Tunic $27.90
My mom bought me this shirt in black for Christmas a few years ago and now I'm stockpiling them. When I spot other women wearing them, I always comment and they always confess that they buy them in every color too. Its just such a great top to dress up or down. It comes in several colors (how pretty is that blush pink?!) is so comfortable and so forgiving.
11. HM Long Sleeve Jersey $12.99
The softest ever. Quality fabric that washes well. Buy one in every color.
12. HM short Sleeve Jersey $5.99
Softest ever in the short sleeve version. ($5.99?! C'mon!)
13. Converse Shoreline Sneaker $49.95
You will want to wear these everywhere in every season. They are comfortable for walking all day pair so well with jeans, cords and eventually shorts and skirts in the warmer months. I love this grey color, but the white is also a classic choice that goes with everything.
14.Striped Popover $54.95 (40%off with code FORYOU)
I have worn this shirt out since the Fall. I wear it tucked in with jeans or a pencil skirt, under a cardigan, with cords and with leggings. Its really comfortable, but is one of those shirts that makes you feel put together when you have it on.
15. Destructed Skinny jEANS $29.99
These are my favorites on rotation with my Diana Skinny Stretch jeans. They are stretchy but sturdy, wash well and don't lose their shape.
16.Knit cardigan $85.00
Mine is ancient, but this one pictured is similar. I wear it as a bathrobe over my pajamas, over all my tees and I love how it feels like a blanket.
17. Dansko Maria Bootie $169.95
Every nurse in the hospital wears Danskos because they are so so comfortable! I didn't even know they made a bootie until my cute friend Jodi wore some last week and I fell in love. These booties have the same footbed and comfort as all the company's clogs. I don't think any of the photos online do them justice. They are just so cute on and so much nicer in person. I scooped up a pair in black to wear with everything. I think they will be amazing with skirts and dresses as well as pants.
18. Cowl Neck sweater $32.40
Mine is grey, but I like this turquoise color too. I love to wear it with jeans and calf length boots or leggings and tennis shoes. Its one of those sweaters that dresses up and down nicely.
19. Pencil Skirt $59.00
Since I'm still nursing, all my dresses are camped out on the hanger this year. So my go to skirt is stretchy like this one from Halogen (I love this brand! My favorite leggings are made by them too.) I pair mine with turtle-necks or a jersey tee and a statement necklace, heels or booties...or even my Hunters, depending on my mood and the weather. In the early Spring, its easy to throw on a jean jacket, but it looks equally as stylish with a wool dress coat in colder temps.
20.HM Hoodie $12.99
If you don't own a hoodie, you are missing out! This one is super soft, thick, easy to wear under coats or jean jackets, and is only $12.99! I'll wear mine all year long, to workout or on date night. I might even get another one in emerald green or that pretty plum just to add a pop of color on rainy days.