The Anatomy of a Casual Outfit: Ladies’ Cold Weather Edition

The Cozy Layer. (The Core Piece of the Outfit). On a cold day, add this beautiful open cardigan from Tory Burch over the plaid shirt in this outfit. It’s a similar fit, modern and relaxed, and the fluidity of the draped front ensures this sweater will lie effortlessly over the half-button shape of the top. The gorgeous neutral shade of grey works here, and with most everything, so the high quality 100% merino wool will easily hold up to all the wears you’ll get out of it. And in XS-XL, it looks good on ladies of all shapes.

The Bottom. Finally! Jeans made for women under 5’7”. And since the average height of American women is about 5’5”, that’s most of us. 7 For All Mankind knew that the shorter length would be especially helpful when it comes to these jeans, since they have a flared leg and stylish, trouser-style hem. Now, you’ll get the right proportion and don’t need to worry about losing any of the flare. Even the distressing hits in the right places down thigh and at knee. (And this is also the case for truly petite ladies, as the proportion will still be much more accurate – just tell the tailor to “keep the original hem”.) These are THE jeans for that relaxed weekend look. The perfectly broken-in wash is so soft, with just the right amount of stretch. And the style (called “Ginger”) is a wonderful fit, with a mid-rise that sits just below the belly button - just right to avoid love handles and muffin top without being a trendy high rise. Taller ladies, here’s your version. 

The Stylish Accessory. We love the look of this long key pendant necklace for the weekend, adding just the right casual feel to this outfit with its antiqued finish and “found object” vibe. And we love the message the brand that makes it, The Giving Keys, represents. Using old keys, they refurbish and engrave them with words of empowerment – and it’s done by employing those transitioning out of homelessness. It’s a wonderful business model, and a great-looking necklace. The length works really well with the featured top, since the key hangs below the 3-buttons. This one says “believe” and there are several messages to choose from through the 'shop it' button.

The Shoes. These Calvin Klein pointy toed booties are the perfect casual solution for all the revitalized flare and bootcut jeans that we’re wearing this season. The toe shape really elongates the leg, continuing the work the jeans in this outfit are already doing for you. And the deep navy suede is so denim-friendly, working with browns/camels, grey, and all the burgundy shades of the season. The lug sole completes the casual feel, and also makes them comfortable for walking around. Don’t treat the suede like a precious fabric that can’t take Winter weather. Spray them with suede protector and let them get a little broken-in looking – they’ll look even cooler. (Basic black leather also works with this outfit and is available through the ‘shop it’ button.)

The Top (The Core Piece of the Outfit). A cozy sweater in one of this season’s “it” colors will have you weekend-ready in no time. Banana Republic’s shade of camel tan is really good, working with most skin tones, since it doesn’t have too much yellow to it and won’t wash you out. The way the ribbed knitting outlines the v-neckline creates a slimming effect along the torso of this easy, modern fitting sweater. In XS-XL, Banana’s fit – and price – makes it an easy shopping decision.

The Bottom. We know how much every lady loves her leggings. And while a simple black pair will certainly work with the featured sweater in this outfit, these AG’s are our top pick. Made of a knit/denim fabric combination, they have a much more substantial look than leggings, but provide the same stretchy comfort. And they just look more “finished”, with the look of dark blue denim (They come in black, too). They even have cute faux pocket details - it doesn’t add any bulk when you’re wearing the long sweater, but it gives you some versatility to wear them with lots of weekend tops. The sizing runs the same as their jeans – contemporary, but not too trim.

The Stylish Accessory. The camel tan of the sweater and dark denim color of the leggings in this outfit are beautifully offset with the rich tones of this gorgeous over-sized Tory Burch scarf. It’s made of very soft 100% wool, and is lightweight, so it’s easy to wrap around your neck or around your shoulders. The deep red and neutral browns and navys create a design reminiscent of a vintage Persian rug – it's a classic that will never go out of style, and will add instant polish to any outfit. While we’re showing it casually here, it can easily be worn to the office with any navy, charcoal, or camel pieces.

The Shoes. Complete this outfit, and really any casual look, with these kate spade new york knee high boots. They are very dark brown, working effortlessly with the colors in the outfit we’re showing here, and dark enough that you can even wear them with black. The quality is truly beautiful, and the styling is so timeless, you’ll get plenty of wear out of them. While they work for the weekend, they’re tailored enough that you can wear them out to dinner or for a less formal workday. The shaft isn’t too wide, so you can even wear them with skirts and dresses. The heel is just right for a day of window-shopping or errands.