For those of you who caught Sunday’s Talbots’ Spring new arrivals capsule wardrobe, this is the companion piece.  I debated whether to run the two together in one mega-post, but decided to split them up.  Last weekend, I went through Ann Taylor’s Spring new arrivals, and I’ve put together a capsule wardrobe.  The name of the game is the same as it was this weekend.   From 15 different items, I’ve put 5 different outfits together.  The items include:

• jackets;
• tops;
• bottoms;
• shoes; and
• bags.

Here are the rules I tried to follow when selecting items:

• Must be Ann taylor.
• Must be new arrivals.
• Should be classic and wearable next year, and years to come.

Remember, I’ve only provided 5 potential outfits.  The beauty of capsule wardrobes is that they can be mixed and matched in so many different ways.  Sky is the limit, really.  So let’s see what I came up with. 

Ann Taylor Spring New Arrivals

Crocodile Tote | Metro Short | Straw Clutch | Ponte Split-Neck Top | Pleat Front Top | Gingham Swing Jacket | Block Heel Sandal | Suede Mules | Straw Loafer Slides | Essential Black Shirt | Moto Jacket | Crop Pant | Chambray Paperbag Ankle Pant | Stitch Sweater | High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Shop the capsule wardrobe (click below)

Ann Taylor outfit 1

I absolutely love Ann Taylor’s essential shirts.   So choosing one was a no-brainer.  I imagine most of you have a black button-down and light wash jeans.  But what really makes this outfit is the gingham coat and the suede mules.  Perfect for a night out.  But swap the gingham jacket for the moto one, and you’ll be living even more on the edge.

Crocodile Tote | Gingham Swing Jacket | Suede Mules | Essential Black Shirt | High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Shop the outfit (click below)

Ann Taylor outfit 2

Simply Spring.  That’s all I have to say about our second outfit.  Loving the soft elegance of the Ponte split-neck top paired with these chambray paper bag ankle pants.  Don’t like monochromatic blue?  No problem.  Swap the shirt for the white pleat front top, and you still maintain the essence of this outfit.  The tan crocodile tote goes with all of the outfits I’ve put together—animal prints and textures are neturals! 

Crocodile Tote | Ponte Split-Neck Top | Block Heel Sandal | Chambray Paperbag Ankle Pant

Shop the outfit (click below)

Ann Taylor outfit 3

Classic white.  Cannot beat it.  Here, we’ve kept the chambray paper bag ankle pant pants from above but instead paired them with the pleat front top and moto jacket.  Don’t worry, the sassiness of the jacket is subdued by the block heel sandal.

Crocodile Tote | Pleat Front Top | Block Heel Sandal | Moto Jacket | Crop Pant | Chambray Paperbag Ankle Pant

Shop the outfit (click below)

Ann Taylor outfit 4

The simplest outfit of them all:  a black stitch Sweater and high-rise skinny jeans.  Can’t touch the classics, really.  But how perfect are the straw clutch and Suede Mules together?  

 Straw Clutch | Suede Mules | Stitch Sweater | High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Shop the outfit (click below)

Ann Taylor outfit 5

I’m so loving these straw loafer slides, I had to include them.  They too work with just about any of the combinations above and subdue just about any outfit you could put together from this capsule wardrobe.  

This is the first outfit with shorts.  Ann Taylor’s metro short is conservative enough for most of us and definitely worth considering if you’re in the market. 

 Straw Clutch | Gingham Swing Jacket | Straw Loafer Slides | Essential Black Shirt | Metro Short

Shop the outfit (click below)

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In case you missed it

If you’re looking for more classic wardrobe ideas, make sure to check out our essential series: 

• essential tops; 
• essential bottoms; and
• essential jackets; 
• essential accessories that every woman should have in their closet.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.

Happy Thursday, ladies!  Travel week is wrapping up, and I’m heading back home to Georgia from Mexico today.  What a wonderful trip.  And I was so glad to be able to share it with you.  In case you missed anything, I’ve got links at the end of this post.  So make sure to check them out.   We’re resuming normal scheduling, today, and featuring one of my favorite items this Spring: a women’s faux leather jacket from Scoop. 

We’ve featured this jacket a few weeks ago paired with a skirt, shown below.  It was such a hit, that I wanted to show you another way to style it.  So, we’ve got a sort of 2-for-1 today:  2 ways to style the same moto-jacket. 

Faux-Leather Moto Jacket (two colors) | Skirt | Blouse (Halogen from Nordstrom) | Shoes (limited sizes similar here, here, and here)

Women’s faux leather jacket

Today’s outfit takes the same faux leather jacket and pairs it with these high-rise skinny jeans from J.Crew factory and a striped shirt (similar here and here).  This is a much more casual take on this jacket than the first outfit, showing you that a moto jacket can dress up or down quite nicely.

denim | tee (old, similar here and here) | faux leather jacket | driving mocs | sunglasses

Shop the Post

Striped tees add interest

I’m loving stripes this Spring.  They create visual interest to any outfit, really, and today, I’ve matched my stripes with the jacket.  Combined with my red driving mocs, this is truly on-trend for Spring 2022. 

denim | tee (old, similar here and here) | faux leather jacket | driving mocs | sunglasses

Shop the Post

Driving mocs are in for Spring

Driving mocs didn’t make my 5 trending Spring shoes this year.  That’s because, in a lot of ways, driving mocs are trend-proof.  They’re such classics, they’re always on-trend.  This pair is from Rothy’s, and if red isn’t your style, don’t worry.  They’ve got this shoe in a variety of different colors. 

denim | tee (old, similar here and here) | faux leather jacket | driving mocs | sunglasses

Shop the Post

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In case you missed it

It’s travel week all week over here on the blog.  So far, we’ve shown you

• 5 travel outfit ideas for Spring; 
• my travel capsule wardrobe for Mexico; and 
• 3 swimsuits & coverups for the beach.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

Happy Sunday, ladies.  We’ve got a fun one for you today.  After two years, I’m taking my first real vacation.  I’m heading to Mexico this week for a few days at the beach.  And I’m excited.  Travel posts used to be fairly common things over here at the blog.  But due to obvious reasons, we haven’t had an opportunity to do one in a really long time.  But with things opening back up, I imagine some of you have already booked trips for the year.  Whether you’re traveling regionally, heading cross country, or flying out of the country, I’ve got 5 travel outfit ideas to help you pack. 

5 travel outfit ideas

In a lot of ways, today’s post is a companion piece to last week’s Spring jacket roundup.  Each of my five travel outfits features one of the coats from that post: 

• Trenchcoat 
• Denim jacket
• Moto jacket
• Blazer
• Windbreaker

So in addition to the 5 shoppable outfits I’ve pulled together, I’ve also reposted some pictures and widgets for each jacket type.  So whether you’re traveling or not, there’s something for you.   

A trench coat

Outfit 1

The first outfit is a monochromatic pairing of black pants from Nordstrom and an oversized sweater from Banana.  My trench is classic khaki, keeping with the neutral base of the outfit.  Keeping in mind that animal print functions as a neutral, my scarf adds visual interest and takes an otherwise subdued outfit over the top. 

pants | sweater | similar trench | scarf | sneakers

Alternative stylings

Shop trench coats (click below)

A denim jacket

Outfit 2

My second outfit pairs a mock neck shift dress from Ann Taylor and a denim jacket.  Couldn’t be simpler while still maintaining that classic style.  I’m loving espadrilles this Spring.  They’re comfy in all the right ways, especially when I’m on my feet at the airport.  And I couldn’t not have a little fun on my way to Mexico:  this hat just says, “I’m on vacation”. 

dress | similar denim jacket | similar hat |  similar espadrilles

Alternative stylings

Shop denim jackets (click below)

A moto jacket

Outfit 3

The next outfit is just as simple as the first two.  (Detecting a theme, here?) I’ve pulled together a pair of jeans mid-rise taper jeans from Ann Taylor and a tan sweater.  The moto jacket takes center stage here but is softened considerably by my sneakers.  

denim | similar sweater | similar leather jacket | sneakers

Alternative stylings

A blazer

Outfit 4

Layers, layers, layers.  The key to traveling is packing layers.  Temperature changes from your departure and destination cities are common.  And if you have an early (or late) flight, you’re going to want to be able to reach for a jacket.  

Our fourth outfit layers Miller Dickey blazer and Slate dickey, both from Veronica Beard, on top of a linen sweater from Banana Republic.  Paired with a comfy ankle pant, this outfit proves you can maintain classic style while staying comfortable on a long flight or car ride.  

similar Brooklyn pant| sweater | Miller Dickey blazer | Slate dickey | sneakers

Alternative stylings 

Shop blazers (click below)

A windbreaker

Outfit 5

The most casual of the 5 outfits, our last travel idea combines a windbreaker and joggers.  For better (or worse), gone are the days of “dressing up” to get on a plane.  But that doesn’t mean that casual can’t look put together and stylish.  

joggers | tee | similar windbreaker | sneakers

Alternative stylings

Shop windbreakers (click below)

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In case you missed it

If you’re interested in more Spring jackets we:

• styled a denim jacket for Fridays with Oscar; and 
• featured a beautiful coral red moto jacket Monday. 

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

Happy Monday, ladies!  I hope you and a wonderful and restful weekend.  I was lucky to have my middle kiddo come up to Athens for the weekend.  We had a wonderful time and even went bowling—first time since before the pandemic.  March is completely underway—really hard to believe—and we’re heading into the week in style.  I’ve got a leather moto jacket for women from Scoop available at Walmart.   It checks all the boxes: 

• it’s “in-color”; and 
• an “in-jacket” for Spring 2022. 

Over the past few months, many of you have written in, asking us to feature more budget-friendly outfits.  Since you asked, we’re working hard to deliver.  Moving forward, we’ll be integrating some great outfit ideas from retailers like Walmart, LOFT, and J.Crew Factory amongst others.

Leather moto jacket for women

I’m loving bright colors this spring, and this faux-leather moto jacket Scoop available at Walmart in fiery red delivers.  I layered it on top of a white button-down blouse by Halogen from Nordstrom.  For my bottom, I went pretty matchy-matchy and chose a coral red skirt (also from Scoop).  But what I like most about this jacket, is that it would be wonderful with a pair of straight-leg jeans.  

Style tip: Want to hide your tummy? Choose a top with draping or ruching. Or an asymmetrical or wrap blouse is also very effective

Faux-Leather Moto Jacket (two colors) | Skirt | Blouse (Halogen from Nordstrom) | Shoes (limited sizes similar here, here, and here)

Shop the post (click below)

Scoop from Walmart

Faux-Leather Moto Jacket (two colors) | Skirt | Blouse (Halogen from Nordstrom) | Shoes (limited sizes similar here, here, and here)

Shop the post (click below)

Red is “In” for Spring

Coral red is an in-color this spring, and I’m loving it.  For those of us that generally prefer neutrals, jackets are a really easy way to incorporate color into your wardrobe, if only because you can take them off.  

Faux-Leather Moto Jacket (two colors) | Skirt | Blouse (Halogen from Nordstrom) | Shoes (limited sizes similar here, here, and here)

Shop the post (click below)

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Housekeeping 

Also, one final bit of housekeeping:  we get a lot of questions about our native advertising over here on the blog.  We’re currently in the process of building out a monthly/yearly ad-free subscription model.   We’re still working out the details, but soon you’ll be able to become a SAACA member and view our content ad-free. Stay tuned.  

In case you missed it 

We started our budget-friendly series last week with 

• a special occasion dress for Spring; and 
• a black skirt you can dress up and down

both of which are from Scoop available at Walmart.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK.  We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series.   This month, we’ve covered a lot of ground and walked through the 

• essential tops that every woman should have in their closet; and 
• essential bottoms that every woman should have in their closet.

Today week, we’re going to deep-dive into the essential jackets you should have in your wardrobe:

• jean jacket;
• utility jacket;
• leather jacket;
• trenchcoat;
• wool overcoat
• puffer vests; and  
• scarves.

(True, scarves aren’t jackets, but I couldn’t resist.). The continued purpose of this column is simple: we’re here to help you establish a wardrobe that’s built on top of the basics. Think of it as building the backbone of your wardrobe.

We’ll dig down into each category, and I’ll give you examples of essential trench coats, for example. The way to read this post is simple:  in each section, I’ve given you photos of different ways I’ve styled that coat, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item. So let’s get started: here are the most essential jackets any woman should have in their wardrobe.

Jean jacket

The most versatile jacket you can own, you can wear a jean jacket in any season. They’re the perfect transition-weather coat. Wear them with: 

• jeans; 
• skirts; 
• pants; or 
• dresses 

Pair them with: 

• sweaters; 
• button-downs; 
• t-shirts

And layer them with other coats. It’s hard to think of something a denim jacket does not go with. Get one in a classic wash, or pick one up in yellow, red, or orange. You probably don’t need another jean jacket in your wardrobe, but then again, you just might. Some retailers that consistently stock denim jackets: 

• Gap; 
• Banana Republic; and
• Madewell. 

Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)

Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)

Field jacket

Field jackets, or military-style jackets, are generally multi-pocketed. Traditionally olive (or drab) green, long-time readers will know of my love for the quilted field jacket. The first quilted jacket came into existence in the mid-’60’s thanks to an American living in England. Mr. Guylas introduced a quilted vest in a timeless palette of olive and navy for hunting expeditions. Wear a field jacket with: 

• jeans; or 
• pants. 

And make sure to give them a pop of color with a colorful sweater or button-down. Make sure to check out: 

• Banana Republic; and
• Orvis

for a wide range of military-style jackets. 

Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)

Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)

 

Leather jacket

Add a little spice to your wardrobe with a classic leather moto jacket. Perfect with your favorite pair of denim and a pair of Frye boots, the leather jacket is a staple in any classic wardrobe. But don’t be afraid to go modern chic with a dress and heels. Nordstrom always has an excellent selection of women’s leather jackets.

Faux leather moto jacket (Ann Taylor) | Essential leather moto jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern leather jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Faux leather moto jacket (Anthropologie)

Trench coat

Burberry reigns supreme when it comes to a khaki trench. Historians claim Thomas Burberry invented gabardine fabric in 1879. In 1901 he designed and submitted an Army Officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office, and so the military trench began. 

I absolutely love trenches and wear them in khaki, but also keep a lookout for fun prints. Pair them with a sweater and denim for a classic preppy look. Or, if you want to class things up a bit, dress them up with your favorite evening dress and a pair of strappy heels.   You can never go wrong with Burberry for a classic trench, but retailers like J.Crew have more cost-effective options. 

Twill trench coat (multi-colors, Ann Taylor) | Polished trench coat (Talbots) | Double-breasted topcoat in Cashmere (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Soft trench coat (multi-colors, Banana Republic)

Wool overcoat

If the north winds are blowing in your neck of the woods, then a wool overcoat is a must. This is the coat that you can throw over your jeans, trousers, skirts, and even dresses. A wool overcoat is one of the hardest-working items in your closet if you live in a climate that faces freezing temps and snow all the way through March. Choose a classic style in a flattering neutral shade, shoulders that fit well, and mid-size lapels.

Puffer vest

Practical and warm, the puffer vest is a casual staple of my wardrobe. Ranging in different types of colors, they come plain or can be adorned with, say, faux fur. Puffer vests are perfect transition-weather outerwear like denim jackets and really shine in the fall. I mostly lawyer them with sweaters, but they really shine with a crisp, white button-down. Orvis and Northface are always well-stocked with puffer vests and jackets.

Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)

Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)

Scarves 

And then there are scarves. I absolutely love scarves because they are literally the easiest way to inject color and visualize interest into your wardrobe. Scarves come in every shape and size, from a cashmere scarf to quilted merino wool. Simple advice when buying a scarf:  have fun. Talbots and Ann Taylor are always my go-to for scarves. 

Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor) |  Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)

 

Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor) |  Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)

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In case you missed it 

Chic casual is always in and sometimes difficult to find inspiration for. And don’t forget our definitive denim guide for great jean suggestions to pair with your coats. 

i’ve put together a list of my essential jackets and coats for this fall and winter.  like shoes and bags, coats are investment pieces:  there’s an upfront cost, but with a little maintenance, care, and attention to the weather, they’ll last you a lifetime. 

i grew up in the midwest, so coats have always been a staple in my wardrobe.  hopefully you don’t have to deal with the sub-zero temperatures of a Chicago, but unless you live in Florida or Southern California, come December, you’re most likely going to be reaching for a jacket.   

i’ve got you covered:  keep reading and check the YouTube video above to stay warm and stylish this fall and winter. 

leather moto jacket

moto jackets are modern classics.  i’ve showcased them extensively on the blog over the years.  (see here.)  you can find them in both (faux) leather and suede, but if you’re shopping on a budget, you’re going to want to start with (faux) leather.  there’s nothing worse than getting caught in the elements in a suede jacket!

moto jackets are extremely versatile.  you can pair them with pants or jeans;  pumps or boots.  here, i’ve gone for a more modern, chic look with a black base and (as always) a color pop with pink pumps.  but you can imagine pairing the jacket with a white blouse and a pair of good old blue jeans. 

faux suede moto jacket | faux leather moto jacket | leather biker jacket

 

 

quilted field jacket

the quilted field jacket is timeless traditional.  whether you’re traipsing through the English countryside or walking the streets of Manhattan, a field jacket is just emanates  “class”.  again, i’ve showcased the quilted field jacket throughout the years.  (see here.)  this jacket is perfect for both the damp and brisk fall air.  for those that live in wet climates, you know as well as i do that the dampness can cut through to your bones, making it almost impossible to get warm.  

i’m showcasing a muted olive jacket that layers perfectly with sweaters, and pairs with either pants or denim.  throw on a pair of riding boots, and you’re ready to take to the streets New York or London for a day of site-seeing and shopping.

field jacket 1 | field jacket 2 (similar)

 

 

puffer jacket and vest

there are very few jackets i have featured on the blog as much as the puffer jacket. (see here, here, here.)  it’s hard to name a jacket, coat, or vest that you will get more use out of than a good puffer.  not only are they warm and can get you through those long, cold midwestern nights, but they pair with just about anything and everything. 

below, i’ve pulled a variety of different examples of how i wear my puffer(s):  denim and moto-boots; pants and slip-ons; and athleta-wear & sneakers.  the sheer versatility of the puffer makes it a must-have.  and if you’ve gotta leave the house on a cold winter day, you can trust your puffer is going to keep you warm.  you’re going to want to have one in your winter arsenal this year.  

puffer jacket 1 | puffer jacket 2 (similar)

 

 

overcoat 

an overcoat is probably the most basic and the most essential coat to have in your winter closet.  it’s a piece you can invest in once and will last you a lifetime.  (and something you can pass down to your kiddos too!) 

below, i’m featuring a military-style overcoat. (you can read more about it here.) this coat is trend-proof—always fashionable, always in-style.  you can find similar ones at your favorite retailers, or you can head to your local military surplus store.  overcoats run the full spectrum of price points, and no matter what your budget is, there are so many options to fit your own personal style. 

overcoat 1 | overcoat 2 | overcoat 3 (similar)

 

 

statement coat

a statement coat says you and only you.  whether it’s a bright color or colors, animal print, or a totally fun and unique pattern, it’s your chance to shine, even in the depths of a long, cold winter. 

i’ve gone through my archives and pulled out a few different examples of statement coats for inspiration.  (check them out in detail here, here, and here.)  but i want to hear from you:  what statement coat makes it on your essential jackets and coats list? 

statement coat 1 | statement coat 2 | statement coat 3

 

 

 

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<outfit post> pencil skirt challenge:

for day 2 of the pencil skirt challenge i switched out the houndstooth blazer worn on monday to a leather moto jacket for a more modern, edgy look. i love this jacket from Ann Taylor that has hung in my closet for several years. here in san francisco i wear it year round. it is an amazingly versatile blazer as i can dress it up, as in today’s outfit, or dress it down with a pair of jeans. if you are following my blog you have already seen this little gem in action on numerous occasions 🙂

i chose a simple grey tee to break up the black ensemble with the only color coming from the scarf and clutch. black sandals and belt complete the look, but a pair of red heels or bright blue would add a fun kick if you are in the mood. accessories are the finishing touch to any outfit so always keep your eye out for great belts, scarves, and, of course, shoes. be on the lookout for a tees as well as these beauties are an inexpensive way to mix up your wardrobe.

skirt @Talbots; tee @BananaRepublic; jacket @AnnTaylor; scarf @JCrew; belt @MichaelKors; shoes @NineWest; handbag @MarkandGraham

<outfit post> pencil skirt challenge:

for day 2 of the pencil skirt challenge i switched out the houndstooth blazer worn on monday to a leather moto jacket for a more modern, edgy look. i love this jacket from Ann Taylor that i has hung in my closet for several years. here in san francisco i wear it year round. it is an amazingly versatile blazer as i can dress it up, as in today’s outfit, or dress it down with a pair of jeans. if you are following my blog you have already seen this little gem in action 🙂

i chose a simple grey tee to break up the black ensemble with the only color coming from the scarf and clutch. black sandals and belt complete the look, but a pair of red heels would add a fun kick if you are in the mood. accessories are the finishing touch to any outfit so always keep your eye out for great belts, scarves, and, of course, shoes. be on the lookout for a tees as well as these beauties are an inexpensive way to mix up your wardrobe.

skirt @Talbots; tee @BananaRepublic; jacket @AnnTaylor; scarf @JCrew; belt @MichaelKors; shoes @NineWest; handbag @MarkandGraham