boots Archives

During the month of January, we launched our Basic series—a set of dedicated posts outlining the essential items every woman should have in their wardrobe. They included:

Today, we’re going to take that series a bit farther and deep-dive into a few of those topics. But we’re going to go a bit further this month and talk about winter essentials you can’t live without. They are:

bold scarves
cozy sweaters
boots & booties
sunglasses
overcoats

For each item, I’m going to throw a few style tips at you and discuss whether you should think of that item as an investment piece or not. So, let’s get going with the winter essentials you can’t live without.

Bold Scarf

Winter can be cold, dark, and dreary, so there’s never a better time to incorporate bold pops of color into your wardrobe to brighten your day. What better way to introduce Fuschia, cobalt blue, or tangerine to your outfit than with a bold scarf? Pattern and print scarves add interest to an outfit too. Scarves are a great accessory any time of year.

Style tips

I’ll wrap a scarf around my waist as a belt or tie one on my handbag in summer.
But come winter, a scarf is a great way to stay warm and stylish. Scarves can be tied in multiple ways around your neck to add a layer of warmth.
But don’t forget about silk scarves come winter. They go to work and the weekend with ease which is why they landed on my 5 classic winter essentials list.

Investment piece? Yes.

inclement weather travel style

Shop Scarves (Below)

Cozy Sweater

There are so many options when it comes to a cozy sweater. A simple style uniform I reach for time and again is a cozy sweater, blue jeans, and boots. Voila! Instant chic. There are so many sweaters to choose from as well as different silhouettes.

Style tips

Cable knit sweaters, merino wool, or a cashmere sweater are always a welcome sight on a cold winter day.
Whether you like a v-neck, crewneck, or cardigan, this versatile wardrobe staple can be worn multiple ways for work or the weekend and will last for years.
My favorite is a sleek turtleneck that looks fantastic with blue jeans. This sweater always lands on my 5 classic winter essentials list.

Investment piece? Depends. Sweaters can be on-trend or not. Quality can run the full end of the spectrum.

Shop Cozy Sweaters (Below)

Sunglasses

Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses add a chic statement to any outfit. But they also protect our eyes from the harsh UV rays.

Style tips:

Don’t be afraid to buy a pair of on-trend pair.
Do keep pairs of classics like aviators or Jackie Ohhs

Investment piece? Most definitely. Just be careful not to lose them.

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Boots & Booties

Once winter rolls into town, the temperatures are sure to dip. Unless you live in Florida, Arizona, or California, that’s when boots and booties come into play as they keep your tootsies warm.

Style tips

Knee-high boots look fantastic tucked into a pair of skinny jeans.
Booties are a great option to wear with any length pants, skirt, or dress.

Investment pieces? Depends. Make, quality, and usage can determine whether or not a pair of boots and/or booties will last you a lifetime. In general, I would say “yes”, especially when you’re dealing with tried and true bands like Frye.

Shop Boots & Booties (Click below)

Overcoat

An overcoat always makes the top 5 classic winter essentials list. If you live in Minnesota or Canada, you know how vital a coat is to keep the winter winds at bay. But we don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. These days there are so many overcoats to choose from.

Style tips

We all need at least one classic overcoat to wear in the evening, at work, or during special events. That’s when a classic single-breasted or double-breasted overcoat comes into play.
Choose a neutral color with a longer length that can easily slip over a midi dress.
Shorter coats are perfect for the weekend.

Investment pieces: Yes. A good overcoat is timeless and should last you a lifetime.

Shop Overcoats (Click below)

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In case you missed it

That’s a wrap on winter essentials you can’t live without. Last week was Yellowstone week on the blog. In case you missed it, we featured

We’re continuing Yellowstone week over here on the blog. Yesterday was a big success, and it was nice to know that I’m not alone in my love of the show. Honestly, it shouldn’t be that surprising given what a cultural phenomenon this show has become. Everything from the music (Ryan Bingham anyone?) to the fashion is quietly (or not so quietly) becoming iconic. And if you haven’t checked out the official podcast hosted by Jefferson White who plays Jimmy, you should. With that, I’ve got another Yellowstone-inspired outfit for you—the key piece being a cardigan.

Yellowstone-style cardigan

I love, love, love both Monica’s and Beth’s fashion. It seems like in every episode at least one of them is rocking a chunky cardigan with a unique and beautiful design and pattern. Today, I’m featuring a Yellowstone-style cardigan from Banana Republic. (Nope, not Pendleton.) I’ve layered it on top of this mono-colored Vince sweater, which nicely accentuates the cardigan’s pattern. Combine that with a pair of slim jeans also from Banana Republic, you’ve got a simple but striking outfit. Really don’t want to take away from the cardigan itself—that’s the key.

Winter boots

Jackets and boots, boots and jackets. They’re what make winter dress so much fun. And they’re half the bulk of capturing the essence of Yellowstone-inspired dress. Yesterday, I featured a pair of suede boots from Banana Republic. Today, I’m featuring another pair of suede ones from Frye. I’ve had these for a while, so I pulled two similar boots (and similar).

Patricia Nash saddle bag

Loving this Patricia Nash handbag, so much so that it’s the second day in a row that I’ve featured it. Perfectly complements the boots adding to the Western-style feel of the whole outfit. If you’re looking to invest in a handbag, make sure to check out our deep dive into bags from this past Sunday.

In case you missed it

Today’s Yellowstone-style Cardigan is a winter favorite. And if you’re looking for more Yellowstone-inspired fashion, make sure to check out the faux suede jacket I featured yesterday.

Hey ladies! Happy Monday. We’re wrapping January and heading straight into February—2022 is moving fast. Did anyone else catch a wild NLF playoff weekend? Hard to believe the Bengals are going to the Super Bowl! Crazy times. Anyway, we’re kicking the month off right with a fun week over here on the blog: it’s Yellowstone week. Anyone else loving this show as much as I am? I finally caught up over the past few weeks, and I can’t wait for season 5. And the fashion? Yes, please. So much so that I’ve put together a full week of Yellowstone-inspired outfits. I’m gonna show you how to dress like Yellowstone characters.

How to dress like Yellowstone characters

It’s winter, so putting together a Yellowstone-inspired outfit is going to center primarily around jackets and hats. Today’s outfit really just is a timeless classic and features a faux suede sherpa-lined jacket from Ralph Lauren (similar and similar 2). I absolutely love sherpa-lined anything—perfect for those cold winter days. Going with faux suede is easy on the budget, and there are a lot of good options out there. The jacket is complemented perfectly by a wool fedora. This one comes in multiple colors, so if you’re in luck if you’re looking for something other than tan.

Cable-knit sweater

Absolutely loving this cable-knit sweater from Vince (but check out this similar and similar 2 at different price points). It’s warm and cozy—everything I’m looking for in a winter sweater. It’s the perfect foundation for this outfit. I went with cream, but any color would pair perfectly with the tan jacket.

Boot cut jeans and suede boots

The backbone of this outfit truly is these boot-cut jeans from Ann Taylor paired with the suede boots from Banana Republic. Hard to really capture that ranch aesthetic with any other type of denim but wide-legged. The boots come in three different colors, including black. I’d love to see this outfit redone in black, honestly. Less Beth Dutton, more Rip.

In case you missed it

It’s Yellowstone all week on the blog, and I’m going to be giving you inspiration on how to dress like Yellowstone characters. If you’re looking for a 360-degree view of today’s outfit, check out our YouTube short. And make sure to subscribe to the channel for all of our latest videos first.

This post is sponsored by Backcountry and ShopStyle Collective.

If it’s January, then it’s time to bundle up ‘cuz baby it’s cold outside. And it has been cold here, let me tell you. It’s a rare day when Georgia sees snow but we had a dusting of snowflakes last Sunday. The entire city practically shut down! Up north it’s no big deal when the weatherman predicts snow—you’re prepared! Whether that’s city snowplows to clear the streets, salt for your driveway to melt the slippery snow and ice, or a parka to help brave those blustery winter winds.

Today I’m partnering with Backcountry a company based in Park City, Utah, which knows a thing or two about bundling up to brave the snow, hitting the ski slopes, or hiking a mountain trail. Backcountry carries a variety of well-known brands that specialize in winter gear from Patagonia, The North Face, Sorel, Pendleton, and Yeti to name but a few. If your goal is to stay warm while shoveling snow or shushing down the ski slope Backcountry has you covered. For all of you ski buffs or snowmobilers, this post is for you! Or even if you just love to spend time outdoors all winter long. (God bless you!) And the best part is, Backcountry is offering my readers an exclusive discount. Save 15% off your purchase with code BETH15 some exclusions apply. So, upgrade your winter wardrobe with Backcountry.

Best winter coats

Today I have visions of mountains in my head. And I’m rethinking my knee replacement goals. Maybe I can navigate a bunny hill or two? After perusing Backcountry’s site I’m totally down for a ski trip. I started with a Backcountry GORE-TEX hardshell jacket that comes in five colors. Can you say pockets? Storing goggles, sunglasses, gloves, or a snack is no problem with this stylish hardshell. The hood has plenty of room to accommodate a helmet and the interior comfort cuffs are glove or mitten compatible. If I were hitting the slopes I’d add these GORE-TEX ski bibs in black. Just sayin’!

Shop winter coats

Jacket | Headband | Mittens | Boots | Discount code BETH15

Shop winter boots

Who knew Vans made winter boots that are stylish yet have a lugged rubber sole that provides grip on slick city streets and sidewalks? Now that I’m in the know I’m a big fan. And I mean BIG!

Jacket | Headband | Mittens | Boots | Discount code BETH15

Shop mittens & gloves

Mittens or gloves are a must when it comes to winter gear. How adorable are these cable knit mittens with a sturdy leather palm from Hestra? But I considered these Pendleton texting gloves or Burton Gore-Tex gloves. I’m a big fan of hats or beanies to keep my ears warm, but I couldn’t resist this Pendleton fleece-lined headband that adds a subtle pop of color.

Jacket | Headband | Mittens | Boots | Discount code BETH15

Upgrade your winter wardrobe with Backcountry

Jacket | Headband | Mittens | Boots. | Discount code BETH15

Shop the Post

A big thank you to Backcountry and ShopStyle Collective for this sponsored post. Don’t forget Backcountry is offering 15% off for my readers with code BETH15 some exclusions apply. And thank you lovely readers for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.

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In case you missed it

All this month we’re getting Back to the Basics and looking at the essential items every woman should have in their wardrobe. So far, we’ve looked at

Of all your winter wardrobe favorites, what’s your most, most, and I mean most favorite? I mean the one item you absolutely cannot live without. Is it that one jacket? A worn pair of jeans you just can’t part with? So hard to pick when you get right down to it—not sure if I could even answer that question completely. What I do know is this: it’s really hard to beat a cozy cashmere sweater. Style trends come, and style trends go, but a cashmere sweater is a wardrobe essential.

Everlane’s cashmere sweaters are cozy

I’m just going to throw this out there: Everlane knocked it out of the park with their turtleneck cashmere sweater. Cozy? Check. Comfortable? Check. And Stylish? You betcha. Count me in. Anyone who knows me knows I can’t pass up on camel, but this sweater comes in a variety of colors. (I’m kinda loving the Key Lime.) What I love about this sweater is that you can dress it up or down.

Today, I layered it with a blouse from Banana Republic and a pair of high-waisted raw hem denim, which you can easily imagine swapping for a pair of white denim for a sleek look. Accessorize with a bold necklace for added emphasis.

everlane cashmere sweater

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best winter cashmere sweater

Shop Everlane Sweaters (below)

High-waisted jeans are here to stay

Yes, ma’am, high-waisted jeans are in, and they’re here to stay. I’ve been loving the raw hem look so far this New Year, but if it’s not your thing, look, not to worry. The Gap’s got you covered today: they’re running a (up to) 70% off sale with tons of high-waisted options. You can’t go wrong with their high-rise vintage slim or ace jeans.

Shop the Post (below)

Shop Everlane Sweaters (below)

Jessica Simpson boots are sleek and affordable

Thought I’d try something new today—a pair of boots from Jessica Simpson’s clothing line. Fun fact: she launched the line in 2005, sold it in 2015, and reclaimed it last year. Who knew?

jessica simpson boots

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jessica simpson booty

Shop Everlane Sweaters (below)

Cozy Cashmere Sweaters to Make the Winter Warm

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In case you missed it

Looking for an easy way to add color to your winter wardrobe? Make sure to check out how to colorize with accessories.

As we leave the holidays behind and head into the heart of winter, it’s really easy to get stuck in pure neutrals. Sometimes, our outfits reflect the weather around us: black, gray, white, and beige. And that’s totally fine. Depending on your personal aesthetic, you may never want to wear bold colors. But it’s still nice to add a splash color to our winter wardrobe. Not only does a color pop serve as a pick-me-up in the dog days of ~~summer~~ winter, but for those of you working up towards those bold colors, it’s good to start small before going big.

Add color to your wardrobe with a scarf

Accessories are by far the easiest way to add color to your winter wardrobe. Shoes, handbags, jewelry, and scarves all allow us to create visual interest while maintaining a neutral base. A splash of pink here, a yellow highlight there—accessories can breathe new life into our classic staples. Today, I’ve added subtle color by incorporating a cashmere scarf (similar) into a monochromatic blue base. The pink gradation isn’t overwhelming by any means, but it takes a classic look at pushes it that extra mile.

Talbots is generally my go-to for scarves, and I’ve paired with them before for breast cancer awareness. (But check out these affordable options from Walmart and Target.)

cashmere scarf

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add color to your outfit

How to layer your clothes

Layering represents the intersection between practicality and pure fashion. In cold climates, layering is absolutely necessary, and in milder climates, it’s practically necessary, as we’re constantly moving inside, outside, and back in again.

As a basic rule of thumb, winter layering can be decomposed into four parts.

First layer. Well-fitting undergarments like tees, turtlenecks, or thermals.
Mid-layer. Vests, crop tops, button-downs, blazers, and the like. (Note you can have more than one mid-layer: think button-down & blazer.)
Outer layer. Any topcoat or jacket, poncho, shawl will do the trick here.
Accessories. Scarves, jewelry, hats, handbags, etc. (Again, the easiest way to add a pop of color.)

Athens never gets too cold, so I often forego the first layer. Today’s OOTD features a ruffle neck blouse from J. Crew as my mid-layer, paired with a puffer coat (similar) for my outer and a cashmere scarf (similar) as my main accessory. I’ve linked several more coats and blouses below if you’re looking for something similar, but not exact.

learn to layer clothes

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layering tutorial

Shop the Blouses (below)

Spice up your outfit with Vince boots

There’s no better way to add that little something extra to a winter outfit than with a pair of boots. Almost paradoxically, combat boots represent that timeless freshness, no matter your age and no matter the trends. To my mind, the puffer jacket/combat boot combo is a classic cold-weather essential.

Here, I went with a pair of Vince boots, and you can never go wrong with a pair from Frye, arguably the best winter boots. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out these WEARELLAS combat boots.

best winter boots

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best combat boots for winter

In case you missed it

This month, we’re all about reset, refresh, and renew. Make sure to check out yesterday’s the best way to clean your closet, and stay tuned for more ways to start the new year off right.

happy Monday, ladies! i hope you are enjoying the long weekend. there’s lots of talk this year about slow fashion—using the existing items in your closet. and classic style has always adhered to this principle: shop your closet for decades.

slow fashion

if you’ve been reading the blog lately, you know i do a closet cleanse every January, and this year was no exception. one of my favorite parts about starting the year off with this ritual is getting reacquainted with items in my closet. once i have purged all the items to donate, i have fresh eyes to shop my closet and create new ensembles. when your closet has a solid foundation of basic items, creating classic style is made easier. and you won’t scratch your head on a Monday morning wondering what to wear.

outfit of the day

today’s outfit is about taking the week head-on. for a classic, sophisticated look starts with a monochromatic black outfit. perfectly appropriate for the winter temps here in athens, i am opting for a black turtleneck, black midiskirt paired with black boots. to amp up the sharp suiting look, i popped on a houndstooth blazer (last seen here and here). i let my jewelry make a classic statement with a gold necklace, bracelet, and watch. a black leather satchel (old, similar here) pulls it all together for a timeless look, perfect for any day at the office.

creating the classic wardrobe

another benefit of whittling down your wardrobe is that you can then assess what you need to replace, replenish and add to round things out. this long holiday weekend means many of my favorite retailers are having great sales online. take a look at the Ralph Lauren sale (30% off of $125 + with additional 15% off sale items). Ann Taylor is also having an amazing one with 40% off full-priced items and 70% off of sale items (and even more discounts for cardholders).

MLK Day sales

apparel

for the home

we have a great week coming up! stay tuned to the blog and my socials this week as we will be doing a deep dive into all things closet and wardrobe related. learn more about the benefits of a closet cleanse and get the how to’s when it comes to creating a classic wardrobe. can’t wait to share it all with you! have a great monday, ladies, go out there and make it a good one!

the holidays are over, and we’re back to our regular scheduled programming on the blog. winter is here. it’s Monday, and we’re flirting with cool weather and rain here in Athens. enough to make you want to stay in bed, right? i hear you, but let’s face this week together. head on. this month on the blog, we’re going to be talking a lot about new beginnings, refreshes, and getting back to the basics. in case you missed it, yesterday, we featured a closet refresh and organization guide. today, i want to focus on maintaining classic style in a new year.

there are certain closet basics and must-haves that will never go out of style. ever. i’ve got an outfit today that pulls some of those items together. perhaps more importantly, they’re further cohered because they’re all neutral-based: whites, grays, and blacks. neutrals serve as the foundation for any classic wardrobe that will stand the test of time and trends.

classic style in a new year

this winter, i’ve been consistently drawn to turtlenecks. last week, we presented a how to wear a turtleneck/sweater dress. (but if we’ve got a lot more inspiration on how to wear a turtleneck.) today, i’m showcasing a beautiful cashmere turtleneck sweater from Nordstrom. it comes in a variety of neutral colors, including but not limited to black, ivory cloud (=white), and camel.

i’ve chosen the gray as it serves as my base to pair with this eye-catching herringbone shawl collar wrap coat from Ann Taylor. (i’ve put together an extensive list of similars in the widgets below.) notice i’ve chosen a monochrome pairing, which serves a nice contrast with my white denim. this keeps things interesting visually, while still maintaining a completely neutral palette.

boogie booties

my booties and bag break up my gray base even further, providing the focal point of this outfit. if you’ve got a showcase bag or boots that you’re dying to pull out this winter, consider a neutral base as your starting point. that will give you a suitable background to really showoff your fashion centerpieces.

and to break up a January Monday, i thought i’d leave you with one of my favorites from my youth: a little KC & The Sunshine Band.

neutrals never go out of style

if you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe this year and want to set it on a solid foundation, start with the basics—start with the neutrals. once your foundation is set, you can start exploring and venturing into new fashion territories. as many of you know, i’m huge on adding a simple color pop to a neutral base.

i’ve been all about the midi-skirts this winter. no matter the design or color, i’ve paired them with everything from traditional sweaters to chunky turtlenecks. they’re on trend and wear well with boots of all kinds, making them totally functional in the elements. so, if you’re looking for the perfect midi-skirt for the holidays, then i’ve got you covered.

a midi-skirt for the holidays

i’m wearing J.Crew today. (make sure to check out their 50% off sale.) my cashmere turtleneck sweater and pleated midi skirt are both from there. i’m monochromatic today, breaking up the red with a pair of white knee-highs. (similar booties here.) if you’re not a fan of red or are looking to mix and match, both the sweater and skirt come in a variety of different colors. (no surprise that i also love them in black.)

booties, boots, and more boots

what says “winter” better than “boots”. today, i’m modeling a pair of kitten heel boots, but i’ve also put together a selection of similars and variations here, here, and here. if you’re looking for other ways to style boots with a midi-skirt, make sure to check out this weekend’s post five classic winter wardrobe essentials.

a red letter day

with the holidays fast approaching, i wanted to give you a little preview of how we’re going to end the year (and the decade for that matter.) stay tuned over the next few weeks as we count down the top outfits of the 2010s. we’re going through the past five years of OOTDs picking both our and your—our reader’s—favorite outfits. you’re not going to want to miss it.

Bold Scarf

Shop Scarves (Below)

Cozy Sweater

Shop Cozy Sweaters (Below)

Sunglasses

Shop Sunglasses (Click below)

Boots & Booties

Shop Boots & Booties (Click below)

Overcoat

Shop Overcoats (Click below)

In case you missed it

Yellowstone-style cardigan

Winter boots

Patricia Nash saddle bag

In case you missed it

How to dress like Yellowstone characters

Cable-knit sweater

Boot cut jeans and suede boots

In case you missed it

Best winter coats

Shop winter coats

Shop winter boots

Shop mittens & gloves

Upgrade your winter wardrobe with Backcountry

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Shop the Post

In case you missed it

Everlane’s cashmere sweaters are cozy

Shop the Post (below)

Shop Everlane Sweaters (below)

High-waisted jeans are here to stay

Shop the Post (below)

Shop Everlane Sweaters (below)

Jessica Simpson boots are sleek and affordable

Shop the Post (below)

Shop Everlane Sweaters (below)

In case you missed it

Add color to your wardrobe with a scarf

Shop the Post (below)

How to layer your clothes

shop the post (below)

Shop the Blouses (below)

Spice up your outfit with Vince boots

Shop the Post (below)

In case you missed it

slow fashion

outfit of the day

creating the classic wardrobe

MLK Day sales

classic style in a new year

boogie booties

neutrals never go out of style

a midi-skirt for the holidays

booties, boots, and more boots

a red letter day

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