I’ve featured faux leather pants probably more than any other time this year on the blog. In fact, they’re the most talked about and most purchased item so far. Today on Instagram alone, I’ve been asked multiple times for new and fresh ways to style these pants. You asked, and I’m gonna deliver. Today, I’m bringing you 5 (other) outfits with leather pants you can add to your repertoire.
Outfits with leather pants
For my regulars, you’ve seen these next three outfits. They’re the ones we’ve featured over the past few weeks. I’m not going to spend too much time on them: I just wanted to give you a quick recap before we dive into the 5 other ways you should be wearing this style pant.
With a blazer
Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
With a color pop
Sweater (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Lug Sole Chelsea Boots (similar)
With a Poncho
Cable knit sweater (old Vince similar here and here) | Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Ruana (Banana Republic) | Booties (sold out similar here and here) | Handbag (old similar here and here) | Lip shade Exotica | Earrings
5 other outfits with leather pants
With a button-down
A fast and easy way to style faux leather pants is with a neutral button-down.
Style tip: Accessorize to add visual interest.
Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Button-down (similar, J.Crew) | Clutch (similar, Clare V.)
With sneakers
Pair faux leather pants with white sneakers for a super easy, comfy casual look.
Style tip: Match your sneakers with a button-down to combine the above look with this one.
Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Cashmere Poncho (Ann Taylor) | Oversized White Shirt (Banana Republic) | Platform Sneakers (Adidas) | Suede Handbag (similar, Isabel Marant)
With pearls & pumps
If you’re looking for a chic and elegant look, pair faux leather pants with a string of pearls and a pair of pumps and call it an outfit.
Style tip: Go fully monochromatic (black or brown) for that perfect evening look.
Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Sweater (similar Talbots) | Pumps (similar, Banana Republic) | Pearl Necklace (similar, Talbots)
With a duster
If you like the oversized look of a poncho, then pair your faux leather pants with a long coatigan.
Style tip: Ponchos, dusters, oversized button-downs, and sweaters all work perfectly with faux leather pants.
Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Cardigan (similar, Madewell) | Mule Loafer (similar, Linea Paolo)
With a classic turtleneck
Just like the button-down, the turtleneck is a fast and easy way to pair with faux leather pants.
Style tip: Layer the turtleneck with a blazer or duster to combine two of our featured looks into one.
Faux Leather Pants (similar, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Faux leather pants (similar, BP) | Turtleneck (similar, Talbots) | Sweater Blazer (similar, J.Crew)
Daily Looks
We’re excited to announce the first of many new additions to the blog this year: DAILY LOOKS. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. Stay tuned: we’ve got a lot more exciting things coming your way this year.
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)
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.
Happy Monday, ladies. Winter is really here in Athens, and by “really”, I mean really. We had snow yesterday! A rare event down here, and all the more reason to bundle up. With winter in full swing, it’s really easy to get stuck in neutral. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth bringing up again.
While blacks, whites, and greys serve as the backbone of our wardrobes, it’s easy to get in a fashion rut where our outfits start looking exactly like the wintry sky. So let’s change things up a bit today: let’s inject some color into our wardrobe. Today, I’m going to be bold with a pink sweater: sometimes I want to reflect outwards what I’m feeling on the inside.
Be bold with this sweater
Today, I’m highlighting an oversized merino-cashmere sweater from Banana Republic. Super soft and super comfy. And that’s what winter at home is all about, right? The sweater comes in three colors: ivory, navy, and pink. I chose pink because like I said, I’m feeling bold today. I’ve paired it with a pair faux leather pants (similar) and lug sole Chelsea boots. It’s a really simple combo that packs a punch. If you’re not feeling the leather pants, not to worry.
Oversized sweaters work well with a pair of trousers and of course your favorite denim. Try pairing the sweater with a pair of skinny jeans for contrast; or if you’re lounging around the house, reach for your favorite boyfriend jeans.
Sweater (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | Faux Leather Pants (black, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Lug Sole Chelsea Boots (similar)
Shop the post (below)
Shop Sweaters Everlane 25% off full-price items (below)
Shop My Picks Everlane 25% off full-price items (below)
Lug sole Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots are a classic essential in my book and always make my must-have lists for fall and winter. Today, I’m wearing lug sole Chelsea boots (similar, J.Crew). The lug sole has a little more oompf than your standard pair, and I like that. Really makes going “bold” that much bolder.
Sweater (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | Faux Leather Pants (black, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Lug Sole Chelsea Boots (similar)
Shop the post (below)
Shop Sweaters Everlane 25% off full-price items (below)
Shop My Picks Everlane 25% off full-price items (below)
Faux leather pants
Ok, I know what you’re thinking, “You featured faux leather pants last week on the blog.” And you would be correct. I’m really feeling the leather vibes this winter, and I’m seeing what new and interesting combinations I can come up with. Last week dressed up the leather pants (similar) and paired them with a blazer. This week, we’re going more comfy-casual. And I’m feeling it.
Sweater (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | Faux Leather Pants (black, Mango) | Faux leather pants (similar, NYDJ) | Lug Sole Chelsea Boots (similar)
Shop the post (below)
Shop Sweaters Everlane 25% off full-price items (below)
Shop My Picks Everlane 25% off full-price items (below)
In case you missed it
All this month we’re getting Back to Basics. So far, we’ve talked about
every woman should have in their wardrobe. This is a great series to help you build a well-founded wardrobe that will last throughout the years. So, don’t miss it!
One of the goals of this blog is simple: I want to show that many of the fashion rules aimed at women of a certain age can be broken. Putting aside the fact that the phrase woman of a certain age is often used derisively, it’s worth mentioning that age brings wisdom. And with age, I have learned that it’s actually pretty rare for categorical rules to be, well, “categorical.”
“Don’t wear distressed jeans.”
“Women over 50 shouldn’t wear shorts or skirts above their knees.”
“You’re too old to wear leather pants.”
“Wear an age-appropriate outfit.”
“Don’t wear a bold lip color.”
And on and on. We’ve all heard them—the fashion dos and don’ts of getting older. But today, I want to show you something simple: it’s not about what you wear; it’s how you wear it. That’s the key. You’re not too old to wear… because clothes have sizes, ladies, not ages.
Not too old to wear leather pants
Leather pants. Today, I’m featuring a pair of black faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) paired with a pair of suede boots. Paired with an otherwise prepster look—white shirt (Banana Republic), black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic), and herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar), the leather pants add only the slightest flair to an otherwise subdued look.
Imagine pairing these tops with a pair of jeans instead—or even black slacks. Great looks, for sure. Tried and true. But totally different. The leather pants breathe life into this outfit, and they provide visual excitement to an outfit any woman of any age can pull off.
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Shop the post (below)
Classic herringbone blazer
On Sunday, we brought you the essential tops any woman should have in their wardrobe. Featured prominently was the mighty blazer. I love a classic herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) in particular. My go-to style is undoubtedly “preppy,” and very few garments embody that look more than a herringbone blazer. (Maybe a pair of loafers?) This is an old blazer that I wear often, but I’ve found similar blazers from Talbots and Nordstrom.
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Shop the post (below)
Satchels
It’s not very often that I call out my bags in a post. But I’m just feeling this black Ralph Lauren satchel lately. Perfectly pairs with today’s all-neutral outfit, but as we all know, black pretty much goes with anything. So, it’s flexible. I’ve had it for years, so I rounded up this similar satchel for you.
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Faux leather pants (J.Crew, limited sizes) | Faux leather pants (similar) | White shirt (Banana Republic) | Black Crewneck Sweater (Banana Republic) | Herringbone blazer (J.Crew old, similar) | Blazer (similar 2) | Blazer (similar 3) | Suede boots | Black satchel (Ralph Lauren, old)
Shop the post (below)
In case you missed it
If you’re looking for continued ways to add fun and excitement to your outfits, check out these shoes that add levity to your outfit.
yesterday on the blog, we talked about ways to deal with uncertain times. i wanted to thank you all for the massive outpouring of support and love. i stand in awe of my readership’s strength and level-headedness during these times. today, we’re going to return a bit of escapism and talk about heading into spring with grace beauty and strength. i’ve got a fresh outfit today pulling in elements from timeless classics list.
heading into spring with grace beauty and strength
our informal mission statement over here at Style at a Certain age is aging with grace, beauty, and strength. as i said in the introduction, the network of women who support this blog are strong. and although it may seem superficial at first glance, one of the ways we can express that strength is through the way in which we present ourselves to the world. i’ve got an outfit today that, to my mind at least, exudes that strength we work hard to embody.
blouse | skirt | shoes | earrings | similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
leather jacket
a good leather jacket is one of the most flexible and reusable piece of outwear you can invest in. depending on where you live, they are wearable during spring, fall, and winter. although we’ve had a wet, wet winter here in Athens, GA, the weather is finally starting to turn around. we’ve had a few warm days which i’ve taken full advantage of. today, i’m pairing a leather jacket with an old a-lin skirt (similar flare hem skirt) from Talbots. all neutrals today made visually interesting with a statement blouse from J.Crew.
blouse | skirt | shoes | earrings | similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
square toe pumps
i’m absolutely loving these square toe pumps from Talbots. in addition to the blouse, they give this outfit just enough oomph to be visually interesting but subdued enough to compliment the neutral quality of the outfit as a whole. they’re versatile and i can imagine pairing them with anything from jeans, slacks, and skirts.
all black… when Christmas is right around the corner? i’ve gone rogue you’re thinking—totally mad. but i assure you, i’m a rebel with a cause. with holidays are fast approaching, much like last week, i want to take a slight detour. today, we’re fashion forward and focused on a leather “holiday” outfit i know you’re going to love. how can you not, especially when the centerpiece is this pair of laceless d’orsay oxford from Freda Salvador?
leather holiday outfit
the rains have hit Athens. the weather continues to jump around between highs of 70s and lows of 40s. so when the world can’t make up its mind, it’s time to go back to the basics. back to black. all black. today i’m sporting a black cashmere turtleneck from Talbots. They’ve got a 50% off sale today, so make sure to pick one up if you’ve been on the fence.
i’ve paired the turtleneck with these really fun ankle-zip joggers from Neiman Marcus. and if you don’t have a leather jacket and/or blazer in your closet, i’ve pulled this one and a similar from Nordstrom. a staple every woman should have.
cashmere turtleneck | jogger pants | jacket | similar jacket | laceless d’orsay oxford
killer crocs
of all the shoes i’ve worn recently, these laceless d’orsay oxfords are my favorite. by far. in fact, if i had to pick, my lug-sole loafers and these oxfords are my fall & winter statement pieces respectively. i cannot recommend them highly enough. don’t they just make you want to get up and sing:
cashmere turtleneck | jogger pants | jacket | similar jacket | laceless d’orsay oxford
rebel with a cause
we are approaching the holidays; and a new year; and a new decade. and i’m excited, because much like today, i plan to continue to being a fashion rebel, if only in the sense that i’ll continue to try to bring you new ideas that push us both in and out of our comfort zones. so, tell me in the comments below one time you broke out of yours this year.
cashmere turtleneck | jogger pants | jacket | similar jacket | laceless d’orsay oxford
i love movies. classic films. modern ones. you name, and i’ll watch it. mr. style and i used to go to the movies every week. and i still try to keep that tradition alive with the kiddos. there’s a little arthouse cinema in Athens called Cine. if you’re ever in town, i highly recommend grabbing dinner at The National and a flick at Cine. and as always, i’ve got you covered. i’ve got a perfect outfit for an evening out at the cinema: leather blazer and turtleneck coupled with a fun pair of booties from Easy Spirit.
this week i thought we’d try something new on the blog. yesterday, i introduced the second entry into my YouTube series The List. i went through my top 5 fall and winter jackets and coats. (in case you missed it, you can check it out over on the blog here). late last week, i also put up a post showing you how to a wear a blazer 3 different ways. it’s no secret we’re big on lists here at style at a certain age. lists are endlessly fun to make; endlessly fun to debate; and endlessly fun to recreate.
but instead of doing a fashion list, this week i’m going to reveal my top 5 classic movies. one a day. monday through friday. join me for something a bit new and hopefully a lot of fun.
classic movies
there are so many classic era of cinema. the glitz and glam of the 40s and 50s. the gritty filmmaking of the 70s. the advent of the modern blockbusters in the late 70s and 80s. over the decades, so many filmmakers and stars have shaped our popular culture. whether it be Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, or Francis Ford Coppola (mr. style’s favorite) to name a few.
i’ve always been drawn to films from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. it was an era when stars were stars. James Dean. Audrey Heburn. James Stewart. Katharine Hepburn. Judy Garland. so many wonderful movies. so many wonderful performances. my oldest kiddo is a bit of a film buff, but he even admits he has large gaps in knowledge when it comes to this era of filmmaking. that means i still have a lot to teach him—part of the inspiration for this series.
similar blazer | turtleneck (Macy’s) | leggings (Macy’s) | booties (Easy Spirit) | similar handbag
easier with easy spirit
i’ve got an outfit today that’s only modern and chic, but perfect one of those crips fall nights you’re heading to the movies. last week was all about the blazers, and i’m continuing that trend today. i’ve got on a leather blazer and paired it with a turtleneck from Macy’s. (make sure to check out their flash sale if you haven’t already.)
similar blazer | turtleneck (Macy’s) | leggings (Macy’s) | booties (Easy Spirit) | similar handbag
chic autumn fashion
this fall, i’ve primarily showcased denim of a variety of types. but let’s not forget the versatility of leggings. i’ve paired my blazer and turtleneck with a fun pair of textured leggings from Macy’s.
for my regulars, you’ll know that i paired with Easy Spirit as one of their fall ambassadors. i get so many requests from you, my readers, for suggestions for fashionable and functional shoes. today i’m showcasing a pair of dae low heeled booties from Easy Spirit. they’re a perfect example of how Easy Spirit blends form with function. every time.
similar blazer | turtleneck (Macy’s) | leggings (Macy’s) | booties (Easy Spirit) | similar handbag
#5 The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
alright, gang! the moment you’ve been waiting for. my #5 classic movie. The Thomas Crown Affair starring Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, and Paul Burke. i’ve always been fascinated by the high-end art world, and i love a good heist movie. so when you couple the two, and add great performances by McQueen and Dunaway, you absolutely cannot go wrong.
i highly recommend The Thomas Crown Affair to anyone that hasn’t seen it. and if you’re kiddos love movies and haven’t, what a perfect way to spend an evening. invite them over, grab a recipe and cocktail from last week’s fridays with oscar and enjoy.
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
what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but just haven’t gotten around to do it yet? is it a trip you’ve always wanted to take? a car you’ve always wanted to buy? a restaurant you’ve always wanted to patron? a career change you’ve always wanted to make? this week has been all about taking chances over here on the blog. so let’s take another one today and have a little fun here on a hump day. i’ve got a chic fall outfit for you: an oversized leather shirt paired with leopard jeans and spiced up with a pair of pumps.
on monday, we discussed the importance of self-care. yesterday, we talked about the confidence, wisdom, and freedom that comes with age. but as we all know, aging can bring about it an unfortunate side-effect: an aversion to change. it’s easy to get stuck in our ways. routines are comfortable. repetition is therapeutic. and sometimes it can be really difficult to break out of our self-imposed molds.
livin’, lovin’… she’s just a woman
i’ve found a real easy way to shake things up is to make a simple list of the things i’ve always wanted to do but have never actually done. and that list can be extremely simple: eat dinner for breakfast. go to a heavy metal show with my son. (indeed i have!) and so on. and so forth. you get the idea.
faux leather overshirt | similar leopard jeans | similar white shirt | shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
lions, tigers, leopard print jeans… oh my
for those of us that lived through the 60s we saw change on societal level. (and we’re seeing a similar thing today.) that sort of change can be uncomfortable, scary, but sometimes necessary. but not all change has to operate at such scale. change can happen in our daily lives in small and deliberate ways.
faux leather overshirt | similar leopard jeans | similar white shirt | shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
take, for example, our personal style. i talked yesterday about my go-to style: modern preppy.
i love that aesthetic. and i’ve worked my entire life to cultivate it. but a departure from my baseline is always good. keeps me young as they say. keeps me on my toes. and today i’ve got a faux leather overshirt from Zara paired with a simple white shirt and leopard jeans.
walk in the park
i’ve spent a lot of time this fall talking about and showcasing animal print. what an easy way to spice up our wardrobe and break out of our own go-to aesthetic. whether its snakeskin booties from JCPenny or a simple leopard rint shirt from Banana Republic, i can’t get enough of animal print this year. today is no exception; and i’ve compiled a list of similar leopard print jeans at varying price points in the slider below for you.
faux leather overshirt | similar leopard jeans | similar white shirt | shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
over the past few weeks, i’ve gotten a lot of comments from you, my readers, asking me to link my jewelry and other peripherals in the blogpost. i usually pull out my handbags for showcase, but today i’ve also got my earrings and bracelet for you to take a look at. (keep letting me know what you want to see in the comments, and i’ll do my best to accommodate!)
alright gang, that’s a wrap! we’re halfway through the week and headed straight into friday. stay tuned, as we’ve got a lot of exciting things coming up on the blog in the next few weeks. (hint, hint: travel week!). so many of you have reached out this week, so don’t stop now. let me know how you feel about change in the comments below. do you struggle with it? do you embrace it? how do you try to get out of your fashion comfort zone? are you a secret leather lovin’ mama like me?
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