Category: Women’s Fashion

January is just about over AT LAST and I couldn’t be more pleased – let’s look at what I’ve been wearing, shall we?

Okay I have a confession to make: I wore this outfit back in November. Eagle-eyed Brits will notice the poppy on my lapel which gives it away as the time around Remembrance Day. Seeing as it’s actually now January 74th (YOU know what I mean…) then yeah, it’s from a while ago. I thought about not mentioning the fact that these photos were taken weeks ago and just going, Hey, look what I wore this weekend!

But gadzooks, that devious poppy gave the game away. F*ckin boooooooo…

 

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Anyway – although it was milder back then (and Autumn of course), the weather’s back to being generally milder again. This week is averaging out at 11°C (about 50°F) every day, and I’m good with that. It means that in the daytime – as opposed to when I’m out walking early morning, which is still COLD – I get to layer and feel a little more stylish than when the temperatures are below freezing.

(Because when it’s properly cold all I tend to wear is the same fleece-lined, waterproof jacket every day. I’m not complaining, it’s as warm as hell and I love it but I do feel kinda Michelin man-esque wearing it, but there’s nothing better for walking the dog. Word of warning: if you get one, size up CONSIDERABLY. I sent back three before I got to the right one: I settled on an XXL in the end, and I’m about a size UK14 at the moment.)

Shop the look:

 

So I could TOTALLY wear this outfit in the current weather, but seeing as Britain has the most changeable weather known to mankind (the Scottish Highlands set a new high for January in the UK of nearly 20°C/68°F the other day, I mean WTF), who knows what February will bring. If I get to heavily layer what I’m wearing – for both warmth and style – then I’m golden.

This outfit consists of all old items except for the sweater, but even that was charity-shopped – it’s my current favourite knit thanks to those fabulous colours. The longline waistcoat (bought many years ago from M&S I’m afraid, but take a look at these fabulous tailored wool waistcoats from Kettlewell/ughhh now I want the one in the ginger colourway/oh and they’re on sale too) is so versatile. It works over dresses, underneath coats, over sweaters, over shirts… you name it, it does it.

More tips for adding layers in autumn/winter

 

• A long, tailored wool coat is the coat du jour: The ultimate winter coat for layering. I find that shorter coats or jackets don’t really lend themselves so well to layering, but if the coat is long and “straight” then you can add anything from a neat denim jacket to a blazer to a longline waistcoat (underneath, as here) to a big woolly blanket/scarf affair (on top). See this outfit: me bundled up under a massive scarf worn on top of the same navy pinstripe coat I wore above.

 

• Add collars (faux or real): I’ll often layer a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath a sweater in cold weather (I added a white one, above, which meant that the white trainers had a little strip of white to play off) – and yes, I’m using the term collar loosely here, but it’s like a little bit of trimming at the neckline. Any sort of faux or real collar layered under a sweater elevates the look and gives you something to match to those white trainers – or anything else that needs another little something in the same colour. Like this beautiful white lace collar under a plain sweater.

 

• Roll-neck sweaters are your friend: They give you a way to wear your summer boho dresses, or anything that seems just a bit too summery. Just add a ribbed (or similar) roll neck under dresses, jackets, cardigans and coatigans and you’ll add warmth, an extra colourway and interest. I have a few of them in basic colours that go with everything in my wardrobe: grey, white, black, orange and red. (OMG now I’m thinking I need a yellow and pink one #EyeRoll.) See this outfit of a dress over a roll neck and trousers plus the same navy coat, as above. Again.

 

 

• Unconventional pairings: Don’t be afraid to wear a dress over trousers, or a waistcoat over a coat, or a coat over a jacket. Remember, there aren’t any rules. Just play around with your layers and have fun, but be aware of proportions. The rule of thirds is a good one to go by, but to be honest if you like it, just wear it. See this outfit: an oversized shearling waistcoat over a coatigan, or this one: a longline jacket over a dress over trousers.

 

Your turn – how do you like to layer in autumn/winter? Any tips? Tell us in the comments…

 

Thanks for reading,

Coat: Jaeger (old, similar) / Waistcoat: M&S (old, similar – but do check out these tailored wool waistcoats in four colourways, they just don’t have burgundy sadly) / Trousers: Asos (similar) / Sweater: Charity shopped (love this cashmere one) / Trainers: Amazon (old, similar) / Bag: La Redoute (old, similar) / Earrings: Asos (love these) / Prescription glasses: Specsavers

 

Other longline waistcoats you might like:

 

Linking up to… Monday: Stylish Monday (second Monday of the month), Inspire Me Monday, My Glittery Heart, On Mondays We Link Up || Tuesday: Style With a Smile, Trend Spin/Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Turning Heads Tuesday, Confident Twosday, Happy Now Blog Link Up || Wednesday: WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish, Ageless Style Linkup (third Thursday of the month), || Friday: Neverending Style, Fancy Friday, On the Edge

Thank the fashion gods: Cozy knits are trending during this unusually cold and wet winter. And when it comes to knits, wool is the gold standard. Whether you’re a merino wool sweater girl, cashmere lover, or lambswool fanatic, your favorite wool sweaters are going to be wardrobe MVPs for the next few months.

That leaves us all with a challenge: How to style wool sweaters beyond the age-old combo of jeans and ankle boots? I have 10 answers for you. Read on for a look at 10 inspiring and fun wool sweater outfit ideas to keep you at the top of your style game through winter.

Confession: My inspiration for this post was browsing the Aran wool sweater collection and thinking about new ways to implement my own cozy girl style.

1. Bright cashmere with kitten heels

This combo is simple and stunning. A bright sweater matched with interesting jeans and kitten heels can take you from work on casual days to pizza parties and PTA meetings.

2. Over your shoulders

When it’s too warm outside to wear your wool sweater, use it as an accessory. Toss it over your shoulders to give your jeans and t-shirt an upgraded, trendy vibe.

3. Oversized everything

Pair an oversized wool turtleneck sweater with pleated-front trousers in a darker shade of the same color. The look is classy, subtle, and pro enough for the office.

4. The texture bomb

Try teaming a bright sweater with different forms of texture for a layered look that surely turns heads. Here, the denim, crystal embellishments, and faux leather leggings combine for a fun outfit that’ll take you anywhere.

5. Let the layers shine

Don’t underestimate the power of the layer under your sweater. You can play with complementary colors, contrasting ones, or fun patterns.

6. Monochrome mama

Try teaming your wool sweaters with bottoms of nearly the same color. Whites or creams are especially impactful in winter, because they’re less common. Some people still hang onto the old “no white after Labor Day” thing, and you can use that to your benefit.

7. Show those legs

If the weather complies, try a bulky sweater with shorts or a skirt. Your bare legs should balance the volume of the sweater perfectly.

This outfit also provides fabulous color inspiration. How great is that green next to the gray, pin-striped short?

8. The long line

A long cardigan always makes a statement, especially when paired with a shirt dress and sassy, textured boots. Take a page from Kellyobi.ny’s book and wear your long line cardigan like a trench coat. Add tights underneath your skirt or dress if it’s especially cold.

9. Low slung belt

If you haven’t tried tucking in a sweater, do it today. Yes, sweaters are bulky and that can feel like a weird thing to jam into the top of your pants. But trust me here: Tucking your sweater changes its shape dramatically, which makes it feel like a whole new piece. Add a low-slung belt and you’re sure to command admiring glances from anyone who appreciates fashion.

10. Color-pop accessories

So many things are going right in this wool sweater outfit. The variation in texture is gorgeous; the thick knit balances the sheer, lightweight skirt so beautifully. But the real heroes are the red-orange accessories — including the nail polish — that pop so nicely against the soft purples.

Sweater style strategies

Finally, I’ll leave you with a few pointers to make these sweater outfits your own:

• Jeans generally look amazing with sweaters. To keep things interesting, experiment with different jean leg styles and hemlines. If your go-to is a skinny jean, try a cropped pant with a wide leg instead.
• Bulky sweaters wear well over leggings. Similar to the point above, you can mix things up by varying the type of legging you wear. A faux leather legging is a nice choice for an evening event, for example.
• Layer under. A collared shirt beneath a chunky sweater can change the whole tone of your outfit.
• Layer over. Try a moto jacket over a sleek sweater or a blazer over bulkier sweater. You can also layer knits over knits for a fun textural play.
• Add or remove a belt. Add a belt or take one away for a different look. Try the belt with a tuck or half-tuck of your sweater for more variation.
• Shoes can set the tone. This rule applies to nearly any outfit, but it’s still worth mentioning here. If you need to dress up or down a sweater outfit, start with the shoes. Sneakers play up the casual side of a knit sweater, while heels make things more formal. In the middle are boots — ankle boots, cowboy boots, tall boots, etc., each add a different dimension to a sweater outfit.
• Use color thoughtfully. Play with monochrome ensembles and bold color combinations. Use a color palette generator online for ideas!

Wrapping it up

Have fun creating wool sweater outfits this season. Whether you like the classy monochrome vibe or prefer quirky and colorful, there are many ways to use your favorite knits stylishly — especially this year, when the trends are inviting you to prioritize comfort. Enjoy it!

Thank you to FanJackets for sponsoring this review of the brand’s quilted black leather moto jacket. All opinions are my own.

The women’s moto jacket transcends trends, ages, and lifestyles. While the hip-length biker jacket is never out of style, the moto’s popularity has been rising in recent months. This resurgence is part of a broader revival of 1990s fashion. The younger set — those Gen Z whippersnappers — has taken a liking to motos, slip dresses, and flannels.

Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled that moto jackets are finding their way back to limelight. The style is flattering and versatile, a one-two style punch. You can wear one to work, to buy groceries, or to set a tone of intrigue for date night. The moto goes as well with an A-line midi skirt as it does with your softest denim or a slinky dress.

That’s all to say, styling a moto jacket is easy. The hard part is finding a quality one for a reasonable price tag.

The budget-friendly moto (real leather)

My latest obsession is the real leather quilted biker jacket from FanJackets. At the sale price of $179, this moto is an amazing value. For this price point, the jacket is unusually warm and sturdy. The styling is just right, too. It’s subtle and sleek, with quilted patches on the shoulders and reinforced elbows.

Both the cuffs and the waistline are adjustable, which is a nice touch. You can also zip it all the way up and latch it at the throat for a slick turtleneck look.

Sizing

Fanjacket.com’s sizing charts include measurements for bust, waist, and hip. You can toggle between inches and centimeters, which is handy.

Going by the chart alone, I was firmly in the x-small category. However, I intentionally ordered up to a small so I could wear the jacket over sweaters in the winter. I’m glad I did as the fit is just what I wanted.

Craftsmanship

The jacket is made of lambskin leather with polyester lining. The leather is soft but firm. The collar is a bit stiff right out of the box, but I suspect the entire jacket will break in and get softer over time, eventually molding to my shape.

The garment has four pockets on the outside and one on the inside. The stitching is perfect — I don’t see a thread out of place.

10 ways to style a moto jacket in 2024

To get you in the mindsight of wearing a moto jacket, here are some on-point outfit ideas:

• Work-ready: Team pleated, straight-leg trousers with a fitted sweater and add the moto over the top.
• Casual chic: Your best wide-leg jeans, a lightweight button-up blouse, and neck scarf create a chic canvas for your leather jacket to shine.
• Date night: Go full Kate Moss and wear a satin slip dress and strappy sandals.
• Weekend casual: Combine your jacket with battered jeans, t-shirt, and ballet flats for a classic weekend look.
• Color pop: Pair the moto with a bright A-line skirt, pointed-toe kitten heels, and a t-shirt.
• Fierce: Try pumps, a white Oxford shirt, and cropped jeans for your fiercest vibe. Leave the shirt untucked and let the shirt cuffs peek out from underneath the jacket.
• Winter warmth: A warm and soft turtleneck sweater balances the structure of the moto style beautifully.

My best moto style  

My leather moto from FanJackets is already part of my regular rotation. The style is just right, and the jacket is durable enough to handle my lifestyle. The best thing is that it’s not hard to wear. Sure, I could curate a bunch of interesting outfits to showcase this piece — but I can also throw it on over whatever I’m wearing for an extra punch of style and warmth. And that’s the kind of garment that stays in my rotation for years.

You can browse this brand’s full collection of women’s leather jackets here.

Picking an outfit for New Year’s Eve can be panic-inducing. Choose wrong and you’re uncomfortable the entire night. You might even find yourself vowing on the first morn of the new year to make better shopping choices.

To help you narrow in on dresses that’ll carry you through to January 1 in style, here’s a list of nine dress styles that are sure to be a hit. Shop wisely and you can implement any one for $50 or less.

Best New Year’s Eve dress styles

1. Pretty in pink

On the night near every girl’s wearing dark colors, you can stand out in pink. And why not? Pink is festive, especially when it comes in an all-over sequin form. Even better when the pink dress has a sexy off-shoulder shape and a short hemline, like the Grace Karin style above.

Pair this dress with silver or rose gold heels and bag. Keep the rest of your accessories and your makeup simple so your sequins really pop.

2. LBD upgraded

There are good reasons the LBD is so popular. Black is flattering and always in style. You can best make use of those qualities by choosing an LBD with an extra dimension — such as a sheer overlay or tulle details.

Floerns’ evening party dress shown above is a perfect choice. It has the elements of a head-turner, such as the deep neckline and high-thigh hemline. But those sexy details are muted just a touch with a sheer overlay. Wear it with heeled black sandals, a simple pendant, and a black, textured handbag for a classic but still original NYE look.

3. Racy in red

Where some ladies run into trouble with red is going too short and too tight — that can be too much sex appeal in one package, which can send the wrong message.

A racy color like red pairs better with sweet elements like a curved neckline or bow. The vintage-inspired Muxxn dress above is an example. It’s eye-catching without being raunchy. So if you naturally gravitate towards more demure silhouettes, heat things up this NYE by choosing red. Red works beautifully with silver or gray accessories.

4. The marvelous maxi

When you need something that’ll deliver lots of bang for your buck, opt for a lightweight maxi dress in black or charcoal. The one shown above by Woosea comes with a perfect price tag and a flattering shape.

For NYE, you can dress it up with heels, sparkling jewels, and an updo. And then, when spring rolls around, pair this same piece with sneakers and wear it to the market. No one will know!

5. Glitzy gold

Gold dazzles at evening events, especially the biggest evening event of the year. A stretchy, wrap-style dress like this one by Lyaner flatters with its fitted top, high waist, and gentle A-line skirt. Wear with simple black accessories and your favorite red lip color.

6. Striking with stripes

Stripes are a design detail that’s typically reserved for more casual occasions. But you can easily step up the formality of a striped dress (and then wear same striped dress to work the next week). Simply add a flashy CZ necklace or pretty drop earrings, put your hair up, and hold your chin high.

The Vfshow dress shown above has a zipper at the neckline, which you’ll keep you undone on NYE.

7. Devilish details

It only takes small design details to take a dress from boring to beautiful. In this case, tweed at the neckline, shoulders, and pockets give Verdusa Women’s bodycon dress a classy vibe — despite its very short length. This is a party dress in the truest sense. If you can handle baring most of your legs, the night is yours. Pair it with slingback pumps to up the retro vibe.

8. Jumpsuit joy

When you’re shopping for a party outfit, don’t overlook the jumpsuit as an option. They’re warmer, more modest, and often more comfortable than a dress. And they can be incredibly flattering if you choose an option with a defined waist.

Dokotoo’s jumpsuit has that defined waist and more — sexy, open shoulders and a wrap style top that’ll show off your curves. Add in sandals with block heels and your favorite box bag to complete the look.

9. Vivacious velvet

Velvet has a luxurious and indulgent texture, which makes it a wonderful fabric choice for NYE. Merokeety’s dress adds femininity with its one-shoulder neckline and belted waist. This dress is sure to flatter most shapes.

Skip the necklace with this dress and wear drop earrings instead. Add a barely there stiletto and a shimmery clutch bag.

The wrap on NYE dress styles

If you need more New Year’s Eve style inspiration, see: Quick Shop: 5 Fabulous Holiday Party Skirts and NYE Outfits to Adore.

Whichever direction you go, let NYE be the occasion to stretch your style chops. Go a little flashier, a little bolder than your comfort zone. It’ll turn heads, raise eyebrows (in the best possible way) and set a fun tone for your new year ahead.