Sweater & Black Pants for Winter

While I love putting together more complex outfits that require a little thought and creativity, I depend on having easy to assemble looks in my closet for day in and day out. That’s why it’s so important to have both classic and stylish wardrobe essentials in your closet. It’s sort of like having a well-stocked pantry so you can throw together a good meal in a pinch. Today I’m sharing one of those “in a pinch” ensembles: a classic sweater and black pants outfit.

I’ve had my Wonderstretch straight leg pants from Nic+Zoe for almost three years now, and I wear them year round. They’re so classic that they stay stocked at Nordstrom. And right now they’re temporarily marked down to under $100. These 76% rayon, 21% nylon, 3% spandex pants are well worth the investment, especially at this discounted price.

The Wonderstretch straight leg pants feature a smooth, deep black fabric that has wonderful retention so I never worry about them losing their shape with wear. I rarely wash them, honestly, but when I do I lay them flat on a dryer rack to dry and then smooth them out with my hands. They’re good to go and look like this all over again. These pants also have stayed just as black as the day I purchased them.

Truly, I can’t recommend these Nic+Zoe pants highly enough. I find them to run true to size, but if you desire a little roomier fit you could probably size up one and they’d still fit in the waist.

With these straight leg black pants in my closet, I can create classic, stylish and polished outfits on the fly. I dress them up with a pretty blouse and heels (like in this post), but I can also keep them casual with flats, boots or even fashion sneakers. In fact, you might want to check out my post 12 Ways to Style Black Pants to see other ways I’ve styled these trousers.

My olive green turtleneck pullover sweater is a Target find. Woohoo! It’s soft and more on the thin side, so I’m wearing a camisole underneath just for warmth. The sweater is not sheer; I was just cold! The turtleneck pullover sweater also comes in a beautiful blue and an equally pretty red, as well as beige.

I chose a green sweater because green is one of my signature colors. I suggest having several solid sweaters in your wardrobe in your chosen neutrals and your signature colors. Learn more about how to select your neutrals and signature colors in this previous post.

For this look my jewelry is from Christopher & Banks. I’m wearing the long linked tassel necklace and twisted ring earrings. Last I checked Christopher & Banks was offering buy one get one free on their accessories. They have some darling holiday pieces. And you can use code 72879 one time between now and December 24th to get an extra 15% off your purchase.

By the way Christopher & Banks has a similar pair of pants that I’ve recommended in the past, too. I think their Pull-On Signature Slimming Luxe Stretch Straight Pant is very similar to the Nic+Zoe straight leg pants at a fraction of the cost. Is there a difference in quality? Sure, a little. But I do think they have the same slenderizing fit, smooth silhouette and flattering waistband.

Another key to pulling together classic, stylish outfits on the fly is having the right shoes and handbags at the ready. These black leather Franco Sarto boots get frequent wear simply because they are so versatile. I appreciate the sleek, slim-lined styling, the line of tiny silver studs on the back of the boots and the modern angular stacked heel. These are the kinds of details that make a classic piece modern, so that it not only functions well in your wardrobe, but also elevates it. These leather 1.5 inch heel boots are also available in other colors and patterns, and are currently 40% off.

Likewise, I frequently reach for my black leather Tory Burch hobo bag simply because it “works.” I appreciate the clean lines, the modern utilitarian silhouette and the size of this classic bag. I can count on this bag not to distract from my outfit, but to elevate it.

When all is said and done, is this the most exciting outfit I’ve shown here on Dressed for My Day? Hahaha! No. But it’s smart, classic, fuss-free and the kind of ensemble you can wear and trust that you absolutely look pulled together and appropriate for the occasion.

Thanks so much for dropping in today. I hope you enjoyed the post and got a little fashion inspiration. Remember, the keys to creating classic and beautiful outfits on the fly are:

• have the wardrobe essentials in your closet
• choose wardrobe essentials in your preferred neutrals
• have essential tops in your signature colors
• have classic, versatile but elevated shoes and handbags on the ready

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Blessed for My Day

I sat with my coffee in hand and stillness all around the other morning and just thought about the Christmas story. I tried to imagine what it must have been like to be Mary, to be Joseph, to be the shepherds in the field. Imagine how long each of these people had waited for a Savior, the Messiah. Consider how desperate the world must have seemed at that time in history. I can just imagine that the world felt the birthing pains in the years, months and days leading up to the Messiah’s birth. Perhaps people felt frustrated, hopeless, desperate and dismayed.

Actually, I think that pretty much summarizes the state of our world today. Oh, how people need Jesus. They need hope. And that hope is found in the person of Jesus. Let’s be ever so aware this Christmas season that Jesus is indeed the answer to every question. He is the solution, the plan, the way. That’s not a trite or simplistic response to the world’s struggles. It’s just the truth. Now we must be constantly aware of how we can share the good news with a hurting and somewhat jaded world.

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world. ~ Hebrews 1:1-2