Happy Friday! As I often do on Fridays, I’m sharing my daily outfits for the past couple of weeks (give or take a few!). This is how I really dressed for my days recently.
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Before we get going on my recent real life outfits, I want to let you know that most everything I’m wearing is either from seasons past, sold out or available in limited sizes. For instance, the navy corduroy pants in my first outfit are only available (as I write this post) in a women’s plus size 14. So they’re in very random sizes. If you see pink letters, those are links to shop. Definitely click through if you’re interested and you may luck out. But I’m keeping the focus on sharing my outfits, how I put them together, where I wore them, etc.
I say all of that to say that I’m not able to take a lot of time to look for substitutes. I started doing that, but quickly realized that inventory is so picked over everywhere at this point in the season. And it just didn’t make sense for me to spend that kind of time finding items in one or two sizes.
That said…
Sizing Information
Just for reference, I’m 5’8″ and weigh about 155. I generally wear a size 8 or medium in dresses, tops, jackets and pants (or 29 or 30 in jeans), so that’s what I’m wearing in these looks unless I tell you otherwise. That way you can assume everything I show you is true to size unless I alert you to sizing up or down. I wear a size 9.5 shoe and, again, I’ll just let you know if I sized up or down in a shoe, otherwise it’s true to size.
What I Wore Shopping and Out to Lunch with Abby
I remember we had messy winter weather the day I wore this first outfit. Abigail and Andrew were still here, and on this day we split into girls and guys and headed our separate ways for lunch. Abby and I went to a little taco place for a great lunch followed by some shopping at an outdoor mall. So I bundled up in a warm sweater (with this essential camisole underneath as usual) and jeans with my all weather boots.
I didn’t realize how much I liked this navy and dark green pairing until I looked back at these photos. (Taking a selfie photo of your daily outfits is actually a wonderful way to improve your own style quotient!) I kept the contrast in intensity low throughout, which always helps create a more cohesive outfit that is easy on the eyes. I talked about that in this video, in case you missed it.
What I Wore to Church
That Sunday I really wanted to wear a dress and boots, but the weather didn’t cooperate and I needed to wear something more weather appropriate. Here I wore an outfit with high contrast in intensity. I don’t often do that. But I think it works well here, especially when I added my plaid coat.
That plaid coat is still available, by the way, in a few sizes. I’ve had it for almost four years now and absolutely love wearing it. The moral of the story is don’t hesitate to invest in more colorful fashion coats. Of course, it was part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so I got a good deal on it.
What I Wore to a Watch Party
That Monday evening we gathered with other Georgia Bulldog fans in Cincinnati to watch the University of Georgia play Alabama for the College Football Playoff National Championship. We won! Instead of wearing one of my Georgia sweatshirts or sweater, I decided to just wear red and black. I love these black travel pants, and I knew they would be more comfortable than jeans.
I wrote a blog post last year about wearing socks in the winter. It may not be for everyone, but I prefer to wear my socks as an accessory if they’re going to show. So I like to wear socks in a contrasting color, and wearing the same color as something up top is a great way to bookend your look. I love how my red socks and black patent leather loafers worked with this outfit.
Anniversary Dinner Out
I’m pretty sure we were shooting videos that Tuesday, so I don’t have an outfit to show for that day. And Wednesday I probably hung out in my workout clothes until it was time to go out to dinner. We were celebrating our anniversary at a very nice restaurant, and we’d decided to snap some photos beforehand. I wore my blue slip skirt and black cashmere cropped cardigan, as I shared in this recent post.
As I’ve mentioned several times lately, I haven’t worn a lot of skirts in quite a while. But they’re trending high this year, and I’ve decided it’s time to jump in. This particular slip skirt is sold out, but I’ve linked to a couple of other above. I’ll be styling this skirt and my new pleated skirt several ways throughout the year.
Out to Lunch with Friends
Thursdays I often meet up with a small group of friends for lunch. It’s really very casual, but I usually use this opportunity to put myself together a little more. I had such fun on this day wearing my straight leg jeans with this floral essential shirt. I think it comes together beautifully with this leather belt (and I’m not that small in the waist!), but you could also wear it untucked.
Wearing pretty blouses is another goal I have set for this year. I often forget about this style formula. But it’s just as comfortable and effortless as a sweater really. And it looks a little more elevated. It wasn’t quite as cold that day, so I just wore my leather blazer and called it a day!
Work from Home and Date Night
Friday I worked from home and then we met another couple for a little date night. At first I put on this green sweater and jeans, but I decided it looked a little masculine. Those jeans are really a size too big for me, so they end up looking a little mannish. But I added this pretty ruffle front blouse for a feminine touch. It still doesn’t look especially date night appropriate, in my opinion. But it was cold outside and we were running late and I just went with it. Ha!
That particular ruffle front blouse is sold out, but Loft has this one and this one, which are so pretty for spring.
What I Wore to Church and Lunch
I must have worked around the house and neglected to take a photo on Saturday. But Sunday I finally got to wear my pretty ultraviolet sweater dress and suede boots. It still actually started snowing while we were out to lunch after church. But I just had James pick me up at the curb. I haven’t yet sprayed these boots for protection (I’m not sure why not!), so I tried to keep them dry. Anyhow, I absolutely loved wearing this dress and boots Sunday. It’s beautiful, but also comfortable. I wore black tights and this slip underneath.
I’ve made the mistake of letting go of other solid colored sweater dresses in past years (like the green one in yesterday’s post). But this year I’m definitely keeping this one at season’s end. They just don’t go out of style, and they’re so smart with boots in the winter.
Work from Home Outfit
I’m not sure if I wore this Monday or Tuesday, and I don’t have a photo for the other. But here I’m wearing those black travel pants again. They’re just such a comfortable option, but also look classy. Here I just topped them with a knit turtleneck top and later my black cashmere cardigan.
I purchased those suede loafers recently at Talbots, meaning to wear them mostly this early spring. But I’m already enjoying them. They run slightly large, but I’m still wearing my usual size.
By the way, Talbots has their February line up on the website now (full price). I’ll be sharing my Talbots Favorites from this line later today. So check in!
Wearing Grey on Wednesday
Wednesday I published my YouTube video about Wearing Grey in Winter with Style Inspiration from Nature. So I decided it was a good day to wear my grey jeans.
I actually got out to visit a local art gallery and make a grocery store run that day. So I wanted to be really comfortable but also look pulled together. That’s why I opted for my retro sneakers, and I love how they kept this outfit youthful and fun but also contributed to the color combination I had decided on. I’m not sure you can tell from the photo above, but the sneakers have beige accents that almost exactly match my sweater. Just so fun!
Out to Lunch and Working from Home
Yesterday I got in a good workout and then headed to lunch with my friends. At my suggestion, we met at a restaurant quite a distance away from my home, so I ended up exploring that area a little, too. Then I headed home to crank out this post and do a little social media work.
I felt very comfortable and pulled together in my jeans and sweater, especially when I added this belt. I must have added it after I took the second set of photos below. But at least this way you can see how it works with and without the tuck and belt.
When I left the house I opted to add my wool plaid Veronica Beard dickey blazer. I zipped in my sweater dickey for a fun layered look. These blazers are extremely pricey for my budget, but they are such a great investment. So most every time I have the opportunity to give myself a little achievement bonus, I purchase one. I gave myself this one when I reached 100k subscribers at YouTube. But I’ve had the dickey ( similar ) for a couple of years.
I thought my lace-up boots worked really nicely with this “school girl” look. Plus they’re just comfortable and fun to wear.
You know, I’m all for putting together outfits that a figure flattering and slenderizing. But for me fun and wearable trump figure flattering and slenderizing. I like for my clothes to look good on me, but it’s even more important for them to bring me joy. That’s just how I roll. What about you? What’s important to you when you get dressed for your day? It’s different for all of us, you know. I’d love to hear from you today. Have a good one!
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Blessed for My Day
The biblical admonition to count our trials as joy is one of those that is easy to rattle off, but oh so hard to follow through on. I heard recently on my music app that “joy is an act of resistance.” I like that. Indeed, joy is not so much an emotion as it is a choice. We must stand up to the hard thing we are enduring, look it square in the face, wave a fist full of truth at it and call it what it is. It’s a test. And it’s one we absolutely will pass because we do not have to endure it alone.
As we walk through that hard season we learn that God is trustworthy, that He is always with us and that He is working on our behalf. We may not see it clearly until we look in the rearview mirror, several miles down the road from the hardest parts. But sure enough, we’ll see that God was there all along. Knowing this now…we can count any trial we face today as joy. Remember, it’s an act of resistance. Don’t cave to the pull of despair, but instead choose joy.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ~ James 1:2-3
I saw the movie last night with friends from church. We loved it. Such a beautiful way to discuss a difficult subject. Hope you both enjoy it also.
Great to hear, Cyndi. Thank so much for letting me (and us) know. I had really hoped to see it with friends, too. But it was hard finding a time when they could go for a matinee. I’m just hoping the matinee is a little less crowded. The movie theater is still one place where I feel a little less comfortable these days, unless it’s not very crowded. We’ll see!
What movie are you speaking of please?
Thank you!
Hi Dena. I mentioned in my weekly subscriber email that I’d been to see Redeeming Love. It’s very good. It’s definitely a little graphic and hard to watch in places, due to the nature of the storyline. But I felt it was well made and thought-provoking. Especially if you keep in mind that it’s also meant to be an allegory based on the first part of the biblical book of Hosea.
Thank you Kay! I’m a newish subscriber and I too am a 63 year old Christ follower. I enjoy following you as you not only give excellent tips, but your warm and sincere spirit shows through. I will put this movie on my must watch list. Hugs!
I’ve read your blog for sometime now; thanks for the time you put into sharing your thoughts, videos, styling, and especially your thoughts on God’s word!
The Ultraviolet Sweater dress and pink ruffle shirt were most becoming on you. Those colors accentuate your skin tone.
-Sheridan
Thank you Sheridan. I was quite hesitant about that purple/blue, to tell you the truth. But in the end I just decided to go for it. And I do like it.
You asked, “what is important to you when you get dressed”? First … to be comfortable and confident … then to be stylish and appropriate for whatever I’m doing … as I am at an “elegant age” I want to look up-to-date, but not youthful or oldful! It’s a little difficult to achieve this but with your helpful advice I am able to discard inappropriate clothing, etc. and dress confidently. Thanks again for your scriptures.
Exactly! My answer is the same. Must be comfortable. Feel good, look good, do good.
Wonderful thoughts, Betty. Thanks so much for sharing. It sounds like you know your style and you’re learning “to your own style be true!” I love that.
I am still considering the dressing in gray and colors from nature and coming up with outfits from my closet. There are actually more colors in our upstate NY winter landscape than I realized.
Wonderful. I think that’s a great exercise in mindfulness, too. We often miss so much of the beauty around us because we’re just zipping through. It’s such a treasure to slow down and notice such things.
Each day I get dressed in clothing that feels good to wear, is comfortable, brings me joy, is classic and chic. If I don’t get cleaned up for the day (getting dressed and minimal/full makeup) I just don’t feel as if I’ve chosen to participate in the beautiful God-given day.
I really enjoyed the post about finding colors from nature to wear in clothing outfits. I’ve been so much more aware of the colors out my window and have started wondering how I can incorporate those colors into some chic Winter outfits.
Wonderful! I feel the same way. And some days I do indeed opt to stay in leisure or activewear, but in the end I generally regret that decision. Thanks for sharing. And I’m so glad the video impacted you that way.
Always enjoy your blog posts. I’m wondering how many sweaters, blouses, trousers, jeans etc. are essential?
All of a sudden I feel overwhelmed with a closet full of clothes!!
Hi Freddie, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the posts. I think the amount of clothing we have is purely personal…and aligned to the space we have. Ha! About this time in the season I start feeling like my closet is bursting at the seams, too. So I completely understand. But I really prefer a smaller wardrobe. I have more clothes than I would otherwise because of what I do here at Dressed for My Day. But I like to build a functional wardrobe that mixes and matches so that I don’t have to have many clothes, ideally. Have you read my series on building a wardrobe that works for you? That might be helpful if you haven’t. You’ll find it in the top menu under FASHION. Just click on the subcategory Building a Wardrobe.
Hi Kay, I’m a little older than you, but I am a little surprised that you wear jeans so often—especially when going out in town or meeting with friends. Of course, we all wear jeans at home and when hanging out, but when I’m meeting friends or having lunch, etc., most of the ladies in my social group wear actual pants, a blouse/sweater depending on the weather and nice jewelry. We try to look a little more polished. BTW, I also shop primarily at Talbot’s, Chicos, and Nordstrom. I really enjoy wearing some of my nicer clothes when I have the chance. There are lots of comfortable, tailored pants that really elevate your look. Crazy Larry is a favorite brand here and Chicos also carries many nicer pants that are quite comfortable and slimming.
Hi Monique. It’s nice to meet you. While I completely appreciate your habit of dressing a little nicer when going out and meeting up with friends, I don’t apologize for my casual attire. In fact, I think most of my friends would tell you that I dress a little nicer than most of our occasions call for. As I mentioned in today’s blog post, our Thursday lunches are very casual. My friends are also wearing jeans. And my church is also generally casual. So while I love dressing up – I really do! – I would look out of place and even a little over-dressed if I were to dress the way you’ve described. You’ll notice that the night we went to a football game watch party – where I didn’t know the others attending very well – I did wear a slightly dressier look. But even there the others in attendance were all wearing jeans. While I think it’s important to dress in a way that we personally enjoy, I think it’s also crucial to dress appropriate for the situations, and that means taking others you’ll be with into account. I, tool, do love wearing my nicer clothes when I have a chance. But I also try to be mindful of others and how they will be dressed.
I couldn’t agree more, Kay! My number one consideration when dressing is to dress appropriately for the situation AND keeping in mind, who I will be around. For example, I used to dress up more when attending my book club meetings. But I quickly realized that everyone else was much more casual than I was. I didn’t feel comfortable setting myself apart in that particular way, so I started dressing in a more casual way, in keeping with the venue and with how the others ladies dressed, but still in keeping with my own personal style aesthetic.
Loved all your outfits. I thought I’ve heard that the coat shouldn’t be shorter than the skirt or dress but I don’t know…I think your outfit worked. I very rarely wear long coats anymore so not sure about that “rule.”
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Colette. You said what I meant to say, but much more eloquently. I think the rule about the cost needing to be longer than the dress is one of those we have to toss. It just doesn’t work realistically with today’s styles and our real life wardrobes. I haven’t really even seen very many coats that would be long enough to cover this one.
Thank you, Kay! And I think you’re spot on about the coat “rule.”
Oh Kay, I loved the dark green sweater dress with the light beige suede boots and handbag. It is a sharp look. I’m with you on the sweater dresses and knee high boots! It’s a blizzard here today, so I’ll be wearing my winter woolies! Have a great day Kay and thank you for BFMD and your inspirations. Blessings
Thank you for sharing your style view about socks! Many bloggers show bare ankles but it is cold where I live! Socks are a necessity and I love how you have coordinated your socks with your sweater. You always keep it classy!
Hi Kay! Loved the way you styled the colors from nature in your post this week. I like the tan and gray combination a lot. In fact, I have a dog, “Cooper” that is a Yorkie. His fur is tan and gray and he always looks “stylish” LOL! Anyway, God has provided a lot of inspiration all around us! Thank you for all that you do. I enjoy reading your posts each day and the scriptures are always inspirational. Have a blessed day!
I always enjoy your posts and have gotten alot of good ideas from them. Just yesterday I got my Talbots package with their light brown(camel) merino wool sweater blazer. Because of my coloring I never wear camel but a few months ago you said if we watch the shade we can. And you are right! I will get alot of use out of that. Comfy but neutral on the bottom and usually pretty bright colors on the top, like red, green, pink or blue. Probably too much contrast but the colors make me happy in the winter. At least thanks to you I know I am breaking a rule. Lol! Have a beautiful weekend eyeryone!
How do I like to dress? That’s something I haven’t really thought too deeply about. When I go out, I like to dress nicer than I do at home, because I just don’t get to go out a whole lot right now. I always get dressed in real clothes for the day, and I never wear lounge clothes during the day, unless I have just had surgery or something like that. But after dinner, unless we need to go out, that’s when I wear leggings or joggers with a sweatshirt in winter or T-shirt in other seasons. In the morning I wear workout clothes until I am ready to “dress for my day”!
I love the blue dress on you. I just introduced a few pieces of lilac to my wardrobe. It’s a color I love and I think pretty versatile. Nordstrom had this dahlia sweater which I call lilac, on sale for $21. I like Comfort, loose, unstructured pieces. Nothing dressy. That’s not my lifestyle. I like texture and soft fabric. I was country when country wasn’t cool.
Hi–really enjoy the info in this blog! Question: what is a dickey blazer? How does it differ from a regular blazer. Any online photos I see of “dickey blazers” look like a standard issue 2 or 3 button blazer!
Thanks for all the time you spend pulling together excellent content–as well as the spiritual emphasis at the end–often so appropriate for situations I’m having.
A Dickey blazer is one that has the capability for you to zip in or attach dickeys. So the zip up sweater you see me wearing under the blazer here is not a sweater at all. It’s just the front and collar of a sweater. So it looks like I’m wearing a sweater, but I’m really not. I also have a hoodie Dickey that I sometimes zip into my other Dickey blazers. The dickeys are sold separately. I know there are other Dickey blazers besides the Veronica Beard ones, but theirs are the only ones I know of that have been around for a while and that work with all of their dickeys on an ongoing basis. I’ve had my oldest Dickey blazer https://shopstyle.it/l/bDdWt for three years and I can still find new dickeys that work in it. Most of VB’s blazers have dickey capability.
I too love to dress up a lot when I go out or to church. Even the Woman’s Bible study on every other Thursday morning. Some of us dress up a little more and the others very casual. I do find the ones that dress the most casual look dowdy and out of style, Old jeans with sweatshirts with snowmen or cats on them, etc and old worn out tennis shoes. . I decided a long time ago to dress my style, I’m not talking prom dresses or anything that fancy lol., I do not feel out of place at all. Let them be them and I will be me. Kay when you dress very casual you look so put together, not dowdy at all like some ladies I see out shopping at Walmart etc. I do think some people just do not know how to dress anymore.
Love this dark blue dress on you. Very good BFMD.
Kay, I enjoy all the fashion tips and bits of wisdom you offer readers. You look great in the clothes you feature. The thought process behind your choices make it easier for us to create something similar using what we already own or what piece(s) we might put on our shopping/future purchase lists. That’s what lead me to purchase those black Blondo shoe boots you’ve featured. Had I not seen them on you I would have thought I was too old. Have loved wearing them and get lots of compliments-thank you! I agree it is a more casual world. I miss “dressing up” more often but the key for me is to be comfortable in my own skin and happy with my choice of dress for the occasion. Thanks for giving us ideas to keep us appropriately dressed (and blessed) for our days.
The sweater dress is beautiful for you. The color is so vibrant and goes well with your fair coloring. I also like the peek of a belt when wearing jeans and a sweater. It lends a little oomph! More put together.
Your movie will be streaming in the not too far future. At least that is what I have read. I’m not comfortable going to see movies just yet.
Thanks for sharing your week.
Kay, oh my goodness. You look beautiful in everything you’ve shown us.
I am still thinking about your video this week. I found myself looking at all the colors around me as I drove home from work this morning. I loved the light gray pants and oatmeal colored sweater it was my favorite. I placed an order for the sweater today from your link. Can’t wait to get it.
I hope you enjoyed the movie and your “date.”