Recently I’ve been reaching for a lot of my older staple pieces to experiment with layering. The formula has been simple – lean silhouettes, neutrals, and accent prints or a pop of color for interest. For this weekend outfit I paired skinny jeans with leg-lengthening booties, plus a cardigan that’s so comfy it’s pretty much a blanket. The outfit felt a little monotone, so I added a gingham layer and colorful belt which made all the difference.
I’ve gotten good feedback from several readers on Sole Society shoes, so was excited to collaborate with them again this season. They’re one of the few brands to offer extended sizing from 4 – 12, and most styles I’ve tried run on the narrower side plus about half a size small (so could potentially even fit ladies who need an elusive 3 – 3.5). The Lylee booties I picked out here add 3″ of height but with plenty of stability, and the suede feels sturdy and of good quality.
Fit wise, true to the online reviews, I found the Lylee style to run at least half a size small and narrow. I’d recommend going up half a size if you plan on mostly wearing thin socks or tights with these, or possibly a full size if you want to wear cotton socks. The ankle opening of my sz 5.5 pair measured 4 and 3/8″ across and I’d expect that to be wider incrementally with sizing. The style is slip-on and there are wide elastic panels on each side to facilitate that. I’m wearing the “army dark brown” color and think the “smoke taupe” may be very similar, but lighter with a hint of grey.
Our home is now just a short walk away from Boston’s Public Garden, where Nick and I love strolling for a bit of peace and quiet on weekend mornings. It’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea before families and tourists start flowing in (circa 10AM). For a special treat, we also love packing banh mi sandwiches and some Vitasoy for munching under the trees while the weather is still nice! The day we snapped these photos, I wore these booties for about a mile of strolling around the garden and they were comfortable with no breaking-in required.
I’ve mentioned this casual Bobeau cardigan (wearing the “mink” color) a few times now but haven’t had the chance to take photos since it’s been glued to my office chair. It’s smooth on the outside and soft and cozy on the inside – the perfect chic upgrade for those fuzzy zip up fleeces we loved in middle school. The fit was surprisingly perfect off the rack, narrow in the shoulders and slim in the sleeves, but with plenty of drape in the front. I tried both XXS and XS petite and went with the former because I like my sleeves to be narrow. Both sizes fit fine, though, so I’d recommend sizing up if you’d like some room in the arms. Thank you to Sole Society for sponsoring this post!
Hi there – thank you for your kind words : ) The piperlime top is definitely a looser fit. I have worn it "casually" balanced out with skinny jeans and was contemplating alterations at the shoulders or at least the sleeves.
Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to read 🙂
Hi Stacey! Yes, I'd love to see and yes that's my email! If it's easier for you, if you post your review on the AT website I'm always checking those out too (for some reason no one usually posts photos, just written reviews!) and I wonder if several other shoppers would find it to be helpful!
Hi there – mine are about two years old so I've linked to what appears online to be the most similar
Love those ankle boots on you – I'm always afraid that boots like that make me look short and stocky but for me it's probably more than I have more pronounced calves. Loving the cardigan as well, I've currently moved to Australia so I won't be needing sweaters for much longer since it's Spring here but still loving seing everybody's fall wardrobes.
Tam – http://www.wanderlistblog.com
Love your style.. that fleece looks so cozy..and those boots sounds super comfy for that heel height..
xo
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
Having that park nearby sounds/looks awesome! Your outfit looks so cozy and has me excited for the change in weather that will hopefully happen soon. We are still in the 70s/80s in the Portland area.
Oh I love this.. Perfect for fall!
Hope
hchdesigns.blogspot.com
I haven't seen this in person yet, but check out this skirt from Old Navy: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=257361002&vid;=1&locale;=en_US&kwid;=1&sem;=false&sdReferer;=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-clothing.jsp
It's a black and metallic leopard print jacquard skirt very similar to the Nordstrom (Calvin Klein?) one that you reviewed last holiday season.
I got the cardi here, BUT I STILL need to check out Sole Society! I've heard about it on different sites, BUT wasn't sure. I'm usually a 6.5, BUT my feet are not narrow or wide (in between). Thanks for the great ideas- again!
I really wanted to buy those shoes!!! But I can't 🙁 They only ship to US & Canada.
xoyaoyao.wordpress.com
Love this outfit! I notice that some of the (very) few negative reviews of the cardigan say that the fabric is cheap looking and starts to pill. Do you (or any of the blog readers) find this to be true? Also, I am size 6 at H&M; (live in Sweden), 5'3 height. Any size suggestions? S Petite? M Petite?
Love this colour combo, and those booties look very comfy!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
I've been looking at this cardigan for a long while (pretty much since the anniversary sale!) and couldn't make up my mind about it. after seeing it on you, i totally want it now! and it's 30% off 🙂
I love this outfit. You're so beautiful! I love reading your blog
I was wondering the same thing. Any thoughts?
Hi Jean! I noticed in one of you photos that you tied your crossbody strp in some sort of knot. It is cute way to shroten those straps! Would you mind sharing how you did that? I have a crossbody that is too long even on the shortest "belt hole". I haven't figured out the best way to shorten it since it is a thicker leather material. Your method looks like a great option!
Hi Jean, what kind of camera and lens do you use to take these photos. Your photos are beautiful!
How funny… I ordered that cardigan a few days ago for double use as a cardigan and nursing cover-up. So excited to see how great it looks on you — not at all "mom" and totally chic!
Cute fall look! Love the boots 🙂
xx,
Lily
pslilyboutique.com
Love gingham no matter the season!
Christine
http://www.meatiefoodie.blogspot.com
love the bootie, love your blog! : )
xo
alysadaily.blogspot.com
Love the boots. Cant decide between what you have and taupe.
That cardigan looks so soft and comfy I can just imagine drinking my hot chocolate this Christmas and eating peppermint flavored cookies in it. Thanks for the share, I just ordered it from nordstrom 🙂
Also PS I think you may be my style twin and I am so glad I found your blog. I love reading your posts 🙂
Jean, thank you for recommending the Anneke stud pumps this summer. I am not great at walking in wobbly heels and it's hard to find low shoes that don't look too old fashioned. I'll have to check out their boots now
Can't tell you how many times I've followed your recommendations and ended up loving items I would have never otherwise come across. Definitely adding this cardigan to the list! Thank you for such detailed and thoughtful reviews 🙂
Jean, since you have worn both the BB Trolley ankle boots and these Sole society ankle boots, which one is more comfortable for walking or standing for a few hours ? thanks Jean
Hello Jean, you always create the most amazing outfit and always look so elegant. I bought the black lace top Piperlime (the one you recommended in the summer). I love how it has sleeves and not sleeveless, so very work appropriate and you don't have to wear a cardigan over it at work. I wonder how it fits you because it's too roomy on me. I also wear XXSP in Loft and BR clothing.
This is one of my favorite color combinations for fall! Love those suede ankle boots too.
I'm now considering buying the cardigan – I worry about something so drapey on my petite frame, but you showed me how well it can work 🙂
Amy
Stylish on a Shoestring
Cute fall outfit! Love the booties and the bright accessories.
Style by Joules
Bought that cardigan on your recommendation. It's glued to my office chair too! Perfect for wearing or draping over bare legs when the a/c goes into overdrive. Contemplating Sole Society pumps from Nordstrom (though my feet are not petite, lol!).
This is just too perfect for words! I need that cardigan in my life ASAP! The only struggle is figuring out which color to buy because they are so many and they are just so gorgeous. I love how you styled it, especially with those booties. The perfect fall outfit.
http://www.lastylenysmile.blogspot.com
Really cute! I love those boots.
http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca/
I love this outfit, it looks so pretty and everything is so well put together 🙂
Satu
http://xlelamaa.blogspot.fi/
Love your style, you're one of the biggest inspirations of mine!
xx
http://styledap.blogspot.com
I just adore those boots and the Hermés belt! Stunning way to add a pop of color!
XX
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
I just wanted to say thank you, and love your blog!
I'm not a huge online shopper, but I fell in love with your cardigan and ordered it right after I saw this post! I'm so excited to wear it! I'm also interested to see how the petite length works on my 5'1" frame. 🙂
I also purchased that Bobeau cardigan during Nordstrom's sale and love the look and feel. Great styling tips! I'm getting that Ann Taylor Sweater Jacket you referred to a couple posts ago as well as the Cape coat on Thursday and I said I'd get you a picture for fit reference. Is your sponsor e-mail account acceptable to send those photos to or do you prefer another address? Thanks for the post! You are gorgeous. 🙂
Hi Jean! Are the wash of your jeans the same as the one you have linked above?
Thank you!
Hi Jean,
I have lurked long enough –
You are so incredibly stylish. I just wanted to thank you for showing how to make clothes work for very petite ladies. You make it look effortless. Well done!
This is such a great cardigan! I do love all the shoes I've purchased from Sole Society – I've been really impressed with their quality.
P.S. I host a weekly TBT Fashion link up and hope you will join me.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlfie.com
I have that cardigan! 🙂 I really love seeing how you styled it! You look great, as always Jean!
I miss the public garden so much! These are beautiful photos and that is one great outfit– as always:)
Daisy | Simplicity Relished
Jean, you always have the most gorgeous hair! I'm also loving the cardigan…heading over to check it out 🙂
Adorable outfit! I love the Hermes belt! That pop of color makes the outfit!!
Love how you matched this outfit with a red belt to add a pop of colour to the entire look. Looking great!
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Such a classic and chic fall outfit. Beautiful
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
Love these boots! So comfy and chic<3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
I just featured a new version of that bag on my last post. I love that bag. I remember you did how to clean or refurbish that bag a while back. I should find it and clean mine.