Talbots’ friends & family sale just kicked off – from now through 11/9, take a rare 30% off your entire purchase with code FRIENDS30! It’s a little early, but I figured I’d share a holiday look that I styled for their petites page in time for this promo. The base of this outfit is a simple, warm pairing suitable for the office, and can be spruced up with a statement necklace or patterned scarf for holiday festivities.
For extra petite ladies, Talbots’ numerically-sized items (pants, skirts) start at 2P, sometimes 0P so will probably not fit without alterations. I usually recommend checking out their letter sized-items instead like sweaters and tops which start in Petite P, their good quality accessories, and shoes that start in size 5. One of my favorite pieces of all time is this 100% pima cotton striped tee (which you guys have seen on me here, here, here, and here just to list a few) that’s now less than $25 with the sale! I own my fair share of striped tees yet keep on reaching for this one because the material and fit feel the most comfortable. The sleeves of a Petite P were long on me off the rack, but after machine drying they shrunk to a good fit. Here’s another striped pima cotton option with 3/4 sleeves, also on sale.
Another wardrobe favorite of mine is their opaque hosiery – not a glamorous item but a must for those who like to wear skirts and dresses in cooler weather. They’re the right amount of opaqueness for me but still lightweight with a hint of sheerness, and the best part is they’re nice and short for petite legs so no bunching! I own each of the 4 colors (most-worn is navy) which is a good starter kit for anyone tights shopping for a range of outfits. I stock up during sales to have extra pairs in-between washes, but very rarely have had to replace a pair due to wear and tear. I used to buy most of my tights at H&M; but these are better quality, pilling less and with a better fit. 
This cable button sweater comes in a host of colors and is a layering basic. I’m wearing Petite P which gives me room for a shirt underneath. It’s a lighter weight knit and the cables go all the way around to the backside. This A-line skirt starts in sz 0P and runs generously, designed to sit lower near the hips – skirt waist measured 14″ across, hips 17.75″ across, length 18.” I had my tailor take in the waist and along the sides, but note you can’t take in this skirt too much otherwise the pockets will end up on your sides (something I realized after the fact). I like the heathered gray stretch wool blend, the cute angled pockets, and the invisible back zip and full lining, so would recommend this to those who can fit the sizing without alterations. Definitely size down if you like skirts to sit higher at your waist and not hips.
My favorite part of this look is the faux pearl & gem necklace…have gotten lots of compliments on it and people are always surprised to hear it’s Talbots. I’ve collected several pieces of costume jewelry from there over the years, and they’ve held up well and are slow to tarnish (I also keep many of my pieces in zip-locked baggies to minimize oxidation). This one has good weight to it, and is a pretty accent on winter outfits plus would make a great gift. I’ve also been eying this green jeweled statement necklace but haven’t yet seen how it looks in person.
Hi Lori and Judy! So I only started buying grey tights because I was at a loss for what to wear with my lighter wool items (which I love). I've found that with camel skirts/dresses, a dark hunter green, grey, dark burgundy (don't like it when it looks too red), or navy all work well. With winter white I have liked brown, grey, and navy tights. A grey melange tight is also super versatile and adds a bit of a textured look too to solid outfits. I definitely wear tights with pumps and flats alike, not just booties.
I'm so happy to hear that! This pairing was a bit polarizing (on IG anyways) but I'm always trying to experiment myself…
Hi there ~ I wouldn't leave it on for indoor wear. For outdoor wear, I did take some photos with the scarf wrapped around the neck in the basic loop, but after looking over them I liked it hanging straight like this the best. With a longer coat on it'd create nice and long vertical lines!
Hi there (& anon below) ~ I style my hair but would never try coloring it at home myself now (had a few mishaps in my teen years, ha). I had the balayage highlights done at a salon. For waves I just use a 1.25" wide curling iron. If you search my blog sidebar for a hair curling tutorial I have an old video, but I'll try to make an updated one!
Thank you, Gwen!
Thank you, Gwen!
Hi Sarah ~ I didn't find it to be sheer, however, I only wear nude (or black) bras now. The cotton is medium weight and not super thin like some tees.
Hi Lauren ~ I usually tuck thinner sweaters into thicker skirts. If you do the other way around it's much more likely to show bulk!
Hi Tiffany! I can't seem to find a pair of silver metallic pumps with a strap…I have a pair in gold from J.Crew though! It's older but they have similar styles each winter.
I keep on sharing that feedback and hope they will too!
It's also from Talbots however it wasn't as slim fit in Petite P as I'd like, so I'd only recommend for those who want a straighter casual fit!
Sorry I forgot, they are Talbots Philippa booties!
When you put costume jewelry in ziploc plastic baggies do you put anything in the bag with the jewelry? Do you stick to one piece of jewelry per bag? Thanks! Christina
Love the look!! Where are your shoes from??
Thank you so much for posting about the tights! I have been searching for the perfect pair to wear with my dresses and skirts. It's so hard to find ones that aren't too expensive but also won't fall apart the first time you wear them.
Lettuce & Louboutins
yes, yes, yes! Please answer these winter-inspired questions for us!
Such a gorgeous look! I love the necklace you paired with the outfit. Xo, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
The necklace gives a pop of elegance paired with the scarf. I also like how you wore grey opaque tights instead of the usual black. You're looking chic as always!
Pieces of Mei
Hi Jean, your blog is so lovely as are your outfits. Although I am nearly twice your age I am also petite and have duplicated many of your outfits -we shop at the same stores. I would love to see a post expanding on hosiery with dresses/skirts for winter. What colors to wear with lighter color dresses/skirts like winter white and camel? Sometimes black or the darker hues don't work. Also would you wear tights with a pump or only booties?
Jean, you give me the confidence to wear color and pattern combinations I wouldn't normally choose. Gray tights with caramel booties?! Yesss!!
Jean, The muted grey tones with cream and cognac colors in this outfit is gorgeous. The scarf is beautiful, but I wish you had a whole outfit shot without the scarf or show how else you would wear the scarf with this outfit? Would you actually leave it as you did here?
Loving this holiday look! That statement necklace really is gorgeous!
Lifestyle by Joules
LOVE this look! I never think to wear grey tights but they look so adorable with this outfit!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
Love seeing your outfit inspiration for the every-changing Boston weather!
I love this look! What a perfect fall/holiday look. And I agree, that necklace is adorable!
g.
Beautiful scarf!
You looks so beautiful in this dress!! Love your lips, nice shade!!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Could you please tell us how you do your hair and get those perfect waves? Do you do it yourself or rely on salon? If you do it yourself, please show us how!
Hello Jean, with the new hair on your most recent IG picture and it's so pretty. Did you have it done at the salon? if you did it yourself can you share what you use ? Thanks Jean
Congrats! Just saw you on the homepage of Talbots! Stumbled upon your blog a couple of weeks ago. Just love a fellow petite-Bostonian's style!
Such a classy and beautiful outfit.
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Is the striped tee sheer in any way? Do you need to wear a nude bra and/or a cami?
Thanks! Love your blog.
Yes, please!
Yes, please!!
I stumbled upon your blog & I absolutely love it!!
Blonde in Cashmere
So glad to see a blogger touting Talbots! I think they are a much over-looked store in the world of fashion blogs and they have such classic beautiful styles,,,,,kudos to you for high-lighting them. xo
Love this look! So classy chic!
xoxo Lynda
http://fashion-petite.com/
I love your style! Greetings from Germany.
Sabine
Love <3 I've never shopped at Talbots, but their pencil skirt is lovely!
http://www.deasynoel.com
I've been in need of a new pencil skirt! I've never given Talbots a chance, but I'll definitely check it out now. I have a question though. How do you wear sweaters with pencil skirts without having the sweater bunch up underneath the skirt? I've been getting tired of wearing cardigans in my cold office haha so this would greatly help!
How To Be More Like Lauren
That scarf looks really comfy!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
I had bought that sweater last week and it just came in the mail today. 🙂 I have the black and it is a great basic. I have several Talbot's sweaters and skirts and love their quality.
I really like Talbots as well. Their pencil skirts (me wearing one here) are a lot better than Ann Taylor or Loft, etc. They are well made and the lengths are always perfect. Some of the their flats that came out recently are really elegant as well!
Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – Black and White for the Fall
Hi! I've been following your blog for a while and am currently looking for a pair of silver metallic pumps (with a strap). I remember that you had posted about one a while ago, but I have been having trouble finding the exact post. I've scrolled through countless pages looking for it, but haven't been able to find it. Do you by any chance remember which one I'm talking about?
I love Talbots quality, but as I am almost your exact proportions, I don't shop there because their petites are much too large. I hope they start to realize that there is a demographic of very petite petites who would eagerly gobble up their quality merchandise if only it fit well off the rack.
I fell in love with your scarf… it's just stunning!
Ann | http://annrobiefashion.com/
Love the scarf! What a pretty & cozy look. <3
MISS LUCIA | Fashion & Lifestyle
love this look – where is your button up from?
Super cute scarf!
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
I love the booties you're wearing here. Can you post the maker/style?