Cozy layering + Talbots Friends & Family sale

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.