I’ve been shopping J.Crew Factory left and right this year, so happily agreed when they asked me to share a festive outfit. They have textures and colors galore this season (plaids, metallics, sequins, knits, oh my) for mixing and matching, and their prices have been really good for the quality in my opinion. I hope you guys were able to shop my suggestions early, because sizes -at least for petite items- have been getting snapped up! I have seen a few size pop-backs like with this sequin skirt, so it doesn’t hurt to check back if you really like something. This is an outfit I’d wear to a business holiday gathering – if you don’t feel comfortable in a sparkly sequin skirt at work during the day, just pack it and change before the festivities. I’ve shared a few other ideas below that are a little more casual!
I’ve been wearing this flannel popover so much, ranging from super casual over leggings at home to tucked into full flared party skirts. To jazz it up a little here, I added a grosgrain ribbon which I borrowed off the waist of one of my dresses : ) So since I’m sure someone here will exclaim, aren’t your legs cold?? here are some tights combos I tried on with this look:
In the winter if I want to wear an outfit that looks better sans-tights, I have no problem putting on a pair for the commute, then quickly slipping them on/off in the bathroom of my destination (which is usually pretty toasty) and storing in my purse. That’s the only way I’ve survived the long and dreary winters here as a dress/skirt lover! If I were to do tights with this pairing, I’d go with basic black or dark gray pictured above, and shoes in the same color family.
These photos were snapped outside an adorable cooking/kitchen shop in my neighborhood called Farm & Fable. Nick and I are avid Top Chef followers so I was giddy to meet Kristen Kish there last night! It’s sure been a good year for me running into my cooking idols…Ina Garten, any trips planned for Boston? : )
Here’s a few other items I got to try on from J.Crew Factory which I’ve mentioned in past posts. I already have these key pieces in my wardrobe from over the years, but wanted to share for those who don’t. I’d soundly recommend the items below for fit as well as value!
I never limit myself to just browsing the petite section, since there’s often regular-sizing gems that are designed to be shrunken or cropped in fit (which translate into a normal fit on petites). Such is the case with this “cropped” cable sweater which comes in 3 colors. I’m trying on the heather natural and it also comes in a lighter classic cream. I did want to point out the cable pattern doesn’t go around to the backside. The fit of an xxs regular on me is very good, hitting right at my upper hips and the sleeves just need a cuff. This wool-blend skirt is also a regular sizing item that comes in more versatile colors like solid camel, black, and a really pretty textured flecked gray. The elasticized waist measures 12″ across when un-stretched, and it’s fully lined with side pockets.
Right: J.Crew Factory skirt sz 00 regular, rain boots (my review)
If your office is too casual for glitz and sequins, maybe try slim pants in a festive color with a cozy sweater. I didn’t have the right shoes to go with the pants while on the road, but you can get the idea! These Winnie pants were a pleasant surprise, fitting and feeling similar to the popular BR Sloans. There are some differences listed below that will keep me a continued fan of the Sloans, but I think the Winnies are a great alternative at a lower price point. The 00p I tried measured 14″ across the waist, 16″ across the hips, 23.5″ inseam, and 5.25″ across the ankle opening. A few differences between the Winnies (features listed first below) and the Sloans:
– Side zip vs. front closure. The front closure takes more time and components to construct.
– Faux back pockets vs. real ones + small coin pocket in the front
– 23.5″ inseam with no slit vs. 24″ inseam (after I shrunk them in the dryer) with ankle slit
– 95% cotton, 5% elastane vs. 56% viscos, 39% cotton, 5% spandex. The latter material feels thicker when compared side by side and the waistband lining also feels sturdier. Both are tagged as dry clean only, but I take the risk and machine wash my Sloans. If anyone has experience washing the Winnie pants at home, please share. I hope they’ll re-stock the sizes on these and add more colors!
Thank you to J.Crew Factory for partnering on this post!
Love the look! Can you tell me what style the Burberry Trench is? Thanks!!
i love that combination of that relaxed shirt and the glittering skirt. Just amazing, not too much glitter. thighs are a must – have – piece here in Finland. I do that too: I take off the extra stocking at school before I go to class. And when it is cold, it's no use taking them away when they suit for my legs and my dress/skirt. Let's glitter, Jean 🙂 Best wishes – Anu.
"I can think of nothing more unprofessional" than taking tights off in the bathroom sounds a little extreme. I see more unprofessional activities within 10 minutes of observing my colleagues around my office.
I think what this reader must be getting at is many women don't wear underwear under tights, so removing them at work would be like dropping your panties at a frat party.
I get most of my thinner tights from Talbots, but for freezing weather I've heard great things about Plush fleece lined tights!
Hi there ~ agreed that it's a good idea to rebrand as my post content shifts. However, in the office environments I've personally worked in, I don't think putting a cold weather garment on/off in the privacy of a bathroom stall would be considered unprofessional. I learned it from a partner who did it regularly just like with her weather boots. Most women I know who work in a city also change from flats into heels both on a daily basis and at parties, for little more than the sake of an outfit. Not to mention, building temperatures are usually regulated year-round, so garments needed to suit the weather conditions outside can sometimes be uncomfortable indoors.
Nevertheless, what I do could very well be not acceptable to others and in other environments. Therefore I always encourage readers to make judgement calls based on their own settings and situations. For anyone in need of advice on that front, I'm sure the ladies at Corporette would be happy to help!
I think that particular color just sold out yesterday : (
Thanks for sharing your tip on the wool pleated shift dress!
I just love the sequins skirt, the perfect outfit, you look gorgeous.
http://artadorned.com/
Hi there, quick question for you: what are your go-to brands for tights for cold weather? I'm moving to the east coast this winter and will be working in an office, and I'm a little lost as to how to dress business casual in freezing weather (I'm from California!!). Thanks so much!
Very helpful tips. I've never considered cropped regular items for my petite frame..makes sense! Also never considered J. Factory until following you. You're the best!
I hesitated posting this comment because I am a long-time follower of your blog and I understand that its focus and your style have changed since its inception; however, I felt compelled to say something since you are often touted as a resource for professional women, and particularly since this post is aimed at holiday office parties.
I can think of nothing more unprofessional than wearing tights to an office party or outing and taking them off in the bathroom for the sake of the "look" of an outfit. The whole concept is reminiscent of what a college girl would do at a fraternity formal, and I would personally die of humiliation if a client or senior partner caught me doing that in the women's restroom. Dressing professionally means dressing in a responsible manner that takes the real world (and weather) into account.
I have always enjoyed your blog, above other style blogs, because it provided thoughtful and fashionable approaches to women's workwear. I have noticed that you have taken some steps away from that, and that is understandable, but I think that you might want to adjust the way you brand your blog accordingly, i.e. perhaps this post should have been focused on holiday parties in general, and not work parties.
This flannel-sequined combo is perfect! Not an obvious pairing but it looks SOOO good together. Thank you for the inspiration!
I love your blog the most out of all the petite blogs. You really are inspiring me to dress better. Thank you for this blog. I just only wish you can post more!! Thanks also for the hair tutorial. I've been wanting to see that. Happy Holidays!
Love your outfit! Perfect for office party!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
pretty outfits !
http://chicglamstyle.com
I love the sequins skirt with the plaid it's such a perfect match!!
http://xoxobella.com
I love your skirt, such a pretty and festive look!
http://www.mintnotion.com
Love the combo!!!! Very unique and fun!!
Xo Laurie
http://Www.northofchic.com
Very red, festive and sparkly! Perfect outfit for the holidays 🙂
http://www.piecesofmei.com
I love this look for a holiday or family holiday get together! That necktie bow really pulls it all together!
Lifestyle by Joules
I love that outfit! I can't seem to find your plaid shirt on the JCrew Factory website? 🙁
So obsessed with that sequin skirt!!
xo, Nina
Law of Fashion Blog
Love the green heels, they're such an easy way to make an outfit festive if you don't wanna go out all with the sequins!
a small bit | bloglovin | twitter
I've absolutely loved so much J Crew Factory has to offer this season. I just got my flannel popover in the mail (same pattern as yours) and I LOVE it. The petite sizing for it is wonderful. And I'm glad to see how the sequin skirt fits. I had my eye on it but passed on it because I wasn't sure how it'd fit (sequins don't offer a lot of stretch) and I don't know how often I'll wear it. But it looks great on you! Also, I don't know if you tried the wool pleated shift dress (https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/dresses/casualdresses/PRDOVR~02667/02667.jsp?color_name=dark-poppy), but it's worth noting that it might not fit right on petite ladies with a longer torso. I'm 5'2" but have a longer torso, so the waist detail sat really high on me in P0 and made me look squat. Re-ordered in a regular size 00, so we'll see how that goes! I'm hoping the torso fits me better because it's such a classic-looking dress; I want to pair it with a button up shirt underneath!
-Celeste
corkingaround.blogspot.com
Love the outfit. Perfect for the holidays
xoxo
http://www.poshnessary.com
This is great idea! Always feeling so inspired by your posts! <3
Shall We Sasa