Blank NYC jacket xs, Abercrombie vest xs, Goyard bag, Sam Edelman boots (very similar)
I often mention outfit “formulas” on here, since having a few go-to ones will make getting dressed quicker and easier! I’m editing a new YouTube video on layering, and one of my favorite formulas discussed there is a cropped jacket over a longer top, plus one additional topper piece if it’s very cold out. For this outfit I started out with a longer tunic sweater as the base. I added warmth and texture by layering on a cropped moto jacket, plus a faux fur vest for going outdoors. The rule of thumb here is simply just to mix up the lengths – since the vest is longer, you can also tuck in the sweater to make it appear shorter in juxtaposition.
Speaking of this vest, I’ve been happy to hear so much great feedback from you guys about it! It’s an unexpectedly luxe find from typically preppy Abercrombie, which I don’t shop at very often. I couldn’t bring myself to when their crass CEO was in office, but now that he’s been ousted for a while and the topless models have been replaced with more sensibly-clothed (and diverse) ones, I’ve been giving their items another look. There’s definitely some interesting pieces like this navy lace dress or this cute, simple shirt dress which both come in petites.
I borrowed this high-low hem sweater from a friend, and saw that it’s still available and very reasonably priced right now! One thing to note is the mock neck opening doesn’t have a lot of stretch, so if you have a larger head like myself, you’ll have to be careful not to mess up your hair getting it on/off over your head. I definitely wouldn’t go so far as one reviewer to say it was painful to take off (unless you have a very wide head) – just a little snug. The fit is plenty wide around your neck, so no choking feeling like with some turtlenecks. An XS is a good fit on petites overall, and the knit material has a chenille-like feel to it.
Hi Alex! I didn't do anything to these but I've used the Cadillac brand suede & leather spray (if you search on my blog I've shown it a few times and in a video too) for several other shoes and handbags. I was too eager to wear these, and you have to spray your products before wearing otherwise it might seal in dirt.
Yes it is
Barbara – I don't doubt that you may be right, but I have to admit I'm rather fond of the fad these past years : )
Hi Sara – thank you for the wonderful suggestion! Unfortunately I don't think I'll be going on any longer trips in this current weather, but I would definitely bring a vest for layering and then a trench-style jacket for wearing over everything, from casual denim outfits to dressier dinner looks. A neutral scarf would also be on my list for unexpected chillier days. And instead of lighter tops and tees, I love a good classic striped sweater, which elevates even basic outfits a la the Parisians. Hope you have an amazing time on your trip!
Hi Cathy,
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I'm so happy to hear you had a good experience! Would you mind sharing the brand / style of the jacket with us? I would love to check it out too!
Sorry for the late reply! It's the PM size (the GM is very large, fyi!). I use mine to shlep a lot of stuff, including laptop, and it hasn't shown signs of wear yet. But note it's a very thin and lightweight bag. I'd suggest checking it out in-person at the Barneys in Copley mall!
Oh wow … I haven't worn mine very often with white underneath but in general I haven't noticed it staying any of my lighter tops. I'm sorry to hear that!
Yay, I'm SO happy to hear that! Might be one of my favorite boot styles ever : )
Hi Jean! I bought these boots after reading this post and am wondering if you do anything specific to keep them clean? would love any tips before I put a lot of wear into them. Thank you!!!
I second this!
Great look with my faves colors!
is that the goyard st louis tote?
I love the moto jacket! You styled these looks wonderfully!
Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture
Love you, Jean, and this is nothing against you because you are just following the fashion of the day. But I will be glad when the torn/distressed jeans fad is over. I think that most will look back at this fad and say, "What were we thinking!"
I love both of these outfits and I love how you have styled the layering to not only be warm, but stylish too! That vest looks so good layered over that jacket and jersey!
Sarah Lilly | The Lilly Mint Blog
Jean. Love this outfit. Would be great for your packing method using staple items that can be repeated. Would love you to do another post for packing 10 days worth of outfits but for colder winter/early spring days! My hubby and I are taking a trip to Europe in early April and could use your help 🙂
Great vest! You are adorable!
http://www.giltedgeblog.com
I love how you added the vest over the jacket (I have the same one!)! So cute!!
xx,
josephine
http://www.josephineellen.com
I'd say this formula is pretty perfect! Gorgeous.
Katie | Willow and White
I like the idea of go-to "formulas" like this one. That's a great jacket, btw!
Style by Joules
I love the layering of fur and leather!
http://ariadibari.com
Jean, you look amazing as always! I do. Love that fur vest over the top.
And just to update you, I received my first Trunk Club box today and I was so so pleased! My stylist Monica did an incredible job with the fit and though not everything was perfect, I was so impressed! I found a leather jacket that I'm keeping because it's literally to die for (and slightly over a budget I'd normally allot for something like that, but it's going to be a staple piece for sure!). Anyway, I wanted to thank you because I never would have known about it without you (like so many other great fashion and style gems!).
Hi Jean! I love your style! I'm wondering if you are carrying the Saint Louis PM or GM? Is it sturdy enough to carry my laptop (13 inch MacBook Air) and paperwork back and forth? I'm trying to carry less in general, but usually have my laptop with me. Thank you in advance! Cindy
I am more on the opposite. I love to pair long coat or duster over short top hahh
xx Margaret
http://www.maleemaleehong.com
Love this!! You look great.
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Love the outfit minus the vest. I don't think it suits your classic chic style.
Love the look! I look forward to the video. 🙂
Cute sweater and jeans! Just plain cute all around! I love your style!
https://officiallychic.com/
As always, you nailed the outfit. I love all the different layers and textures and it's perfect, since it's getting warmer in Boston this week 🙂
jennnngo | twitter | latest post
Love the colours! Nice combination, and I've got the same bag haha <3
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You're my layering guru. I can't wait to see the video. =)
Super cute outfit!! I'm a sucker for lots of black and grey that look classy.
-Kirsten // pork & cookies
Love it!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Love this look 🙂
Rachael xx.
theteacozykitchen.blogspot.co.uk
I love the biker jacket! It is nice how you styled it with the fur vest to keep yourself warm 🙂
Check out my cheerful spring outfit with selfmade cape (link) or read my article about "beauty" pills (link)
Love that faux fur vest!
http://www.ofsilkandsatin.com
You look gorgeous, great post! X
Love, http://herrendezvous.com/
I haven't walked into Abercrombie in a while either, but I'm sure I would be surprised by their latest style…just like when I last walked into American Eagle and came out with a bunch of spring summer essentials, including my all-time favorite denim shirt!
Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – The Perfect Spring Loafer (40% off at Nordstrom!)
I love this fur vest!! Its one of my faves 🙂
XO Janina
http://janinafran.blogspot.ca
I love this outfit, especially that vest. I felt the same way about Abercrombie, and was totally not down with their awful former CEO and lack of diversity in their ads, but am glad they've been making some amazing changes to their advertising and designs.
-Helen
Sweet Helen Grace
Hey Jean,
Quick question, does your black BlankNYC jacket ever stain the shirt you wear under? Mine stains my white t-shirts in the underarm area so I was wondering if it ever happens to anyone else. Thanks!
I love that you didn't support Abercrombie for that reason!
Such a cute look … love the hat! 🙂
❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Both of these looks are so cute! At first I thought you had on the same thing underneath the vest and jacket and then double looked and realized – nope totally different! You created such unique looks but totally giving the same vibes in each one – I'm so impressed and in love with BOTH!!!
xo, jess
alljessedup.com
I love the black fur vest! It looks so good with the whole outfit.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Hi Jean, I love this layering look and how you stayed in the gray/black neutral color scheme! I also like a shorter jacket over a longer time; my current favorite is a tweed jacket that elevates any top!
~Jessica
These are beautiful pics! I like your tip about layering different length pieces to create not only warmth but interest. I also like how the different textures add to the monochromatic outfit. Side note, I LOVE my Sam Edelman boots …Thanks again for recommending them!
I love the black fur vest it is so cute!!
Xo, Kelsey | petiteinherpearls.blogspot.com