I’ve always loved crossover tops since they make super flattering staples that can be worn either tucked or untucked. And now I’m even a bigger fan thanks to the quick breastfeeding access they provide! I simply layer my favorite nursing camisole or nursing bra underneath for a functional outfit that doesn’t scream nursing fashion. Ann Taylor has two wrap tops right now that may look similar in pictures but are pretty different. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Crossover sweater (wearing above in “winter white”): Material is a lightweight sweater knit. Fit is a little looser with a lower crossover neckline that would require a camisole underneath for a conservative office. Full length sleeves hit slightly past my wrists in petite. Sweater is hip length with a wide banded bottom, and also looks cute partially tucked in into jeans.
- 3/4 sleeve wrap top (wearing below in “night sky”): Feels like a medium to thicker weight stretchy tee. Fit is close to the body and neckline comes up higher for more coverage. 3/4 length sleeves hit me above the wrists in petites. Top is hip length, with some ruching along one side (hidden by my skirt) which has a slight camouflaging effect at the tummy area.
As much as my pasty legs are yearning for sunshine, we have at least 2 more months of tights weather here in the Northeast. Black hosiery is a safe bet for professional wear, but to change things up, two colored tights alternatives I like experimenting with are dark navy and charcoal gray. I tried this outfit with both options and preferred the softer gray palette a little more – what do you guys think? I didn’t realize my navy shoes and top were an exact color match to the tights, so think that look would be better with a little contrast even if its varying shades of navy!
Hi! You have amazing style! I really Iike all these outfits, especially the coat! I just received the one I ordered from JCrew in ‘Vanilla’ but it looks darker than the one you are wearing in these pictures- it’s more of a dark beige and I was hoping for a bright ivory like yours. What color is yours ??
Oops sorry, I commented in the wrong spot. I see this is an old post but hope you can point me in the right direction to find the ivory coat you are wearing i this post! 🙂 thank you!
You look so beautiful! Can’t get enough of your style!
Regards
Alyssa | peachcouture.com
I used to buy tights in so many colors (red, green) and only wear the black ones because I couldn’t find an outfit to go with red tights that didn’t make me look like an elf. I like the grey tights on you as well!
I love colored tights! Thanks for reminding me to wear mine more often!
Jae
http://www.editedbyjae.com
Gray and navy are always good alternatives to black, especially when it comes to tights 🙂 I love how seamless and effortlessly chic they look!
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com
Jean, thank s for your photo & links to the Sam Edelman rubber booties. I quickly grabbed a pair this AM–and the white Ann Taylor crosssover sweater in xxs.
I think you will love them! I wrote in an older post that the Sam Edelman booties top opening can rub a bit at your lower leg if you don’t wear any tights or tall socks, so I recommend one of those as a protective barrier the first few times you wear them. They are seriously my go-to even when it’s not at all wet outside, so I hope you enjoy them as well!
These looks are great! I’ve been trying similar looks and have two questions.
1) How do these tights compare to the Loft ones I’ve seen you posted about before? Are the Nordstrom and Amazon ones a better quality or would you say they’re comparable?
2) When it comes to tights for fancier occasions when you might want a bare leg, do you have any sheer pantyhose recommendations that don’t look really dated? Or do you just steer clear of the sheer pantyhose look and try to stay warm without? 🙂
Thanks!
Hi J!
1) The Nordstrom ones are comparable to the LOFT ones in my opinion in both fit and quality. However I haven’t tried any LOFT ones in a navy color. I also LOVE Talbots tights and have them in navy, gray, brown, and black. I have not tried the Amazon ones personally, but linked those since the gray color looked similar and they are listed as thermal.
2) I’ve entertained the thought of sheer hose a few times but I do think they look dated no matter how you do it unfortunately. I’d only do it if you’re a lawyer wearing a skirt suit in a conservative courtroom. I’ll usually just brave the cold with bare legs!
I’ll be contrarian here and I say I actually really like the navy better! It’s a bit more dramatic and I get the whole perfect match thing (always something I try to do) but when looking at the photos, the navy gave a great impression. Both combos are winners!
So important to keep you warm!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
You look fantastic in both options.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Renahttp://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Oh I Love The grey tights with those cream tones! Looks very chic!
Xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/
Always a beautiful work office outfit style, love ♥️the cozy tight look!
🌸🍃ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🌸🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
This reminds me of my high school days, when we used to rock pink tights for fun, haha! I haven’t worn coloured tights in such a long time, even muted colours like grey or navy. They’re a fun way to switch up an outfit! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I love that skirt! Can you suggest something similar?
Hi Julie, I couldn’t find anything similar, sadly, but will share if I do! I found this one a few years ago by searching tile print / moroccan print.
You look great post baby! Would you ever think about doing a “What I eat in a day” type post? My “baby” is 4 and I’m still struggling with post baby weight…..would love to see how you’re doing it!
You’re too kind, Kitty! Don’t be hard on yourself … I know how impossible it is sometimes to find time for yourself with a little one. I’m still breastfeeding so I’m eating like a horse but know it will be a big challenge once we start weaning. I have documented what I eat in a day for a post, but reviewed it and honestly thought it was too boring! I’m trying to eat more nutritiously so will do a post like that after pulling together some more snack & meal ideas that I love.
Both outfits are gorgeous but I prefer the grey one as well, I like the contrast between the grey tights and the lighter top while the navy one both pieces are almost the same colour.
Hi Jean! I really love both looks! I wear skirts with tucked in sweaters and blouses a lot! Do you have any under garment tips(possibly spanx?) that can be worn under the skirt and tuck the top into giving a smooth silhouette? In winter I sometimes tuck it into my tights but in Spring/Summer that’s not an option. Thanks!
Hi Kathy, yes Spanx shorts would be the best option to held hold everything in place. Personally I haven’t found a specific style of Spanx that fit me perfectly yet. I recently bought a pair of Uniqlo smoothing shorts which fit comfortably, but note those have less “hold” / sucking in power than Spanx.
Oooh I love the gray and the navy stockings. Personally I do wear the navy tights already with my work dresses/skirts, but should consider adding the grey. You look elegant per usual. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Linna! xx
Thanks for the great tips! Do those H&M tanks have a shelf bra- or do you layer the nursing bra underneath?
Hi there ~ yes they do have a shelf bra. If you search for “nursing camisole” on H&M’s website instead of nursing tank, that alternative style has a little light padding inside as well. I don’t wear a separate bra underneath either option!
Thank you so much. I have learned so many helpful tips about how to wear petite how to put an outfit together and where to buy them. Well done
Thank you for the kind feedback, Margaret! I’m thrilled to hear that. xx
What size are your bow pumps
They are size 5 to 5.5 (I believe gray is 5 but navy is 5.5). If a style runs narrower in the toes I’ll go up half a size!