This is a quick and easy casual pairing that I’ve been able to re-style a few times simply by changing up the denim color! Aside from grey and basic blue denim, I love how the beige tones here look with white jeans for a soft winter white pairing (Topshop jamie jeans are a pretty good white high-rise option that run small). The booties here are the star though and currently on sale, so definitely check them out if you’re looking for a versatile option!
Vince Camuto ankle boots in “tortilla” on sale!(sizes 4 – 12; also in black or snake)
I’m late to these booties from last summer, since I always had it in my mind they’d be too “western.” I finally tried them on and now get what the hundreds of happy reviews are about! The cut is elongating on a petite frame, and the side cutout eliminates potential rubbing at the ankles (an area I typically struggle with comfort-wise). Visually, these also make the ankles look very sleek and slim from the front. The “tortilla” color is a beautiful neutral, and these were comfortable for me off the bat.
Perks of finding these booties at Nordstrom include a big range of sizing (4 – 12) and everyday free shipping and returns. I’m usually between sizes 5 and 5.5, and a 5.5 fit perfectly so maybe try the size up if you are usually between sizes. For socks, I have some v-dip socks from H&M that work in these boots, or you could try Hue ultra low cut liners.
BlankNYC suede jacket in “coffee bean”
I’ve had this jacket for years and it’s still one of my staple layering pieces in great condition! I had the sleeves shortened, which is a pretty standard alteration for most good tailors even with the sleeve zippers. There’s a more recent version without a belt (in the exact same color as mine), which I might’ve preferred for a more clean-cut look. Select colors of the no belt version are 50% off!
Petite-friendly sweaters under $60
Lulus balloon sleeve sweater (synthetic blend)
Nordstrom started carrying some Lulus product last year, and I’ve had a couple of one-off finds. Even though this only comes in S, M, L, the small is a more shrunken, cropped fit that fits me like an XS petite. When uncuffed, the sleeves are full length on me (not too long). The balloon sleeves have good puff and volume to them (which I personally wanted) but still fit under normal jacket sleeves. Material is a soft ribbed medium weight.
Madewell turtleneck sweater (wool blend; on sale!)
Great staple sweater by Madewell available in 6 colors and stocked in all sizes! True to the reviews, this is a soft and warm knit that’s medium to thicker in weight. The xxs is a good fit on me and hits right by my hips with a slightly split style hem.
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
Hi jean! Love your content. Do you have issues with pilling with this sweater or is it just me? Any recs?
Hi Jean! How did you hem the sleeves on the suede jacket if there’s zippers on the end? That’s always been my problem with these Moto jackets!
I didn’t do it myself, but my tailor (and pretty much every tailor I’ve asked about it) does not see zippers as a problem! They’re pretty used to it. Also if you have a Nordstrom they will hem jacket sleeves and their tailors are experienced with zippers on the sleeves.
I bought these boots and love them! Any tips on how to wear them to work?
So glad you are happy with them! I’m not sure what kind of office environment you’re in but if it’s more casual you could try them with black ankle pants and a knit blazer, or a sweater dress. I’m not sure if booties are okay at more professional or corporate offices these days.
Ankle boots are a must!
Mireia from TGL
In love with those! They are so cute!
xx
Eli
In love with these boots <3 🙂 They're super cute! And those balloon sleeves are adorable too!
XO, Elizabeth T.
You’ve worn a number of different moto jackets over the years – since you mentioned the belt in this post it got me thinking — would you consider doing a post regarding what you look for in the jacket (pros and cons of belts, placement of zippers, different materials (suede, faux leather, leather), colors, how used in different outfits, etc.)? I trust your taste and love your style!
Thank you! I will keep that in mind. For a very first moto jacket I think black leather or faux leather is always the most versatile, but whether or not you want a belt and a lot of hardware/zippers is totally personal style. As my style is simplifying I’m looking for less bells and whistles, also a belt typically adds a little extra weight and noise (clanking) to the jacket.
For the boots, I’m afraid that the V cut will make the ankle opening too wide that my feet will slip out. I have very thin ankles so all of the booties I have are all pretty loose on me. Any thoughts on that?
I’m hoping someone with very narrow ankles who has tried these boots can comment on that! For me, I didn’t find the V cut to have any impact on whether the boots slip off or not. I feel like that’s more determined by how the foot of the boot fits.
Hey Jean, for the Vince Camuto ankle boots , how comfortable do you find the pair of shoes to walk in?
They required no breaking in for me, and I think they’re comfortable for the height. However they do have a 3.5″ heel so keep that in mind. For longer wear / walking I usually stick to low shoes like 2″ or under.
The boots look so pretty! And I love the sweater as well, the balloon style sleeves look so cool.
Love this outfit! Ordered the boots and I can’t wait!
Thanks, Vicki! Hope you love them.