Tweed skirt (with coordinating jacket)
H&M is currently having free ship on all orders, so I wanted to share a few picks! I own many favorite petite-friendly pieces from there that have lasted the test of time, both in terms of quality and style. So although the brand may be fast fashion in nature, by shopping selectively you can find pieces that can be worn for years and years. Their skirt selection is a go-to for me since sizing runs small at the waist and doesn’t require alterations.
The Chanel-inspired tweed skirts in this post are both listed under the same link, and I’ve been eying the chic coordinating tweed jacket! These skirts are nice quality with a medium weight textured fabric, full lining, and back zipper. I sized up to a US 2 which fits smaller than a 00 petite in most American brands, so consider sizing up especially if you want a little more length to wear these skirts in an office setting.
Measurements: Size US 2 is 12.5″ across the waist, 16.5″ across the hips, and 17.75″ in length. Fabric does not stretch.
Other items to check out while browsing H&M:
- Pleated skirts – elastic waist is super comfy for all day wear and I basically lived in these while pregnant and postpartum. H&M has a chiffon version I’m interested in that is more airy and lightweight, compared to this one that I own (see it on me) which is more opaque and less flowy. Loving the mint and light green colors for spring!
- An extensive maternity & nursing section including great nursing tanks I wore on heavy rotation!
- Baby & kids clothes! This is actually why I was placing an order in the first place. Nori is outgrowing her H&M cotton cardigans so I got bigger sizes in this dotted lightweight cardigan, this thicker cotton cardigan, and these cute basic bodysuits. H&M toddler runs a little big so she’s 18 months and fits size 12-18m.
So many of my everyday outfits involve a plain black turtleneck as a starting point – I wear mine with everything from jeans and pants to skirts and suiting, and sometimes layered under sleeveless sheath dresses. Lately I love a black turtleneck simply tucked into a tweed skirt, with either a long cardigan or blazer to make it business casual. I found two affordable, good quality tweed skirts I love with a little Chanel-inspired flair, and better yet they fit perfectly without alterations! If you’re still in the midst of dreary winter weather, add a pair of fleece lined tights (I have sz S and wear ’em on heavy rotation).
mock neck bodysuit (4 colors)
Madewell makes a great lightweight “whisper cotton” black turtleneck (also at shopbop), but I’ve also been on the hunt for a bodysuit version that will stay tucked in all day with minimal bulge around the hips. I’m admittedly a fuller coverage undies kinda gal, so was happy to find this Everlane bodysuit that isn’t a thong bottom (although there certainly are seamless perks to thong bodysuits). It’s a fitted piece so I sized up to XS for comfort, and as a result the torso length is not snug on me like my usual size could be, but it’s also not noticeably long. The mock neck is flattering, the fabric is great quality with a good thickness and weight to it, and thankfully the “luster” doesn’t actually have much of a sheen. And just in case it’s not clear, bodysuits have a snap button bottom for going to the bathroom!
Here’s a couple of my recent posts on other Everlane pieces if you’re looking to tally up 2 items for free shipping!
Jean thanks so much for the restock alert on the white skirt! I bought the blazer a few months back but the skirt was not available in my size.
Hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe.
Cheers from Montreal, Canada 🇨🇦
I love this tweed skirt and black turtle neck combo! It’s such a chic and classic look. Glad to see you’re looking well, Jean.
These look amazing. I live in Boston too. But can you go outside wearing skirt and those shoes? Do you have blog posts for winter fashion?
I wear these with fleece lined tights, as mentioned in the first paragraph! Just wanted to show how they look bare legged. For winter fashion, go to the navigation bar at the top and select outfits by season > Winter
The looks are amazing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
You’re too cute!!!!!!
How about some environment responsibility and telling people to REDUCE, recycle and reuse? Asian community is a big consumer and your voice will matter. Also, not buying from H&M would be good too.
Yes, I echo this comment! Would love some pieces from sustainable companies, particularly ones that consider wages for their workers/factory employees.
Do you have any tips for identifying which H&M pieces are likely to stand the test of time?
Thanks for trying the bodysuit! I was looking at those on Everlane but was worried they wouldn’t fit well for petites.
I’ve mostly stayed away from the Divided department now (although never say never) since it’s the less expensive juniors line and is usually lower quality. Otherwise it’s mostly just trial and error to see if the material feels pilling prone, and like any item garment care is key (I usually washing unless something is actually dirty and avoid the machine dryer when possible). To be honest the majority of my H&M items have all lasted well.
These outfits are too cute! Love the Chanel inspiration!
Mireia from TGL
Logistical question: how do you handle the bathroom? Do you have to take the whole bodysuit down?
Bodysuits have snaps on the bottom! You just unsnap to go to the restroom.
Great looks! Can you do a post for styling pleated skirts with tops for work with suggestions for pregnancy? I’m going to pick up a few but coming up flat on how to style it with a baby bump.
Any stretchy (modal, ribbed cotton, elastane blend) top tucked in works! If you search under the maternity style tab I have some older looks.
I remember in the 90s when almost all bodysuits were full bottomed and no thongs lol.
I love this comment! And the Chanel vibes!