I’m always a fan of a good foundation outfit that can be styled differently using layers and accessories. A cream sweater and a pair of straight jeans are high on my winter capsule list, and the possibilities are endless from flats to heels to sneakers. I wanted to share 3 simple outfit ideas here, all of which feature flat shoes since many of you’ve mentioned that you’re rarely wearing heels these days. You can see these looks in motion in my Instagram Reel video.
These Topshop jeans were my first foray into the straight jeans world years ago and remain a classic. The rise is a little lower than my A&F pairs and the legs a tad wider cut. I’m wearing the 25 x 30 length without any adjustments, but since they have a raw hem to begin with, they can easily be cut shorter at home to your desired length. Check out my post on how to cut jeans and prevent fraying.
1. With Flats – Loafer, Pointy, Ballet
A good neutral flat is certainly a wardrobe staple, and as a more comfortable alternative to pointy toe, I’d highly recommend these loafers or check out these ballet flats that are a very close Chanel look-for-less. And for a great pair of neutral heels, these Sam Edelman pumps are a solid closet staple.
2. With Lug Sole Chelsea Boots
As a chunkier, no-laces alternative to my trusty SE combat boots, I picked up their Laguna Chelsea boot after seeing so many good reviews around IG. These have an on-trend silhouette with a squared off toe and lug sole, and tons of color options. I wanted a lighter neutral boot to pair with my winter whites and creams. For your initial few wears, I recommend wearing taller socks to avoid the boot shaft rubbing against your leg. A friend shared that she recently wore these for a European vacation for miles of walking in snowy weather!
3. With Converse sneakers
It took a few decades, but the local sneaker brand has finally piqued my interest and I have been loving both my off white and black pairs! They especially work well with straight leg jeans as a sneaker option that has ankle coverage. I went with the Converse Lift All Star style – the platform adds some comfort and height, but isn’t so tall that I’d feel like I’d roll my ankle. Fit wise, these ran a little big so size down if between half sizes, and Converse tend to run narrow at the toe box. Many of you also recommended the leather platforms as a chic alternative to canvas.
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
Do you have a preference for the petite vs mini Naghedi bag? I can only afford one and I have seen both in your posts. Just wanting to see if you find one more useful than the other. Thank you!
Hi Desiree, I received the petite bag as a gift for my daughter and would definitely recommend the mini size rather than the petite!
Hi Jean!
Thank you for sharing all your tips with us. I love your look with the cream boot, especially the cream coat, could you please share where you got it? Thank you:)
Thank you, Fatou! That’s our Edited Pieces coat which sadly wasn’t available this year. We hope to bring it back in the future though!
Hi Jean! I love your combo of coat, boots, and bag. I’ve been thinking about getting a pair of cream colored Chelsea boots since they are so trendy right now but am worried about them getting marked up the first time I wear them. Do you have any tips on maintaining them? I’ve read nail polish remover works well on some soles.
Hi Susan! I have never tried nail polish remover on leather! I do think leather in general is easier to keep clean (esp compared to suede), and oftentimes just wipes off with a very slightly damp cloth.
I looove the look of those lug sole Chelsea boots! Alas, Sam Edelman doesn’t use Leather Working Group-certified leather, unlike one of my fave shoe brands, Nisolo. I’ve been following you for a couple years and hope that you incorporate more ethically-certified and less fast fashion pieces in your recommendations! Good On You (no affiliation) is a great brand directory that rates apparel brands based on their environmental, labor, and animal practices. <3
Why do you keep featuring clothes that are always sold out or last years.
Amazing!! Loved your style and the content!
I have learned so much following you & reading your informative & interesting ways to dress! Quality over quantity! I know it’s off but how to know when to switch purses? I use the same one over & over & just throw it in a tote if I need more room! Would you do a blog on how to organize a purse? A Tote? Thank you
Hi Dorothy, thank you so much for your note and for reading along! I also use mostly the same few bags over and over again, so keep my necessities in a pouch that can be moved around. Your method of putting the smaller one into a bigger tote is an even better idea!
I love your blog and style. May I ask your opinion and size on Alice + Olivia blazers? They are pricey and I’m considering whether they are worth while investment. Thank you!
Hi Elle, thank you! I haven’t tried their blazers so can’t speak to it, sorry! But I do have 2 blazer style dresses from A+O and love the quality. Their 0 is a good fit on me except the sleeves are a little long.
Hi, Jean!
I love this post – I prefer to keep my basic outfits simple and versatile like yours and then mix things up and add my personality with jackets, coats, and accessories. I live in Maine where we keep things pretty practical, classic, and casual so this was an especially helpful post for me.
Thank you Stacia, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a note and I’m so glad you found this helpful!
Great post as usual. Can you do a review of the brand Vivaia? Thanks.
Thank you Jody! I haven’t tried Vivaia before, but thank you for suggesting!