Monday Musings: What I Wore And Why
My latest Monday posts have been what I wore and why I put things together the way I do. Many readers seem to enjoy them. I’m enjoying them because they allow me to muse in more depth about my style, which has always been of interest to me. The selfies also allow me to see if my outfits are falling flat or looking the way I want them to.
Here are a few outfits I wore last week and why I put them together the way I did.
Jeans and Sneakers
I was heading out for a dressing room try on and then home to work. I started with my J Crew Factory chambray shirt which I’ve had for years. It’s a nice medium weight and not oversized so it’s easy to tuck into my straight leg Pistola Jeans. These are labeled cropped but are ankle length on me. I now have two pair of this style in different washes. I left my original pair at the apartment in Vancouver. After a month I felt like that left a huge hole in my wardrobe, so I replaced them here in California in a slightly darker wash.
Because the shirt is tucked, I added a simple black belt. I topped this with my Frank & Eileen white Sweatshirt Peacoat and created a color sandwich with my Paul Green white sneakers (similar). I accessorized with a silver link necklace (similar), these favorite new earrings, and my Heaven Mayhem brooch. Errands always require a tote bag for me and this simple zippered Cuyana tote is the perfect size.
Ponte Pants & Art to Wear
I had several appointments on this day and wanted to feel comfy but look interesting. I’ve been experimenting new terms to describe my outfits lately. Because I’m reevaluating my style for 2025, I find the right words often make things crystal clear.
While going through my wardrobe for my semi-annual closet clean-up, I unearthed this fabulous Kantha vest (similar). Artful Home sent this to me many years ago and I’ve only worn it a handful of times. It feels like art to wear and is a one-of-a-kind piece that’s cozy, and in easy to wear neutrals. So, why have I only worn it a handful of times? I’d been saving it for special occasions that seldom seemed to come. What a waste! I promised myself I would no longer do that so it’s now hanging front and center in my wardrobe where I can see it. Hopefully it will get a lot more wear now.
Yes, this vest is very expensive but I wore it over a Loft mock neck top that’s under $35, and a pair of J. Jill gray ponte pants (similar) that I’ve had for many winters. Because the vest makes it’s own amazing statement, I dialed back accessories to simple silver earrings and tonal gray booties that would blend in.
- A note about my Totême bag: I adore its shape, size, and versatility, so I carry it a lot. I treated myself to it for my birthday last summer. I recognize that it’s not in everyone’s budget, so I was happy and sad to find a ringer for the larger version here. Bags inspired by expensive designer bags have always been popular, but the current versions are amazingly close.
Denim & Stripes
I knew I’d be on my feet a lot on this day, so I chose my comfy, supportive Easy Spirit boots, which have a lug sole for extra cushioning. Mine are navy from last year, and black is here. I wore my Kut From The Kloth flare jeans because the leg bottom is wide enough to cover the top of the boots. Jeans tucked into boots are not a popular look these days, so I never wear them that way.
I added my Sezanne striped Marinère top, which is navy and ecru. Since I did not tuck my top, I skipped a belt. I did want to add some polish to this very casual look, so I topped it with my EF ponte knit blazer (in black here). And then, because lapels are a perfect location for brooches, I pinned on my new silver-tone one by Heaven Mayhem. Its smooth shape is unfussy and works well with this casual look. I added the Lizzie Fortunato Resin earrings I got for Christmas because I love everything about them and I’m always looking for ways to wear them. They come in many colors; I have silver & frost.
I like the juxtaposition of the rugged boots with the polish of a semi-structured blazer. The stripes add a classic element, and the jewelry has a contemporary feel. This outfit strikes a balance between comfy, casual, and tidy, which worked perfectly for my day.
Beige and Aqua
By the weekend,, it had cooled off again so I brought out my beige wool coat (similar). Last week, I’d spotted these Athleta Endless pants in the most gorgeous soft gray/blue/green and knew they’d be great going forward into spring. I’ve traveled with this style and know the fabric packs like a dream. I paired them with an aqua V-neck cashmere sweater and a scarf that pulled the two colors together. I wore my EF taupe booties which are now on sale, my Cuyana tote, and pinned on an old J. Jill brooch from my wardrobe archives.
I highly recommend taking daily selfies of your outfits. They allow you to have a more objective view of your outfit, so you can see what’s working and what’s not making you look the way you want or intend.
This year, I want to be more intentional with my outfits and lean further from traditional. I’ve always liked classic pieces for their longevity, but now I need them to have a touch of something unique or style them in an unconventional way. Wearing an entire outfit of clasic pieces can end up looking old fashioned and dated which is not the look I’m going for. Fashion should do more than just clothe our body. It should also inject some pleasure and if possible, feel uplifting.
Have you reexamined the style words you use to define how you want your outfits to look lately?
You can find kantha vests on Etsy, also. I love the jackets, also.
I love the aqua and beige. I am so tired of all neutral palettes. And the Artful home vest. Definitely interesting but in a refined way.
Jennifer, I love the “What I Wore” segments! It’s very helpful to see how you weave what you do and love into your daily life. Explaining why you put pieces together is so helpful and inspiring when I go to my closet to “play” with my clothes.
Love the vest!!! Maybe because you’ve lost weight, but I think the Frank & Eileen peacoat looks too big on you. I’d wear the rest of the outfits and am going to scour my closet — although we are in deep winter in NE today. The one thing I came away missing is a little color. This is the time we New Englanders buy tulips or hyacinth to compete with the snow outside.
Enjoying your new look and styling…I’m looking in my closet and dresser and am finding many similar styles, but I just can’t quite achieve the look that you put together so effortlessly…not sure where my hangup is, will keep reading for inspiration.Also it could be I’ve put on some unwanted weight since Thanksgiving….and not feeling so good about myself…….have a great Monday
Keep experimenting with what you have. You’ll hit on something that’s amazing. Weight isn’t a factor so don’t let it effect you.
The most interesting item is the Vest! I love it on you. I hope you try to incorporate more stylish items like this.
Great outfits and all looked very comfortable too! Always like what you put together!
Years ago you introduced me to Artful Home. I have been buying from them ever since then. Love the vest! Also, I have been in the basics rut and am consciously working to move forward staying current.
It is all too easy to get into a basics rut! Pull out your accessories and let them spice things up.
The second outfit is a standout. Your vest is gorgeous and should be worn. You look very elegant. Now, that is quite luxury at its best. It’s my favourite outfit on you! It’s the way I would like to look when going out the door.
Thanks Joanna
Great post Jennifer! I’ve culled the blogs I keep but yours is great! Love all the outfits today and I have several similar pieces in my closet. Thank you – you work VERY hard to bring up ideas every day.
You look great. Especially the best, so beautiful, a work of art.
Hi, Jennifer. I love that outfit with the longish art vest. Interesting is a great word for that outfit, and these days that is what I try to create. By the way, I’ve tried the trick of moving clothes around in my closet so that I will more easily see the possibilities. It has worked for me.
Yay! I just moved now things on Sat! It really helps.
I love waking up to your emails Jennifer. Always fun to shop while drinking my coffee and of course the inspiration to be more thoughtful in my wardrobe decisions.
And also, the Endless pants…I can’t recommend them enough. I have worn them to the office with a blazer or cardi then gone to the gym at lunch and done squats in them (I don’t really sweat when I lift weights). No one was the wiser. They stretch but don’t stretch out and stay crisp. They go with loafers and flats as well as sneakers. I can’t unsee the new color – is is similar to EF’s Agean?
It’s softer and more muted than the EF Agean. Much more subtle.
I so relate to where you are – basics are covered, now style! And wearing the special stuff now. That vest! Is it the height of fashion in this baggy cropped everything moment? Maybe not but it sure has style, it’s gorgeous, and the colors suit you! I have a piece like that in my wardrobe that I struggle to style, a silk kimono from Allsaints. You inspire me to just wear it! And to wear my brooches. Also girl, NO apologies for the Totême bag. Haterz gon hate. Let them get their free content elsewhere if they don’t like it! I personally love your mix of “high and low.” Again just love where you are taking the blog!
You made my day Shari! Styling is what makes all the difference. Lets show the world our uniqueness and step out with confidence. Thanks for your support
Hello Jennifer,
I love the new path of your blog. I’m so enjoying the segments of what I wore. I adore the idea of completing an outfit with something unique or interesting. The comment that accompanied the Kanthra vest is so spot on. I too fall in the habit of setting something aside to wait for a special occasion. My new mantra is “what am I waiting for?…..I am a special occasion!”… heheh
😉
Every day is a special occasion and we need to dress to both enjoy it and express ourselves.
What a surprise when I saw your brooch from Revolve! I have one in the same style, sterling silver & slightly larger, which I bought in Mexico about 30 years ago. I love it but haven’t worn it for ages so now am hoping I can begin wearing it again! I think these brooches are copies of an Elsa Peretti Tiffany’s design
They do remind me of the Esla Peretti designs. Bring yours out and wear it!!
Your outfits are so creative. I’ve been reimagining my daily outfits and taking some selfies and I think I’m really not in style anymore. I have so many pairs of skinny jeans! I usually wear basic sweaters and tops. I want to jazz things up. You are really inspiring me.
I’m hoping these do inspire you to play in your closet and come up with some more creative combinations. Try one pair of straight or flair jeans and see how they change eventhing. Add two accessories to every look.
I think all of these outfits are winners and you look great in them! My favorite is the beige coat and aqua sweater outfit, classy and stylish in every way!
Jennifer,
I absolutely LOVE the Art to Wear long vest outfit on you! One of my very favorites that I have seen you put together. As a designer, my goal is to leave my home always hoping to look “interesting”. 😉🩷
Thanks Bunny. I love meeting “interesting” women because I’m intrigued by the fascinating things they have to say. It’s a concept I want to explore further.
Great post. The beige coat with aqua was right up my alley! You had a well -dressed week.