A Few Outfits I Wore Last Week: No Jeans In Sight
I haven’t been very efficient about snapping outfit photos lately, but here are a few from last week. Life feels very suburban California these days with errands, grandkids’ activities, and a to-do list that seems to multiply while I sleep. Most days call for my version of high low dressing…casual but polished and comfortable enough to get through a long afternoon without regret.
For once, I’m not in jeans. I’ve been reaching for softer fabrics and easier shapes lately and overly snug jeans are not part of that equation.
This day I had a few morning errands, then I met a friend for lunch, followed by some returns at the mall and a trip to the grocery store. I know, glamorous. My feet needed comfort, and these NB 327s are up to the task. They’re wide and cushiony, which is just what my feet need for long days on my feet. These are sportier than I used to wear for streetwear, but since I see women wearing them everywhere, I’m rolling with the “trend”.
I added a J.Crew cashmere relaxed tee, comfy knit pants, an oversized denim jacket, and my trusty tote bag. I have several Quince cashmere tees, which are cheaper, but they have a more structured fit and slimmer sleeves than I wanted. These J.Crew sleeve hems are rolled, which also gives them a more relaxed vibe.
The stretch knit pants are actually called cropped leggings, but the 26.5″ inseam makes them ankle pants on me. They’re not skin tight because I sized up. I love the seam up the front and back, which helps slim the look. The fabric is quite thick, so they look and feel like pants, not leggings.
Denim jackets have been getting longer for a few seasons, and I love that they cover my backside when wearing slimmer pants or a longer top. The brand Ruti sent me this Long Line denim jacket to try, and I love it. I think I’ve worn it 3 times in 2 weeks!
The Cherry tote seems to go everywhere with me this time of year because the color is surprisingly versatile. I found the brooch on a resale site. There are so many great places to buy pre-loved items these days, it almost feels silly to pay full price for accessories like this.
WASHABLE CREPE PANTS size S / SIMILAR BROWN BOOTIES / TOTE BAG
A few days later, I had a dentist appointment and my bone density scan. I promise…I did get dressed on the days in between, but since I worked from home and didn’t leave the house, I forgot to ask my husband to snap my picture. On this day, I wore my chenille tunic sweater over a cotton turtleneck in rye, which is my favorite color this season.
I don’t wear tunic lengths often because I’m short, but I always like to cover my backside when wearing very slim pants, regardless of my weight. See also The Problem with Tunics No One Talks About.
My Eileen Fisher pull-on pants are many years old, but I found them at a great price here, in several colors. I consider these pants a classic because I’ve been wearing and traveling with this style for over 30 years.
The brown booties are old, similar here, and the trusty tote carried my stuff all day. Chenille can snag easily, so I opted for a soft scarf instead of a necklace. Mine is a Shibori pleated scarf I’ve had for many years.
SIMILAR CORDUROY PANTS / SNEAKERS / TOTE BAG
This day included running errands, a trip to the post office, meeting a friend for coffee, and then grocery shopping. On my feet a lot again, so I pulled on my trusty 327 sneakers. They’re clunkier than most of my sneakers, which may account for some of the additional comfort.
I’m often asked about my favorite white T-shirts, and it’s currently this simple one from COS. I do hate that COS is owned by the H&M group, which has one of the largest carbon footprints among fast fashion brands. However, I bought this tee on a whim last summer and love it. It’s 100% cotton, fits really well, and washes like a dream…plus it’s affordable.
I like the added detail of the tee just peeking out of the neckline of sweaters. This is my new Quince cashmere hoodie, which is super soft and cozy. I’m wearing it with some old gray cords, similar here.
Later that day, my grandson had a late-season baseball game that would go late into the evening, so I changed into old ankle booties (similar) and wore my new Quince Down Coat. I felt like I was wearing a sleeping bag, but I was as warm as toast! It has soft knit storm cuffs with thumbholes, which are sort of brilliant.
SHOULDER BAG / CABLE HOOP EARRINGS
I worked from home this day, then quickly tossed on some comfy shoes and a cardigan to race to the mall to replace my iPhone (don’t ask), and pickup allergy pills at the pharmacy.
These Athleta pants are supper comfy and feel like sweats, but look more polished. I topped with a simple black tank and my Quince cotton cardigan. Quick and easy slip-on Mary Janes, cable hoops earrings, and my Toteme bag finished the look. I left my tote at home because I wasn’t carrying a water bottle, etc.
This was a strange week that went from warm to cold to warm again. I am so ready for cold temperatures. We actually ran the A/C yesterday to cool off the house so we could sleep!
Are you a fan of high/low dressing?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
If you’re looking for great cotton tops, Isaac Mizrahi has great pima cotton tops. They feel great, wash well, hold their shape and color. My closet sports about ten in small and medium sizes because my weight fluctuates so much. And, girl I’m gonna be rude: what happened to the iPhone lol.
Love your posts, you always have something that I can relate to.
I dropped it some many times, it finally cracked!
Love the info, but like you, not the Cos shirt. You can find much better tees, quality and manufacture, elsewhere. LLBean has pima cotton tees for less than Cos that you can feel better about, and there are plenty of organic cottons out there. I have had various New Balance sneakers over the years and have been pleased with them and find they last. My current go-to sneakers are Saucony walkers. They don’t tip you forward the way many running shoes do.
I’ll try LLBean
I love your blog ….. so much resonates and there is always something to make me smile. Thank you.
Thanks for being here with us Christine.
Ever since I discoved Talbots’ Passport Ponte knits (especially the pintuck, straight leg pull on pants), I’ve been wearing them all fall and winter (I have them in every color). They can be dressed up or down. I wear them to travel, of course, and they have never disappointed. Soft, substantial and wrinkle free. They wash beautifully, but hang to dry. I am 83 (5’4″, 115) and feel the same way as you do about denim, right now. Thank you for being there for all of us who are trying to navigate a casual, yet chic lifestyle. I look forward to your posts — I always learn something. PS: I have the same jacket that you’re wearing in your main photo. It’s one of my favorites and has that classic Chanel vibe.
Is your cherry tote bag a size small? Thanks – and do you use any of the snap on accessories?
Yes, it’s the small and it holds a lot
“the idea of squeezing into anything structured sounds exhausting….
even the softest denim feels like a test of endurance”
Jennifer, I think I’m going to frame this thought and hang it in my closet. Thank you for being an on-line friend that keeps me on track as well as allowing self forgiveness.
Happy Wednesday my friend!
I love your style! It definitely is a style that works for many of us at this time in our lives and I find you inspire me! The only thing that is disappointing for me is that I live in the cold north here in Canada and many of the labels you are wearing are not available to us here in Canada. I find it quite hard to find good basics like some of the Quince pieces you are wearing.
Hi Irene,
You can find some excellent-quality basics at a wonderful store in Ottawa, Canada, called Shepherd’s Fashions. They design and manufacture many items in Canada. They have a very informative on line order process and they also have many videos on You tube showing you their fashions, how they fit, fabric information and much more. You will certainly find many comfortable, well-made items at this store. And best of all, they’re Canadian!
I love your high low outfits. You always look put together. I’m impressed that you got away from wearing jeans. I seem to wear them almost everyday but would like to try something different.
I’m just not comfy in most of mine and since the weight gain is very new, I’m not prepared to purchase new ones just yet.
I love that longer jeans jacket, but $295? Any suggestions for something similar but more affordable?
Here’s one at a great price!
The new balance shoes have many negative reviews…mentioning the shoes fell apart on first wearing, or the shoe material was baggy and crinkly when the buyer received the shoes….when you shop, do you read reviews and buy accordingly, or do you just order regardless and see for yourself?
I order and see for myself. I find people write reviews for varying reasons.
I have two pairs. My lighter pair does have that crinkly look on the beige part, it’s the style. I wore my black pair to NYC walking miles in comfort. Walked 9 miles in them one off the days! Wore them to a conference last week. NB 574 is another comfy one good foe wide feet. I size up .5 in those, reg size in 327.
I find most jeans not comfortable in the waist. I think I am in-between in the waist sizing. I also need petite in length. Talbots jeans for me seem to fit the best. I have not tried the Quince jeans, but thinking about it.
I wear stretch black pants or leggings from Quince and Chicos.
I like the cashmere hoodie.
I am enjoying my blue denim jacket lately here in Texas. I have a white one that goes with a lot. We are having nice fall temps.
Thanks for sharing your fashion ideas and thoughts.
I love the fit of Talbots jeans too!
Jennifer, I look forward to reading your email every morning! It helps me get motivated to start my day looking the best I can. I am 77 and when I am on my feet running errands, doing laundry, etc, my lower back hurts. Do you or any of your readers, have a good suggestion for casual, comfortable shoes or inserts (low to medium budget) that might help? I wear a 6.5 / 7 M. Thanks!
I have a whole section on comfy footwear right here.
Jennifer, Thank you for this posting. When I was working I wore business attire, everyday! When I retired I wore jeans, everyday, because I was done with dressing in a suit. My daughter noticed and commented on my attire, ‘Mom, you do know that there are other casual clothes available besides jeans?’ So, I am slowly adjusting and wearing clothes that are not jeans, casual but classy. Thanks again for all your wardrobe advice.
You looked very pulled together and yet comfortable. Good for you!! Thanks for the comfy clothes ideas!
I’m one who has never found jeans to be that comfortable though I wear them to the office our out. I would never wear them to work from home or on a plane. Love the hoodie and white cardi outfits, very modern. You are inspiring. I need to make more of an effort for errands. And the pop of a burgundy bag is speaking my language! I got the Quince “superpuff” at the end of the season last year (in gray) so I’m ready! I have been running cold lately. Finally, I have been having foot pain and the 327s have saved me! I love them with a wide jean/pants because they are chunkier.
Errands seem to make up most of my day… other than working from home so if I don’t make an effort there, I’m lost! That coat is amazing, I’m so glad I have it. The cherry bag is likely more your season than mine, but I’m loving the change from my usual.