Texture Mixing For A Casually Elegant Look
Part of my style recipe has always included a small amount of elegance. Not stuffy elegant, just kick-it-up-a-notch elegant. Even when my lifestyle and fashion preferences change, the constant always seems to be a dab of dressiness. The truth is, I just don’t wear casual as easily as many women, and I tend to appear overdressed, even in simple outfits. Today’s ootd is a casually elegant outfit combining textures.
As I read more about the Kibbe system, I begin to understand why. I’ve discovered I am a dramatic classic and apparently, they do have a hard time with casual. More on the Kibbe system after I study the book in more depth.
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Casual can run from sweats with clunky athletic shoes to something like this outfit which is firmly in my wheelhouse. Even though I’m wearing pull-on jeans, the espresso color is slightly dressier than blue denim and a welcome change for me. I never thought I’d get tired of jeans, but I have so it’s nice to have alternatives. I love the comfort of a pull-on style, plus the lack of zipper and button means nothing to poke out front and show through my top.
I’ve been stocking up on brown this winter. It’s not as readily available as black, so I snapped these items up when I saw them. Espresso is a rich deep neutral that coordinates with things as easily as black. It also looks great worn with black. Black and brown are a very low contrast combination.
You may enjoy –How To Find Your Personal Contrast Level And Why It Matters
Last weekend I wore these jeggings with a teal sweater and a plaid blazer (similar)
I wore this look for a run to Home Depot, Lowes, and a tile store. Someone on FB mentioned that I must have been the best-dressed shopper at Home Depot, and I was. Did I feel overdressed? No, I felt like me which is how I want to feel no matter what other people are wearing.
This column of color is not as typical as if the sweater were brown and the outer jacket a contrasting color, but I get the same elongating effect by wearing brown head-to-toe. I added a blouse, fingerless gloves, and scarf in soft blush and faux pearl earrings to keep the effect soft.
I am an equal opportunity pearl lover and don’t care if they’re real or faux. The effect always feels elegant to me because the soft luster just glows.
Do you find yourself under or overdressed most of the time?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident, no matter what the ‘crowd’ is wearing:)
oh also I love your brooch
I am 5’2 and a large gal 22-24 petite which is super hard to come by except jeans. I work in Child care so on the floor and lots of 3-4 year old events which is not easy. This summer I have gone to cullotes versus shorts and trying not to wear t-shirts and sweatshirts. it is so hard to break what I have done for years. I want to be the Grandma figure to the young children in my care. I don’t want to be the dumpy looking old lady these kids see each day.
In the winter months when I’m out running errands, all people see is my coat, hat, gloves and boots. Women tend to notice the boots most of all. We all look pretty much the same in dark winter coats. It’s hard to find a warm-enough colorful winter coat, but that would be the way to stand out in a sea of darkness.
Excellent point and yes it would!
I really like each of those pieces you showed. My style is more casual so I would probably slip only one or possibly two of those into my casual style. You looked wonderful in the outfit. I’m a true biever in you be you and I’ll be me😊
I always am overdressed so it was nice to hear I’m not alone! I love this outfit! Like you I don’t do casual well. Thanks for great inspiration.
Love the pink and brown combo. Daisy Fellows, who was an influencer before there was such a thing, once was asked why she was all dressed up at 8 am in the morning to walk from her train sleeping berth to her car (with chauffer) which would take her home. Was she meeting someone? No. She said, “I do this for me.”. Another author commented that her 8 year old daughter was annoyed when her mother (the author) kept picking her up in her sweaty workout clothes.
I adhere to much the same philosophy. I want to look good and I want to wear the nice stuff I have. I don’t want to overdress, but right now, I feel most people are erring on the side of same old casual. Everyone gets to do what they want, but I love a good outfit on anyone, where it’s obvious some effort was made. To me, making the effort feels respectful of others. I give a pass to anyone who does not feel well, and the young Moms (and Dads) who are trying to get the shopping done with babies and toddlers.
I think both outfits are wonderful. And who cares if your the best dressed gal in the store; you turned everyone’s heads to see who that classy chick is.
I too, love pearls and diamonds Fake or Real, they go with everything and add a bit of “wow” to the outfit of choice. Sparkle on!
More great looks from you. Especially the jacket in that lovely brown.
I find that women in my area seem to dress in a very casual style. The epidemic has made this pretty much the norm. Remote jobs and classes for children has taken it’s toll!
It’s important to me to dress and feel well put together even if it’s to stay home. Of course a nice sweater (like the dipped with blues) and comfy jeans you showed a day or two ago is nice to wear anyplace casual but why not for just you?
Love your glasses!!!
I really like the mix of textures with your outfits, particularly the brown and pink one. Those are lovely colors on you.
I’ve included more brown in my wardrobe lately and I find it works with many colors. I’m still working so I tend to dress up most days. But even on the weekends, I dress up my jeans or more casual clothes. My sister always comments on all of my accessories (I’m usually in a scarf)!
Linking over to the Chico’s site to purchase those earrings … they are beautiful!
They’re lovely and such an amazing sale price. You’ll love them.
If I’m going to Home Depot, it’s usually because I’m in the middle of a project and find I forgot something vital. Even so, I try to sneak in and out in case someone recognizes me in my dirty clothes! Casual, okay. Dirty, no.
LOL, in that case, all bets are off for me too but that’s when bright lipstick and dark sunglasses come to the rescue:)
I struggle with this….feeling over dressed. But I’m just going to continue to do it because I feel like me when I dress for the day. I’ve been transitioning my wardrobe since I retired last year and have to admit that there are a few things I just don’t want to let go of!
Then you should keep them and work them into your retirement look:)
I’m a cool winter and after following you for over a year I can add a dramatic classic to that. Have been under going chemo for the past two months with surgery coming up soon I still dress up with minimal makeup weather leaving the house or not. I nearly always receive compliments on what I have on, feel naked with out earring and a little makeup. For the ladies who don’t wear sweatshirts , check out Talbots there embellished ones make a bit of difference. I love the tie dyed and tie dipped ones. Have got the blue dipped sweater on my wish list waiting for a sale. I only shop sales at least 40% off. Macys, Talbots and Landsend are my favorite places to shop nearly always have a sales of some kind going on. I retired Dec of 16 at 67 so casual is my go to, especially since we don’t have anywhere to go to speak of. For reference I’m 72, 5’ 120# . Jennifer keep doing what you are doing, love the dressing room diary’s even thought you tempt me too much…./
Sending prayers and hugs to you! Dressing with pride and taking care of ourselves is self-care that does make us feel better. Best of luck!!
Yes I do find myself overdressed sometimes even in jeans. I think I got it from my Mother. She was always dressed just so. Also wearing uniforms all through Catholic school really made you want to stand out with your hair, accessories and shoes. I love your outfits!
My mom adored looking nice and always “put her face on” and fixed her hair in the morning.
You always look so lovely, I would be thrilled to have a chance to glance a casually elegant shopper. I tend to overdressed for two reasons. The first is that my Mom loved clothing and accessories. The second is that we lived in a rural setting. We played in old clothes, but if we left home for any destination it was important to Mom that we dressed first. The only problem I have wearing nice clothing at home is the cat’s claws.
I have a request for a topic I am hoping you might cover. I have never worn makeup because of skin allergies. I’ve noticed statements from many readers and yourself about make up over the years. Would you be interested in doing a post on how to compensate when not wearing makeup?
Can you not wear any makeup or just ones with certain ingredients? There are so many clean brands now that don’t include allergens
That is a good question. I will look at the newer options, and google ‘clean’ rather than ‘non-allergic’. When I tried makeup as a teen, and again in my 30’s, even the non-allergic brands caused reaction. I use perfume and dye free soaps for body, hair, and laundry.
One word. Wow. these are great looks for you-classy and classic.
Thank you, Pam. I love to look classy:)
Such a pretty blush coloured blush. It suits you well. I love the earrings you featured, too.
This is just so perfect! I love you in blue but this blush and espresso brown is just stunning on you. I love all the pretty browns that are out there right now. Coffee is a color I like too. Someone wore that color lately. One of the Fab Four I think.
Thanks! It’s a great neutral for so many of us, I wish it were around more.
Jennifer,
Love the brown and pink combination.
That soft pink/ blush color is very flattering to you.
I couldn’t believe it when I read your statement about not doing casual well, looking dressy when you are dressed casually!! I thought I was the only women on earth with that problem!!! What a relief to know I’m not. All my life people, including family members(read husband, and children) would look at me and say “Where are you going?” When I was just dressed for a day at home. I guess there are worse fashion dilemmas to have, eh?? Anyway, at 68 years of age, I accept it is what it is, and appreciate any and all tips from you.
We are in great company:)
For months after retiring early in the pandemic, I stocked up on the “nicer,” casual sweaters I wore to work. But over time, I’ve become more used to myself in a casual look, and those sweaters are not worn as much. The first time I wore my walking clothes (leggings, tunic, puffy vest, sneakers) to run an errand afterwards, I cringed. Now I live in leggings and tunics. But I -really- had to get used to this! I love fashion, and I always wear makeup at home and out, and jewelry when out. I’ve upped my sneaker/casual shoe game, and use a slightly more structured bag. Long-winded way of saying there are ways for those of us who are used to wearing more structured clothing to participate in the casual (and comfortable) trends without looking sloppy. It’s the easy veer into sloppy that I, and I bet others, fear. Casual and athleisure is not pajamas or leggings and a crop top in public! But it can be just as fun and stylish to put together outfits using active fabrics and add accessories.
I totally agree, Linda