Five Ways to Style a Sweater and Jeans
Happy New Year and welcome to 2019! I have some posts planned based on your requests and BTW…you can always suggest a topic you’d like me to cover. Simple classic pieces often make up the backbone of a wardrobe. They make getting dressed easy but they need some help to avoid looking plain.
Several of you asked me to style things already in my closet, in multiple ways, so today I’m styling a v-neck sweater and black jeans in 5 different ways.
I started with tiny silver earrings, ballet flats, and my watch. This look is classic but borders on boring for me. I would hang around the house in this but if I was going out I’d change it up with accessories.
I switched to larger hoop earrings and a bold cuff bracelet. This draws the eye up to my face and bounces it back mid body. Then I added a textured cowl scarf and leopard booties. The texture of the scarf is a good balance for the pattern on the booties.
For a more streamlined look, I switched to black booties which creates a longer leg line. Then I topped it with a fringed black ruana, a statement pearl necklace, and small pearl earrings. A dressier look but still casual because it’s jeans.
Dressing it back down, I swapped the booties for leather sneakers and added my new favorite denim jacket. Athletic sneakers for the gym wouldn’t achieve this same look. I tucked a small silk scarf into the sweater neckline for color and added dangling, artsy earrings.
Here I wore a thin white shirt under the sweater and changed to comfy booties in a similar color to the sweater. Notice how this makes my legs look shorter than the black booties. The heel heights are similar so it’s the color that makes the difference. I added a sparkly necklace and small earrings.
Accessories are the magic here which allows you to create multiple looks from the same classic pieces.
Do you mix things up or wear them the same way each time.
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
Great post! Enjoyed it a lot! By the way, I haven’t been receiving your emails. ?♀️ I even went to your website and signed up again recently. Hope they start coming to my inbox again, as I have missed them!
I checked and all my posts have been going to your email. You could check your spam. I often end up there:)
I have the same unfortunate problem as Joyce. I can never seem to keep my black jeans looking crisp and new. But I do love the multiple looks they afford me! Thanks for the styling tips. I need those leopard print booties! 🙂
Really enjoy your practical inspiration on using our existing wardrobe and accessories. My question is how do you keep your black jeans nice and black? I’m very careful to use cold water turning them inside out with minimal detergent but alas they fade and I have to purchase new ones. Have any tricks?
Have a Blessed New Year Jennifer.
Hi,
What is the brand/name of the black boots pls?
The link goes to Soft Surroundings – error msg.
I’m sorry they seem sold out. They are the Seychelles Wake up bootie
Ahhh! The pictures worth a thousand words! Can’t wait to take another look at the gems I already own. Also, you do a great job of demonstrating lots of looks within the smart casual category, which is where most of my life falls. Kudos for showing what variety can come from small changes. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed Karen. That’s the category I live in too:)
Definitely one of your best posts! It feels like you were in my closet! And you just pulled me out of a rut!
Q: How do you know when it’s time to give up on an outfit or a piece? Example: I had grey jeans I wore a gazillion times, styled many ways. After 2 years I finally began to worry if I was done with them. Should I replace them or had I worn them too long? Should I still buy a new accessory for these old jeans to find another new look? Should I reinvent or am I done with them? How do you know?
Here’s the way I would approach it-
Do they still fit well?
Are they worn out?
Do they make me feel stylish?
Are they an inherent shape and color for me?
Also…I do not buy accessories for a single purpose or outfit. I buy what I find unique and love.
Thanks Jennifer. This post was perfect. I have such a a hard time with dressing now that I am retired. I go out to classes and volunteer work and feel that I always look the same. You have given me great ideas. Tomorrow I will pull out a scarf and some jewelry and Jazz things up.
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year. And mor columns like this please.
Eileen
Happy New Year Eileen!
Such a helpful post, Jennifer. Thanks for the inspiration!
Simple changes made such a difference in the feel of the outfit ( grey sweater/ black jeans ). I really noticed the difference in your perceived leg length from the black booties (taller) to the others. Do more of these please!
I will do more of these. So glad you liked it
What a wonderful post! Jennifer, please do more of these, it was most helpful. Thanks!
I will do more like this and thanks for being here Joanne
Great post! I really enjoy these where you show us different ways to style some basic pieces…so helpful to have ideas how to make better use of pieces we already have in our closets. Thanks!!!
Fabulous post Jennifer! I love how you put everything together, especially the necklace with the blouse and sweater. This morning I pulled out a navy sweater and red wrap I haven’t worn in ages to go with new pin stripe pants. This is just the kind of casual dressing my retirement and chasing grandkids needed!
I’m so glad you liked it. That sounds like a wonderful combo Connie!