I started second-guessing these shoes right after I pressed “publish” on my fall capsule wardrobe. Are they too fancy? Will I actually wear them — you know, for more than say, 20 minutes?
The last time I put a pair of heels in my capsule wardrobe, it didn’t go so hot.
But. I’m happy to report that there is no more second-guessing in this girl’s brain anymore. Turns out I’d been craving some dress-up time after the world’s most casual summer wardrobe. I tend to want to dress up in the cold-weather months more anyway. Do you?
Oh, and you’re wondering how I’m getting along walking in high heels?
Well … eh, I’m still no pro, but it’s getting better. I’ve learned to moleskin the hell out of them + add sole cushions + do a heel-toe walk. (This video actually helped me understand the art of walking in heels.)
Anyway, we’ve established the fact that these shoes are cool. But let’s talk about the rest of the outfit.
Modern + minimal, but not boring because of texture. Loads of texture! The nubby knit of the sweater. The liquid smoothness of the leather leggings. Then throw a bit of pattern into the mix — the cutout shoes + the cheetah print clutch + the chevron necklace.
And it’s ON.
Top: Anthropologie (similar)
Bottoms: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Target
Bag: Madewell (similar)
Necklace: Madewell
xo
I love that jumper. I had a similar one years ago in black form Express but the fabric was not the nicest so I eventually go rid of it. Kudos to you for wearing heels, they look great!
Caroline, this is my favorite outfit yet!! You look incredibly gorgeous plus it looks comfy. Love it!
You’re totally right, I dress up more in the fall too. I can’t be bothered in the summer when it’s too hot, but I love getting a little snazzy once it’s cold enough for layers. This is a really cool outfit.
Love the heels!! Wish I could have something like that in my “fall” wardrobe…….but with the temps below freezing and some flurries the last few days…..it is not to be.
Sadly consigning myself to boots for the next few months…..
Looks comfortable and snazzy at the same time! I love this one!
I really like this! It’s like you can’t pinpoint what says “holiday” about it, and yet it does. It’s like the cool girl’s holiday outfit – not trying too hard, but totally hitting the mark. The shoes really make it! And I love how you dissect/break down your outfits to help us understand what makes them work – it’s like a little style lesson, and it’s super helpful. As you pointed out here, it’s all about the texture! I love the nubby, cozy sweater juxtaposed with the sleek leggings. And the shot of leopard adds so much too. Love this!
The cheetah purse ruins an otherwise top outfit from your fall capsule.
Leather makes me swoon so I am in love with all of this. Not only is this holiday, this would serve as a fantastic fall date night. Edgy + Comfy :)
A chunky sweater + leather leggings is one of my fav combos, so cool and effortless. PS. thanks for sharing that video. For whatever reason I feel like I have never been able to grasp walking in heels haha! Hopefully that vid will help
Love this! Beautiful :)
Love this. Caroline can you tell me more about the mole-skinning? I’m guessing to has to do w making stiff shoes wearable and not ruining your feet..I’m all ears! Also I think the cheetah clutch gives the outfit a little pop, and it won’t be accidentally grabbed in the sea of black clutches at a party! :)
*note, the leggings are not actually leather.
I would like to know what everyone else thinks of the leggings if you purchased them (or similar). I bought them a few months ago & wore them out dancing…I love them, but not brave enough to wear them at work just yet. Tiips? Advice?
I love my leather legging/pants. I haven’t worn them to work because my office is always so warm that I get worried about sweating in them. I suggest wearing them with nice heels and an unstructured blazer for that casual but dressy look. I think it’s fine as long as half your bum is covered :)
They are very sticky/sweaty in warm climates. Fortunately I live in Washington & it’s below freezing here currently. I wore them on vacation in Arizona & found out they really don’t breathe much. What kind of top would you wear under the blazer? A longer tee to cover that bum, or…?
It depends on how long your blazer is. All of mine cover half, if not all, of my bottom so I have more freedom with the internal top. I have this powder pink blazer with black leather lapels. I wear my leather pants + fitted black top and the blazer to make it more edgy. I also like the long-er drape-y top underneath the blazer. and give it a more casual feel. As long as you combat the fitted bottoms with a looser top, it will look good :)
Plus my pants aren’t super tight so it doesn’t stretch and give me that see-thru look and it’s more appropriate for the office. I can even wear it with a tucked drape-y top!
I just finished listening to your interview on the Lively Show and wanted to thank you for being so honest and open about where this project is coming from and what it means to you. Really brave, and also inspiring!
Also, I adore this outfit on you! :) I often want to go right out and buy whatever you’re wearing, but after listening to your interview, I started thinking about body types, and about choosing clothes that flatter me (as opposed to someone else). I’m now excited to come up with my own version of this outfit!
you are so cute! Love this whole look.. from head to toe
Frank Vinyl
Ummm… Don’t be mad. I’m not trying to be mean just honest. Leggings… Pants yes… Leggings to me it looks like you are missing you bottom. There I said it sorry, I’d love leather pants though because the rest of th outfit is great!
LOVE this effortless + chic combo! You pull it off amazingly well!
I love this outfit – perfect and clean. I just started “Minimalism” when it comes to my closet, and would love to see or read a little more of your planning process for the next season! I’m still figuring that sort of thing out :)
My first thought when seeing the photos was that I loved the shoes…then laughed when I read your first sentence. They give the outfit the little bit of fancy we’re looking for in holiday, they truly anchor that look. Also, I love your hair wavy…I know some love it straight, but I think it’s gorgeous wavy and also dresses up the outfit. Is the wavy look less harsh on your hair, too, I mean with heat appliances and all?
Hi Kathy! Both styles require heat (I have a two in one curling wand + straightener from Target) … and I’m currently looking for a different, heat-less hairstyle because I can tell that all this heat styling is taking a toll on my hair. Yikes! xo Caroline
Yeah, you gotta protect your beautiful hair! You look darling with it off your face, too, so you could wear it pulled up more or more braids and stuff. I knew a girl with long hair in college…she wore the most interesting hair styles…all kinds of interesting bun-type things. I’ve never seen the likes of it before or after. I am still in touch with her and should get her to send me pictures, though her hair isn’t as long now.
I love this whole look, especially the pants!
http://arcwrites.blogspot.com/
Love the simplicity of this outfit Caroline.
I think this outfit is perfect. Leggings are tricky to wear as pants, but my opinion is that as long as the material is thick (so they don’t stretch around the bum/thighs to be translucent) and your top is longer, they are just fine. So this look really works, especially for a party, where your top is only slightly shorter than some holiday part dresses are, anyway!
Love the concept of your blog. I’ve been weeding out non-essentials in my closet too and storing it under my bed. My life feels less cumbersome now. <3
Hi Caroline!
My friend and I are in LOVE with your blog. We love the idea of minimalism, and decided to start a blog of our own based on yours! The way that you put all of your outfits together is SPECTACULAR, and we thank you so much for inspiring us in such a positive way! We look forward to reading your new posts every day. :) xoxo
So awesome! Get it girl! :) xo Caroline
Now THIS is a look I could rock. The last holiday outfit…not so much. But it looked beautiful on you. :)
That necklace is love and 9 brownie bonus points for trying the leather-look leggings. I am just not that brave yet. Great look that looks holiday ready without the light-up sweater :-)