Earlier this month, I wrote about how my closet has two distinct styles:
One is “cool” clothes. Ankle booties. Slouchy sweaters. Supermom jeans.
The other is slightly sportier clothes. Sneakers. Ball caps. Fleece jackets.
Both of those styles kind of collided into this one outfit.
And it worked!
See, I’ve got a few of my my “cool” pieces (skinny jeans, cropped sweater) mixed with my sportier clothes (puffer vest, Birkenstock clogs). Two different styles — one excellent (and functional) outfit.
Also! Thanksgiving is behind us, so it’s officially time to start listening to Christmas music, yes? Well, you know me — I have a couple of playlists for you.
Try this one for quiet, happy vibes — it’s like Christmas music for your morning cup of coffee. And try this one if you’re hosting a holiday gathering — or when you just want to feel like you’re at a Christmas party.
So tell me, do you ever combine two different styles into one outfit? What happens when you do? Good/Bad? What styles usually mix successfully for you? Also, if you have any holiday playlists to share, I’d love to give ’em a listen.
See you Thursday!
xo,
• • •
01 | Vest by Marmot
02 | Fisherman sweater (old by Banana Republic) | similar under $100 | similar under $90 | similar under $90 | similar under $55
03 | Black jeans (old by Joe’s Jeans) | similar (made responsibly)
04 | Clogs by Birkenstock | Also available with fleece lining
Sporty is really quite ‘cool’, though, now. It looks great, the black and cream really suits you.
I definitely have 2 styles, I think of myself as a minimalist maximalist. Minimalist: neutrals, natural fabrics, relaxed, casual, utility chic; and maximalist: statement pieces, accessories, colour. So, today I am working and in grey, wool trousers, merino jumper, leather trainers, but with a stripy scarf, velvet coat and beanie with a furry pompom.
Tanya, what a fun combo! Best of both worlds. :)
Question re: the birks — Do you ever style them with socks? I think that outfit looks perfect in so many ways (and is similar to my style which I call crunchy-granola-cool), but I hate when my feet feel cold! It’s why I hesitate to buy birks in the first place, I don’t want them just to be a summer shoe, but I’m not sure if my toes would be cold without a protective layer in fall + winter. Thoughts?
i think birks look great with socks. ;) ox
I have similar birks in felt as slippers, today I have got them with warm merino socks. Freezing in the UK today.
I agree! I need ideas on styling Birks with socks!
In the Pacific NW, Birks with socks are a BIG NO NO. Unless they are the full shoe kind, then that works. But mostly we wouldn’t wear the sandal-type Birks in the winter here.
Agreed haha! No one wants soggy feet. Plus, I’m not buying into the socks and sandals thing. I just can’t. I’m thinking of how to style them with the close-toe Birks without looking too crunchy hippie.
I live in the PNW and people wear their sandal-style Birks with socks all the time…winter included, obviously provided it isn’t, you know, raining.
Madeleine, I think socks with these close-toed Birkenstocks would totally work! And they even make a pair that’s lined with shearling for added warmth. (http://bit.ly/2fP6915) If you were worried about trying socks, I think those would be the perfect, cozy alternative! :)
Hope to see you style socks with them in an outfit this winter to give me ideas! Socks pulled over jeans, tucked under? Hmmmm. I think Birks might be going on my wishlist!
yes, i am hoping to see styling with these birks, avec or sans socks. i haven’t been able to pull the trigger on purchasing these, or the sandal version.
Hi Madelaine,
There is a UK chef and Instagrammer called Elly Pear (Curshen) who often wears closed toe Birks with socks and they look fab! They seem to crop up more under her Insta Stories than her feed, but might help with some inspiration. Be warned though- her food photos will make you hungry!
that sweater is so lovely!
Abigail Alice x
Yes! I need these conversations! My closet is a definite mix, too, and I struggle.
But… I wear my navy blue puffy vest all the time and I find it’s a great bridge piece–it helps bring a sporty vibe to any outfit but still usually works with whatever other pieces I have in there, so that they all seem to work together well. I think that’s the key–the “bridge” piece. In that category I’d also put something like cool-but-sporty footware (Converse sneaks, etc). Or on the other end, a classic coat like a wool coat adds polish no matter what.
…so says the stay at home mom who always looks like a schlump. Lol
That’s a great tip, Jean. The “bridge” piece that brings it all together. Thanks for sharing that perspective! :)
I love that you are wearing your birks clogs! I have some from my high school years that are in great shape and it’s time for them to come back. I’m in. Let’s do this. ?
YES. :)
Love the Christmas coffee playlist! I discovered it yesterday and I’ve already found myself returning to it instead of going back to my Indie Holidays Pandora station (ew, ads!).
My family has a tradition of incorporating music into the season and I generally find it difficult to really get into the Christmas spirit without listening to this one “playlist” that my dad sweetly and patiently recorded from the radio onto a cassette tape for my mom sometime back in the 80s. He literally sat there and pressed the record and stop buttons to cut out the commercials so mom would have a tape of Christmas music she loved! We’ve since had it converted to digital files and I listen to it every single year without fail. It’s a mix of orchestral and choral music, most of which I have never heard anywhere else. Maybe one of these days I’ll Sound Hound it and add re-create it on Spotify!
However, since this is my first Christmas as a married person, I’m looking for new traditions to share with my husband, and I have a feeling many of those songs on your playlist will help me re-define my new Christmas traditions. <3
Anna I love that your dad did that for your mom and it is the soundtrack of your childhood Christmases! For me it was a Kenny Rogers tape that my parents had☺
Awe I love this! How sweet. :)
Anna, that is seriously the cutest story ever! So thoughtful and sweet. Time to make your own playlist, newlyweds! ;)
Love this sporty look!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
My style has always been a combination of different things–but I think now it is both “cool” and “sporty” with a little edge! And yes, I’ve already started listening to Christmas music :)
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Sheila, you and me both! Woohoo! :)
I love the cool and sporty crossover! Like dressing up an outfit but then adding sneakers. :)
Victoria, exactly! Ultimate cool. :)
I do this sometimes too. Thanks putting this together :)
I love experimenting with mixing styles! I love mixing glam pieces with casual. It just looks so chic!
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
I agree Andrea! :)
Actually this post is just what I’ve been thinking about today! I have a classic black with white polka dot top that has a smocked collar (sorry, that’s a bad explanation) that I usually dress up. But today I paired it with an open chambray and my favorite dark jeans with mid-calf cowgirl boots. Anyways! If you catch what I’m saying, I mixed my “fancy” top with my borderline artsy/casual pieces.
All this to say, great post, you look great, and I’ll be using this as inspiration for the week! Thanks! :)
Ellen, smart girl. The best way to extend the life of your wardrobe is to mix and match it all! Glad you found a new combo that works :)
Love this!! I thought your combo of shorts, long cardigan and Birkenstock clogs was brilliant for the start of fall. I live in NorCal so it was still quite warm in Oct/early Nov. I need more inspiration on how to style Birkenstocks!
Joanna, more ideas brewing! :)
I think my closet could really use a warm piece like that vest! I’d pair it with boots instead, but I’d certainly wear this look.
Casey, yes! Very cute combo with the boots. :)
Loving mixing different styles. Great look!
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Such a gorgeous look! It’s so classic but sporty at the same time. Love it!
http://www.angelicabbie.com
I am having the hardest time trying to make this mix happen. My style is either classic prep, extra girly, or Netflix binge casual. No in-between!
Good job on pairing it up! I have only been able to hone my work attire with my casual side to keep my corporate capsule wardrobe a little more relaxed.
Sincerely, Tania
Tania, keep trying! The combo can feel weird at times, but continued experimentation is bound to turn up some winning outfits. :)
I feel like my style is always a mix of two, since I can’t make my mind about things usually!
Obsessed with that sweater, I’ve been looking for one just like that! You’re style is so much like mine, very relaxed, simple, but alway looking put together (well for me always is more like some of the time!) Love it! :)
OH MY GOSH!!!
A black puffy vest! Love wearing a vest in the fall/winter! Mine is a Michael Kors brand and I got it at Ross :)
Have a very happy season, Caroline!
You too, Elise! :)
I’ve been wearing my “casual” clothes with my “farm/camp” clothes more and more and more (for a similar feel that you have in this outfit here actually). Funnily enough the first time I did this I felt like I was breaking rules/crossing into unknown territory (oh the drama…) when really all I was doing was ignoring these artificial lines I’d drew in my closet in the first place… and wearing (go figure) my clothes! Haha.
Just wanted to say I always enjoy your Spotify playlists and I can’t wait to listen to the Christmas ones you shared.
Here’s a playlist I made with an eclectic mix of holiday music: https://play.spotify.com/user/bdombe1/playlist/5l1zYP4HkWxDsijksjLNPV
All the best,
Savannah
It’s truly winter here in Portland OR as of last week. I recently combined a slinky black knit knee length dress with a leg-baring kick-pleat (which I haven’t been wearing because it doesn’t have pockets), with my brother’s handmedown flannel shirt, which I wasn’t wearing because it’s kind of baggy and since my normal style is already pretty tomboyish, I thought it pushed the vibe to far into frumpy. Together though, they’re amazing! I got so many compliments! And the shitty has breast pockets, so I can put my phone or keys in there for a minute if I need a free hand. I’m very excited to have figured a way to repurpose two items that I loved but thought I would never wear again.
I love this. It’s such a PNW style. It’s hard to dress trendy here and not feel over-dressed, but it’s great to pick one or two trendier items with our outdoorsy norms.
I love it. I love that you focus on what works, what you like, being realistic with your clothes.
And I listened to your Holiday wish list with my cup of holiday brew coffee yesterday and I love that too. You have great taste in music. Thanks for sharing!!!!