Oh hey again, supermom jeans! These guys are currently taking over the bottom half of my wardrobe.
They may be on constant rotation now, but it was a different story when I first got them. It took me a few days to figure out how to wear them in a way that felt true to my style.
Has that ever happened to you?
It happens to me regularly, don’t feel bad. But when I’m figuring out a new piece in my closet, I start here:
I sandwich it between familiar pieces I feel mega comfortable in.
Like how I did here, sandwiching these supermom jeans between the most basic grey tee, a simple black cardigan, and my beloved clogs.
And suddenly, it doesn’t feel like I’m trying too hard. It doesn’t feel trendy. It just feels like … me.
Try it the next time you’re unsure how to style a new piece, and let me know how it goes.
Switching subjects, I loved what you guys had to say in the comments of yesterday’s post about adding warm color to cold weather outfits. I particularly loved your suggestion on adding color via your beauty routine instead of your clothes — like wearing nail polish or a bold lip color.
I’ve never really worn lip color before, but that just may have to change soon. There’s also this tiny part of me that wants to go a shade lighter with my hair to take this whole “lighten up the fall + winter” thing even further. Look out, I’m getting crazy over here. We’ll see.
No post tomorrow, but Thursday’s post is going to be fun — I’m sharing what I packed for our recent trip to Seattle. Got any questions on packing light? Let me know in the comments and I’ll try to answer them on Thursday.
xo,
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Tee by Everlane (made responsibly) (Fit note: I’m wearing an XS)
02 | Cardigan by Halogen (back in stock!) | similar | similar under $70 in a wool blend for colder days
03 | Jeans by Girlfriend (made in USA) (Fit Note: I’m usually a 24 in jeans and sized up to a 25. They have zero stretch and feel tight in the waist at first, but over a few wears they mold to your body and get super comfortable. Wash them on cold, don’t ever put them in the dryer, and they’ll stay molded like that forever.) | similar under $70 | similar under $100 (made in USA)
04 | Clogs gifted by BRYR (handmade to order in USA) | similar | similar for less
05 | Bag (old by Marc Jacobs) | similar | similar (made in USA)
I often do that thing with having to find a way to wear something new, the same with some refound clothes. I really like the idea of pairing it with favourites.
Back on the subject of colour, sometimes wearing tonal shades makes colour seem softer, less bright. So, I would mix berry shades such as soft violets and burgundy, but you could equally mix camels, cognacs and oranges.
So in love with the cute and simple styling tips you share on blog i came across your blog yesterday and i think am addicted to your content, please keep it up
https://barbiebeautysite.wordpress.com
Bless you& thank you!
Grateful for you and the way God created you to be to share with others in beautiful ways He intended. Love your integrity, presence, contentedness in who you are!
Awesome post and awesome adcice, Caroline!! Would love to see how you change up your beauty routine. I also never wear lip colors. I pretty much only wear mascara haha! Looking forward to seeing you branch out : )
xo,
Laura @ http://www.thriveorsurvive.us
Hey Laura, I don’t change my beauty routine much either — so I’ll keep you guys posted if I try anything new and exciting! :)
Is this your “run to the polls” outfit, Caroline? :)
About hair color changes: As a person with light brown hair I’ve been noticing I’m a lot more “limited” in my color palette. I put limited in quotes because we have utter freedom, but I do think some combos look better than others. I’ve found that compared to women with more stark hair color (like true blonde, or your deep brown), I look washed out in any saturated color. So if I want to wear bright red, now I only wear it on bottom.
Your deep hair has a lot of power as a styling tool. I wouldn’t change it! You have a lot more options than us soft-colored light brown gals. :)
yes, I have to totally agree!
Totally with you on this one Jan Marie. I have light brown hair, green eyes and fair skin so all in all my colouring is pretty low-contrast. Which is fine, there’s beauty in everything, but it does mean I look better in colours that in turn don’t contrast with that softness. They just don’t sit harmoniously with what’s there naturally. Very saturated, especially deep and saturated, shades end up looking garish or heavy. And that stops me feeling good in them, which is what matters in the end. Light and fairly (but not super) bright for me all the way!
What are your favorite colors for a fall palette, Claire? I’m struggling a little bit and feeling stuck in neutral…s. :D
Oooh I am also interested in this discussion, as another low-contrast, pale-complexioned gal. I feel “washed out” in a lot of things. I have dark blonde or light brown hair (was much blonder when I was “young”) with red undertones, grey-green eyes, fair skin. I tend to like to wear light rust and topaz-brown in the fall. I’ve tried to figure out my “season” but I don’t seem to fit any of them. I wish Caroline’s clothing palette worked better on me!
My daughter has light brown hair. She generally changes her hair color to a deep, rich brown in the cool months so she can indulge in saturated brights and jewel tones. In the warm months she lightens her hair color so she can wear neutrals and lighter, summery colors.
My hair is dark brown naturally. I went light brown for a while and found that none of my favorite colors looked good on me any more.
Such great insights, you guys! Thanks for the input :)
Your idea is definitely great! The next time when I will wear something new I will try out this also with my favourite pieces :)
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
This tip is perfect! It’s like welcoming that one, new piece into the club :)
xo,
Marie Therese
Yeah! Great way to put it, Marie! :)
I LOVE your posts and love looking up pieces that speak to me to see if I can/want to add them to my wardrobe. We have a similar style though I lack your simple creativity….
Regarding Jeans… I am CONSTANTLY trying to find a decent pair of jeans. I often look up your recommendations but most of those are high waisted styles… I am short (5’4″) and also short waisted which mean high waist styles make me feel like my pants go to my boobs.. Do you have any recommendations for similar styles in low or mid rise? I constantly search but the high waist seems to be the current trend :(.
Oh! Oh! Oh! I thought I was the only woman in the United States with that issue, lol! I’m 57 so I was a teenager when high waisted jeans had their big heyday in the 70s. I remember how uncomfortable they were with the waistband coming up so high it would buckle under my ribcage!
Being 5′ 4″, long limbed, short waisted, having little in the hip and behind department, being slender but with a thicker waistline than I used to have…..yeah, hunting for jeans that fit and look good is an exercise in frustration and futility! Let me know if you stumble over the holy grail of jeans, would you? So far I’ve tried everything from juniors (to get the waist to fit, everything else is too big) to women’s (just too big everywhere and the rise is too high) to petites (too short for my long legs, rise is too high) to a 16/18 in girl’s (too short in the legs and pockets too low on the behind creating droopy butt).
Maybe it’s time to just give up and start wearing skirts, lol!
I’m not the style expert here, but I do far prefer low or midrise pants to all the high rise ones that are popular now. I find low rise jeans at thrift stores all the time right now since low rise styles are ‘out’ in the fashion world :) I found a perfect pair of J Crew low rise, straight leg jeans (my favorite jean cut ever!) at our local thrift store just this past weekend!
Hey ladies, I understand the struggle when you want something that fits you well, but isn’t necessarily on trend! The boyfriend jeans are usually a mid-rise, but if you want a straight leg or skinny jean, maybe try checking Madewell, since they have so many fit options. I’ve always loved their denim. But if those don’t work, I would highly recommend shopping around, trying lots of things on until you find THE pair of jeans for you. :)
I actually just went to Madewell for the first time ever on Friday and tried on their straight jeans, which I loved except they were a little too short, but were mid rise; and their boyfriend jeans, which when rolled, like they want you to wear them, were also too short and too low waisted for me. So try those two styles out! They may fit you like a champ!
My question on packing light is how you choose pieces that you can rewear without looking like you are wearing it again and again, and yet not be boring. I took a carry-on to Europe for 2 weeks and while it worked just fine, I got bored of my clothes and felt like I was recycling looks quite a bit.
Hey Amanda, great question! I think accessories can go a long way, and then just mixing and matching the items in new, interesting ways. (Like I did in my remix challenge!) :)
I’m just commenting to say that, even though our clothing styles aren’t all that similar, I love seeing how you put your outfits together and wear what you like. You inspire me to wear what I like…thanks!
Thanks so much Alicia! :)
Hi! I’m doing a road trip with Airbnbs up from SF to Portland over Thanksgiving. I would like to only pack one duffel bag but with unpredictable weather for 10 days, how can I do this? I’m not sure if it’s going to be 60s during the day or snow through the mountain passes and I’ll be both hiking and going out to nice dinners. Any thoughts on packing light but still having all the necessities? Also, when you travel with Airbnbs, do you usually bank on the house having soap/shampoo etc or do you bring your own? -Thanks!
Usually with Airbnb you bring your own toiletries. They supply kitchen things, detergent etc. The great thing is that there is a washing machine so you can travel with carry on. I travelled through Europe for 15 days with carry on. I just bought shampoo etc at every stop and left it, so you might get lucky.
My whole plan for packing light: pack your suitcase, then throw 1/2 of it back in the closet. You won’t wear it anyway.
Also, it’s helpful renting a condo with a washer & dryer facilities. Then you really can pack light & just wash whatever gets dirty!
Haha! Great advice, Beth! :)
Make-up never occurred to me! I generally switch over to a more saturated lip color during cooler weather…..when I actually go to the trouble of putting make-up on at all, lol!
This is a great idea. I have a wool fedora that I love in theory, but feel like a poser, or that I’m trying to hard or something, whenever I ad it to an outfit. I’m going to try it with jeans, a tshirt, and my vans, all beloved and frequently worn items :)
Good luck Tawny! I’m sure you can make it work :)
I love that idea! That’s how I like to start too! I also love to put on the new item and just try on a bunch of different things with it to see which outfit I like best!!
http://www.themoptop.com
Just bought a pair of Madewell supermom jeans while visiting my daughter in Portland. Sorta regretted it the rest of the trip as they did not feel like me. Now that I am home I am going to try your suggestion of styling them with some of my favorites. Thanks!
Good luck Jane! Hope they will soon feel right at home with you :)
Do you mind my asking how tall you are? Reason why, I always thought you were tall. But you look tiny in the photo with your sister. On the other hand, the Halogen cardigan appears much shorter on you than in the Nordstrom link. I am less than 5’4″ and it would be helpful to know your height so I can determine if items you show would look good on me. For example, the Artizia marled cardigan you posted last year was overwhelming on me, and I had to pay to pay shipping charges both ways,
Hey Kathy, I don’t mind you asking! I am 5’5″ and typically wear an XS in most things. I try to put fit notes by the links if it’s different than that. :)
My life has changed so much in the last few months that most of my closet is unsure now.
I have been having so much trouble re-finding myself style wise after having a baby. I feel so lost.
You are not alone! After having both of my kids I never had the energy to get dressed in the morning and when I did, I was sweaty and spit up on before I could get out of the house. It was so frustrating and most of the time I gave up. Just know it gets better. You will get there and find your new identity and it will be better than you think!
I hear you. It has taken me a couple of years to rediscover my own style. After maternity wear, and nursing wear, and spending more on baby things and having no time to shop, I found I was completely lost when it came to style. And, to be honest, it took me a little longer even to care.
For me, it was important to go back and rediscover basics. Jeans that fit me and looked good. Tees that were flattering and didn’t cling in the wrong places. Jackets that worked with a toddler. I’m still working on it, but I’m finding myself leaning toward a more distilled style than I used to have.
Hey Emily! I think it’s a very common problem among new moms! I get sooo many questions about how to make it work. I don’t have any personal experience with this, but from what I hear, I think you should take your time. Allow yourself to settle into your new role. Slowly but surely you will see what you need, and as you little one gets older, you’ll have more time to focus on style and yourself! Hugs! :)
Oh me too! I don’t have any good advice, just wanted to say I’m right there with you!
You are tall and thin and look like a model. I’m plain, not quite 5′ 6″ and a 14-16, so it’s hard for me to wrap my head around your styling. :-(
Pat! Please don’t ever let your doubts or your size for that matter stop you from finding your style! We shouldn’t all look the same, and un-fancy is only here to offer suggestions on styling. Try some things out and see if they work for you, but if they don’t — that’s ok! You will find things that you love through trial and error (just like I have!) Good luck. I know you got this :)
Love the idea of paring a new piece with old favorites to figure out how to style it! Also majorly loving your shoes in this post!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
I love the advice you offer: styling a new, trendier piece with favorites! Thank you. But, I have to tell you–I hate supermom jeans. I am at an age where a lot of styles are either precious or inappropriate. The same outfit that looks “model off duty” on a 20-30 something screams “dumpy actual mom” on a 40 year old!
haha. I’ve been thinking this too. I AM a mom, though only 31. Maybe if I weren’t I could get behind them! haha. but as is I hate mom jeans. even boyfriend jeans make me feel dumpy and slouchy. gonna stick with my skinny jeans still. though I am loving a mid/higher rise these days. As a 6 foot tall woman, low rise was always terrible on me.
Yes, me too. I had a pair of “boyfriend” jeans (that’s what they were called when I bought them) that I bought in haste. I took them with me on a trip right after purchasing and was almost in tears at how they made me feel – in the dressing room I thought I just needed to learn how to style them, but it didn’t work. I couldn’t figure out what it was about them that was wrong, considering they fit well, but now based on Caroline’s posts I think that they were actually mom jeans in the cut, and that was the problem. If they’d been labeled as such, I wouldn’t have touched them! Lesson learned, don’t buy jeans in haste. Oh well.
I LOVE your blog!
Love Love lOve Love it! I need to get a pair of jeans like that, they look amazing.
outfit love!!! i am a recent college grad so clogs aren’t in my immediate financial future, but oh, someday…
question for the packing post: how do you pack light while still being prepared? when i’ve been tempted to pack minimally, i have this lurking fear that i will spill coffee all over myself (or something else just as clutzy), and ruin one of my key pieces for the trip. so, i end up over-packing just to be prepared for the worst. do you have this problem? how do you work around it? or maybe it’s just me and my clumsiness.
Caroline, the jeans look a lot looser on you then on the model. Is it the correct link?
Great advice, as always!
Hi Oksana! It’s the right link, but I did go up a size, since these have zero stretch :)
What a great idea to sandwich something new with pieces you love! I know a lot of my clothes just end up sitting in my closet because I have no idea how to style them. When I shop, I always try to think about how many outfits I can create with a piece.
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
Does your everlane linen teeshirt wear / wash well? I always love the way they look but have heard they pill really quickly even with hang drying.
One of my focuses is to try and buy quality items that wash well, so while I have a few basic cotton tees from them I’ve been hesitant on pulling the trigger on the linen!
Hey Jen, I’ve washed both my linen tees a few times already (always on cold + hang dry) and I haven’t had any pilling problems. Yay! :)
Hi Caroline, I’d love it if you could share some advice on packing light when the weather is likely to be unpredictable or a bit all over the place. I always find myself contingency-packing, which leads to a number of unworn items by the end of a trip. Thanks!
I’ve followed your blog for a long time and while I always look forward to your posts – I feel that since your return to blogging – your posts are more than just fun to look at but are really helping me use my wardrobe more. Either not giving up on an old favorite or working harder to stye something that is stumping me but I loved when i bought it. I learned a lot from your capsule experiment but sometimes it left me wanting more. These posts though inspire me to work with what I have! Thanks for that. :)
That’s effective wardrobe management!! Love the combination of your supermom jeans, grey tee, and elegant black cardigan! Fashion is about being yourself, that’s why we need to stop “trying” and focus on feeling natural and real.
looooove this! :) ox
Thank you so much for posting links to all your items (and alternatives)! I’ve been wanting some swedish hasbeens for forever now and was THIS CLOSE to ordering them on zappos. Well, thanks to your link I got them on amazon for $100 cheaper. You = amazing. *Happy Tears*