The first official winter outfit is here!
I can already tell you that this sweater is going to be a major player in my winter wardrobe. First of all, it’s got an awesomely relaxed fit, so I don’t have to worry one bit about getting a food baby — hello, holiday dinners, looking at you.
And I can wear a long sleeve thermal tee underneath for an extra layer of warmth.
And — maybe most important of all — I can wear a sports bra underneath it all because the straps are hidden underneath the turtleneck. I know I’m mentioning this whole sports bra thing a lot these days, but I’m hooked on making pajama-comfort-level outfits out of normal clothes.
Now, the comfort level drops when you get to the shoes, I know. So this outfit is more of a cool, causal date night outfit. But if I wanted a more comfortable version of this outfit, I could easily swap out the heels for my black moto boots.
Do you have any secrets to make an outfit more comfortable?
Top: Forever 21 (similar)
Bottoms: Gap (similar)
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Stacking Rings: Moulton
Bracelets: Moulton
Shoes: Aldo
Does this mean there won’t be anymore Fall outfits? I was going to save my new clothes for January, since January is always oppressive here in Chicago.
For comfort is all about the waistline — I’m on the hunt for more tops to wear with leggings and my “fancy” sweatpants. (LOL)
Love it! I also love your new haircut. You look great with bangs.
Lovely!
I just got a pair of black jeans from Gap and I am in LOVE! I just realized that Gap jeans were made for my body. I have tried other jeans and been disappointed… so I decided Gap will always be my go-to jean! I love your winter style! :)
Great post!
To make my outfits more comfortable I tend to wear looser clothes, because I feel a bit strangled when things are tight in my chest or stomach, and that way I can still wear dresses and nice tops so I look dressed up but feel like I’m wearing pyjamas! I have also been loving chunky platform style shoes lately like the ones shown in this outfit – you get the effect of heels without the pain! http://olafdesigns.co/products/abstract-print-leggings (I couldn’t find a link to actually buy them as they aren’t new, sorry!)
Hey girl! New here. My tip for comfort? Leggings! Lots and lots of leggings. And pulling them up high over that food baby! Haha, no. But I totally understand the desire to be more comfortable. I used to be the type of person to buy whatever what was in my size at the thrift shop, just because it was my size. But, now I am putting a lot more effort into finding well made clothing that I truly feel comfortable in. I’m so happy to have discovered your blog as it’s already been so inspiring to me and I’ve only been following for a few days!
Yay! I have finally started my FIRST capsule and am completely pumped! Unfortunately, I am in need of one more item-THAT SWEATER! Glad to see you like your sweater purchase from Forever 21! I am never certain if the quality is there but I have seemed to hear good things about their sweaters so I will be hitting them up pronto…because I am cold.
:)
I completely agree on your Summer/Winter idea on capsules. I have already decided that will be my approach. With living in Georgia, there are really only two season variations and with my capsule being a tad larger than yours, I am able to incorporate some fall feeling items along with my cozy winter items! Score ;)
<3
Out-of-the-house comfort = those jean leggings from the Gap for me!
Love the sweater! I’m working on my first capsule for January – March, and I find it a little bit challenge because the weather on Mexico City is pretty mild for most of the year. We really don’t have a proper winter (case in point, we’re at 59 F right now). So I’m thinking that I’m probably going to have the same kind of garments in almost every season but I’ll just change the color palette to match the season.
I’d love to hear how people living in mild weather are putting together their capsules!
This is a great idea! Also, maybe you could take jackets out of your capsule? So you have you set seasonal capsule and if one day it gets chilly, then you have a separate small collection of jackets.
Sincerely, Tania
That’s a great idea! that’s something I could definitely try. I just finished my first capsule yesterday, and I ended up with 4 jackets/coats: a denim jacket, a trench, leather jacker and one blazer. The thing with the weather here is that even in summer, the mornings and nights are always chilly, so at least a cardigan or light jacket is necessary. In spring and summer I’ll replace the trench with a raincoat, because there’s always thunderstorms in the evenings.
PS: You have an awesome name! :D
Love the idea of the color palette!
I had put a floral tee in my capsule, but I just *hated* wearing it and couldn’t figure out why when I absolutely loved it in the summer. I’m learning I’m very sensitive about certain colors (bright pink) and my white floral tee in winter.
I think colors are very important, and they’re a good way of putting some seasonal feeling even if the style of garments doesn’t change. My winter capsule will have red & green as accent colors, and plaid as a main pattern. For spring & summer I’ll think It’ll be more like yellow, turquoise, blue, florals and stripes. I’m also very sensitive about colors, they really affect the way you feel and create certain atmosphere.
I really love how cozy and chic that sweater is!
Girl, I have been LIVING in leggings. Tight enough that you can tuck into boots. Loose enough that it can stretch to accommodate the food baby. And love that it’s fitted enough that the only way to pair it well is to wear a looser top. It is like respectable lounge-wear. Love it!
Hey Caroline! Love the new capsule. I know you’ve mentioned that you also have work out clothes that you’ve culled and somewhat capsulated. I’m wondering if you could do a post about those – what kind of working out do you do? How often? So how many pieces do you own/rotate? I desperately need to get rid of tons of t-shirts and some work out clothes and really don’t know where a good place to start is! Thanks!
Margaret, I feel ya!
I tend to save ratty, free, baggy shirts as my workout outfits because I’m sweating in them so who cares, right?? I recently had to get ‘proper’ clothing since starting yoga. You’d be amazed what looking good through your wokout will do for you. I don’t stare at myself in the mirror while working out, but it definitely helps in motivating me. Instead of seeing this dumpy person in the mirror when I pass by to get weights, I see someone put together and it helps me focus.
Typically, I run 4-5 times a week and yoga 3. I will usually wear my workout pants twice because I don’t really sweat from my torso and crotch, but I definitely swap sports bras and tops after each use. I’d suggest getting a top/bra for every day that you’re working out in one laundry cycle. For me, that’s about a week.
I hope I helped :)
Sincerely, Tania
YES! ratty t-shirts from college are my go to. And I’m certainly not suggesting I need fancier attire (I do yoga and run – up to 5 times a week combined), so I am looking to get rid of stuff! hah This is helpful. I’m also wondering if you/Caroline pack up workout clothes seasonally like she does with her whole capsule. I suppose it depends on if the working out is happening indoors or outdoors! Thanks! Happy holidays!
THIS!! I also believe that just because you’re sweating, it doesn’t mean you have to look bad! My go to oufit for the gym is shorts + sports bra + sleeveless and fitting top. I also have two light jackets for when I have to walk home from the gym. I’d like my gym clothing to be fitted, because a) it doesn’t get caught in machines (like when you’re on spinning, wide leg pants are often caught on the bicyle mechanism) b) it makes me feel more agile and lean c) I hate having fabric sticking on my sweaty skin, specially legs. I think also having clothes made of specialty fabric is great because your sweat doesn’t get trapped and they dry way faster. If you’re looking for good, fun & affordable clothes, check the H&M fitness line. They’re well made and way cheaper than Nike or Adidas.
I wish I could wear a sports bra without looking like I was wearing a sports bra… I don’t really find regular bras particularly uncomfortable though. Just a hint to anyone who does find bras uncomfortable, especially if you find yourself adjusting a lot, you’re probably wearing the wrong size. I used to work in a lingerie department and probably half the people I measured were wearing the wrong size. Go to a bra store or department store (like Nordstrom’s or somewhere where they will measure you in the dressing room) and get measured. Victoria’s Secret generally does not do a good job at measuring. Fixing my bra size was totally life changing. :)
I hear you on the sports bra front. However…I have discovered the solution. I got a sports bra with underwires on clearance once at Victoria’s Secret, and it solved the “uniboob” problem that I have with sports bras. If I were still playing serious sports like I did in high school and college, I doubt that I would want a sports bra with underwires, but for lounge-wear, it’s great. However, like you, I find regular bras pretty comfy, so I usually go with those.
The Victoria’s Secret sports bras are great! If they were cheaper I’d buy 100 of them. I have two, and I wear them for yoga and to the gym – haven’t really tried running or anything “high impact” with them..
I agree on the cost. I only have one because I got it on clearance, so I hope to have another opportunity like that. :)
Which bra is this? I really need new bras for working out.
I don’t know the name of it. I got it a few yeas ago, but it has underwires and a racerback as well as the hooks and eyes in the back under the racerback. The front looks like a regular sports bra with the fabric going across the whole front, but inside it has the underwires and a thin lining. Sorry not to be more helpful!
YES. Would totally encourage all ladies to go to a reputable lingerie shop and get sized by someone who really knows what they’re talking about. There’s a good chance that you’re wearing the wrong band size and or cup size.
A properly fitted bra should not be uncomfortable even if underwire.
If your band size is too big, then your straps are doing most of the work (leading to back pain) and your cups won’t sit/fit properly. Get measured!! You will be more comfortable and your clothes will look so much better– it’s kind of crazy.
Emi, I think this is great advice! I think most of women spend their lifes in a wrong size bra!
Great outfit – I just loooooove those shoes!!! For added comfort/warmth: If you ever get a chance, buy some silk long underwear [sierratradingpost usually has amazing prices, or look for after xmas sales at say llbean or eddiebauer or maybe rei] – the t-shirts especially as they allow you to wear something super light with absolutely no bulk [!] and yet give that extra warmth and feels great against your skin [and they’re a GREAT thing to bring if you are traveling somewhere cold – extra warmth and takes up no space in the suitcase :) And on the silk note, keep an eye out for an amazing versatile scarf with colors that look fantastic next to your face – they weigh nothing, add a zing to a neutral palette and they’re season-less. [and if you get one you love, there are so many ways to wear it – not to mention if you are out hiking, in a pinch it could make a great sling if someone gets hurt! how’s that for multipurpose – ha!]
My secret to a comfy outfit is no bra at all! But that is never an option in public for me so I just suffer. :) This is definition of a comfy outfit I think for me adding leggings or tights is the only change I would make because I don’t wear trousers So tights and shorts would be my addition. Though your blog does make be yearn for a pair of light distressed jeans!!
Thanks!
I have been contemplating this very thing and, since reading your blog and a few others, I’ve discovered that I have never come up with a true winter wardrobe. I have a few truly wintery things, but lots of things from fall hang on. This year, I’m putting those fall things away and trying to figure out my true winter style, which I want to be cozy and comfortable, but still look presentable. That’s why I’m so psyched to see that you are aiming in the same direction. Your thoughts on this sweater are brilliant. I’ve got a collage up of favorite winter items, and I’m trying to figure out why I like each thing, then I’ll try to figure out my true winter style and buy/make those things (I also resonated with your quotes on simplicity being born our of complexity awhile back). I’m so excited to see all of your outfits. I introduced my cousin to your site and told her it’s like “fashion crack” (not that you want to be connected to illegal drugs, but you know what I mean). ;)
I just wanted to say thank you so much! I absoultely love your style. Since I happened across your blog last week, I have completely overhauled my wardrobe and am planning my first seasonal capsule (mostly stuff I already own!). I am a total clotheshorse, and it was getting really out of hand. It seemed like no matter how much I bought, I couldn’t find anything to wear! It feels like this whole process has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I can’t even begin to tell you how lucky all the shoppers will be at my local Goodwill and consignment stores!
Caroline – in light of all the discussion about ethics and shopping, I thought you should look at wwww.liketwice.com . This is a website with gently used clothing available, and they are all brands that you wear.
Just thought I’d share – it’s an easy bridge between sticking true to style without contributing to the disappointing side of the fashion industry.
Thank you so much for this link!! Looks like a good site with lots of options and great brands.
Cute sweater :) I love these Shimera Day Bras from Nordstrom. They’re way more comfortable than a normal bra but nowhere near constricting as a sports bra. I stocked up on some during the semi-annual sale and they’re holding up well. I’m a C cup and probably borderline too big for them to wear out all day – but when I’m wearing bulky winter stuff, I don’t mind as much.
Whoops, here’s the link :) http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-seamless-day-bra/3769264?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Beige+Soft&resultback=657&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_2_A
How do you like the bangs? I’ve always wanted them but worry about the upkeep factor. I am the queen of lazy hair.
I’m a 30G in the bra department, and sports bras are excruciatingly painful to wear for long periods of time. My well fitting bras are tight, but are very comfortable.
I foresee myself wearing sweaters and leggings all winter :P -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Love your blog. Love those shoes…are they really 4″ heels? I thought I read in one of your posts that you were going to get some heels shortened…was it these shoes or another pair?
Where I live this would be more an Autumn outfit. I find it difficult to get motivation to create Winter outfits, I just love Summer *** it’s so easy and…warm!!