I recently helped one of my Mum on the go clients shop the Fall sales to refresh her knitwear and casual bottoms. As a Seattle Mum on the go, combining a pair of casual bottoms with a fashionable pullover, a great pair of boots, and a statement crossbody or shoulder bag, is an ideal daily uniform. It’s fast, practical, comfortable and versatile. No fuss with blazers or belts. So we created some variation within the framework of this formula.
Although my client loves wearing blue jeans, she is tiring of them and no longer wants to wear them daily. But she’s not a dress or skirt gal either. So it was important to find casual pant alternatives that work with the outfit formula AND with two pairs of mid-calf boots already in her wardrobe.
These outfit combinations show the exact pieces that my client bought and is already wearing for Fall. Note that she enjoys pattern mixing and combining clashing colours, as well as making a statement with non-black neutrals. Thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale back in July, she already had Paul Green’s Ally Belted Moto Boot in brown, and Aquatalia’s Sweet Shortie Boot in black. My client also likes to wear one bag for the season, and this season it is French Connection’s Elite Hobo. In burgundy, it adds a nice touch of colour to all these outfits.
1. Blue Jeans & Waffle Knit Sweater
We bought Gap’s Always Skinny Jeans to replace my client’s blue jeggings. We sized up so that they weren’t a “sausage casing” fit. They are available in longer lengths for my tall client, which is ideal. She can tuck the hems into the mid-calf boots for warmth, or roll them to showcase the boots with a little skin on milder days. We matched them with Gap’s Waffle Knit Sweater in oatmeal, which is very soft and oversized (but runs big so size down). The brown Paul Green Ally boots are a rich match with the oatmeal.
2. Olive Jeans & Waffle Knit Sweater
NYDJ’s Samantha Colored Slim Stretch Jeans are an excellent alternative to blue jeans, so we got them in both olive and grey. They are sueded and have ample length in regular sizes for tall gals. Nice girdling high rise too. My client loved Gap’s Waffle Knit Sweater, so she bought another in charcoal grey. It’s fab with the olive pants and mid-calf brown boots, which she wears over the pants.
3. Upscale Track Pants & Windowpane Sweater
As a big change in the casual bottoms department, I suggested a pair of upscale track pants to wear with a semi-tucked pullover. My client was receptive to the idea, and Eileen Fisher’s Cotton Knit Drawstring Pants fit the bill (size down because they run a little big). We paired them with Theory’s Dreamerly W Merino Wool Sweater, partially tucking the side front of the welt for subtle outfit structure. The black moto boots add a tough urban element to the knit pants.
4. Plaid Corduroys & Striped Sweater
KUT from the Kloth’s Diana Print Stretch Corduroy Skinny Pants in a fun diagonal plaid provides another alternative to blue jeans. We paired them with Halogen’s Dolman Sleeve Cashmere Tunic in coral, and finished off the look with black moto booties and the same burgundy bag. Us Seattleites need extra bold outfits like these to liven up our awfully grey and wet weather. It might seem like a mismatched stretch for you, but it makes my client smile.
All of the items here are extremely comfortable, non-scratch and cozy, because that’s a non-negotiable requirement of my client’s casual lifestyle. She’ll top off each outfit with a roomy puffer or wool coat, and add a scarf, beanie and gloves for warmth on extra cold days. She can shop her closet for additional knitwear that works well with the four new pairs of casual bottoms. She will also wear her tall grey riding boots with three of the pants.
It was a very productive shopping day. An effective seasonal wardrobe refresh and ample variety within the parameters of a daily Mum-on-the-go uniform.
