Patterned knit dresses and low-heeled booties are turning out to be my fallback uniform this winter. My professional life has continued to grow even more busy and stressful, and I have little time (not to mention patience) for playing around in my closet.

The few times that I've worn wovens, jeans, or blouses with pencil skirts, I have physically felt fussy, itchy, and constricted (particularly up until recently, since I was wearing a wrist brace for weeks following a sprain) so for the most part I'm sticking to knits. I don't want anything physical that will add frustration to my day.

My hair grows quite quickly and during the snow/ice storm that we had a few weeks ago, I was driven batty by the long layers around my face getting incredibly unruly with the static buildup from wearing wool hats. So a couple weeks ago, I opted for a shorter and even choppier version of the cut I've been sporting since last summer. I'm also totally done with buying any constricting tights that tend to bunch up or roll down. Commando hose has been my saving grace - they have many patterns including a super cute large polka dot print, and they have a high, seamless waistband that actually stays put on me.
Second best are some fantastic high-quality mesh tights that I got years ago on sale at Anthropologie that are still going strong. I wish that I could remember the brand so that I could seek out more.

I like the ease and comfort of boots, but my tall boots are giving me the same constricting feeling that I get from wearing wovens these days - I can't slip in and out of them in a hurry - so I'm sticking to booties.

I'm very, very glad that I stocked up on a lot of colorful, patterned knit dresses over the past couple years because they are getting a LOT of play. Aside from the comfort factor, dresses are a no-brainer; I just pick out hose, shoes, and a necklace or scarf and I'm good to go.

I hope to one day be in a more restful place where I have a bit more creative energy and inspiration to devote to what I wear. In the meantime, though, I'm finding that Pinterest is a great way to collect my inspirations until I have time to experiment with putting them to action. I'm also VERY glad to have fallback options that make me feel stylish and put together most of the time.

#1: Sky blue patterned wrap dress from Banana Republic outlet; black lacy camisole and opaque hose; rhinestone snowflake brooch; black low-heeled Clarks booties.
#2-3: Burgundy striped Bailey 44 midi dress; brown opaque hose; burgundy low-heeled booties; cameo brooch; mock-antique pocketwatch necklace.