Cuddl Duds asked me to put together some outfits using pieces from their collection. My absolute favourite piece is the Fleecewear with Stretch Half Zip Hoodie in grey leopard that I like to wear under jackets, which I used in one of my outfits a couple of weeks ago. In this post I’m going to showcase some of the other pieces that will work well for myself and my clients. 

These ensembles are suitable for casual settings like plane and car travel, working from home, the school run with kids, errands, casual weekend outings and strolls in chilly weather.

Cozy Topper With Jeans and Boots

The Cuddl Duds Second Layer Fleece Hooded Wrap-Up is the type of item that goes down well with my clients. It’s a cross between a cardigan and poncho and is extremely soft and comfortable. It’s also warm, lightweight, non-crease and machine washable. It runs true to size. Although not visible in the photo, the back is as short as the front, which prevents the topper from overwhelming your frame and looking like a blanket. The unstructured fleece hooded wrap is ideal for working at home when it gets drafty at your desk. Or when it’s cold on a long flight, or on a chilly walk. 

I was drawn to the grey leopard print because patterns are punchy. Match it with a lightweight sweater, or long sleeve layering tees like the Comfortwear long sleeve crew or ActiveLayer reversible ballet neck. I found both of these items very formfitting, so size up if you prefer a looser fit. Jeans and ankle boots are an easy option on the bottom. A belt is optional for semi and faux tucking the top, and a large tote is great for travel and errands. Finish off the outfit with jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. 

Layering with Tees for Warmth and Visual Effect

I was drawn to the Cuddl Duds Climatesmart long sleeve classic crew and Softwear with Stretch long sleeve turtleneck as a way to further insulate my outfits.

Both pieces are super soft, stretchy and snug. Like the wrap, they are warm, lightweight and machine washable. They are best worn as a layering piece under tops and jackets because of the cling factor, but allowing the necklines to peek through from under a partially unbuttoned shirt creates an interesting effect. 

The smart casual ensemble on the left is dressier, but still pretty relaxed. Pair white jeans with a long-sleeved tee and layer over a denim shirt and blazer. Adding a belt and tucking the shirt is optional, but I’ve left the shirt untucked. Add dressy booties and a modern clutch. Finish off the outfit with eyewear, watch, and jewellery as desired. When indoors, feel free to take off the blazer and sport fewer layers. 

Alternatively, layer a thin turtleneck under a plaid shirt leaving it untucked over a pair of Ponte pants. Tuck the pants into mid-calf or knee-high boots, topping off the look with a parka or wool coat. Add a weathered leather tote and finish off the outfit with eyewear, watch head gear and jewelry as desired. 

These are some of my suggestions for incorporating Cuddl Duds items into ensembles, but I’d love to hear your thoughts too. Click here to enter the Cuddl Duds $250 giveaway.

Presented by Cuddl Duds® Live in Layers.

Topshop is a British retailer with brick and mortar stores and online operations across the globe. They have standalone stores in US cities Chicago, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and the brand is available at Nordstrom. Some Nordstrom stores have built Topshop “store within a store” concepts that are just like walking into a mini Topshop. 

The brand is super trendy, daring and fashion forward, and although that might not be your cup of tea, it’s always worth a look. The styling is clever, colour-rich, texture-rich, and the quality is pretty good (several notches above H&M). It’s one way to incorporate a fun piece that changes up the landscape of your wardrobe, but won’t break the bank. Here are four pieces that I think are fun and very wearable: 

• Oversized Wool Boyfriend Coat: I was blown away by the cut of this coat, which is somewhere between a man coat and a cocoon silhouette. It’s perfectly oversized and tailored at the same time. The small lapels are magical, and looks as good open as it does closed. It’s lightweight and not very warm, so perfect for mild Winters. You might need to size up for the right fit. It’s also available in coral.
• Vinyl Coat: Add a little ’60s Mod Fabness to your wardrobe with this topper. It’s stiff and plastic-y so consider yourself warned. 
• Animal Textured Sweater: Here’s one way to achieve the subtle round-shouldered look. I loved this sweater, but found it a dash scratchy. Hopefully, it won’t be scratchy on you. Fab with grey jeans. 
• Plaid Front Sweater: Cheeky, bright and fun with boyfriend jeans or a skirt. It would also have been mine if it wasn’t a dash scratchy. 

Remember that it’s HOW you wear a piece that counts. Remix uber trendy items with a modern classic support act if they are “too young and out there” when worn how the model is sporting the look. Add a sophisticated edge for extra chic. And by all means sport high-low style, thereby remixing better-end pieces with the items from places like Topshop.

I’m frequently asked whether it’s acceptable to wear hosiery with open shoes. The answer is yes. It’s fashion forward to wear all sorts of hosiery with heeled strappy sandals, T-strap pumps, ankle strap pumps, and peep toe pumps. From basic sheer hose and dainty micro-fishnets, to self-colour patterns, opaques, and texture-rich tights. 

Visuals speak louder than words, so check out how these ladies wear hosiery with open toed footwear in casual and dressy outfits. 

• Strappy high heels with textured hose
• Colour blocked opaques with strappy heels
• Ankle strap sandals with opaques
• Sheer black hose with gold sandals
• Turquoise sandals with black opaques
• Fuchsia opaques with yellow sandals
• Evening heels with sheer black hose
• Evening heels with hose for daytime
• Ankle strap peep toes with polka dot hose

Both high and low contrast between the shoes and hosiery can work. Wear sheer or thick hose in smooth or textured surfaces. Neutrals or colours. Solids or patterns. Truly, just about any combination of open shoe and hosiery goes when worn with fashionable intention. And the more unexpected the combination, the more arty, creative and eclectic the outfit. 

If you like the vibe of this look, and want to sport it despite being thrown out of your comfort zone, start off with a low contrast and dressier combination. Wear sheer black hose or opaques with dressy black open shoes. The effect of that combination is subtle and less eye-catching, and a safer way to dip your toes into the trend.  

Personally, I prefer open footwear worn with hosiery when the back of the heel is covered by the shoe, like the ankle strap pumps worn with hose in the first photo. This is not essential, but to my eye the extra bit of heel coverage grounds the look, which makes the combination more seasonally appropriate. The foot looks a tad too naked when the hose at the heel is exposed. That’s why I will not be wearing my Okala pumps with hose. Again, this is by no means a rule or guideline. 

Over to you. What are your thoughts on wearing hosiery with open shoes?

This is the holiday party formula you are probably most familiar with: dressing up jeans. There are many ways to dress up jeans, and this outfit formula focuses on pairing denim bottoms with a fancy sweater. Extra comfy, cozy and easy. It deliberately leaves out dressy blouses and shirts, and leaves off the jacket. The idea is to wear a coat over the outfit if you need an extra layer. 

Choose any colour palette. Here are the components: 

Jeans: Choose a favourite pair of jeans in any wash and colour. I’ve chosen faded denim because I like that shade of blue, but dark blue, black, white, grey, or waxed denim options are just as fab. Choose skinnies, straight legs, bootcuts, trouser jeans, boyfriend jeans, moto jeans, or bell bottoms. Any style at all. 

Festive Sweater: You’re after a pullover that is more than a basic. It’s embellished or texture-rich in some way, and there are many options. Sequin sweatshirts, fuzzy cropped pullovers, drapey tunic styles that sparkle, and sweaters with built-in neckline bling will do the trick. Or wear a fashion forward digital print sweatshirt and pile on your own bling with a large chunky necklace. Wear the sweater untucked, or faux tuck with a dressy belt. 

Footwear: The footwear is key to making the sweater with jeans look festive and party-appropriate. Choose dressy and feminine shoes to offset the casualness of the outfit. Pumps, dressy flats and refined booties are great options. I vote leave off the rugged boots. Bring a pair of pretty shoes to swap into once you’re back indoors if you need to wear weatherproof boots outside. Wear nude knee-highs for warmth. 

Accessories: Clutches are fabulous with dressy shoes. Choose a party clutch and you are set. Remember that clutches can be practical if you choose one with a strap. 

This type of outfit needn’t be reserved for casual holiday parties. Wear it on date night, gals night out, evenings out, to dinner with friends, entertaining at home, or even on Casual Friday in some work settings.