I stumbled on this outfit while browsing Net-a-Porter. To some it may look overly strict and masculine, too formal and business-like, or just plain boring. To my eye it’s stunning. Amazingly simple, clean-cut and comfortable. It lacks jewellery, but it’s polished. And it is as modern as it is classic. 

Granted, I love classics. I love to wear trouser suits and blazers. And I love flared wool trousers at this length because they move as you stride. I also enjoy a graphic rugby stripe, angular clutches and pointy toe pumps. The magpie in me adores the gold shoes. 

Four factors are key to making this type of simple outfit look spectacular: 

1. Superior quality
2. Perfect fit
3. Classics in current silhouettes
4. Beautiful footwear and bag

As soon as the quality and fit of the garments are off, the strength of the simplicity goes downhill. It’s vitally important to wear updated classics because they do date. Here, the sweater is fluid, the cut of the blazer pretty straight with narrow lapels and low stance, while the trousers are elegantly flared but not overly wide or snug. The length of the blazer is just below the seat, which is a flattering length with flared trousers and heels. Dressy sci-fi metallic pumps in a trendy and refined pointy toe with envelope clutch are the perfect finishing touches. And the colours should flatter your complexion, which means that black can be substituted with ink blue, navy, tan, or a shade of grey. 

Creating simple outfits that look interesting and attractive can be hard because you rely heavily on the fabric quality, workmanship, cut of the garments and footwear, the way they fit your body and hold up during the day. These are tall orders no matter what. It’s often easier to wear a complex outfit with bells and whistles because the design details of the individual pieces create the interest, and you can mask less than stellar quality and fit by layering and wearing accessories. 

It reminds me of baking. A cake that has to look beautiful and taste delicious sans toppings usually requires more care and better ingredients than one that can be covered with icing and sprinkles.

In the same way, creating simple yet interesting outfits is as much of an art form as creating complicated outfits that involve multiple layers, colours, patterns, irregular silhouettes, complex design details, and accessories. Both can be fabulous. Both require skill and flair. 

Embellished pullovers with sparkle or extra texture that can be worn with trousers, skirts, jeans or dressy shorts come in handy during the holiday season as a way to stay warm and look festive. They’re an easy pull-on-and-go with bottoms, dressy shoes and clutch. 

• Topshop Embellished Neck Sweater: A fluid pullover with an embellished neckline. Simple and effective. I vote berry and nude as alternative options to grey. 
• Topshop Crew Neck Sweater: Synthetic fabrications have their advantages because this fuzzy darling does not itch. I love mohair and angora knitwear, but I’m highly allergic to it. Here’s one way to get the look for less sans the discomfort. I bought the chartreuse and have my eye on the light blue. Super soft and cuddly. 
• Topshop Animal Print Burnout Top: Layer it over a camisole. Covered, but still quite breezy. 
• Marc Jacobs Trompe L’Oeil Sweater: My client is going to wear this sweater untucked to informal cocktail parties with the Halogen leather A-line skirt, finishing off the look with pointy pumps, hose and clutch. She looks like a million bucks, and will be comfortable all evening. 
• Pure Amici Sequined Cashmere Turtleneck: The beading is subtle and not scratchy. Better than sequins, which I do find scratchy. The fit is tailored, so size up if you prefer a slouchier look. I bought this in cream and it does not irritate my skin. Great shorter sleeve length, just for a change. 
• Sejour Wool Blend Sweater (Plus): Striking and fashionable with a great pair of jeans. 
• Free People Sequin Leopard Stripe Pullover: A little more boho and relaxed, but just as festive.
• Sequin Funnel Neck Sweater: Understated, interesting, arty and chic. 
• Halogen Embellished Sweater (Plus): Similar to the Topshop style, but with a lower neckline and chunkier jewels. 
• Halogen Foiled Sweater: Relaxed sci-fi bling. 
• Vince Camuto Rosette Front Sweater: Valentino-esque and sweet over a pencil skirt or dressy shorts. 
• Nic & Zoe Back Drape Sweater (Plus): The front is streamlining and the back extra fun. Great for gals with shorter hair. 
• Eileen Fisher Asymmetrical Sweater Tunic (Plus): Match this tunic with neck bling, skinnies, heels and clutch, and you’re casual party ready. 
• Kenzo Floral Print Sweater: It looks better in person because the drape is sublime. An eye-catching pattern in a simple silhouette. Let the richness of the fabric and the pattern do the talking. 
• Hinge Lace Inset Blouson Sleeve Sweater: A lightweight, Edwardian option. 
• Maje Dyonisos Embellished Sweater: The unusual placement of the embellishment creates an interesting effect. It makes the upper torso look tailored despite its roomy fit around the waist. Might need to size up. 
• Karen Kane Riviera Lace Top: An extra comfy option for the relaxed party occasion. Pretty lace sweatshirt style. Might need to size down. 

Embellished items can be tricky to launder and dry clean. Popping them into a pillowcase on the delicates cycle in the machine is one option.

Jessie Artigue (29) is a creative consultant and fashion blogger operating from NYC who documents her outfits over at Style & Pepper. She loves accessories, high heels and breathing new life into vintage treasures. Her style is maximal, ladylike and eclectic with boho influences and the occasional preppy touch:

“My style seems to evolves day to day more than year to year! I like to describe my style as being a smile-inducing mix of modern trends and vintage pieces, and more than having a defined ‘look’ — I dress to express my moods and fit my daily needs and events.”

It’s always fun to see how other people are wearing pieces that are hanging in your own closet. I have this exact sweater, and adore the cheerfully eclectic look our blogger has created with it. Vintage fan Jessie has a real knack for putting together fashion-forward outfits with those one-of-a kind thrift pieces. The vibrant shawl collar tapestry coat is undoubtedly the star of the show. What a statement piece! By pairing the retro floral print with timeless stripes, and sizing up on a pair of straight leg jeans to get the boyfriend jeans effect, Jessie achieves that on-trend feel that is one of her style trademarks. She’s a maximalist in the jewellery department. Here, the multi-layered necklace and pale pink and black round stone bracelets pick up the colours in the simple two-toned pointy toe pumps. The red hobo bag fits the relaxed vibe of the look, and the sweet vintage hat adds a little cheeky je-ne-sais-quoi.

A sweet outfit to celebrate the start of Spring. Jessie is de-bombshelling a pair of adorable short shorts by pairing them with an untucked soft top, casual denim jacket and flat footwear. A flirty and romantic look. And bless our high heel loving blogger for sporting these beautiful rose gold flat ankle strap sandals! The ladylike cream petal tank and silk material of the floral shorts have a flowy feel. Jessie creates structure by scrunching the jacket sleeves and showing some forearm. Outfit depth is achieved by adding texture via the petals on the tank and the dark straw fedora. Jessie’s long hair flowing out from under the hat further enhances that effect. The brown tote introduces another colour into the mix, and lots of arm candy consisting of a watch and chunky cuff bracelets in black, yellow, white and rose gold, finish off the look.

I have a soft spot for chunky knit turtleneck jumpers with extra large collars. They are not the easiest to pull off because of their overwhelming effect. However, wearing this oversized sweater with streamlined straight leg jeans does the trick nicely. The colour block panels and leopard print tote bag add spunk to the outfit. I love the light-wash denim with the tans and browns. It’s modern and soothing at the same time. The dark burguny hat adds floppy flair, the lace-up booties a dash of urban ruggedness. For jewellery-loving Jessie, the outfit wouldn’t be complete without two long craft-style necklaces and a big pile of bangles. Fun tip: if you want to fake a shorter hairdo, just tuck in the ends of your hair into the neck opening of your jumper.

This post is an opportunity to celebrate the most important style related thing you’ve done so far this year. It can be anything at all: An epiphany about your style preferences. The fact that you finally edited your closet. Doing laundry more regularly. Wearing more colour. Wearing fewer patterns. Appreciating your curves. Or that you simply wore the heck out of your clothes. I’ll go first. 

I’m miserable when I feel cold, so I’m pleased to report that I finally have a good assortment of tops that keep me warm and happy. I wear wool-blend knitwear for at least seven months of the year, and linen and cotton knitwear in warmer weather. As much as I love silky blouses, they have a very short lifespan for my style because I don’t like to wear them layered under knitwear.

So I focused on building up my knitwear capsule by adding more merino wool, cashmere and chunky knits, while admiring all those pretty silky blouses on the racks from afar. I even went to Santa Monica in September and came home with three woolly pullovers despite the temptation to purchase blouses in the glorious Southern California weather. 

I’m finally starting to overcome my shopping weakness of purchasing tops that are too lightweight. So I’m patting myself on the back for making practical top purchases. I love wearing my warm knitwear and having a larger assortment!

Time for me to pat your back. What made the difference to your style this year?