Outfit Formula: Long Puffer Fabness

The season for long and extra long puffer coats lies ahead for many of us. Long puffers come in a range of thicknesses and lengths, so it’s not an item reserved only for extreme arctic weather conditions. That said, it has to be very cold for me to haul out my own long puffers because they’re very warm, thick and heavy. I don’t have mid-weight long puffer coats, and therefore wear my short puffers more frequently.

If you’re into wearing long puffers regularly, and you don’t need to resort to snow boots most of the time, you might like these outfit combinations. I thought they were interesting, very pulled together, and a little different from the norm. The puffers are a deliberate match with the outfit and not an afterthought. And in many cases, there are hidden ways to stay warm.

1. Easy Layers and Trendy Denim

This is the easiest combination to pull together because black is the most popular colour for a long puffer coat. Combine a pair of trendy jeans with a fun non-neutral pullover and top the items off with a black puffer and black boots. Here, the trendy jeans are wide and cuffed. Add long and thick black socks for warmth since the jeans are cropped. A beanie and bag in fun colours or black get my vote. Or switch out the black to charcoal or ink blue.

COS Hooded Long Puffer Coat

2. Matchy Top and Topper with a Skirt

The beauty of this combination lies in the matchy-matchy twinset effect of the pullover and puffer, AND the scarf and hat. It’s very effective, especially since the puffer and pullover are a non-neutral and create a high contrast with the accessories. The bottom of the outfit is neutral, although quite high contrast too. Tights add warmth, and flat sturdy boots ground the volume of the outfit.

OSKA Coat Kulan 902

3. Light and Earthy

A column of Winter white worn with shades of brown looks rich and chic, and is my favourite of the lot. Combine light neutral separates with a long brown puffer and bag, and you’re sorted. The dressy flared pants can be sported at the new shorter full length so that they don’t get soiled or soggy. The sneakers are a great way to dress down the pants. Fabulous Sporty Luxe.

VINCE Quilted Shell Down Hooded Coat

4. Sporty Casual

Go Team White Jeans in Winter. The sporty and casual but not athletic integrity of this outfit is fun and it is my second favourite of the bunch. What I like best is how some of the items match perfectly, while others are a complementary mismatch. The white jeans are a mismatch with the cream cardigan. The green stripe and green puffer mismatch, and so do the blues of the stripe and boots. But the yellows match perfectly, and bring it all together. Have fun with stripes, shades of white and a bright puffer, and put your own version together of this outfit. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Benetton Long Padded Jacket with High Neck

Six Ways to Dress Down Dressy Pants

I often hear clients or friends say that they would love to wear dressy pants, but they are too dressy for their lifestyles. Despite casual pants fatigue, jeans and utility pants are their go-to option. Over and over again, I find myself explaining that dressy pants can be effectively dressed down with a casual support act. 

The collection shows examples of how dressy pants have been dressed down by combining them with casual shoes. That’s not the only way to create a more casual vibe, but it’s a very effective one. 

Shopbop
Custommade Ena Pants
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Shopbop
Ganni Suiting Pants
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Boden
Exeter Wide Leg Pants
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2
Shopbop
IRO Nux Trousers
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2
Mango
Slit Hem Pants
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Zara
Belted Paperbag Pants
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Zara
Chino Fit Pants
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Mango
Paper Bag Trousers
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Here are six outfit creation strategies that incorporate casual items to dress down dressy pants.

1. Fashion Sneakers

Sneakers are the shoes of our fashion era, and the easiest way to dress down a pair of dressy pants. My preference is for fashion sneakers, but athletic sneakers can look great too. White sneakers are classic but feel free to wear any colour, with or without white soles.

2. Casual Oxfords or Cowboy Boots

Think flat or low-heeled chunky casual oxfords with or without platforms, or low-heeled cowboy boots or shooties if sneakers aren’t your thing. The oxfords can be solid or patterned, and feel free to pattern mix. The oxfords work particularly well with wide crops, while cowboy boots work well with full-length bootcuts or flares.

3. Chunky Flat Boots or Dr. Martens

Flat boots with higher shafts and VERY chunky soles (think Dr. Martens) are an excellent way to dress down dressy pants. Boots with chunky lug soles or haute hiking boots can work well too. Black boots are one way to go, but patterned, red, cognac or white boots get my top vote.

4. Casual Knitwear, Tees or Sweatshirts

Knitwear with a chunkier gauge and/or slouchier fit creates a more relaxed vibe. The same goes for a tee, graphic tee, or welted sweatshirt. Combining those types of tops with dressy pants with the casual footwear discussed above is an easy outfit formula.

5. Denim Component

Adding denim to an outfit is the easiest way to dress it down, but you need mild and warmer weather to be comfortable. Think denim shirt, denim jacket or denim blazer, and Bob’s your uncle. Feel free to throw on casual shoes too.

6. Sporty Puffer, Aviator, Utility or Moto Topper

Short non-athletic puffers look great with dressy pants, especially when the footwear is casually complementary. If puffers aren’t your thing, think casual toppers like moto, utility and aviator jackets in tailored and oversized fits. These are warmer and cosier than denim jackets.

You can also throw in casual bags like hobos, backpacks, belt bags, or crossbodies, and casual headgear like tweed newsboys, caps and beanies. But these come off indoors so be mindful of that.

I LOVE wearing dressy pants, and thoroughly enjoy dressing them both up and down. My favourite ways of dressing them down are with low and hi-top sneakers, a denim jacket in mild weather, casual knitwear, an aviator or short puffer, and crossbody bag. In cold weather I’ll add a fun beanie or beret. I also like to combine dressy pants with a relaxed fluid tucked shirt with scrunched sleeves. I will definitely be embellishing my dressy pants capsule since I find the item extremely versatile, and one way to give blue jeans a well deserved rest.

GOLDEN GOOSE Yuri Quilted Leather Down Jacket

Freya Checked Relaxed Straight Trousers

Weekly Roundup: Assorted Items

Fall and Winter 2019 has got to be one of the best shopping seasons ever. There is ample variety in clothing silhouettes, colours, fabrics, textures and patterns, and across dress codes and extended size ranges. The most important part is that you have the sartorial freedom to wear things exactly how and when you want to.

I’m thrilled with the liberated, individualist and somtimes rebellious message that fashion and style is celebrating this year. Long may it last! Whether your style is modern classic, trendy, trendy classic, modern retro, playfully vintage, bohemian, preppy, Byzantine, avant-garde, hard-edged, rock ’n’ roll, gothic, arty, eclectic, whimsical, wild & wackadoodle, dressy, casual, urban, cowgirl or sporty — it’s all good as long as your looks are authentic, manageable, and feel fabulous-to-you. DO YOUR OWN THING, and milk the season.

This week’s top picks are assorted, with a hint of holiday. You’ll see items in colours that we haven’t seen come through in years — like dark browns — and it’s refreshing.

  • J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt: Earthy Jungle Skirt Fabness. My word, what a unique pattern. Looks designer. Quite luxe. Best on a straighter bottom half, and has a blouse to match.
  • Boden Mabel Sweater: GORGEOUS metallic bronze sweater, which is unique. Dainty, refined, and will keep you warm on a dressier occasion. Very fluid fit. Fab for the holidays - but by all means wear it casually too. Works as well on broad shoulders as it does on narrower shoulders. Comes in three solids and a stripe.
  • Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Fair Isle Faux Fur Pom Beanie: A fun beanie that fits a small head. Has a matching sweater and scarf and comes in a pale pink colourway.
  • Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Print Button-Up Shirt: Fab and fun dressy pretty blouse with statement collar and cuffs. Runs big. The XS is too big for someone who wears a US0. Looks great tucked. Has matching trouser socks.
  • Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Novelty Knee Socks: Knee-High Sock Fabness.
  • Ted Baker London Leytina Stripe Peplum Sweater: I have this top in solid navy, and I love it. It feels and looks polished, playful and sharp in a very comfortable manner. Keeps me warm in a dressy way too. It's for a narrower top half, and very form-fitting, so you have to be okay with that, as well as the architectural poof of the peplum. Not good on a long torso. Might run a size small.
  • RACHEL RACHEL ROY Plaid Coat: A fun plaid coat in a versatile length. Good fluid fit, flattering raglan shoulder detailing, and practical side entry pockets. Gorgeous quality and fabric. Works on a range of body types,
  • RACHEL RACHEL ROY Cleopatra Jeans: Glitzy Jeans Fabness. How magical they look with silver shoes. Relaxed on the thighs, and good for a curvy body type.
  • Club Monaco Cashmere Button Cuff Sweater: A luxurious and refined pullover in a cool shade of brown. Nice exaggerated cuff detailing. Quite narrow on the arms, and a fluid body fit.
  • Club Monaco Chunky Lariat Chain Necklace: A bit of bling, 80's style.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Lurex Trousers: These are super fun, soft and stretchy. They feel like joggers, but are cut like formal trousers. Comes in silver too. Super cute tuxedo striping. Best on a straighter figure, although it works well on a curvier figure with waist alterations.
  • Boden Small Velvet Pouch: This pouch is for when you are BOTH a cat and dog person because it says CAT person on the flip side. Super fun pouch that straddles the lines between dressy and casual.
  • MATISSE Crush Bootie: A moderately comfy dressy cream bootie that's great with ankle-length or full-length pants. Best on a narrower ankle and regular or low volume foot.
  • Boden Ellie Wrap Top: Super cute dressy yet very cosy velvet wrap top with a subtle puffy sleeve. Beautifully tailored, and quite forgiving on the midsection. Excellent on those who wear V-necks well.
  • Boden Antonia Pencil Skirt: A fun body-con knitted skirt for narrow and straight-hipped chevron lovers. Bold and playful, yet refined and dressy. Has a sweater to match. It can work on a wider and curvier bottom half if you're good with looking bombshell va-va-voom.
  • Yumi Kim Yumi KimLeanna Dress: I haven't seen this frock in person yet, but it caught my eye because it's covered yet alluring, tailored yet fluid, and neutral yet bold. Not too short either. Fab earthy floral.
  • Boden Floral Velvet Trousers: I have mustard Boden velvet pants from last year, and they are AMAZING. Beautifull luxe fabric and finish. I did though, have mine altered a whole size down, which was worth it because now they fit perfectly and I love wearing them. I think these are the same cut and fabric. They come in a few solid colours on the Boden site. I might get the bright red because I wear my velvet pants casually with hi-top sneakers too. Best on a narrower calf.
  • Boden Tweed Pencil Skirt: An emerald green woolly pencil skirt in a knee-covering length is a rare find. This one works better on a straighter bottom half.
  • Boden Antonia Crewneck Sweater: A dressy statement pullover with trendy puffy sleeves for chevron lovers. Comes in a polka dot forest green. An easy option to wear for the holidays.
  • Boden Rhea Dot Fair Isle Sweater: Après Ski Fabness, or whenever you feel like wearing a cosy and warm casual pullover. Comes in a muddy mauve and cream too. Crisp and classic, yet relaxed.
  • Veronica Beard Gemini Lace Pants: Veronica Beard makes very nice pants, and these lace darlings are no exception. They are quite long in the rise though. Best on a body type with a defined waist.
  • Tahari ASL Faux-Suede Topper Jacket: GORGEOUS light-weight topper in the richest shade of cognac. Can be worn indoors and does not look like outerwear. Impeccable quality and drape. Works on a range of body types. Fun side entry pockets too.
  • Tahari ASL Petite Plaid Moto Jacket: Impeccable quality plaid moto that can be worn indoors. Substantial and lovely fabric. It's very crisp but with lots of stretch. Excellent with a skirt and dress too. Works on a range of body types.
  • Boden Peggy Sweater: A clean crisp sweater with a gentle fluid fit. Fun button detailing on the cuffs, and very neat slash neck. Fitted sleeves, and sleek appearance. Can work on a larger bust. Works on broader and narrower shoulders. My client rocked this in red with wide cropped jeans and white boots.
  • Soia & Kyo Lightweight Hooded Down Coat: GORGEOUS sleek and warm puffer that's impeccable quality. Might run a size small. Comes in black.
  • Reiss Harley Green Asymmetric Satin Skirt – REISS: I haven't seen this skirt in person yet, but it looks architectural, different and pretty. Great drape Comes in silver.
  • Reiss Casper Ivory Twin Pocket Printed Blouse – REISS: A very unique pattern in a cool shade of brown for refined blouse wearers.
  • Reiss Hartley Wide Leg Navy Wide Leg Tailored Trousers – REISS: These are described as wide leg, but aren't that wide. Great dressy pants that can be dressed up or down. Good length for tall gals with flats, and fits a range of body types. Beautifully made. Ink blue or black, and has a blazer to match.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Boden
Mabel Sweater
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Boden
Small Velvet Pouch
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Boden
Ellie Wrap Top
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Boden
Peggy Sweater
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Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Hot and Cold Pattern Mixing

A new outfit from Kilee Nickels of One Little Momma, whom we introduced to YLF in March 2015.

Combining plaid with leopard print makes for a bold pattern-mixed look. Kilee has tucked an elegant blouse with stand-up collar into ankle-length tapered trousers. The balloon sleeves with close-fitting cuffs create a lovely drapey effect, while the slim-fit trousers add structure. Keeping both the warm-toned top and cool-toned bottoms in the brown family creates harmony despite the advanced pattern mixing. Black pointy-toe pumps with block heel complement the black in the two patterns. The tortoiseshell handles on her transparent tote echo the brown leopard print. Our blogger finishes things off with statement burnt orange earrings, a soft peachy lipstick and aviator sunnies. Kilee’s asymmetrical ‘do — currently a darker colour that adds drama — brings edge to everything she wears.

Kilee Nickels - 1

Kilee Nickels - 2

Team Corduroy or Team Velvet

Corduroy and velvet are similar, yet different. Corduroy is a ribbed, velvety fabric that’s usually made of cotton or a cotton blend. The width of the ribs (or wales) vary. Velvet or velveteen has a similar texture to corduroy, minus the ribbed effect. Velvet is extremely soft and smooth, and can be made of cotton, silk or nylon. These days you can find any wardrobe item in corduroy or velvet.

Eloquii
VELVET Column Skirt
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Eloquii
VELVET Robe Blazer
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2
Nordstrom
Free People Mirror
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Eloquii
VELVET Jumpsuit
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2
Eloquii
VELVET Wrap Dress
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2
Eloquii
VELVET Column Skirt
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Mango
Corduroy Nautical Cap
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Zara
Corduroy Padded Jacket
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J.Crew
Corduroy blazer
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I have a complicated relationship with corduroy, and have never loved it for my own style. I wore it a lot as a child in the ‘70s, so a small part of me perceives it as juvenile. Another part of me finds it too industrial, rugged, grungy, and stiff (although I know it can feel soft, warm, stretchy and cosy too). I find it overly casual, because it can look more casual than some pairs of jeans. I’ve worn a few corduroy shirts, jackets, skirts and pants as an adult, but they were passed on fairly fast. I have zero corduroy wardrobe items in my wardrobe at the moment, and don’t mind that one bit. That said, I love hubs Greg in corduroy. He has three polished yet relaxed corduroy shirts that look amazing, and I bought them for him!

Velvet, on the other hand, is a fabric I like to wear because it has a dressier integrity. It’s also soft, pretty, and luxurious to my eye. I have three velvet items in my wardrobe, and I love them all. I wear them casually and during the day, so they are versatile. The velvet pants are worn with hi-top sneakers like a pair of corduroy pants, or dressed up with dressy knitwear and boots. The velvet jacket is paired with jeans, and the skirt can be anything I want it to be. I bat for Team Velvet.

The preferences of my clientele are probably evenly split between corduroy and velvet. A few of them wear velvet casually, but the perception that velvet is a dressy evening fabric remains strong no matter how much I try to change it. Corduroy pants are an easy sell because they are casual, comfy and a substitute for jeans. Corduroy is also a lot more forgiving of pet hair and lint, whereas velvet is a magnet for it.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Corduroy or Team Velvet? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. If you can’t choose a side, sit this one out on the bench where I’m serving baked garlic ginger honey and butter chicken with wild rice and greens, and hot fudge sundaes for dessert.