If you’re a stay-at-home-mom, or if you work from home most of the week it can be challenging to create casual outfits with sufficient pizzazz to suit your style persona. It’s much easier to amp up an outfit with a pair of shoes, a coat or jacket, or a scarf, handbag, hat and chunky jewellery when you head out the door. But you don’t need these items indoors, so you need to find other ways to make a stylish statement.

The trick is to create outfit drama and stay comfortable at the same time. Here are six things I suggest to my clients in this situation.

1. Dramatic Hair: Make your hair a more dominant feature of your style. Add rainbow streaks. Go asymmetric. Highlights. Lowlights. Create spikes. Create more curl. Braid it. Straighten it. It needn’t be high maintenance, and it has a big impact.
2. Dramatic Eyewear: Be bold with your specs if you wear them most of the day. Make them the focal point of your outfit, and don’t play it safe with classic styles. A fun pair of fashion forward or retro specs will make an outfit of simple wardrobe essentials look special.   
3. Lighten Up: Wearing wardrobe items in shades of white, tan and oatmeal can be as dramatic as black, ink blue and dark grey. Lightening up a colour palette feels particularly fresh for Autumn and Winter when our tendency is to wear dark clothing to match the cold grey weather outside. 
4. Statement Knitwear & Tops: First, make a statement with colour, pattern and shine. Do not underestimate the dramatic effect of a vibrant colour, a bold pattern, or daytime sparkle in a simple silhouette. Second, look for tops and knitwear with interesting silhouettes and design details if solid neutrals are more your thing. Think beyond basic. 
5. Dramatic Pants: Again, think colour, pattern and shine. Essential blue or black jeans are not your only option. Plaid pants, jacquards, metallics, waxed and coloured denim are great alternatives. Wear upscale track pants and leather leggings. I have a pair of bright yellow tartan pants and gold jeans that I wear year round — both out and at home. They provide ample drama on days when I’m working at home and feeling bored with regular jeans. 
6. Lippie & Finger Nail Polish: Wear make-up, even if it’s just a bit of mascara, eyebrow pencil and lippie. A little extra facial polish goes a long way to making you feel more pulled together and looking a little brighter. And if you like, have fun with nail art. There are ways to prevent the colour from chipping if that’s your concern.

Of course, none of this is free, so you need to give yourself permission to invest in pieces that you will wear at home. But this is your life, and you have just as much of a right to feel pulled together and fabulous when you stay at home as someone who gets dressed up for a business casual office each day.

Plus, dressing well might help you to be more effective. We all accept that the way we dress affects the way other people perceive us. But studies have shown that the way we dress also affects our own performance. This is part of a growing field of psychology called embodied cognition. Simply put, if we dress the part, we play the part better.

Lots of US retailers are on sale at the moment to make room for upcoming holiday and resort wear collections. Nordstrom is no exception and today is the official start of the Clearance Sale (previously referred to as the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale). 

Feel free to ask questions about the merchandise in the comments section because I’ve seen most of these items in person. Remember to look through all colour options.

My descriptions are below, but if you would prefer a layout that combines my descriptions with item pictures, then click on these collections to see them in the Finds area:

Top Picks for the Nordstrom Clearance Sale: Clothing

55 items

Top Picks: Nordstrom Clearance Sale Footwear & Accessories

17 items

Clothing

• Fleurette Stand Collar Wool & Alpaca Blend Car Coat (Plus Size): A non-black coat in a flattering shape that's slightly roomy to accommodate chunkier knitwear. The hood is a practical feature that lies quite flat.
• Vince Camuto Ruched Stretch Knit Midi Skirt (Plus Size): I have many happy clients in this versatile tubular midi skirt. Comfortable and easy to launder.
• Halogen Pleat Midi Skirt (Regular & Petite): A silhouette that is as modern as it is classic. Wear it with a soft welted sweater, heels and hose for the holidays.
• Eileen Fisher Cotton Knit Drawstring Pants: A comfy pair of upscale trackpants. Add a little luxe to the sporty piece for maximum fashion fabness.
• 7 For All Mankind 'Higher Gloss Gummy' Skinny Jeans (Brown Sugar): A pair of shiny jeans comes in VERY handy for dressier occasions and amping things up when you work from home. Pair with a slouchy sweater and Bob's your uncle.
• Rag & Bone/JEAN 'Pajama' Zip Detail Leather Pants: Slouchy leather pants are still going strong. Wear them with peep-toe booties and a roomy, partially tucked top.
• Rag & Bone/JEAN 'Pajama Jean' Print Sweatpants (Rainier): Sweatpants that look like jeans but feel like pajamas DO exist because here they are. A super cute piece that will make others do a double take.
• Pendleton Double Breasted Wool Blend Peacoat: An impeccably made Modern Classic.
• Kensie Plaid Walking Coat: A long riding coat is elegant and refined. Pair with waxed denim skinnies and a layering top.
• Eileen Fisher Asymmetrical Yak & Merino Twist Poncho (Online Only): A somewhat structured poncho that works quite well on petites because it's less overwhelming thanks to an asymmetrical hem.
• Jessica Simpson Down & Feather Fill Coat (Plus Size): A slimming puffer coat in an unexpected shade of bronze.
• Eileen Fisher Alpaca Blend Double Face Coat (Regular & Petite): A cocoon style lightweight coat in rich toffee.
• Ellen Tracy Single Breasted Wool Blend Walking Coat (Plus Size): Structured and flattering. The single-breasted opening is practical, and the collar folds down into a V-neck that works well on a larger bust.
• Burberry Brit 'Bramington' Cotton Blend Trench Coat: A classic that will stand the test of time.
• T Tahari 'Elizabeth' Long Ruched Down Coat: A long puffer in a shade of taupe is unique. Well made and tailored with a detachable hood.
• Michael Zip Front Bouclé Wool Blend Coat: A lightweight barn coat that works over oversized knitwear.
• Michael Packable Short Ruched Down Jacket (Regular & Petite): A short packable puffer in a jewel tone. I have many happy clients in this piece because it's extremely practical in our climate.
• Alexander Wang Chunky Knit Sweater: Fashionably oversized and bulky. Looks best with relaxed bottoms. Best on long arms and a broad shoulder line.
• 3.1 Phillip Lim Poodle Graphic Oversized Tee: Fun for those who have poodles. The pattern is subtle and graphic.
• Autumn Cashmere High/Low Cashmere Sweater: Very slouchy and comfy. Works well on broad shouldered apple shaped body types.
• Risto 'Bark' Appliqué Top: Fashionable but quite stiff. The sheen is amazing and is a fun addition to a holiday capsule. Wear over black cigarette pants.
• DEX Drop Stitch High/Low Sweater with Camisole: This piece looks best layered over a shirt or tee because of its holey integrity.
• Enza Costa Print Cashmere Top: A marbled delight.
• Vince Ribbed Wool & Cashmere Cowl Neck Tunic: Tunics look great over leather leggings, and this one is suited to a milder climate. Feel free to layer under the piece for extra insulation.
• Vince Abstract Wool & Cashmere Boatneck Sweater: A stunning boat neck pullover in a fluid fit. The slits on the neck make it work for both a longer and shorter neck.
• L'AGENCE Oversize Sweater: Fashionably slouchy, soft and cozy.
• Autumn Cashmere Draped Front Zip Sweater: An extra drapey piece that looks as good unzipped.
• Caslon Stripe Split Back High/Low Sweater (Regular & Petite): A simple striped sweater with back action.
• Michael Turtleneck Poncho Sweater: A poncho sweater is one way to wear the silhouette with a little more structure.
• Tory Burch 'Etty' Wool & Silk Turtleneck: A whimsical modern classic.
• Vince Pointelle Trim Crewneck Sweater: It's slightly more purple than pink in person. Very soft and vibrant for Winter.
• Michael Contrast Panel Boyfriend Jeans (Medium Vintage): Tuxedo striped boyfriend jeans provide variation to the silhouette.
• Paige Denim 'Verdugo' Coated Ultra Skinny Jeans (Blue Galaxy): Bright blue metallic jeans add sparkle to your denim capsule. An easy match with black top and footwear. Might need to size up.
• Hudson Jeans 'Chelsea' Colorblock Super Skinny Jeans (Retreat): Interesting colour blocked ankle pants. Pair with black booties and size up.
• NYDJ 'Tanya' Cuff Slim Boyfriend Jeans (Clarkston) (Plus Size): Slim-fit boyfriend jeans are a trendy addition to a jeans capsule. Read the rave reviews.
• 'Broome Street' Cheetah Print Jeans (Black): A subtle pattern for those who prefer not to wear bold jeans. Wear them with an ink or black support act, and you're done.
• Paige Denim 'Jimmy Jimmy' Patch Detail Skinny Boyfriend Jeans (Camden): Patched jeans are quirky and fun. Be a devil and pair them with a plaid shirt.
• True Religion Brand Jeans 'Audrey' Relaxed Skinny Jeans (Modest Self): Relaxed skinnies fit like slim-fit boyfriend jeans. These are a rare find sans rips and tears.
• Current/Elliott 'The Traveler' Boyfriend Jeans (Black Destroy): If you like ripped denim, black boyfriend jeans are a more hard-edged option.
• Ming Wang Three Quarter Sleeve Knit Dress: The pattern placement both on the front and back is lovely. As fun to wear over skinny jeans.
• Vince Camuto Long Sleeve Jacquard Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite): Fabulous on those with narrower hips and thighs. The thick fabric is extra camouflaging and soft. Fresh in this shade of cinnamon.
• Bobeau Sheer Lace Sweatshirt: Fun over a pencil skirt for the holidays. Sheer, pretty and fashionable.
• AG 'The Nikki' Relaxed Skinny Jeans (9 Year Evolve): AG makes excellent skinnies because they aren't overly tight. Try these so that you can breath while wearing them.
• Adrianna Papell Ruched Lace Sheath Dress (Regular & Petite): A non-black frock with sleeves to pull out for a dressy occasion is very handy. Does not cling, but showcases your curves.
• Eileen Fisher Scoop Neck Silk Tunic: A comfy tunic to wear over jeggings in a mild climate. Nice on an apple shape.
• NYDJ 'Samantha' Colored Slim Stretch Jeans (Regular & Petite): My clients rave about these skinnies because they fit well, launder well, and prevent muffin top. They fit a pear shape AS well as an inverted triangle and apple shape, which is remarkable.
• Michael Wool Blend Peacoat: A snowy white peacoat with gold trim is a fun piece. Impractical, but very pretty.
• Betsey Johnson Mixed Media Tweed Peacoat (Online Only): A colour blocked mixed media peacoat that has a lot more design detail than the classic style.
• Joie 'Nilsa' Sweater: Soft, drapey, oversized and makes a statement. Gorgeous in the cranberry.
• DKNY Faux Fur Trim Down & Feather Coat (Regular & Petite): A casual parka in Winter white makes a lovely change from the black one you wear all Winter.
• Classiques Entier 'Jesi' Colorblock Flannel Jacket: A mixed media blazer for business casual that's beautifully made. It looks quite severe, but that's fabulous if hard edge is your thing.
• Classiques Entier 'Provence' Windowpane Plaid Wrap Jacket: The photo does not do this glorious kimono jacket justice. It's beautifully elegant on the body, and perfect over a black column of colour. Popping this over a black sheath dress is a super idea.
• Diane von Furstenberg 'Jocelyn' Print Stretch Silk Shift Dress: Fab on an inverted triangle or apple shape with broader shoulders. Not the best shape on a curvy hourglass or pear shape.
• Joie 'Tambrel' Asymmetrical Sweater Tunic: Soft, vibrant and quite the statement. It's very roomy so consider yourself warned. Fun over slim-fit bottoms. Best on a broader shoulder line.
• James Perse Hooded Fleece Blazer: A tailored fleece jacket with a hood for Team Casual. Cozy and easy to launder.

Footwear and Accessories

• Tory Burch 'Chrystie' Quilted Moto Boot (Women): A mid-calf moto bootie with lug sole and ornate quilting. Impeccable quality and quite girly.
• Vince Camuto 'Riley' Leather Tote: Lighten up for Winter with a casual sand coloured shoulder bag.
• Pour La Victoire 'Servant' Tote: A fashionable tote for work.
• Michael 'Medium Sutton' Saffiano Leather Tote: A dressy taupe tote that amps up an all black or grey ensemble.
• Vince Camuto 'Sloan' Satchel: A bag in a warm shade of tan is lovely to carry year round. This one seems smaller than it looks and is casually unstructured. It's on my radar because I rather fancy it myself.
• Børn Crown by Børn 'Roxie' Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): A very comfy riding boot for taller gals with larger calves. Will not work on petites. Read the rave reviews.
• Charles David 'Rena' Chelsea Boot (Women): Wear dark red like a neutral with other neutrals. Tailored, refined and versatile.
• SoftWalk 'Dakota' Boot: An extremely comfy bootie in a soft shade of stone. The angled opening is flattering on the leg line. The lug sole gives the bootie a more casual appearance.
• Delman 'Shea' Ankle Boot (Women): Simple, chic, casual and comfortable.
• Shellys London 'Comparni' Leather Bootie (Women): A little late '80s magic in French blue.
• VC Signature 'Reinah' Bootie: Forest green patent is very unique. Pointy and fashionable.
• Attilio Giusti Leombruni 'Beetle' Bootie (Women): An ombré Beatle bootie that has my attention. Super comfy and well made.
• Charles By Charles David 'Lact' Bootie (Women): A little boho cognac for those who prefer a higher heel. Tailored and casually dressy.
• Wolverine 'Arc' Ankle Bootie: Yummy colour, and especially fun to wear in Spring. Beware of the extra wide ankle opening.
• Via Spiga 'Birna' Short Boot (Women): An extra comfy cut-out bootie that is suited to a slim ankle.
• Topshop 'Access Panel' Chelsea Boot (Women): Colour blocked snakeskin is interesting and this one uniquely combines brown with black. Not that comfy, but fine if you don't have fussy feet.
• Circus By Sam Edelman 'Hamilton' Bootie (Women): A shade of taupe that's both warm and cool. I didn't find the bootie comfortable, but I'm in the minority. Affordable price.

There’s lots more to shop in underwear, activewear, sleepwear, hosiery, socks and accessories if those items tickle your fancy. I’m shopping the sales with a client today, but I’ll be back later to answer questions.

A two-piece dress is an outfit that is made up of a matchy-matchy top and skirt that has a very similar visual effect to a single piece dress. The top and skirt do not need to be made of exactly the same fabric, but they do need to match extremely well. The skirt could be woven polyester and the top a knitted cotton or silk. From afar the two pieces look like a one-piece, hence the term “two-piece dress”. 

You’ll create a brilliant two-piece dress by combining Ted Baker’s Opulent Bloom Print Sweater and Opulent Bloom Skirt. Leave the sweater untucked and blouson over the waistband of the skirt. The sweater is delicate and runs small, so you might need to size up. The skirt has a tulle petticoat, pockets, and swooshes as you stride, which is utterly delightful. 

Nordstrom

Ted Baker London 'Opulent Bloom' Print Sweater

$195.00 $77.98

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Nordstrom

Ted Baker London 'Opulent Bloom' Skirt

$248.00 $98.97

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The Opulent Bloom Print Tee and Sweatshirt are alternatives that you can pair with the same print skirt if the sweater seems a little twee, dressy or overly ladylike. These tops dress down the skirt more than the sweater. And if skirts aren’t your thing but you like the idea of head to toe floral for the holidays, combine any of the tops with the Opulent Trousers for a two-piece jumpsuit. Finish off the look with hose, strappy pumps and a clutch. 

Nordstrom

Ted Baker London 'Opulent Bloom' Print Tee

$75.00

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Nordstrom

Ted Baker London 'Opulent Bloom' Sweatshirt

$175.00 $69.98

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Nordstrom

Ted Baker London 'Opulent Bloom' Trousers

$225.00 $89.98

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The first rendition with the dainty sweater and skirt was very nearly my holiday look for this year. I LOVE the fresh Winter floral two-piece dress formula, not only for the holidays, but for all sorts of dressy occasions. It’s fresh, very comfortable, as fashion forward as it is Retro, and covered. I desperately wanted the outfit to work, and twirled around the dressing room for a long time. But knew that I’d ultimately be uncomfortable in a flared skirt that didn’t cover the knees. I reluctantly hung the pieces back, but hope that I can live vicariously through you if these pieces tickle your fancy too.

A lug sole is a “thick rubber sole with deep indentations that improves the stability and traction of utility wear”. It is common in hiking boots and the like for practical reasons. Over the years, casual fashion footwear has adopted the lug sole as a fun design feature. Lug soles probably made the biggest fashion statement back in the ‘90s when just about every style of footwear could be bought with a lug sole. Since then, the trend took a backseat, although it seems to be gaining momentum now. 

Boots are an expected pairing for lug soles although ballet flats, sneakers, wedges, loafers and sandals are available with lug soles too. Lug soles are for the most part chunky, but more subtle versions with less pronounced indentations and thinner soles do exist. Some lug soles are platformed, while others look fairly flat. The chunky sole generally adds weight to the shoe, but sometimes foamy rubber lug soles are lightweight. 

Most of my clients wear lug soles in one form or another. If it’s not in the form of sports gear, it’s usually with a pair of casual fashion boots that are easy to pair with jeans. Lug soles on non-boot style footwear is more of an acquired taste, and fewer of my clients wear those. 

The lug sole adds an instant casual integrity and chunkiness to a shoe, which is why I’m not all that drawn to it. I prefer a more refined looking shoe, even when it’s casual. Often I find the extra weight off-putting. Plus, I think I’m still recovering from wearing far too many pairs of uncomfortable lug soled shoes back in the ‘90s. That said, I have one pair of brown lug soled casual mid-calf Donald Pliner boots that I wear with pleasure in nasty weather. I wore them a lot last week when it was raining cats and dogs in Seattle. They are also great to wear when it’s icy or there’s a light dusting of snow. But I’m leaving it at that. I’m weary of adding more fashionable lugged soles to my wardrobe because they’re generally too chunky and casual for my style persona. I do appreciate them on others though.

Over to you. Do you wear fashionable lug soles, or are they strictly a look that you wear when sporting gear.

Nordstrom

MATISSE 'Messer' Loafer (Women)

$84.95 $63.90

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Nordstrom

Dr. Martens 'Lauren' Lug Military Boot (Women)

$169.95 $101.96

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Nordstrom

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Penny Loafer (Women)

$555.00 $332.98

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Nordstrom

Topshop 'Allsorts' Platform Chelsea Boot

$90.00 $54.99

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Nordstrom

Josef Seibel 'Bridget' Flat

$139.94

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5

Nordstrom

FLY London 'Yalu' Pump (Women)

$174.95 $125.36

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Nordstrom

Topshop 'Lena' Chunky Sole Platform Sandal (Women)

$75.00 $37.49

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Nordstrom

Donald J Pliner 'Danti' Boot (Women)

$328.00 $172.19

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Nordstrom

SOPHIA WEBSTER 'Riko' Leather Boot (Women)

$795.00 $397.49

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Shopbop

Clash Lug Sole Combat Boots

$225.00 $112.50

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Bloomingdale's

Kenneth Cole Booties - Otto Lug Sole Ankle Strap

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Bloomingdale's

Kallisté Booties - Plain Lug Sole

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