One way to reinvent the skinnies tucked into tall boots uniform is by wearing the combination with on trend, roomy, semi-chunky or chunky pullovers. Before I get started you might want to refresh your memory on how to feel streamlined in chunky pullovers. Here are a few extra thoughts on that topic:

• To some extent, you have to accept the less conventionally flattering aspects of chunky knitwear. It’s going to create a larger silhouette on top, which is not all bad. Think of how easily we wore this look in the ‘80s, and added shoulder pads for extra linebacker effect. Inverted triangle body types can absolutely wear chunky knitwear when the shape is structured in the right places, and not overly long. Keep the colour contrast between the top and bottom low if you want to reduce the effect of larger proportions on top. 

• If you still can’t get your head around chunky knits, wear semi-chunky knitwear like the toffee pullover in yesterday’s post. Leave off the cables, or wear oversized fine gauge knitwear with a welt to add structure to the volume.  

Choose any colour palette. Here are the components of the formula: 

Bottoms: Choose bottoms that are tuck-able into tall boots. For some that means skinnies and jeggings. For others it’s slouchy skinnies, straight legs, or slim boyfriend jeans. Black ponte pants and blue jeans are not your only options. Think light neutrals, colours, patterns, and different fabrications like leather, corduroy and velveteen. I’ve chosen a pair of tartan skinnies and slim fit boyfriend jeans to change things up. 

Chunky Knitwear: You’re after a style that is fluid or oversized, in a semi-chunky or chunky knit. If it’s too hot to wear wool, wear an oversized, upscale cotton sweatshirt. Think mixed media, high-low hemlines, hardware, and side slits. Wear the length an inch or two above crotch point, or longer. Don’t wear the length too long if you are petite, and remember that welted styles, or styles that taper back in at the waist, are key to giving the oversized silhouette sufficient structure. Scrunch those sleeves for extra structure. 

Tall Boots: Think knee-length flat riding boots, Dr. Martens, lace-up styles, Fryes, or moto boots. Snow boots and duck boots can look cute too. Choose crisp tailored styling, or distressed slouchy styling. Mid-calf boots work particularly well with roomier bottoms like boyfriend jeans, straight legs, and slouchy skinnies because the shorter boot height streamlines the “poufing out” of baggier bottoms. 

Coat: Pop a coat over the lot, like a peacoat, toggle coat, puffer, man coat, cocoon coat, faux fur coat, shearling coat or sweater coat. Or leave it off if the weather is mild.

Accessories: I’ve chosen a large shopping tote to work with the heavy coats. A cross-body is another option. If you’re leaving off the coat, a large casual clutch is a good option. Finish off the outfit with jewellery, eyewear, watch, hat and gloves as desired. Throw on a scarf if you like the effect, or if you need the insulation. 

This is a casual outfit that works in relaxed environments like a very casual office, or over the weekend when you’re out and about with friends or family.

Fab Links from Our Members

Care2 sums up seven ways clothes can be bad for your health. Joy says some of these dangers are obvious, but she hadn’t given much thought to the fact that jewellery and clothing could contain dangerous chemicals.

Annagybe was intrigued by this article on how spandex almost ruined America’s money.

E recently discovered American Age Fashion, a blog written by a retired historian that gives us a fascinating look into historical clothing choices of women over fifty in the US.

Makeup artist Tal Peleg creates miniature works of art with eye makeup. Her Princess and the Pea is Manidipa’s favourite.

Geargirl has been enjoying the capsule wardrobes and Style Advent Calendars on Into Mind.

Angie thinks the brilliant proportions in this outfit are genius: “An A-line midi with flat high-vamped shoes is hard to wear, yet this wearer makes the proportions look flattering. I attribute that to three important details: pointy toe shoes, a defined high-rise waistband in the same low-contrast colour (black), and a high-contrast, waist-revealing crop top. All of which elongate the leg line to prevent the ‘stumpy-factor’.”

Pil would like to share an envy-inducing article about tailoring.

Ironkurtin disapproves of feminism being linked with marketing, but finds it interesting that it is in fact a trend, examples of which you can see in “The 7 Most Inspiring Campaigns for Women in 2013“.

As an inherently RATE person, Shevia found “The Politics of Looking ‘Sloppy” very interesting.

Here are two books that Vicki thinks will put some humour into the holidays and new year: Freeman Hall’s “Retail Hell: How I sold My Soul to the Store“. And for those who love cats in character: “Downton Tabby” by Chris Kelly.

Caro enjoyed this clip about the collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto, one of her favourite designers, and former editor at Vogue Paris, Irene Silvagni.

Linda Grant’s article “When Mods Grow Up” caught Vildy’s attention because she describes how youthful style tends to evolve, and postulates that hippies have aged the worst by “despising what fashion is all about: surface, appearance”.

“Why I Love History“, the latest post at The Fashion Historian made La Belle Demimondaine giggle and think at the same time.

FlorenceFearne discovered The Brain Scoop, an awesome science-y YouTube channel hosted by Emiliy Graslie who in this episode addresses some of her concerns about sexism and internet bullying.

Your “wild card” for Fall and Winter 2013 is an atypical item for your style persona that you’ve added to your wardrobe, just for fun, because it speaks to you in some way. J.Crew’s wool cashmere turtleneck is my wild card for the season, not because of the silhouette, but because of its toffee colour. I don’t wear earth tones. Well, that’s no longer true. 

Fond memories of my late Mum were rekindled when I saw the toffee turtleneck on a mannequin in stores. Mama loved earth tones, and wore a waist defining version of this pullover back in the ‘70s. I was a little girl at the time and remember it well. Powered by nostalgia, I tried on the earthy pullover and to my surprise, I liked it. It’s heathered, which livens up the toffee against my complexion, and I was wearing cream jeans in the dressing room, which freshened up the earth tone even further.

I also loved the shape of the neckline, which can be described as a loose turtleneck or structured cowl. It’s high, which is a must for my long neck, and tidy, which makes me feel polished. This super soft, warm, and non-scratchy jumper was definitely following me home. After 13 years, memories of my late Mum are fading, and wearing a piece that reminds me of her is one way to keep them alive. 

Shades of white add life to colours, which is why I like the toffee pullover best paired with white or cream bottoms. The Banana Republic cream skinny jeans I’m wearing are brand new, and I’ve already worn them four times because they are long, light and comfortable. They fit more like straight legs on my body type, which suits me because I prefer a roomier silhouette on the lower leg.

I absolutely rejoiced that these tapered jeans are full length. So I’m embracing extra leg scrunch because of it, which to some might seem sloppy and ill-fitting. At first, I thought about hemming them a few inches, but decided against it. I’m making a statement with exaggerated leg scrunch amidst a world of body con cropped pants in the middle of Winter. The cream denim is soft, so the scrunching drapes more easily than stiff blue denim. I like the effect of the textural folds and the fluidity of the fit, but will understand if it’s not your cup of tea.

I finished off the look with an old cream coat, cream booties, and a cream bag. I deliberately wanted the pants to melt into the booties without pattern or contrast to make a modern and minimal statement. That means that the entire outfit is cream, except for the toffee pullover, the heels on the booties, and the black buttons on the coat. I chose white specs, a gold watch and my gold wedding ring. No further accessories or jewellery needed. 

By swapping out the toffee pullover with last years chunky cream cabled Gap pullover, I created a white on white outfit. I also swapped out the cream bag for my old black doctor’s satchel for a bit of black button and bag bookending. Apart from a change in bag and jeans, it’s the exact same outfit I wore for the holidays last year.

I’m a fan of wearing shades of white from head to toe throughout the year. It’s not a practical look for being out and about in our wet climate, but I’m not overly concerned about that. I’m careful, and simply wash the pieces when they get grimy. I love shades of white and they brighten my mood on dreary grey Seattle days, so impracticality is simply not a good enough reason to exclude them from my wardrobe.

Life is too short to pass up wearing items that make you happy. If that means being a little impractical from time to time, go for it. And don’t be afraid to follow your emotions when making a purchase. Sometimes the reason an item makes you happy has nothing to do with fashion or style.

Great casual boots needn’t cost hundreds of dollars. If the boots fit well, look great, and are kind to your feet — wear them. With that in mind here’s a selection of casual boots that won’t break the bank. Be sure to look at all the size and colour options. 

• Trotters Blizzard Boot: This Chanel-esque and comfortable weatherproof boot comes in wide widths and goes up to a size 12. Here’s the shorter version if this style is too tall. 
• Sole Society Delma Wedge Bootie: A dressy desert bootie in earth tones. Great in casual settings with jeans, stretchy pants and sweater dresses. Read the rave reviews. 
• Sperry Top Sider Falcon Rain Boot: A rare brown boot for slush and rain.
• Naughty Monkey Chaotic Boot: A quick and stylish pull-on-and-go over skinnies and jeggings. 
• Sole Society Aileen Boot: A vegan moto boot that works well with flirty dresses and slim-fit pants.
• BP. Trolley Leather Ankle Boot: A streamlined casual bootie that goes up to size 13. Read the rave reviews. 
• Dolce Vita Krynn Bootie: Casually perforated, super soft and streamlined at the ankle. 
• MIA Odette Bootie: A slouchy and rugged combat boot that runs half a size large, so size down. 

Remember that suede and leather can be insulated with weatherproofing spray, and that adding cushioning insoles can make a pair of boots a lot more comfortable. I add $2 drugstore bought insoles to all my boots and booties. A couple of dollars that are very well spent.