This outfit formula was inspired by a street style outfit I pinned onto my outfits board. It’s made up of casual layers that are nonchalantly “thrown together” creating a relaxed and fabulous effect. You’ll probably have most of the items already, so start by shopping your closet. 

Here are the components:

T-shirt: Choose long or short sleeves, or a tank top if that’s more comfortable. Make sure it’s roomy and long enough to be worn untucked and exposed. Although you’ll be adding multiple layers over the tee, the point is that it’s visible to showcase a layered effect. I’ve used white like the wearer in the original outfit that inspired this post because it adds a fresh touch. But any colour is an option. 

Denim Shirt: A denim or chambray shirt is key, or substitute it for a plaid shirt “Pearl Jam” style. Wear it loose and unbuttoned to showcase the T-shirt. 

Black Jeans: Black jeans are an easy match with a denim shirt, as are Ponte pants or stretchy cigarette pants. Wear blue jeans if you like the denim on denim trend, or even white jeans for a more crisp effect. In fact, wear any colour denim on the bottom in a straight leg, skinny or bootcut style. 

Cropped Leather Jacket: The cropped length is necessary to showcase the layered effect of the shirt. I’ve chosen a cognac moto like the original outfit inspiration, but black is a fab option too. 

Statement Scarf: It must be fairly large in order to drape in front of the body as an extra layer. Wear it untied and loose like a fourth layer of clothing. Choose a pattern that works with the palette of the outfit. 

Casual Boots: Wear casual cold weather shoes like booties, mid-calf or knee-high boots. Wear slipper flats, fashionable sneakers or loafers if the weather is mild. I’ve chosen black booties because black footwear is trending, but as long as you choose footwear that matches your outfit, you’re sorted. 

Oversized Tote: A casual oversized tote is great with this outfit vibe. A cross-body bag might interfere with the multiple layers, but a satchel that can be clutched by its handles is another way to go. 

Finish off the outfit with jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. Top off the entire outfit with a huge wool coat or puffer, gloves and a hat if you need extra layers for very cold weather.

Shauna from Nubby Twiglet shares eye-catching images from Tamasin Doe’s “The Print Revolution“, a book that explores how fashion designers have put the new technology of digital printing to use.

I love a good gingham, and Style.com reports that designers are doing their part to modernize the classic checks. In the slideshow with highlights from the Spring 2014 collections, Derek Lam’s blue and black combo, and Oscar de la Renta’s outfit with black gingham knee-length skirt were my favourites. The Stella Jean photo is a little work of art in itself.

Cerebella Design uses patterns found in nature as inspiration for their handmade and sustainably designed bowties and scarves. Conversational prints with a twist!

Fab Links from Our Members

For those of us who wish things weren’t so casual, Joy submits this Wall Street Journal article announcing that casual times may be changing.

LACeleste enjoyed this NYT piece about the value of personal shoppers and personal style. She loved it that so many of the style lessons mentioned by the pros, she heard first from Angie and other YLFers.

Caro takes a trip down memory lane and would like to share some fun fashion looks from ’80s bands.

In ‘How to Re-route Body Comparisons‘ Sally spells out what we gain and lose by comparing our bodies to others. Angie found it an interesting read.

MaryK came across an article about The Prowl, a social networking website that is similar to Pinterest but more focussed on shopping.

E loved Lisa Pippus’ post on extravagant low-contrast dressing with inspirational images and helpful tips.

Janice over at The Vivienne Files shares how a small alteration like changing the buttons on a garment can create a different vibe. Laurinda is all for this type of easy and quick fix, and cheekily adds “it might lead to the enticing garden path of flattering wardrobe alterations”.

Vildy was happily surprised to discover that women up to about a size 8.5 can wear children’s shoes. Bonus is that they are often a bit cheaper to boot, and they fit Vildy’s foot better.

December is an excellent time to think about refreshing your lounging style. These items are great to buy on sale both before and after the holidays, and they make practical gifts. 

I don’t actually lounge in loungewear. I wear casual clothes like jeans or stretchy cigarette pants with a pullover or shirt and slippers when I’m relaxing at home. I never wear sweats, yoga wear or pajamas when I’m at home during the day. Not even when I’m under the weather. I do wear my sweats every single day, but more as a robe than loungewear. They do not leave the house unless I’m travelling.

When I wake up in the morning I pop my sweats over my pajamas (T-shirt and boy shorts). I make myself a much needed hot drink and attend to a few work related matters at my desk before I shower and get ready for the day. My sweats go back on at night when I’m winding down after my second shower of the day. I end up wearing my sweats for a good few hours a day, so feeling fab in them is important to me. 

I’ve been devoted to American Eagle’s hoodies and sweat pants for eight years and replenish them annually. I love their soft roomy fits and happy colours. They also launder well and keep me warm. This year I bought the same style of hoodie across two colours, pink and yellow, but wanted to try something different for the bottoms. So I bought Zella’s Barely Flare Studio Pants in purple to match the pink hoodie, and PJ Salvage’s Plush Fleece Pants in the navy and white polka dot to match the yellow hoodie. Not very chic and sophisticated for a 43 year old, but there you have it. Wearing teenybopper sweats each day is my dirty little secret. And as long as they suit my needs and make me smile, I will wear them.

My clients have been having great luck with lounge and pajama pants this season. These styles have been favourites: 

• Zella Beyond Soul Pants: These are thicker and roomier than the barely flare studio pants. I did not purchase them because I don’t like to wear grey or black sweats, but I love the way they fit and feel.
• Zella Soul 2 Pants: Thick, drapey and quite flattering. Read the rave reviews. 
• PJ Salvage Printed Thermal Pajama Pants: Personally, I do not like the waffle knit texture of this fabric against my skin, but I’m in the minority. They are cozy, available in plus sizes and in an assortment of fun patterns.
• Shimera Pattern Lounge Pants (Plus): Cotton-rich, cool and comfy. Pretty chic when matched with a black top.

Loungewear and pajama needs vary a lot. Some people like these items super soft, warm and very roomy, similar to the pieces that I purchased. Others prefer the snug, stretchy and streamlined version of yoga pants and a fitted zip top. And others like the combination of leggings and an oversized cozy top. 

Over to you. What’s your lounging style and when do you wear lounge clothes? Also, I’d love to hear your recommendations for great loungewear.

This week’s roundup is about socks and hosiery, which deserve as much attention as more expensive and more visible wardrobe items. Most of these specific items have been available for years, so you can replenish your favourites each season. 

Hosiery

• Oroblue Tricot Fishnet Tights: These are still my favourite micro-fishnets on the planet because the net is refined. I love the way the netted effect creates a subtle texture on the leg. 
• Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Top Tights: As with all Commando hosiery, the dig-free waistband is extra comfortable. Read the rave reviews. Pricey, but worth it if you love to wear black opaques. Here’s the same style without the control top. 
• Nordstrom Scroll Floral Tights: The black is fun but the cream is even better. Lots of coverage and non-scratchy. Banish the thought that white tights are frumpy. 
• Nordstrom Studded Tights: A very subtle stud that does not look gaudy or feel weird against the skin. 
• Pretty Polly Glitzy Embellished Tights: A little less subtle, and ever so slightly ‘80s. Fun with a flared black skirt.
• Nordstrom Perfect Plaid Tights: These have been my favourite patterned black tights for a while. I love the three tones of check and their diagonal positioning, which to my eye is more flattering than lines on tights that run vertically or horizontally. 
• Donna Karan Evolution Satin Jersey Tights: Extra smooth and comfy, like wearing satin instead of nylon/spandex. 
• Nordstrom Sheer Control Top Pantyhose: These are by far my favourite sheer black and nude hose because they aren’t that fragile. They create a slight shine on the leg line that looks soft, chic and pretty.

Socks

• Nordstrom Sheer Dotted Trouser Socks: These are my favourite trouser socks because the Swiss dot is dainty, and they seem to last a long time. I wear the black and nude with trousers and pumps or shooties, but not with boots. I prefer to wear thicker socks with boots. 
• Nordstrom Diamond Compression Trouser Socks: These are amazing because they don’t fall down. A very snug fit that might feel too snug if you prefer a relaxed sock. I wear these with boots and booties because they’re sufficiently thick. I do not wear them with pumps and trousers because the visual effect is not as pretty when you sit down. I prefer the look of sheer hosiery when exposing a little trouser sock with bootcut trousers as you stride and cross your legs. Available in four colours. 
• Nordstrom Knee High Socks: I wear these all Winter long because they are super soft, not too thick, warm, and for the most part stay up during the day. 
• Nordstrom Solid Crew Socks: These are the shorter version of the knee-high length. 
• Smart Wool Cable Socks: Many clients rave about these socks, and so do the reviewers. They are thick, very warm, and last. Alas, they slide off my feet. And you want to scream when socks bunch in your shoes it’s that annoying. I also found the cabled texture uncomfortable. Clearly, I am in the minority. 
• Kate Spade New York Large Bow Knee Socks: I don’t wear patterned socks, but these have changed my mind. Cotton-rich and graphic. 

I’ve tried Hue socks, but they don’t stay on my feet. The roll tops fall down my ankles and stretch out even further after multiple washing cycles. That said, some of my clients swear by them so by all means take a peek.