Need for Tweed
Skirt: c/o Talbots*; Turtleneck t-shirt: Splendid (for turtleneck sweaters, look here, here and here); Boots: Aquatalia; Bag: Kate Spade; Sunglasses: Warby Parker (sold out, similar here and here)
Being a stylish professional doesn't require you to wear the most creative and original outfits every day. In fact, there's an idea that picking out an outfit everyday contributes to "decision fatigue" and that streamlining the morning routine by adopting a sort of uniform can make you more creative and productive. I enjoy mixings things up and using my wardrobe as a creative outlet; it energizes me and makes me more confident in the office, so you won't find me adopting a "capsule wardrobe" anytime soon. However, for days when things are crazy at work, and (much to my disappointment) I can't devote mental energy to crafting original ensembles, I have a couple go-to outfit combinations that I know will look great with minimal planning and thought. The outfit pictured here is a cold weather version of one such combination that I go to again and again: turtleneck, coordinating tweed or plaid skirt, and boots with matching tights. It's simple and easy while still polished and sophisticated. The tweed in this particular skirt has both black and brown, so I can pair it with either black or brown boots--even further simplifying the morning decision-making process!
Of course, if you want these combinations to work, you've got to have great-looking items in each category, and turtlenecks can be tricky. I love turtlenecks but always struggle to find good classics for work. Sweaters that are too chunky or boxy can make an outfit look sloppy; I try to stick to smooth knits in form-fitting cuts. Unfortunately, most options out there are in the ubiquitous (albeit very comfy) boxy cut. If they are slim fitting, then they are often designed for layering and too thin to be worn alone. Ugh!
Last year, I finally found the t-shirt turtleneck photographed here and I love it--it's thick enough to wear alone but also looks great layered under vests and jackets--but am still on the hunt for the perfect sweater. The ones that I've linked above look promising, and I will let you know if I find a winner once I've had a chance to try them out. And please let me know if you have a sweater that you recommend!
What are your go-to outfits for days when you simply need to get out the door? Do you have formulaic combinations like mine?
*Thank you to Talbots for gifting me this gorgeous tweed skirt.
