Sweater Skirt Weather

Skirt:  Vince Camuto (sold out, but similar here, here, here and plus size here); Shirt:  Cuyana; Pumps:  Louise et Cie; Necklace:  Tiffany & Co.; Bag:  Kate Spade

You can probably tell by now that I love wearing black and white.  It always looks chic, sophisticated and polished but requires minimal planning or coordination--the perfect combination for when you're running out the door in the morning but still need (and want!) to look put together for work.  But just because it's easy doesn't mean it has to be boring.  I was immediately drawn to this windowpane print sweater skirt when I saw it in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale a couple months ago.  The large-scale print feels very sleek and modern.  I'm also so happy that block heels are coming back in--they are so much more comfortable than stilettos for wearing all day! 

Now that autumn has finally (FINALLY) arrived in D.C., I've been able to bring more cold-weather pieces into the rotation, and I am loving sweater skirts!  So long as the fabric is thick enough, the fact that they are hip-hugging can allow for a very long, lean silhouette without the discomfort of wearing a fitted pencil skirt all day (although a good ponte skirt can have the same effect).  A couple others that I think would be great for the office are this tie-waist version, this midi-length skirt in burgundy and this velvet (!) number (okay, so velvet isn't exactly a sweater skirt, but the description says it is stretchy, so I think it would be similar). 

What are some of the cold-weather staples you've been excited to break out?