Why Neutrals Are Never Boring

Polished and Cozy Neutral Layers

This sweater dress is soft, cozy, and has the perfect relaxed fit for those cooler days when you want comfort without sacrificing style. I love the sophisticated Johnny collar, and it’s made with a removable belt that you can add to highlight your waistline. I like the belt tied in the back, so there’s no added bulk on my tummy.

I’ve had my eye on this Rag & Bone blazer for years and am glad I finally tried it. It has a modified equestrian vibe with a slim fit in a soft houndstooth pattern. This blazer is easy to wear since it has some stretch in the fabric and just the right amount of structure without feeling stiff. I know I’ll wear this blazer a lot, not just over dresses but also with sweaters, turtlenecks, tees, etc. Since it doesn’t come in petite, I’m going to take advantage of Nordstrom’s alteration services to get the sleeves shortened.

These stretchy knee-high boots are comfortable enough that I could honestly wear them all day! They fit snugly against the leg, creating a sleek, streamlined silhouette, and the rich chocolate color creates a cool monochromatic vibe with the dress. Sticking to one color family like this is one of my favorite tricks for achieving that expensive, understated luxury look that we often talk about. In fact, these boots are so comfy that I just ordered this shorter option in the Shikaki shade.

I wanted to show you how easy it is to create different looks with the same base outfit by simply swapping out layers. For a more laid-back vibe, I ditched the blazer and added this cozy quilted shirt from Faherty. The quilted texture adds a nice layer of both warmth and texture. It will look equally great over jeans for weekend activities and is light enough to belt for some waist definition.

Neutral Laid-Back Cozy Layers

When I’m shopping for layers, I look for pieces that I can mix and match. Since I try to keep things simple with my wardrobe, it’s important to me that I can layer my clothes in different ways to create different looks. This quilted shirt is a great example—it works perfectly as a casual jacket over a plain base layer, like this front seam sweater, or even buttoned up à la “shacket” style.

These pants came home with me the moment I tried them on. They have a flattering fit with a slight kick at the hem, which is perfect for pairing with ankle boots. Since I’m petite, I find that the 26″ inseam is just cropped enough to show off just the right amount of the shoe without looking like a high-water pant. The fabric feels luxe, and the fit is superb.

Speaking of shoes, I loved my black Eileen Fisher sock booties so much last winter that I jumped when I spotted these similar ones in a soft taupe. They’re just as comfortable as my black pair, with a low, stable heel and almond-shaped toe, which helps elongate the look of my leg and looks polished and chic with cropped pants. The taupe color adds a fresh, light touch that pairs perfectly with all of my fall neutrals.

This Splendid front-seam sweater coordinates perfectly with these wide-leg sweater pants. Matched sets are still as popular as ever, but this fall, I’m seeing more elevated options than something you’d just hang out in at home or run to the mailbox.

Nordstrom’s collections have knocked it out of the park for me this fall. The colors, textures, and shapes all speak to my desire to elevate my casual wardrobe while looking understated.

Besides having fabulous apparel, Nordstrom has some of the best customer service in the business, with free shipping both ways. They also offer BOPUS, ROTUS (reserve online, try on in-store), and curbside pickup. The Nordy Club is free to join here and earns you notes to spend on future purchases along with free hemming.

MORE NEW FALL ARRIVALS FROM NORDSTROM

Do you reach for neutrals in the fall?