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Checkmate

After all my deep dive into color last year, I’m still drawn to the simplicity of black and white. Yes, the contrast is not the most flattering for my coloring, but I invariably feel chic in this combo so it’ll always have a place in my wardrobe. Today’s outfit is as comfy as it is classic which is really important to me these days. It’s also part of Chico’s biggest sale of the year with up to 70% off which makes them an amazing value.

WEARING – COOLMAX TURTLENECK SWEATER / SO SLIMMING PANT / BIRDIES SHOES / BRACELETS HERE AND HERE / HANDBAG similar / NECKLACE  /  SUNGLASSES

I now own several of these Coolmax turtlenecks and find them the perfect way to stay cozy. The fabric is soft enough to not feel like it’s strangling me and they’re a great backdrop for so many other things. Plus, at $29, you can’t beat the price! I’m wearing a 1 (8-10).

These are the fashion blogger jennifer connolly wearing herringbone pants and turtleneck from chicos

I’m wearing them with my trusty Birdies, which I seem to be wearing constantly! I reach for these so often it makes me wonder what I wore before I bought them. I have my eye on these leopard ones so I don’t wear these out.

over 50 fahion blogger jennifer connolly wearing chicos coolmax turtleneck and houndstooth pants
WEARING / TURTLENECK / NECKLACE / LIPSTICK in POMEGRANATE

For me, pearls of any variety add elegance to an outfit. South Sea, Akoya, Tahitian, Freshwater, cultured, or faux…pearls add a glow you can’t get from other “gems. I love the mixture of burnished gold-tones with this pearl, coin, and filigree charm necklace. When one bracelet will do, three adds more punch so that’s what I did.fashion blogger jennifer of a well styled life wearign chicos turtleneck and juliet pant

A black bag would have been expected so I pulled out this burgundy one that I use each winter. To help balance the black, I added a pop of red lipstick to brighten my face. 

Wearing flattering colors may be smart, but I’m not letting that prevent me from wearing the colors I love. The two are not always synonymous. Getting dressed needs to be fun and if we follow too many rules we miss out on the joy we can get from fashion. Expect to see me wearing plenty more black and white, warm and cool colors because if I learned anything about color last year… it was to not pigeonhole myself for the sake of looking my best. 

MORE FINDS FROM CHICO’S

 

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident, no matter what color it is:)

xox

42 Comments

  1. A really lovely outfit on you. Black and white always seems so chic. I especially love to wear it now that my hair is silver. Great handbag!

  2. classic casual home says:

    Jennifer, this is one of my favorite outfits ever! You look so chic yet comfortable. I love my Birdies, too. The first pair I got were leopard…and I’m worried about wearing them out too.
    Mary Ann

    1. Thanks so much, Mary Ann. I finally went ahead and ordered the leopard ones:)

  3. Love that black and white outfit. I too, have a closet full of black and white choices.
    Not the best colors for me, but I think I look good. 🤣

  4. This outfit from Chico’s looks fabulous on you – you are right, black and white are classic! Personally, I have given up on Chico’s because of their sizing and fit. At 5’10, the fit is never exactly “right” on me. Most of the shirts/tops are shorter than I prefer, usually hitting me across the tummy in a place that at my age (62), I am not comfortable with. Also the pants are never long enough…. Lovely pieces, just not for this tall gal!

  5. All black is my go to outfit, second only to black & white. It is easy to look elegant in those two combinations. Add some gold jewelry and you’re done! I love houndstooth! And, you can’t go wrong with a touch of red.
    I was listening to YouTube videos on what’s trending in fashion for 2021. One of those was pearls. I love the updated look on a pearl necklace. It’s being combined with gold and more of a statement. Your necklace is spot on!

  6. Does your lipstick match your purse? Brilliant!

  7. Francesca B. says:

    Fantastic outfit and I love the bag! Love the prices too, thanks Jennifer.Happy new Year:)

  8. I agree with Jan. Too many colors can look a bit juvenile. I lean towards the classic look as you are in today’s post.

  9. So classic and sophisticated. The look is beautiful on you and timeless. Although I am retired and not buying too many new clothes right now with this virus going crazy here in Florida, we are staying in for right now. You are the perfect model for us to follow , your sense of style is exceptional

  10. Question about patterns. Does the vertical ribbing of the turtleneck clash with the checkered pattern of the pants? I thought a ribbed top should only be worn with smooth solid colors for the rest of the outfit. Old rule?

    On another note, I just purchased my first Birdies! I ordered the black velvet and I can’t wait to get them.

    Happy New Year! I love reading your journey through fashion and seeing the various outfits on you as well as the sound advice you give. 😘

  11. I think the allure of color analysis is that we all want a signature color/colors. In our fantasy we always look fabulous and our wardrobes coordinate effortlessly. In real life the shirt is in the laundry, the occasion calls for “x”, the colors not easy to find, it’s not in the budget… I wonder how many women get analyzed and live in their “season” happily ever after.

  12. I love this outfit – classic and chic. I wear a lot of b&w, and if I’m not careful, my entire wardrobe would be that!

  13. Jennifer, I think the black and white check on the bottom elevates this black turtleneck look. (I have always loved black and white checked clothing and own many such items.) Perhaps if you had worn black pants, it would look too severe – although we love the all black look for its slimming effect! The pop of red is perfect too. Classic and lovely. Thank you.

  14. Jacqueline bucco says:

    This outfit looks very classic to me. I wear similar looks myself! It looks soo nice on you, with a perfect fit! Black and white in my wardrobe affords me to interchange many pieces, while adding different accessories to give different looks😊

  15. Looking fabulous Jennifer! I really like this look on you … ☺. Sophisticated and classic yet casual! Do have a pair of houndstooth pants but in black and silver grey and are one of my favourites whereas I pair it with a black turtle neck that doesn’t have any ribbing. (Latter I prefer (plain or bouclé weave) as do wear a lot of corduroy in bottoms so get more mileage out of them for mix ‘n matching.) Love your addition of the deep crimson handbag as IMHO adds energy to the ensemble. -Brenda-

  16. I love black and gray and white and it looks great on you. It’s classic. I like that it simplifies and streamlines the closet, everything goes with everything, it’s easy to buy online and allows one to be chic on a budget. I am in the process of choosing one or two other colors to be “mine” to use when I want a pop of color or to brighten an outfit. Being able to be creative is the fun of dressing and black is the perfect backdrop for creative accessories, especially scarves and dramatic jewelry.

  17. patricia valentic says:

    You look lovely in black. I do like color theory, but yours was all over the place. Wearing what you loves seems like a good idea. patval

  18. IMO black and white are classics and you look fantastic. I also love the gold jewelry and pearls. Since I stopped coloring my hair and it’s turned a gray/blond my ‘eye’ has adjusted to what once were ‘my’ colors. I think we’re attracted to certain colors and if they make you feel good, you should just wear them!

  19. Well said Jennifer!!! You know what you like and who you are! Bravo!

  20. Jennifer,
    I don’t know what your ‘season’ is or supposed to be, but I think the black is very flattering to you. Outfit looks great and I love the pop of the burgundy purse. Totally agree about the pearls.
    I have trouble with integrating them in any look with jeans but I do love them. Thanks for the post.

  21. Linda Simpson says:

    I’m with you! I wear what I like, and I love black and white together. I also love black and camel together. Neither are the best for my fair skin, but I figure that’s when I throw in some coloring to my face and add a colorful scarf. Poof! I am gorgeous! (at least in my mind, and isn’t that what counts?)

  22. Hi Jennifer,
    Lovely outfit today; I actually have two of the turtlenecks in black and off white. I appreciate your thoughts about color and what we like to wear. I tend toward these basic neutrals with some blue and colorful scarves mixed in. Enjoy your day and Happy New Year!

  23. You’ve cultivated a style from your head to your toes that is unique to you! This process didn’t happen overnight.
    When one of my granddaughters says “that looks like something you would like Grandma”, I know they connect a certain style, color or vibe with me.
    We have come so far in this journey to let a certain study or trend change what we love. Embrace the colors you’ve always loved and proved over time to be workhorses in your closet.
    I love every aspect of the outfit you put together today. Besides being simply classic in style and color, it also reflects in the gorgeous smile on your face.
    I am intentionally trying to smile more every day!

  24. I love to wear black and white. The purse and jewelry you chose really make this outfit pop. This would definitely be a favorite of mine.

  25. I love black and white or off white because everything is mix and match. I do use scarves for a little color but the basics always work. I love your outfit and ideas.

  26. Beth Crawford says:

    I love this look. I have several items in my closet that will give me this look but, I am going to buy several of the sweaters. My coloring is very similar to yours and I love black ! I try to add a black and white or colorful scarf so it’s not right up against my face and bright lipstick.

  27. Great look Jennifer! Love all the choices you made pulling the look together.

  28. I love this post Jennifer and I agree with you about wearing the colors that make you feel good. I am 62 and have red hair….. Well now it’s a faded red with lovely “natural” highlights which I embrace. Bright colors may be what I’m supposed to wear but they don’t make me feel confident they make me feel like a neon sign. When I dress in chic black it makes me feel confident which I think is right for me. We are all individuals and should dress in a way that makes us feel good about ourselves. Love you and your blog😉

    1. I frequently see stylists comment that black can be unflattering to people of a particular age or coloring, but to be honest, I don’t see it. I think the black turtleneck contrasts beautifully with your fair hair and glowing skin as well as the pearls. The only time black might be avoided is if someone has very dark under-eye circles or their skin is so dark that the black makes them visually disappear. As nice as color can be, neutrals are timeless and far more chic.

  29. April Bruckmann says:

    I love this outfit! IMO, a classic black turtleneck is fabulous. Unfortunately, living in So Cal, I don’t have much of an opportunity to wear them.

  30. Well-said! I think you look fabulous in black! Love the pop of color 🙂 I’m not a fan of having colors done and restricting oneself.

    1. Katherine Yvonne Weimer says:

      I love this outfit! And it is both flattering and classic!

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