Flying by the Seat of My Pants: What I Wore

I occasionally plan my outfits the night before, but when I’m busy, I fly by the seat of my pants. Today’s look is one of those times when I dressed in a hurry and we grabbed some quick, blurry snaps before I headed out for my day. I often wear a column of color because it’s slimming, helps me look taller and is just so easy. They’re usually in gray or black so when I spotted this sweater and scarf in my drawer, then I remembered my ivory pants, a new combo was born.

Jennifer Connolly wearing ivory cashmere from Everlane

I’ve been ordering these cashmere sweaters for years. I have it in four colors and just ordered my fifth. I love them. I hand wash my cashmere, hang to dry, then use my steam iron to smooth it out. That’s when I go over each sweater checking for pills and use my little sweater shaver to make it look brand new.

Ivory V-Necks

Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled life wearing head to toe ivory
Cashmere V-Neck // Cashmere Scarf c/o // Lined Hampshire Pants in Ivory on sale // Bracelet // Brahmin Duxbury Satchel  // Dr. Schools Bootie

These pants are warm-toned ivory which wouldn’t be flattering near my face but works on the lower half of my body. I tried them on during this DRD and just loved them. They have plenty of spandex, are comfy, and they’re lined. White pants are a challenge no matter the color of your lingerie, so I always appreciate a lining.

Jennifer Connolly wearing ivory Everlane cashmere in ivory

The care instructions say machine wash, lay flat but I bought these pants on the loose side because I intend to put them in the dryer on low, and expect them to shrink a bit. They’re available in Ivory cashmere sweater and scarf from Everlane worn by Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life

This narrow cashmere scarf is just about perfect. It’s a simple rectangle that fits under the neck of your coat and can wrap several times around your neck when you just need something extra with a sweater.

Ivory or soft metallic boots would have been my choice but since I don’t own any, I opted for these snake print booties. They have a lot of ivory in them and are my favorite boots this winter because they’re super comfy and go with everything! A black bag would have looked too stark so I grabbed my brown satchel. Brown felt strange with the gray in the boots but It’s a softer choice than black or red. I do have a small gray bag but I had too much to carry that day and needed more space.

These are the sort of days that have me starting a list of things I want to add to my wardrobe.

Do you plan your outfits or do you get inspired on the spot?

Do you have a running list of things to be on the lookout to fill a gap in your wardrobe?

 

31 Comments

  1. very elegant outfit. Like yr idea of a running list which would make the overview of your wardrobe easier.
    Personally I considered also to make photos from my clothes in different combis. This might be a good reminder what is hidden in my wardrobe and how I can style the pieces

  2. The ivory column looks stunning on you! Personally, I I would have chosen grey or taupe boots with it, but the snakeskin is eye catching.

    I often plan what I’m going to wear the night before unless I’m going to be at home all day in which case it’s usually a matter of what do I feel like wearing today? I also keep a short wish list of things that I’d like to add to my wardrobe.

    1. As I said, I would have chosen that or a pale neutral boot if I owned them. Sometimes you just have to make do;)

  3. I think being in the professional world still has trained me to plan my outfits no matter what I do and keeps my stress level down. This is a chic, classy style for your, Jennifer…it is lovely.

    1. Susan Gowan says:

      Love the ivory tones on you, Jennifer. For me I prefer blues, blacks and greys with a pop of colour with jewellery accessories or scarves. Looking for one item that is casual to dressy in red or silver for the holiday season in shops or online.You and Pam have lots of great ideas for holiday dressing, I bet!

  4. Your all cream outfit is very classy. I love the addition of the snakeskin boots for added interest. I’m not sure I would have carried that particular purse with the boots but I’m no expert. Can you explain why you picked that handbag with those boots so I understand the thought process?

    1. I would have carried a pale gray bag, but mine was too small for the running around I had to do that day. My other bags are darker which wouldn’t have worked either. This isn’t great but it worked for the day.

  5. I loved this outfit! The ivory cashmere sweater is lovely. I always shy away from ivory because so often they are see through and I prefer not to wear anything underneath a cashmere sweater. How is this one? And what size are you wearing?

    1. I’m wearing a medium. I am just wearing a nude-colored bra. White would show.

  6. I plan my work clothes for the entire week every Sunday, based on my schedule and the weather forecast. I hang each day’s pieces on one of two valet rods in my closet, and then each night I move the next day’s set to the other valet rod. I pull out the footwear, underwear, jewelry, and any other accessories the night before. I’ve done this for years, because it makes the morning so much easier. (That was especially true when I had a child to get up and off to school each day; her clothes were pulled and prepped the night before. She’s 32 now and still follows this plan.) I find this habit also helps me wear more of my clothes in different combinations, rather than grabbing the same things over and over.

    1. That’s such a great way to be organized, Virginia. I used to do this when my kids were little. This is how I plan my outfits for photoshoots and it is very helpful.

  7. Pam Schieffer says:

    You look gorgeous and I love the snake booties with your outfit!

  8. On the norm I do plan my outfits on a daily basis however on occasion I may switch something out at the last minute namely due to an unexpected change in weather conditions. As for having a running list, you bet I do as I will stalk an outrageously priced high-end garment (or an accessory) hoping it will eventually go on sale …. lol! In respect to column dressing; my travel wardrobe pretty well consists of same, as less to pack and a snap to coordinate.
    -Brenda-
    P.S.: I am wondering if a shade of gray in a handbag/tote would also have worked with your outfit.

    1. Yes, I think a pale gray would have worked. I love gray accessories for just that reason. They’re versatile.

  9. I agree with comments above, you look great in this ivory outfit. I do own a pair of Talbots winter white or ivory pants but no stylish sweater etc to create the column! A plan ……lol.

  10. Deborah Broughton says:

    This outfit and the color looks great on you! Your hair is looking great too!

  11. This is a lovely look on you, complements your hair and skin tones.

  12. Lisa Bieri says:

    After reading one of your posts I ordered 2 cashmere turtlenecks – I’m way too cold in v-necks, even with a scarf. Can’t wait to wear them. Thanks for all your tips and suggestions!

    1. I only have one cashmere turtleneck and I love it. Now that it’s cooled off here, I may need another 2 or 3:)

  13. Like you, I plan out my outfits. For the month of December, I like to dress with a Holiday style (lots of red, my Brighton Christmas necklace). So I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every year, I keep a list of my Holiday outfits on my computer and then adjust it with any new purchases for the season. I divide the list into “dressy” and “casual” and use it when I have an event in December. It’s one less thing I have to worry about in this crazy month of endless things to do.

    1. That is such a good idea. I keep saying I’m going to do this but I never have. You inspired me to do this, today!

    2. Sometimes I plan ahead but I dress for the day’s activities, my mood and the ever changing weather so it is more often on the fly. I’ve started gravitating to ivories which is new for me with my cool colouring. I like column dressing but I still feel I need a pop of colour somewhere and that is what takes time as I try to figure out how to do that.

    3. What a great idea. I’m going to give it a try!!

  14. Lovely.However,I always feel adding animal print in shoes distracting.Animal prints in anything halts the otherwise beautiful overall appearance of any outfit is my personal opinion.

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