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Back to The Classics

Happy Thursday ladies. Trends certainly have a place in many of our wardrobes because they’re fun and small touches help keep us looking modern. But I’m back to the classics today because having them as the backbone of your wardrobe makes it infinitely easier to get dressed in the morning.

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective. I’m thrilled to once again partner with my favorite department store, to bring you a look made from their in-house brands.Ā  Thanks for supporting the brands that support A Well Styled Life.

woman wearing classic black pants and blue cardigan
WEARING –Ā  CROPPED V-NECK CARDIGANĀ  –Ā  CROSS FRONT BLOUSEĀ  –Ā  SLIM PANTS –Ā  MERINO BLEND SWEATER BLAZER Ā 

There’s nothing like a classic blazer to add polish to your outfit. This Nordstrom Collection sweater blazer could take you to the office or dress up a pair of your favorite jeans, all with the comfort of a knit that never feels constricting. I love its substantial knit, which feels firm yet cozy. It comes in petite and regular, size XXS- 16W. I’m wearing a regular in small but the petite would be a better fit for me. I can picture this over a brightly colored tee and jeans with my favorite metallic sneakers for running errands.

You can see more of theĀ Nordstrom Collection here, which is known for its classic, high-quality clothes, shoes, and accessories that are affordable and versatile.

WEARING –Ā  CROPPED V-NECK CARDIGANĀ  –Ā  CROSS FRONT BLOUSEĀ  –Ā  SLIM PANTS

Cardigans are another classic piece that I rely on to pull my separates together. I was thrilled to find this little cropped V-neck cardigan in this pretty blue because I wore the heck out of my camel one last fall. The cropped length gives it a modern vibe. It’s the perfect piece to toss over so many things including longer tops because they help define your waist without having to tuck things in.

woman walking

Most cardigans seem to be crew neck but I’m most flattered by a V-neck. I also love the way a V-neck cardigan duplicates the neckline of a button-down shirt or blouse. I’m wearing a small and think they run a bit large.

woman wearing blue sweater and black knit jacket

It’s made from an amazingly soft blend that’s over 50% sustainable fiber and just kissed with a touch of 2% cashmere. It feels so soft, you’d think it had a lot more. This cutie comes in 4 colors, XXS-XXL. They say it runs large, but that would depend on what you want to wear under it.

woman weaing white blouse and blue sweater
WEARING –Ā  CROPPED V-NECK CARDIGANĀ  –Ā  CROSS FRONT BLOUSEĀ  –Ā  SLIM PANTS –Ā  MERINO BLEND SWEATER BLAZER Ā 

A classic white blouse is mandatory in my wardrobe. This one is also by Halogen, a brand known for its affordable essentials. I love that this is a soft white with no yellow tone. It’s called ivory cloud and that’s what it looks like…clouds. This also comes in several patterns and colors but I could not resist the white which will go with everything. I also just ordered this cotton-blend sweater for spring, in the same Ivory cloud.

The softly draped, crisscross front has a snap closure to keep the wrap closed and maintain your modesty. It comes in regular and petite sizes, XXS -XXL. I’m wearing a small in regular and the length is perfect for my long torso. The front measures 21″ and the back 26″ so it appears to be half-tucked with no tucking required.

woman leaning on wall wearing classic blue and black outfit

My slim-leg pants are a quintessential classic style front zip closure, belt loops, and rear besom pockets in a smooth gabardine-type fabric with stretch. Where would we be without stretch in our fabrics?

woman sitting on bench
WEARING –Ā  CARDIGANĀ  –Ā  PULLOVERĀ  –Ā  SLIM PANTSĀ  –Ā  CLASSIC CABLE HOOP EARRINGSĀ  –Ā  SLIP-ON SNEAKER

These pants are versatile enough to wear with sneakers or could take you out in the evening with a sparkly sweater and evening bag.

The website shows they’re almost sold out but my store has plenty on hand so I encourage you to call your local Nordstrom, ask for the Halogen Slim Legs pants with the high waist, and use their BOPUS feature. Simply buy online, then pick up in the store. They’ll even bring it out to your car for curbside pickup.

I reach for a classic pullover most days this time of year and am loving these Halogen ones in a soft merino blend. This blue is paler than my photo’s show and closer to what you see on the website. It comes in a v-neck version here, and multiple colors. size XS-XXL, I am wearing a small.

classic blue and black outfit from nordstrom
WEARING –Ā  PULLOVERĀ  –Ā  SLIM PANTSĀ  –Ā  CLASSIC CABLE HOOP EARRINGSĀ  –Ā  SLIP-ON SNEAKER

I love Nordstrom for so many reasons including their amazing customer service with free shipping and returns, price-matching so you always pay the lowest price and their Nordy Club. It’s free to join and you earn points every time you shop that you can spend on future purchases.

Do classics make up the backbone of your wardrobe?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

25 Comments

  1. Sue Landry says:

    I love the look. I never tire of black as a basic. so nice not to have to think about what put together. I like camel, grey, denim, white to mix and match with tops , bottoms, jackets, sweaters , etc. I really like the short 3 button sweaters.

  2. This is a great look and I love the idea of a sweater/blazer (and I have several). No longer in the working world, the sweater blazer is a bit more casual and less “business-like” than a traditional blazer. I prefer a round or crew neck or a blouse underneath a V-neck sweater cardigan rather than another V-neck… but that is just me. You look lovely!!

  3. Though do love knits, I’m still not quite sold on the sweater blazers but perhaps eventually …. ā˜ŗ. As to classic pieces in one’s wardrobe, IMHO cannot go wrong with them as you’ve proven with your lineup. Looking casual but very polished, Jennifer!
    -Brenda-

  4. Jennifer, thank you for showing a Petite from Nordstrom! Petites are really hard to find there and I’ve pretty much given up on Nordstrom for this reason. Also, there’s no longer a close Nordstrom, and I am not shopping in malls anyway. However, I love the looks you put together and like the sweater blazer, which would pull so many outfits together. The blues are gorgeous. I have a crewneck ‘Audrey’ cashmere top from Talbots in a similar shade of blue. Hard to go wrong with classics.

    1. I will keep my eye out for more petites for you. Iā€™m finding them increasingly important so I may be shrinking šŸ™‚

  5. It seems that, since my hair has turned white, I’m finding black on my “upper half” to be unflattering unless I pair it with something bright. I have brightened my makeup and that seems to help. Does anyone else feel the same way about black?

  6. I love everything about this outfit from the color(s) to the v-neck shirt and sweater. The color(s) look great on you. I like the cropped sweater. I am short waisted so Iā€™ll have to see if it works on me. Love it all! Nicely put together.

    1. Thanks! Iā€™m loving cropped sweaters too. Itā€™s very on trend so there should be lots of options for you.

  7. If I were a letter, I would be a B from the side. Iā€™m 5ā€™3ā€ and 140.(gained the Covid ten) Tee shirts are a no except for layering underneath for warmth. As much as I love a shirt tucked in, I canā€™t, so no belts. I do have long legs though so I can wear this outfit with Cropped cardigan, blouse longer and layer a longer jacket over it all.

    1. So funny, Eve! A “B” from the side! That would pretty much describe me, too!

  8. Mary Divine says:

    I do like the classics for building my closet. I favor the slim leg pants and the sweater blazers. I like that look it makes what you are wearing look pulled together and not sloppy. I have entered a different phase of my life in that last year I got laid off. So, I am retired. I did want to work a few more years but I am 71 . I donated a large portion of my work clothes to Dress for Success.

    1. Lorrie Orr says:

      You look great in those blue shades, Jennifer. I’m also partial to blue. I love that knit blazer and can imagine how comfortable it would feel to wear. Classics make up most of my wardrobe, and I love that I can pull a look together quickly from what I have in my closet. I retired a year ago, but am taking a one-semester teaching contract to fill a gap in my old school, so I’m looking for a few newer pieces.

      1. I bet it will be fun to get back to work for a short stint.

    2. Iā€™m sorry to hear that Mary. Itā€™s sounds like youā€™re adjusting your wardrobe beautifully.

  9. Love the blouse! The white crossover! Love it!
    My wardrobe is pretty much basics, Iā€™m short, so solids and small patterns, thatā€™s my stock. Jewelry is my area of splash, along with scarves and shoes.

  10. April Bruckmann says:

    Iā€™ve been looking for a black blazer and I think this one is exactly what I need!

  11. Yes to classics!! Youā€™re minimal use of accessories adds a more modern, youthful vibe to these styles. Many times I have added an accessory only to quickly remove it. Maybe some styles stand better on their own. For me, your gorgeous hair style and impeccable makeup are the only accessories that you need! The power of a well chosen lip color canā€™t be argued.
    Iā€™m finding that a more casual hairstyle that allows for movement and carefully applied makeup are more important than ever. Itā€™s all in the details!
    Love all your style choices today!

    1. Agreed! Sometimes less really is more. Iā€™ve discovered a stronger lip color neednā€™t be red, to make a powerful statement and will often complete a look better than jewelry.

      1. Jeanne Claire says:

        Love, love, love all the clothes in this post. I guess I really do lean toward classic styles. Now that my hair is a steely gray I am wearing all shades of blue and the color of the cardigan is just gorgeous! Nordstroms has always been one of my favorite stores too. Unfortunately since we moved in retirement, the closest store is 80 miles away so I donā€™t get the browsing opportunities I used to enjoy. Seeing your recommendations spurs me on to check out their website. Thank youā€¦I always look forward to your blog and your suggestions.

      2. Steely gray hair sounds so yummy!!! There seem to be more gorgeous blues than ever these days and Iā€™m snapping them up.

  12. I love that V-neck blouse!! If I am short-waisted and 5’3 1/2″ tall, do you think I should go with the SP since you said the small fit your long torso? I love that it’s not pure white as I need the cool white color also because of my skin coloring so want to get this ordered!!! I love how the V-neck sweater looks with the blouse also.

    1. Since Nordstrom has free returns, Iā€™d order both and compare. Your short torso may love the petite sizing but youā€™re only 1/2ā€ shorter than me and several reviews say it runs short. Plus, you want to be sure the sleeves are long enough. Iā€™m with you, yay for soft cool toned white!!

  13. SuzanneGabrielle says:

    I love everything in this post. I have that top and am tempted to buy another. The color combo here is a perennial winner too.

  14. Paulette Levy says:

    Enjoyed this posting! Itā€™s how I see myself dressing 80% if the time. The other 20% if the tine I add fun tops or bottoms from stores like Anthropologie or local boutiques. Happy Thursday!

    1. Happy Thursday, Paulette

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