Monday Musings : Elevated Casual Outfits Inspiration and What I Wore
Happy Monday, ladies. I’m finally getting better at snapping pictures of what I’m wearing each day. You’d think it would be easy to remember because I take so many selfies in dressing rooms…but it’s not a habit…yet. Today, I have a few elevated casual outfits I’ve worn lately, along with some collage outfit inspiration and random musings.
Elevated Casual Outfits
This is one of the J. Jill ponte knit shirts and Athleta Endess pants I took to Portugal and wore on repeat. I’m a big fan of knit fabrics that appear woven because they’re very comfortable while appearing more polished than sweats. These pants continue to be a favorite in my wardrobe, and I reach for them often.
My flats are machine washable by Rothy’s and are as old as the hills. They only make this specific cheetah print in their child’s shoe now, but I linked to their similar print above. My Quince bag is a favorite for busy days with lots of errands because it holds a lot and has a crossbody strap for hands-free convenience.
I’m wearing two baroque pearl bracelets and some simple pearl drop earrings that were a gift from my husband many, many moons ago.
As an aside…I wore this outfit about 3 weeks ago and am really shocked at how fast my hair has grown. I’m never thrilled when she first cuts my hair, but in retrospect, my hair looks better, a bit shorter. I may have her snip a bit more off next time.
I was heading to the eye doctor on this day to see if there’s anything else we can try for my dry eyes. Yes, there is, and so I am considering it. There’s this new type of eye drops made from your own plasma, which sounds weird but is supposed to be helpful. I’ll keep you posted.
I wore my comfy Talbots knit blazer over a navy Quince cashmere sweater and Talbots barely bootcut jeans. I wear this style of jeans a lot and have them in several washes. They’re just wide enough to cover the top of my bootie but not too long to wear with flats. My booties are a stretch knit in gray by Eileen Fisher and are very comfy.
I’m wearing my favorite hoop earrings, which are covered by my hair in this picture. I was in a rush and skipped a bracelet.
We try to take our grandson bowling every few weeks. Some days, he’s on fire, and on others, I feel like I’m doing better. Those are the days I wish I owned the ball I’m scoring well with :). I think about owning my own bowling shoes every time I have to put on the communal ones that are as stiff as cardboard.
I wore my black J. Crew Factory sweater blazer over a grey cashmere tee and my Loft wide-leg jeans. I’m finished with raw hems on my jeans so really like these ones. I bought them in petite, knowing they were on the verge of too short, then proceeded to unintentionally run them through a hot dryer. They shrank about 1/2″, so they’re only long enough to wear with flats now. Next time, I’ll buy the regular and have the hemmed…after I machine wash and dry them.
The cashmere tee adds a touch of coziness but isn’t warm. I’ve been buying these for several years because the price is amazing and they have lots of great colors.
This was a day of running errands and coffee with a girlfriend. We always do some “window shopping” after coffee so comfy footwear was mandatory.
My J. Crew inspired striped cardigan fits the bill perfectly (again) and I topped it with my J. Crew Factory knit cardigan. I’ve gotten more use out of this sweater blazer than I ever anticipated. It feels as comfy as a cardigan but has a more elevated look.
I wore my Talbots barely boot jeans, and my retro sneakers which have proven to be a smart purchase because I wear them a lot. They’re comfy and sporty with a lower profile than many athletic shoes. Of course, their black and ivory color scheme is perfect for much of my wardrobe too.
This was a car shopping day which means layers because I was going inside and outside often. I wore this faux fur vest I could take off when we went inside. The vest is a dinosaur, but the cashmere sweater is even older. It’s an Everlane sweater that’s so old that the label has different branding than they do now. I adore the color and it has survived the great moth feast at our house so I consider myself lucky.
My jeans are black with a flare leg that’s again, perfect over a bootie. These are sold out but this Old Navy pair looks similar. My earrings are the Jenny Bird puffy knocker in gold. I debated getting these in the silver/gold color combo but ultimately decided I had several silver earrings and not many in gold. These are a smart addition to my wardrobe because I prefer pairing warm metal with many of my beige and off-white neutrals.
I chose these taupe booties to bookend the color with my sweater. They have a nice shape with lower block-heel so they’re very comfy.
I fell hard for this washable cashmere blend sweater on my last trip to Athleta. The fabric is soft and weighty, with no itchiness at all! I am wearing a small, so it runs large. The sleeves are meant to be long but you can also fold the cuffs up a few inches for the perfect length. I wear it untucked because the ribbing at the bottom reaches above the waist, so it looks goofy with a half tuck.
These Pitsola jeans are one of my favorites. They’re high-rise, super soft, and have just the right amount of stretch. Plus, because they’re “cropped” length makes them ankle-length on me. I’ve had these Munro booties for many years and wear them a lot in the fall and winter because they’re water-resistant and super comfy. They have a zipper opening on the side so you don’t have to untie them each time.
Here are a few elevated casual holiday outfits:
Just add opaque tights, and you’re ready to go in this plaid skirt and sweater with pearl accents.
This Old Navy and Amazon outfit is classic with a touch of attitude and budget-friendly.
Cashmere, faux fur, and some metallic details elevate this casual holiday outfit.
Elevated casual outfits are an important part of my style recipe and certainly a consideration while refining my 3 word style recipe.
I’d love to know if you shop Old Navy. How about Gap Factory?
Is it helpful to see what I actually wear?
Jennifer I have been using serum tears for 2 years and they do work, I agree it sounds strange but it made a big difference for me. The hardest part is traveling with them but if you put them in a yeti cup with ice cubes they will stay cold.
I loved all your outfits, I use JJill for a lot because they fit me and my lifestyle.
I’ve got a call in to see my Dr about them now. It sounded weird when she mentioned it but so many of you are getting relief, I have to try them. Thank you.
I love the blog today! I just wish I could wear cashmere sweaters! I wear cotton or synthetic yarn sweaters, cardigans and vests. I is colder here now in Colorado, especially at night. Flannel shirts over tees with jeans are my go to hear in Colorado. I do not shop at J Crew or Gap factory.
l love seeing what you actually wear! Thank you for sharing.
I have severe dry eye, and the plasma drops are nice. Tryrvana, the spray that makes you sneeze, I had to stop as gave me a sore throat. I wear scleral lenses that help protect my corneas and stop my pain. My Dry eye doc said not to use Retinol /or retinol products on the upper half on my face, can contribute to dryness. Only to use below the cheekbones, which is a bummer since that is the best thing for making a difference in skin texture.
She did mention those contact lenses too which I may try. Thank you for sharing the nose spray, Elizabeth. I may check it out
All looks good!
Do I shop at ON or Gap factory, no.
The quality and fit is unreliable.
I’m not much of a tee shirt and jeans person style wise, and I am not fond of synthetic fabric.
Nice elevated, tasteful and simple outfits all around!
I’m loving the reinvented Banana Republic. This is where high quality materials can be found. I’m so tired of poor quality. The women’s size offerings have expanded, too. My purchases for Christmas include silk-cotton socks and a real sheepskin trapper hat (in sizes, not one-size-fits-none!). All can be combined with Athleta (zero in my size), ON and Gap for one shipping fee, free over a certain dollar value. I use ON only for men’s casual clothing now, and Gap for accessories. ON quality has taken a dive.
Thanks MJ
Love these elevated casual outfits; this is the way I usually dress, and these ideas are really helpful! I shop Gap Factory, J Crew Factory, and Banana Republic Factory is amazing. Thanks for all the great ideas in this post!
If you bowl very often, buying your own shoes is definitely a good investment. Mine are some of the most comfortable shoes that I own and so much nicer than putting on those stiff rental shoes that have been on hundreds of other feet.
Good to know! I hate the ones you borrow.
My optometrist recommended fish oil years ago and I can really tell the difference when I run out!
I take 2,000 msg of fish oil daily too! Good stuff.
Just wondering…Do you ever purchase colored denim pants or do you stick to the “standards”
I prefer neutrals in my wardrobe these days so don’t personally buy colored denim.
Thank you for your daily wear inspiration. What size are you wearing in the Athleta navy pants? They look like they might check all my boxes for comfort and style. Do you like them better than the Brooklyn?
I like them much better than the Brooklyn. The fabric is more substantial but equally as comfy. I’m wearing a 6.
The Pistola jeans link isn’t working (goes to Munro booties instead). Thanks.
Sorry about that, here they are.
Love all your outfits!! It seems like most of my errands involve going on Dr. appointments nowadays. I have a hard time with dry eye too. Finally Restasis is starting to work for me. I would really like to hear about this plasma thing.
It’s not inexpensive but it seems like I have tried everything else. I use Xiidra which helps but there are still days when my eyes are so painful.
My Dr. gave me a sample of something for if I’m really desperate but it makes you sneeze many times. It’s effective but annoying!
Can you share the name?
I have a relative who fits the plasma eye drops and she found they are worth it
Love the descriptions of what you wore. Very inspiring. Love the elevated casual look. Comfort is a huge factor for me. I also like d Navy and Gap. Love how easy your outfits are put together, not a lot of extra that distracts. Have a great week Jennifer and hope you find a car soon !
Thanks, Brenda!
Thankyou!! I build homes and I need casual ideas to elevate my jeans. I love you ideas!!!
Really liked the inspiration posts of outfits, but also the various elevated causal outfit you wear. I find myself doing that often for appointments or shopping. I do not shop Gap or Old Navy.
I really like to see your everyday outfits. It provides inspiration for me.
Jennifer, do the Athleta Endless Pants require ironing? I hate ironing!
No ironing ever! They’re perfect right out of the dryer.
I, too, love the Talbots barely boot jeans and Quince bags. The cashmere turtleneck is so cute but pricey. I’ll wait for a sale or look at Quince for something similar.
Good morning from Colorado! It’s dry here and I have an eye that doesn’t close all the way thanks to a brain tumor that paralyzed a side of my face – so I know about dry eyes. The serum autologous eye drops are amazing! They are so very soothing. You have to keep them refrigerated, which is annoying, but I have found them worth the cost and hassle.
Thank you for letting me know, Kay! I will them investigate further now. Have a great day
You look fabulous. I especially love the faux fur vest.
I do so enjoy seeing your everyday outfits as elevated casual is how I also dress. We are into winter coat weather now, so my outfits are planned around which winter boots I will be wearing. Oh how I miss the long fall weather we used to have.
I’m glad you enjoy seeing them. I repeat outfits often but I’ll continue to capture them when I can remember. I love the idea of coordinating outfits based on your boots.
Thanks Jennifer for all your posts!! I now enjoy many products you’ve recommended!! I have fallen in love with Quince. What size cashmere v neck do you wear?
Many thanks!
Janet
I wear a medium in the v neck and cashmere tees
Really cute daily outfits! Yes to Old Navy and Gap Factory. The majority of my jeans come from Old Navy and since jeans are my daily go to I purchase a lot at that store and web site. I found JCrew factory because of you and really like it so I’m sure Gap Factory would be as pleasing. Thanks again for all you do. I always look forward to your posts.
I think I’ll check out Gap Factory. I love J Crew Factory.
After going monthly for dry eye
to the doctor, my health store owner gave me the answer that works: LIQUID HYALURONIC
ACID, 16 0z. 1 TBLSP a day with breakfast. It has worked for me 10 yrs.
Wow! Thats amazing.
Hi Jennifer,
It’s so helpful to see what you actually wear. I think I will start taking photos of my outfits just to see how I actually look in them. I love your blog, and for me, it serves as a terrific shopping guide. Thanks to you, I have found new brands that work for me. I don’t shop at Old Navy or Gap Factory.
Kris
I’m so glad this is helpful. Thanks Kristin
Hi, Jennifer, love seeing your real-life outfits!
Love this post – it is very helpful for putting together nice looking outfits.
I have a friend who has used the plasma-based eye drops for a while; I guess they are helpful for her. They have to be kept cool, so when she travels, she uses a small freezer pack (palm-size, like for kids’ lunches or a “boo-boo” freezer pack).
That’s a smart way to keep them cool. Thanks. I may try them.
There are containers made for insulin pens and vials. You might find something you like – and they don’t affect the temp or humidity of anything that they’re packed with. Also, TSA approved.
Thank you, Maeve
Yes, love seeing your clothing ideas and how well put together you look. It inspires me to step out of the doldrums!