dot your “t”s and cross your “i”s | polka dotted preppy fun
we are talking about all things travel this month on the blog and we are continuing today with another cool-weather destination outfit. not all trips taken during winter need to be warm-weather holidays. a short (or long!) trip to wintry place is a wonderful getaway. maybe it’s a ski trip or a weekend trip to a nearby town—whatever the case may be, February is a great time to break up the winter doldrums with a change of scenery. and a little polka dotted preppy fun is a great way to kiss the winter blues goodbye.
blazer (J.Crew) | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar sweatshirt (J.Crew) | penny loafers (J.Crew) | shirt (Talbots) | bag (Everlane)
outfit of the day – layer up
today’s outfit is great for mild-to-cool weather travel. i have a classic white button-up and a polka dot sweater that can each be worn alone, to create two other outfits on my trip – so, three outfit options with these two items. the blazer can go multiple ways as well: it can go over a dress for an evening out, it can even go as a second layer under a puffer or overcoat if it’s really cold.
blazer (J.Crew) | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar sweatshirt (J.Crew) | penny loafers (J.Crew) | shirt (Talbots) | bag (Everlane)
girlfriend jeans are comfortable for a long day of wear and will go with multiple top combinations to make for easy packing. comfortable loafers from J.Crew add polish and can also get a lot of mileage with multiple outfits. if it’s too chilly for loafers, booties would also work with this ensemble.
the leather Boss Bag (on sale right now!) is from Everlane. i have been loving this bag lately – it’s so roomy (think: an extra sweater or scarf, water bottle, magazines, wallet–even a tablet!), it has a zipper closure (great for security while traveling), and the strap will fit over my shoulder for easy hands-free carrying as i tour a city or do some shopping. it might just be the perfect bag to take on a trip.
blazer (J.Crew) | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar sweatshirt (J.Crew) | penny loafers (J.Crew) | shirt (Talbots) | bag (Everlane)
cold-weather getaways
packing for a cold-weather destination can be tricky, especially if it’s a short trip and you want to keep your packing to a carry-on. you want to pack items that will be warm enough, and these items are going to be bulky and take up a lot of space in your luggage. yesterday i wore a pea coat which is a great option for a chilly destination, and as i mentioned, you would want to wear this on the plane, and save the space in your luggage.
blazer (J.Crew) | similar blazer | similar blazer 2 | similar sweatshirt (J.Crew) | penny loafers (J.Crew) | shirt (Talbots) | bag (Everlane)
my best advice for cold-weather packing is to focus on layering. plan your outfits based on the combinations you can create with multiple layers. you can plan a couple layered outfits and then remix them to get a couple more outfits. this way you can maximize your luggage space. a big consideration for your packing are the activities you have planned. so think about this as you are planning your layering options. packing for a ski trip will look a lot different than packing for a weekend walking around a city, for instance.
well ladies, whether you are planning a long trip or a short day trip, i hope you are able to take some time this February to get away from the day-to-day and enjoy the beauty winter can bring.
happy Wednesday! go out there and put a smile on someone’s face – including your own!
I love, love this look, really most of your looks! I have learned less is best. I pack minimal pieces that can make several outfits, and repeat looks.
always love to recreate an outfit with existing pieces. an item that’s versatile is an item that belongs in our closet. more bang for your buck!
Polka dots are magical! Like a perfect bright lip, they elevate me. I can feel the stress literally leave my body and I feel years younger and full of pep. My Grands love it when I wear them and their faces light up too….”Gramma loves her dots!” and we all giggle. I can see it in your eyes, Beth, that they have the same effect on you 🌷
i bet your grands do light up when they see polka dots. there’s just a hint of whimsey with this pattern. perfect for any age. right?!
Hi Beth
I love your style and have thoroughly enjoyed your blog for a couple of years now. But today I counted 11 ads (some of them repeats) in your blog. Certainly makes for lots of scrolling and definitely makes the blog not as enjoyable (for me at least). Still hanging in there, but just wanted to share my thoughts. Have a great week.
hi cheryll,
many bloggers are moving to a subscription based blog instead of ads. is this something of interest to you? our thought was to keep the content accessible to all and offset costs by running ads. but maybe a subscription is the way to go!
I’m also really bummed with all the ads.
What’s up?
Love this outfit Beth, looks perfect for you.
nothing easier to pull together than blue jeans and a blazer. this style formula always works!
Hi Beth, loving the Polka dot sweater and your handbag xoxo
just a hint of whimsy with the polka dots! and a little pop of color. the devil is in the details!
Love this elevated casual outfit! Love your preppy style.
But, I don’t love the look of 1 side of the shirt tail hanging out.
isn’t it great we have style options in the 21st century? you say potatoe and i say potato. that’s what makes the world go round!
Dear Beth,
You are the sunshine on a rainy day in North Carolina. Seeing some of your stunning outfits has given me inspiration to clean out my closet and start creating my own style with some great tips from you.
Thank you,
Marilyn
good luck with your closet cleanse. no better day to tackle a project like that than a rainy day.
I need to have that polka dot sweater! I already own the jacket.
isn’t this blazer the best?! love the fit.
The color polka dots in the sweater are fun. I admit I have a lot of blazers–I just love them, and they can go casual or dressed up and “suit-y.” That jacket would mix and match with a million things! I’m enjoying your travel plan OOTs.
I love the preppy look. It’s been my style all my life – ever since high school when I wore Pandora skirts and cashmere sweaters, wool Bermuda shorts, knee socks and penny loafers. I think your big polka dot sweater elevates the style of jeans. I have several Talbots sweaters I wear with denim or white shirts underneath. I started wearing one with little panda bears on it when our grandchildren were little – they loved it. I also think the preppy look adapts well if you want to add a bit of edginess to your style – like a moto jacket. I think it’s a way to add a bit of youthful style to a mature wardrobe.