Our first entry into our Essential Series this month is 5 timeless fashion essentials you need in your closet, including the essential Spring raincoat (’cause it’s almost that time of year). They are:
- trench coat;
- classic satchel;
- gold hoops;
- tweed blazer; and
- cap-toe pump.
This post continues the Essential Series we began in January:
- essential tops;
- essential bottoms; and
- essential jackets;
- essential accessories that every woman should have in their closet.
One of the goals of this series is to help you build a classic and timeless wardrobe that you can “shop” for years to come. So for each essential item today, I put together a widget of shoppable items. I’ve also gone back into the archives and found different ways you can style each item.
5 timeless fashion essentials
The trench coat has made many appearances on the blog over the years. To my mind, it is the essential Spring & Fall raincoat. Did you know that during WWI British Officers wore trench coats that had been modified with shoulder straps and D-rings? the ring was included so that map cases, swords, or other equipment could easily attach to the belt. (After all, necessity is the mother of invention.)
Burberry reigns supreme when it comes to a khaki trench, but other retailers like J.Crew have them at lower price points. I’ve put together a shopping widget below for a variety of different options.
Essential Spring raincoats: Trench Coat
Style tip: If you already have a khaki trench, but want to add another, consider something more exotic like animal print.
Shop trench coats (widget below)
Shop trench coats (widget below)
Satchel Handbag
We ran a list of essential accessories back in January. Handbags were featured there heavily. If I had to pick one and only one handbag I would carry with me, it would be the satchel handbag. Yup, even above a crossbody or clutch. What I love most about the satchel is its versatility. Style them up, or style them down—satchels can work for you in just about any situation.
Style tip: Pick one time in your outfit to match your bag to create a perfect synergy between your accessories and that outfit.
Shop handbags (widget below)
Shop handbags (widget below)
Gold Hoops
Jewelry is the most personal part of any woman’s closet. From heirloom pieces to costume jewelry, choices reflect highly specific and often memorable points in our life. It truly is difficult to recommend jewelry for other women to buy.
But if you backed me into a corner, I would say that every woman should own a pair of gold hoops. If you were to scroll through my past posts, I’m willing to bet that I’ve featured gold hoops more than any other piece of jewelry. I get that much use out of mine.
Style tip: Pair gold hoops with gold bangles to create a subtle, easily reinforceable theme for your outfit.
Shop gold hoops (widget below)
Shop gold hoops (widget below)
Tweed Blazer
Just like trench coats, blazers are a regular fixture over here at Style at a Certain Age. Tweed blazers are such easy transition pieces from Winter-to-Spring or Fall-To-Winter, they can be reused often. And given that they can be dressed up or down, you’ll have no trouble finding new ways to wear them.
Style tip: Pair a tweed blazer with denim, because it works every time.
Shop tweed jacket (widget below)
Shop tweed jacket (widget below)
Cap-Toe Slingback
The cap-toe slingback might not need any introduction due to its iconic status. Coco Chanel introduced this beauty in 1957 and nicknamed it “the height of elegance.” This shoe ticks all the classic boxes and is a cult favorite due to its neutral color scheme – black toe and nude body. The heel is not too high nor too low and looks fantastic with skirts, dresses, pants or blue jeans.
Today, we’re introducing “Real vs. Steal.” Who doesn’t love a bargain?
Walmart carries the Easy Spirit cap-toe pump that’s easy on your budget. Hands down the best dupe are the Exclusive Baton Heel available at TuckerNuck that looks almost identical to the Chanel slingback. Karen White pointy toe slingback is elegant and sophisticated thanks to a v-shape opening. And the Vaneli Aliz slingback is a perennial favorite available at Nordstrom.
Style tip: this shoe is as practical as it is beautiful because the nude color lengthens the leg while the black toe shortens the foot.
Shop cap-toe slingbacks (widget below)
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
In case you missed it
Winter is still here for a little while, but here’s a comfy sweater to beat the cold.
We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series. This month, we’ve covered a lot of ground and walked through the
- essential tops that every woman should have in their closet; and
- essential bottoms that every woman should have in their closet.
Today week, we’re going to deep-dive into the essential jackets you should have in your wardrobe:
- jean jacket;
- utility jacket;
- leather jacket;
- trenchcoat;
- wool overcoat
- puffer vests; and
- scarves.
(True, scarves aren’t jackets, but I couldn’t resist.). The continued purpose of this column is simple: we’re here to help you establish a wardrobe that’s built on top of the basics. Think of it as building the backbone of your wardrobe.
We’ll dig down into each category, and I’ll give you examples of essential trench coats, for example. The way to read this post is simple: in each section, I’ve given you photos of different ways I’ve styled that coat, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item. So let’s get started: here are the most essential jackets any woman should have in their wardrobe.
Jean jacket
The most versatile jacket you can own, you can wear a jean jacket in any season. They’re the perfect transition-weather coat. Wear them with:
- jeans;
- skirts;
- pants; or
- dresses
Pair them with:
- sweaters;
- button-downs;
- t-shirts
And layer them with other coats. It’s hard to think of something a denim jacket does not go with. Get one in a classic wash, or pick one up in yellow, red, or orange. You probably don’t need another jean jacket in your wardrobe, but then again, you just might. Some retailers that consistently stock denim jackets:
- Gap;
- Banana Republic; and
- Madewell.
Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)
Essential jean jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern jean jacket (Everlane) | The jean jacket (Madewell) | Classic denim jacket (Talbots)
Field jacket
Field jackets, or military-style jackets, are generally multi-pocketed. Traditionally olive (or drab) green, long-time readers will know of my love for the quilted field jacket. The first quilted jacket came into existence in the mid-’60’s thanks to an American living in England. Mr. Guylas introduced a quilted vest in a timeless palette of olive and navy for hunting expeditions. Wear a field jacket with:
- jeans; or
- pants.
And make sure to give them a pop of color with a colorful sweater or button-down. Make sure to check out:
- Banana Republic; and
- Orvis
for a wide range of military-style jackets.
Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)
Cotton field jacket (multi-colors, Banana Republic) | The moleskin utility jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Utility jacket (Anthropologie) | Twill field jacket (multi-colors, Talbots)
Leather jacket
Add a little spice to your wardrobe with a classic leather moto jacket. Perfect with your favorite pair of denim and a pair of Frye boots, the leather jacket is a staple in any classic wardrobe. But don’t be afraid to go modern chic with a dress and heels. Nordstrom always has an excellent selection of women’s leather jackets.
Faux leather moto jacket (Ann Taylor) | Essential leather moto jacket (Banana Republic) | The modern leather jacket (multi-colors, Everlane) | Faux leather moto jacket (Anthropologie)
Trench coat
Burberry reigns supreme when it comes to a khaki trench. Historians claim Thomas Burberry invented gabardine fabric in 1879. In 1901 he designed and submitted an Army Officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office, and so the military trench began.
I absolutely love trenches and wear them in khaki, but also keep a lookout for fun prints. Pair them with a sweater and denim for a classic preppy look. Or, if you want to class things up a bit, dress them up with your favorite evening dress and a pair of strappy heels. You can never go wrong with Burberry for a classic trench, but retailers like J.Crew have more cost-effective options.
Twill trench coat (multi-colors, Ann Taylor) | Polished trench coat (Talbots) | Double-breasted topcoat in Cashmere (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Soft trench coat (multi-colors, Banana Republic)
Wool overcoat
If the north winds are blowing in your neck of the woods, then a wool overcoat is a must. This is the coat that you can throw over your jeans, trousers, skirts, and even dresses. A wool overcoat is one of the hardest-working items in your closet if you live in a climate that faces freezing temps and snow all the way through March. Choose a classic style in a flattering neutral shade, shoulders that fit well, and mid-size lapels.
Puffer vest
Practical and warm, the puffer vest is a casual staple of my wardrobe. Ranging in different types of colors, they come plain or can be adorned with, say, faux fur. Puffer vests are perfect transition-weather outerwear like denim jackets and really shine in the fall. I mostly lawyer them with sweaters, but they really shine with a crisp, white button-down. Orvis and Northface are always well-stocked with puffer vests and jackets.
Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)
Stretch down vest (multi-colors, North Face) | Puffer vest (Ivory multi, J.Crew) | The Renew vest (multi-colors, Everlane) | Quilted vest (multi-color, Talbots)
Scarves
And then there are scarves. I absolutely love scarves because they are literally the easiest way to inject color and visualize interest into your wardrobe. Scarves come in every shape and size, from a cashmere scarf to quilted merino wool. Simple advice when buying a scarf: have fun. Talbots and Ann Taylor are always my go-to for scarves.
Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor) | Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)
Blanket scarf (Ann Taylor) | Cashmere plaid scarf (Talbots) | Snow fair scarf (Talbots) | Cashmere wrap (multi-colors, J.Crew) | Merino waffle-knit scarf (multi-colors, Everlane)
In case you missed it
Chic casual is always in and sometimes difficult to find inspiration for. And don’t forget our definitive denim guide for great jean suggestions to pair with your coats.
it’s travel month over here on the blog. one of my favorite months. we kicked things off yesterday with some tips and tricks for airport travel. and today, i’m showcasing an outfit geared for traveling when it’s cooler outside. i’m all about the color pop today. and in that spirit, i’m featuring a pair of classic red shoes—something everyone should have in their closet.
there’s no place like home
but before i set off this weekend, i wanted to take a moment and (preemptively) reflect on my favorite thing about travel: coming home. as much as i love jet-setting, there really is no place like home. we spent last month touring my home. and as the blog continues to grow, i thought i’d do a little bit of a roll call. i’m curious where you all—especially my new readers—call home. let me know in the comments below!
peacoat (J.Crew) | ankle jeans (Talbots) | sweater | scarf (Talbots) | lipstick (Sephora) | loafers (J.Crew) | similar shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
a peacoat is a must
today, i’ve paired white ankle jeans (Talbots) with a classic rollneck sweater and a beautiful blue peacoat (J.Crew). a peacoat is a classic—if not the classic—coat to own. but they’re bulky. so if you’re planning on traveling with one, make sure you wear it on the plane. (and they double as a blanket.)
i’ve matched both with this beautifully patterned scarf (Talbots), creating some visual interest. scarves are a great way to add color and creativity to any outfit.
peacoat (J.Crew) | ankle jeans (Talbots) | sweater | scarf (Talbots) | lipstick (Sephora) | loafers (J.Crew) | similar shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
add color to your closet
most, if not all closets can do with a little bit more color. anyone who follows this blog closely knows the extent to which i stress the neutrals as a base. they are the foundation in which to build any wardrobe. that being said, it’s important not to get stuck in neutral.
with blue and red as my base, i took today’s outfit to the next level by adding a splash of red with my (similar) bag and loafers (J.Crew). using accessories as means to colorize is an easy way to keep your closet fresh. if red isn’t your color, you can imagine pairing today’s outfit with oranges, greens or yellows.
peacoat (J.Crew) | ankle jeans (Talbots) | sweater | scarf (Talbots) | lipstick (Sephora) | loafers (J.Crew) | similar shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
classic red shoes
if you don’t have a pair of classic red shoes, get one. they’re iconic for a reason. i live in Athens, and the weather is (has been) pretty mild here this winter. so i can pull off a pair of backless loafers (J.Crew). it may or may not be cooler where you are, in which case, opt for a more traditional shoe. (and a warm pair of socks!)
peacoat (J.Crew) | ankle jeans (Talbots) | sweater | scarf (Talbots) | lipstick (Sephora) | loafers (J.Crew) | similar shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3
it’s all about new beginnings this month. as we enter a new year and a new decade, it’s the perfect time to re-examine our lives and adjust accordingly. everything from a closet cleanse to a new workout and diet regimen, to reconnecting with family and friends. changes like these help us reframe our lives so that we can be our best selves. so far this year, i’ve shared glimpses of my life through my home. we’ve seen my closet, home office, and living room. ultimately, my goal is to continue to bring you inspiration to renew and refresh your life and home. after all, our best (fashion) selves are healthy, well, and whole.
new beginnings
life events bring about the necessity for change: a new job, hometown, marriage, or the passing of a loved one…whatever the circumstance. it’s how we respond to them that matters most. finding the positives, being kind to others and ourselves, and embracing the changes ahead—these are the tools we can use to forge ahead into the future happy and healthy.
peacoat (J.Crew) | similar coat | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar coat 4 | similar coat 5 | jeans (Banana Republic) | similar jeans | similar jeans | sweater | similar sweater | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | similar shoes 3 | similar shoes 4 | similar shoes 5 | similar shoes 6
inner sailor
my outfit today channels my inner sailor! i love the classic look of a chunky cable knit sweater (last seen here and here). i have paired the sweater with wide-leg jeans from Banana Republic (last seen here). to complete the look i topped it off with a J. Crew pea coat (last seen here). my newly purchased Boss Bag from Everlane is roomy and chic. add aviators (these are Tory Burch) and you’re ready to set sail!
peacoat (J.Crew) | similar coat | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar coat 4 | similar coat 5 | jeans (Banana Republic) | similar jeans | similar jeans | sweater | similar sweater | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | similar shoes 3 | similar shoes 4 | similar shoes 5 | similar shoes 6
our best selves: healthy, well, and whole
as my regulars know, one of the more important aspects of my life is to continue my health and wellness journey. you all know i am a big fan of FASTer Way to Fat Loss. and while reaching my optimum weight for my body type is a goal, it’s not the goal. it’s always about lifestyle changes. making good food choices is crucial. exercise programs that are beneficial and fun keep me motivated. taking time each day to sit quietly and breathe helps me center myself when days can be stressful.
i am not perfect. and i don’t expect to be. but i give myself the grace to not be perfect. new new beginnings are always possible, even when we stumble and fall. the incremental successes are wonderful to see and feel; it’s what keeps me motivated.
peacoat (J.Crew) | similar coat | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar coat 4 | similar coat 5 | jeans (Banana Republic) | similar jeans | similar jeans | sweater | similar sweater | similar shoes | similar shoes 2 | similar shoes 3 | similar shoes 4 | similar shoes 5 | similar shoes 6
it’s wednesday, gang, time to go put a smile on someone’s face, including yours.
we’re a little over two weeks out from Christmas. can you even believe it? how have the holidays been so far for you? calm or crazy? relaxed or ridiculously busy? have you done all your shopping? decorated the house? hosted a cookie exchange? i hope amidst all of the holiday madness, you’ve managed to carve out some time for yourself. as a distraction, i’ve got a fun one for you today: a very Ralph Lauren Christmas Story.
i’ve been in love with Ralph Lauren’s winter line this year. today, i’m pairing some of my favorites from that line although the classic peacoat is from J.Crew. but put them all together, and you have the perfect winter outfit. festive without being over the top. and if you’re not in the holiday spirit quite yet, i’m hoping today’s post will get you part of the way there.
a Christmas story
so much of our family’s holiday traditions are tied up in classic movies. It’s a Wonderful Life. Santa Clause is Coming to Town. And of course, A Christmas Story.
there’s nothing like throwing on one of these movies in the background while you decorate the tree or set up your Christmas village. i still have vivid memories of the first time my kiddos watched and laughed during A Christmas Story. and to this day, Jimmy Stewart’s performance in It’s a Wonderful Life still gets me. what’s a must-watch holiday movie for you and your family? let me know in the comments below.
ribbed turtleneck sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | pants | peacoat | bootie | clutch
a very ralph lauren christmas story
it’s hard not to think red when you’re considering the holiday season. this color is easy to shy away from, particularly if you’re fond of only neutrals. but i love this color any time of year but especially come december. today, i’ve got a ribbed turtleneck sweater and striped pant from Ralph Lauren. sizes are limited, so i pulled together some comparable and similar sweaters, as well as this one. and make sure to head over to Bloomingdales today for a 25% friends and family sale, including a good selection of Ralph Lauren. Bloomies is where Ralph got his start, so they always have a nice selection to choose from. like my stripe pants.
ribbed turtleneck sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | pants | peacoat | bootie | clutch
the classic peacoat
i talk a lot on this blog about classic wardrobe staples and investment pieces. a peacoat is one of them. this one is new this year from J.Crew, who also is having a great 40% off sale. in addition to Ralph Lauren, i’ve featured a lot of J.Crew on the blog this fall and winter. i just love how both brands feature classic items with a modern twist.
and if you’re looking for more coat and jacket inspiration for the fall and winter, make sure to check out our top 5 must-have coats and jackets for the fall and winter.
ribbed turtleneck sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | pants | peacoat | bootie | clutch
happy monday, ladies! it’s getting to look a lot like christmas, everywhere you go.
who are you? probably one of the most basic questions; and probably one of the most debated ones throughout history. i’m not a philosopher, so i don’t and won’t have any deep answers here. but today i’m thinking about the idea of self-expression through style. as a reader recently pointed out, when a life event like a death happens, you’re gonna reflect on who you are in some form or another—like it or not. and this week since i’ve talked about career and trailblazing women through the lens of fashion, i thought i’d turn it inward: how do we express ourselves through fashion, especially as we age?
fashion foot forward
fashion can say everything about us; or it can say nothing at all. that’s the beauty of it, really. every morning, we can wake up with the intent to express to the world a myriad of different aspects of who we are simply with what we wear. it’s powerful. through simple outfit choices—basic color combinations—we can express confidence, intelligence, and social-awareness.
it will come as no surprise to you that one of my go-to looks is preppy. it has been my entire life. over the years, i’ve talked about that aesthetic on the blog here, here, and here. i’m a generally cheerful and optimistic person. i’m deliberate and mindful. this is what preppy conveys to me. and this is doubly true as i’ve gotten older—more confident in who i am and the fashion choices i make.
similar coat (Talbots) | denim (Ann Taylor) | shoes (J.Crew) | Similar Tote (Nordstrom)
today i’ve put together a perfectly preppy autumn outfit. i’ve gone with a mixture of Talbots, Ann Taylor, J.Crew, and Nordstrom. (Make sure to check out J.Crew‘s sale.) i’ve got on a perfectly plaid coat that Ann Taylor can’t keep in-stock. so i’ve got a similar coat from Talbots for you.
as i’ve said numerous times this week: nothing says fall like plaid. and plaid is in a big way this year. i’ve paired the coat with a pair of skinny jeans from Ann Taylor. we’ve talked a lot about denim this fall, and make sure to check out the different types of sported below.
can’t keep it in stock
similar coat (Talbots) | denim (Ann Taylor) | shoes (J.Crew) | similar tote (Nordstrom)
the weather has finally turned here in Athens. it’s getting chilly outside. yesterday on the blog, it was all about blazers. today, it’s all about coats. as i mentioned, Ann Taylor can’t keep this plaid one in-stock. so i’ve got a similar coat from Talbots for you. i’ve also compiled a list of fall coats and their variations i’m currently loving. and make sure to stay-tuned to our YouTube channel. more on jackets soon!
penny loafers for your thoughts
similar coat (Talbots) | denim (Ann Taylor) | shoes (J.Crew) | similar tote (Nordstrom)
part of the preppy style is a good pair of penny loafers. so easy. so stylish. so comfortable. if you need to be on your feet all day, get a pair. your tootsies will thank you. and they pair so perfectly with a skinny pair of denim.
if you missed our Monday’s post, i put together a large selection of fall bags. today i’ve got a simple leather tote. super simple, but super practical. you can grab a similar tote at Nordstrom.
all right, gang! hump day is here. we’re halfway through the week. today, talk to me about your personal style and aesthetic. what does it say about you? what do you want to project with it? have you maintained and developed your style through the years? or has it changed? has it evolved, or are you totally rethinking it? leave a comment below. your outpouring of love, support, and interest is always an inspiration to me.
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