Show Your Stripes

For the first time after three days of snow, it feels a bit like Spring out there. But there’s a reason they say March is the cruelest month. As sunny and warm-ish as today is, there’s surely some bitter cold ahead. All this changeability in the weather means your wardrobe has to work even harder to transition from winter to the warmer weeks ahead. Treating yourself to a new piece like this freshly striped sweater is just the ticket. In fact, this sweater inspired me to shop my closet and come up with an outfit I’d never considered before.

So…yesterday I decided to take a short break from writing this post and ended up binge-watching season 4 of Outlander until well after midnight. Only to look out the window and behold yet another winter snowstorm! At the moment, it’s sunny and slushy outside and a bearable 36 degrees. But…it’s going back down to the low 20s tonight. Hey groundhog…what’s up with our early Spring?!?

By now, you’ve gotta know I love stripes. (If not, take a walk down memory lane with this, this, this, this, this and this post. I could go on…but won’t. You get the idea!) And despite our winter weather advisory, I’m going to be optimistic and plan to wear this striped sweater outfit again soon, not to mention variations on it. Yup, I already tried it out this past weekend with a new pair of blue jeans and these snakeskin boots — a Saturday night look that was husband-and-friend-approved. Aside from its sunny yet neutral stripes of yellow, cream and chocolate, this sweater gets an extra dose of fashion flair thanks to its puff sleeves. It’s a soft, cozy mohair/wool blend that feels like you’re wearing a baby blanket. (Tip: I find wearing a cami underneath keeps any potential itchiness at bay.)

I’m a big fan of white jeans for any and every season, as you know from this, this and this post. But white jeans, especially skinnies, can be tricky. Some are see-through, others have bunchy pockets, or worst of all make you look like you’re encased like a sausage. My top trick to avoid any of these fashion faux pas: order a size up from your normal size. Do check out my favorite brand…yes…you’ve heard it before…Madewell. They are always on their A game when it comes to all things denim. Last trick for easing your skinnies into boots, especially OTK ones, is to tuck the hem of each leg into your socks.

Speaking of boots, I am as in love with these OTK (over-the-knee) ones today as when I first ordered them (also seen here). They are faux suede (vegan!) but look and feel like the real deal. The block heel and rubber sole truly mean these boots were made for walking. And they look great dressed up or down. Best of all, these OTK boots are a very affordable alternative to Stuart Weiztman but look every bit as expensive. I promise!

For accessories, I shopped my closet for this fun feather shrug that is so old I don’t remember when or wear I got it (alternatives listed below). BTW, feathers are big for Spring and were all over the Fall runways too. I shopped my jewelry box for these stackable monogrammed bangles (love!). And this bucket bag is an easy way to try out the snakeskin trend — without breaking the bank. It came with a chic, removable chain strap that lets you wear it as a crossbody, too.

So that’s my Striped Sweater story, and I’m sticking to it. How about you? Are you going to Show Your Stripes? Let me know if and how you do!

Sweater: (H&M, also in a cool blue combo). Some super stripey alternatives here (fun flared sleeves and 40% off!), here (puffed sleeves and 25% off!) and here (subtle pattern and stand collar).

Jeans: (Madewell, old but love this year’s high waisted version.)

Boots: (Goodnight Macaroon, made-to-order in just 5-10 days. Also in black and taupe. And get 38% off with code GRLPWR!)

Feather Wrap: (old) but love this and this (under $25 and comes in 19 colors!).

Bracelet: (Mark and Graham — comes in 9 colors. I think they would make a great Birthday gift. Or how about for the Bridal party? And monogramming is free!)

Bag: (Mango, sold out) but similar here, here and here.

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz.

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