No-Fail Formula For An Effortless Winter Outfit

It’s hard enough to get out of  your warm bed on dark winter mornings, yet alone put together a stylish outfit for the day ahead. I’ve been hitting the snooze button more and more lately, which is not a good habit! I sometimes end up with only 30 minutes to get ready (oops!). It helps to have a go-to look so that I can get dressed quickly and still be fashionable even though I’m half asleep. My typical formula for an effortless winter outfit looks like this: skinny jeans + sweater + vest/jacket + booties + crossbody bag. It’s simple, easy to throw on and still looks like I put some thought into it. This is another reason why I love neutral, versatile pieces—they can easily be mixed and matched to create a chic look without too much effort. Do I sound like a broken record yet? haha this is definitely a recurring theme on Treats and Trends! If you want to learn more about creating a functional wardrobe so that you don’t get that “nothing to wear” feeling in the morning, make sure to sign up for my New Year, New Closet eBook here! It also covers cleaning out your closet, which pieces to invest in and why timeless, classic items are the way to go! Okay, back to my effortless winter outfit: 

I always start with a pair of skinny jeans. It’s really nice that our office allows denim as part of our “smart professional” dress code. They can’t have holes in them, though, so this distressed pair is reserved just for weekends. During the work week I lean towards dark washes since they look a little dressier. When it comes to denim, you definitely get what you pay for. I have several pairs that I bought for under $50, but they don’t compare to my high-quality designer skinnies. You aren’t just spending more because a name is attached—when you find the right pair they are soft, fit like a glove and don’t stretch out after on wear. Here are some really cute styles from brands that I love:

From there I add on a sweater. I got this rust colored one from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July and I have worn it non-stop lately! It’s super soft and is loose without looking sloppy. Plus, it isn’t bulky so it’s easy to layer under coats and vests. 

Next up: shoes. I love wearing socks and keeping my feet really warm, so I usually stick with booties this time of year. I found this cognac-colored pair at Target early this fall for $37 and I have worn them 100+ times (not an exaggeration!). Booties also transition well into spring since they can easily be paired with skirts and dresses.

If it’s pretty cold, I’ll top off the look with a vest or jacket. I got this J. Crew Excursion Vest for Christmas and I’ve been loving it! Since it’s never too cold in Vegas I feel silly wearing my parka to work, so this is a great alternative. It goes with everything and it’s lightweight, but still really warm. The ivory color is very versatile and I love the gold hardware adds a chic touch. Since it’s getting towards the end of the season (at least in the retail world) a lot of vests are on sale right now—including mine! 

Last, but not least—a purse! During the week I usually use a larger tote, but on the weekends I’m all about hands-free crossbody bags. I got this one from Old Navy last summer, which caught my eye because it looks so much like the Gucci one. Obviously mine is kind of old, but their new version looks really similar and is under $30! If you want more tips for finding designer dupes on a budget be sure to check out this post! 

 

What is your go-to formula for an effortless winter outfit?