Thanks to J. Crew for sponsoring this post! I’m so thrilled to be partnering with them on this post (SO thrilled!).
Happy Thursday my friends! I’m sure many of you can relate to this, but the past few years have brought a renewed appreciation for clothing that is comfy AND chic. I’m just not in a place in my life where I’m reaching for anything fussy or uncomfortable (I did my time!) anymore. I am a busy mom dang it! And I’ve got to be able to keep up with my kids. But I also want to look cute while chasing after them. 😉 J. Crew has been a forever staple of mine for pieces like that (i.e. comfy and chic). I still remember the very first piece of J. Crew clothing I ever bought (a tissue tee circa 2003) and their black lady coat has been a closet staple for at least 12 years now. And then there’s the vintage J. Crew cable knit that just gets better with age.
My point: When something works, I stick with it and J. Crew has always worked for me. I just love how their pieces are so effortless and timeless, and I love how I feel when I wear them.
So. To honor the comfy and chic vibe I think we’re all craving these days, I wanted to share with you guys 4 outfit combos from their fall line that I’m wearing in my everyday, real mom life:
Mom life scenario 1: the school drop off
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All pieces featured were gifted as a part of the collaboration
I don’t know about you guys, but getting Kit to the bus stop and Ella and Rosie to preschool always seems like a rushed affair… no matter how hard I try to make it otherwise. I’ve pretty much resigned myself to the fact that it’s a rare occasion indeed when a “real” outfit is put on in time for me to get them all dropped off… which is why I love this combination so much! The jumpsuit definitely fits into the loungewear realm, but it’s SO cute that you can wear it for things like (ahem: rushed) school drop offs, and with a cardigan thrown over the top you’re suddenly transformed! The jumpsuit is so soft and cozy and I’m excited to have a piece in my closet that is so versatile – it’s also great for curling up on the couch with a good book and a candle lit (just some suggestions ?). I was worried that head to toe merino wool would be scratchy, but it’s really not at all. I’m wearing a small, and it is still a bit big so I’d suggest sizing down. The cardigan that I threw over the top runs a bit big as well so if you’re looking for something less roomy then I would size down. I went one size bigger than I normally do (a S/M as opposed to an XS/S) because I like the extra room. I love the cable knit detail on this cardigan paired with minimal details elsewhere. It’s very simple, and yet not simple all at the same time.
Mom life scenario 2: a day of errands/grocery shopping
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All pieces featured were gifted as part of the collaboration
I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but 90% of my life feels like it’s spent running errands (working on decreasing that percentage a bit, but I digress). And when I’m running around getting stuff done, I want to be COMFY. But I also don’t always love running errands in my sweatpants (even if they are a cute jogger set). I want an outfit that feels like a real outfit, but that doesn’t inhibit me in any way, and I honestly can’t think of a better combo than a pair of roomy jeans and a cashmere sweater. This combo is the PERFECT combo for getting mom stuff done. This sweater is just SO beautiful… soft, cozy, and not a single bit of scratch. I love the versatility of the neckline, and that it comes in a classic breton stripe. I did size up in this one for a more relaxed fit. And I also love these jeans… they remind me so much of vintage denim and they feel that way too. I think the cuff at the bottom is the perfect cherry on top. I took a size 27 (I wear a 26 typically) and it’s the perfect fit. If you want a more fitted look I’d size down.
Mom life scenario 3: a walk to the park
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Some pieces featured were gifted as part of the collaboration
A scenario I find myself in often? A walk to somewhere, and a lot of days we’re walking to the park. This time of year when I’m at the park I want layers – if the sun comes out or if my kids want me to play chase then the sweater coat can come off and I’m still comfy and chic in a white tee and jeans. I do love how much this sweater coat adds to the outfit – the dramatic length, the black stitching along the lapel, and the relaxed fit. It’s such an easy look… but with a punch. I did stick with my normal size and I got this in an XS/S.
Mom life scenario 4: a patio lunch date with my hubby
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Some pieces featured were gifted as part of the collaboration
Okay so… this doesn’t happen as often as I like, but when David and I ARE able to get away for a quick date this is the kind of outfit I reach for. We’re not super fancy people, and I’d always rather wear a pair of sneakers with a cute skirt or sweater so that if we decide to take a walk after lunch/dinner I’m not killing my feet in a pair of heels (okay sometimes I kill my feet ?). I do love the way a silky skirt looks with a pair of sneakers though. There’s something very pleasing about the juxtaposition of the two elements. This sweater is just a holy grail fave of mine now, and it has been since the moment I put it on for the first time. It’s luxe feeling, the puff sleeve element is so dang sweet, and the knit/color are so timeless. This is the sweater I’ll be reaching for when I need to add a bit of something to my outfit. The skirt is also a really great layering piece for fall. It’s perfect with a cardigan like this, an oversized sweater, or even with a cozy sweatshirt. And then come Holiday season it will be great paired with all of the seasonal tops. I also appreciate that it’s not silk – makes it a little more practical for mom life.
In terms of the shoes I wore in this post: the sneakers run true to size. I sized down in the clogs. Both are super comfy!
Well that’s all I’ve got for you guys today! I hope you enjoyed this little peek at how I put together comfy and chic outfits for fall.
Until next time,
Karin
Check out my other J. Crew reviews here
