This article is sponsored by Saks.
There’s been a theme to my outfits this winter. Cozy sweatshirt, cute jeans, boots with a heel.
Let’s be honest, sweatshirts and jeans aren’t exactly a new science nor a stranger to my closet at any point of the year, but it’s all in the specific pieces – and the specific styling – that has been making them so rewarding to wear as of late.
hoodie (L) | jeans (28) | boots
My Favorite Elevated Winter Basics To Wear Again and Again
The fancy, one-of-a-kind items might be the most fun to photograph and flaunt, but it’s the real worn, tried-and-true favorites I’m honing in on these days. The pieces that get a million and ten re-wears, the ones that wash up even better, the clothing that feels like home.
Once I’ve found those wardrobe staples, the styling is the fun part.
With a crewneck, it’s all about the layering and accessories.
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
Anine Bing has been making the perfect sweatshirts for years. I often get asked why they’re so good, and while I can honestly say they have the perfect drape, the perfect shoulder-to-hip ratio, modern detailing and impeccably chic graphics, there’s also the unsatisfactory explanation of “If you know, you know.” The amount of women who have stopped me in an airport or shouted across an amusement park (while we’re both following our sugared up kids) “I LOVE YOUR ANINE BING SWEATSHIRT! AREN’T THEY THE BEST?!” is enough for me to not be able to count them up. The danger is you’re forever tempted to buy another one.
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
While Anine Bing sweatshirts have the “it” factor to stand alone, I love layering with a fitted long sleeve underneath. For starters, it helps with warmth in the dead of winter. But I also love the added dimension when I scrunch my sleeves, and if the collar swings low, it’s cute peeking from underneath.
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
Another trick is grabbing a statement bag. There’s nothing I love more than a casual outfit with sharp accessories, and The Marc Jacobs Tote has been releasing animal prints that have me wanting to start a collection (I am desperately holding myself back from the zebra print). These iconic Tote Bags are not only a statement, but sturdy and hold my entire life (and my kiddos). There is a zippered top should you want more protection, and a nice large zippered pocket on the inside.
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
I always have to do a sidetuck with this look. It brings shape back into my silhouette even when wearing a baggy sweatshirt, and is a nice styling element to an otherwise simple look.
The Lasso Sneak jeans by MOTHER have been on my wishlist for what feels like forever, and they have turned out to be some of the most flattering jeans I’ve worn in a long time. They also pass the roll test. Because along with a sidetuck, there must be a roll in my jeans if they are full length.
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
When I failed to come up with some sort of winter boot I actually liked, I fell back on, well, simply, a cute boot with a heel. A pointed toe is my go-to, but in order for my outfit to not feel like the outdated “long jeans with heels” trend of yore, I make sure to not let the jeans fall long over the boot.
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
The roll of the jeans shouldn’t be pretty, either. A quick, messy cuffing keeps it feeling undone yet purposeful (and they don’t even need to match eachother).
sweatshirt (L) | long sleeve tee (L) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
Heeled boots work great with funky, or patterned denim, too. They also look amazing with an ankle length, especially because it shows off more of the cute boot, and any shape outside of the classic wide-leg feels fresh paired with a classier shoe.
hoodie (L) | jeans (28) | boots
MOTHER hit another home run with their Half Pipe Flood jeans. I purchased the all-black hue last year and wore them so much that it justified another go-around with their amazing new colors this year. I love denim with a unique element, and the black striping down the sides of this pair practically makes me drool.
hoodie (L) | jeans (28) | boots
The jeans are an easy, loose fit that curves from hips to bottom hem. They bag out a little with wear so you could consider sizing down if between sizes, but I like my true size so I can throw them in the dryer for a perfect refreshed fit.
hoodie (L) | jeans (28) | boots
Another not-to-miss brand if you’re as much of a fan of sweatshirts and comfort clothing as I am is Favorite Daughter.
I bought their logo crewneck two Christmases ago for both myself and my two sisters. It was purely for the hysterical words across the chest, but then the sweatshirts turned out to be divine. A few months after I gifted them one of my sisters texted me saying it was her new go-to sweatshirt and one she barely takes off.
So when I spotted their new HOODIE version?! I snatched it up so fast.
hoodie (L) | jeans (28) | boots
The Favorite Daughter Collegiate Logo Hoodie does all of us tall folks a favor because it’s long in the body. I can wear it out over my bum if rocking leggings, but true to my winter formula, I’ve been mostly side tucking it into a great pair of jeans with boots.
hoodie (L) | jeans (28) | boots
Schutz makes a stunning boot. The designs are simple yet modern. They are wearable while also making a statement. I love the dark chocolatey – almost cherry hued – color of Mikki Block Heel Booties. If you’re more of an experienced heel wearer (I am not), there is a stiletto version that is positively gorgeous.
Xx,
Amy
A HUGE thank you to Saks for sponsoring this post. I’m a sucker for your elevated sweatshirt + jeans sections, and you alwaaaays have the purses and bags I’ve been looking for. It’s such an honor to get to share my fave pieces that you carry! And to our readers, thank you for being here and your continued support. Whether you’ve been with us for years or this is the very first time you’ve landed on our site, I’m so so happy you’re here!
Let’s be friends on Instagram or come hang with me over on TikTok: Sharing life with my husband + kid, daily style & beauty faves, and never-ending Taylor Swift dance-athons…all with a good dose of relatable mom nonsense, too.
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