Thursday Outfit: In the Plaid

Last month, I decided it’s time to refresh my professional piece in the size I wear now. I’d love to believe that I’m going to change my lifestyle and lose some of the weight I gained after becoming a Mom, but dressing has become complicated without a full wardrobe to choose from. So it’s time to live in reality and spend some money on clothes that will make me feel good about myself and help reflect how I want to be seen at work and in life.

My first purchase was a plaid Veronica Beard blazer. It’s cool enough to wear casually, professional enough to be worn with dresses and suits. Here is an outfit that I am building with it.

The Inspo // As is often the case with Pinterest, I can’t find the original photo even with a Google Image Search. So if you know who it belongs to, please let me know.

I chose this photo because the outfit just exuded cool. I also loved that the creator in the photo wasn’t 28 years old. The whole look and give just felt so fresh, it’s so rare to find outfit inso that feels appropriate for a woman in my career, who is my age, and might also need to chase a child. Obsessed.

The Blazer // This Veronica Beard Garrison Blazer is the coolest thing I own. It fits beautifully, is so well made and the color palette falls easily into any blue or black separates you might have. Is it spendy? Yes, it is also one of the most expensive things I own. Do I plan to be buried in it? Also, yes.

If you’re looking for a similar look in a lower price point, Boden has a similar look in blue and grey. For under-$150, Anthropologie has this blue plaid blazer and this grey plaid blazer. Plus-size? Try this one from Nordstrom.

The Sweater // This chartreuse color is everywhere right now. It is the hot color for winter, and it’s selling out almost everywhere that sells it. This is the J.Crew version, which has a waitlist. Varley has the next best option, and it has it in all misses sizes. The color pairs well with the olives and blues in the blazer because it contrasts in a subtle way. The pairing looks put together. Want something more subtle? Quince has an olive option.

The Blouse // Looking to make your crewneck sweaters pop this winter? Add a ruffle-collar blouse underneath. It completes the look in a way that feels so chic. J.Crew has a great option. Tuckernuck also has an option with a more dramatic collar.

The Jeans // When I, the lover of skirts and dresses, developed a winter wardrobe that is nearly 100% pants and 80% jeans, I do not know. My legs have barely seen the sun since the pandemic. It’s an adjustment. Regardless, there are to pair of jeans that I am wearing a lot. With flats, I only want these Anessa Jeans from Paige. With boots, I only want these Spanx jeans. The Spanx jeans were gifted to me. I liked them so much I bought a different wash.

The Accessories // This blazer needs a belt. When you wear it without a belt, it looks unfinished. This B Low Belt is my favorite.

The shoes in the inso photo are a little aggressive for me — plaid with plaid is a taste I have not acquired — but these Sam Edelman flats with a horse bit detail are a good option. Prefer something without the hardware? These Trotters loafers are a good choice.

I finished the look with this suede bag from Madewell. The contrast between the tailored blazer and the slouchy bag relaxes the look. I added a cool pair of sunglasses from Quay, which I own and they’re awesome. This rectangular bracelet from Quince is sophisticated and modern.

The Styling // Hair down is relaxed and cool. Hair up is a little dressier. Add a berry lip gloss — Summer Fridays is still my favorite.

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