Glamour.com wrote an article on 10 winter layering essentials, which you can wear now, and a lot of them, well in to spring. As I clicked through the pictures and the suggested items you can buy, I was like, “WHAT, $595 for a scarf?” I don’t care who the designer is, I simply cannot fathom paying that much for a scarf! Anyway, I like a lot of these fashion “essentials”, most are items women of all ages can wear, and I found 10 different stores that sell similar items but for much, much less. I will admit that for me personally, the tuxedo blazer seems more trendy than essential but they have been in the fashion magazines (and stores) for many years, so I guess it’s not really a trend! I think it’s because I like the look but can’t pull it off myself…if that’s how you feel about wardrobe “staples or essentials”, don’t buy them. No matter how much in style something is, if you’re not comfortable, you won’t wear it.
Now here’s our finds….
1. Skinny Jeans –
Darker colors like black or dark blue keep these jeans from being trendy, are flattering colors for everyone, and have the most slimming effect. You can dress them up or down, depending on what type of shoe you wear with them; ballet flats, boots, wedge, or heels can all be worn with skinny jeans. To balance the look, pair with loose and flowing tops, tunics or tees that aren’t too tight. You don’t want them to be too tight but on the other hand, you don’t want them baggy….otherwise, they aren’t skinny jeans. If you have really short legs or are super curvy, straight leg or boot cut jeans might work better for you. These Miss Tina jeans are only $18 at Wal-Mart.
2. Tissue-thin, long-sleeve T-shirt –
These tees are perfect for layering because they don’t add bulk when combined with layers and then when the weather gets warmer, you can wear them alone. You can find these in so many colors, it’s an easy way to add a pop of color or experiment with trendy shades. You do want to make sure you’re wearing a good bra with this! Old Navy has a large variety of colors at $14.50 each.
3. Sleeveless Shift Dress – (Or Sheath Dress)
This is one of those wardrobe staples that never goes out of fashion. Jackie Kennedy was wearing them in the 60’s and they are still popular, flattering, and can be found at most stores. I own several in different colors that I’ve worn to city council meetings (business), out to a nice dinner (dressy), and paired with boots and tights for a more casual but still stylish look. And even though they are sleeveless, you can wear them year round. You want some structure to the dress, without it being too tight. A look still popular (and flattering) is a shift/sheath dress in color-blocking. This is something I would spend a bit extra on so that it would last for years to come.
4. A Bright Color Coat –
Coats are on sale right now for great prices…most stores have them on sale for at least 50% off so this is a perfect time to pick one up. Whether you choose a coat in red, yellow, pink, green, etc….Love this red pea coat from Burlington Coat Factory for $39.99.
5. Printed Scarf –
This is such an inexpensive way to add interest and color to any outfit (unless you WANT to spend hundreds of dollars on one). Target, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart all have cute ones, as well as the more upscale stores. This is an item you should be able to find on sale at most stores right now. Love this Copper Key printed scarf on sale at Dillard’s right now for $9.
6. Knit Sweater Dress –
J.C. Penney hasn’t been doing well in sales and there are rumors the chain is in trouble….but they have some really great prices and I think the quality of their clothing is good. This sweater dress is only $20. If you have the shape, you can wear a more form-fitting dress but for those of us who might not be as toned…opt for a looser fit or wear good undergarments. I like wearing these when I don’t want to wear jeans but still want to be comfortable. They look great with or without tights and boots.
7. Cashmere Sweater –
Typically, you’ll pay over $100 for a cashmere sweater (and that would be a bargain), but most stores have them on sale right now. If cleaned and stored properly, this will last forever. This sweater from Macy’s comes in over 12 colors and is on sale for $51.99.
8. Chambray Button Down Shirt –
Not only are these shirts comfortable, they’re versatile. You can wear one with skirts, pants, shorts, jeans, etc. Some fashion sites say to never wear denim with denim but last year there were a lot of designers who said, “why not?”. You don’t want the outfit to be “matchy-matchy” when wearing denim, but mixing the colors/shades of denim are (in my book), just fine. This shirt is from Target for $19.99….these come in handy at the beach too. I love the polka dot feature on this.
9. Tuxedo Jacket –
Charlotte Russe has this tuxedo jacket for only $19.99. You can wear this with leggings, skinny trousers, jeans that match or contrast, or with shorts and a blouse….or a gown, if you’re going to a ball. Make sure that it’s more fitted than loose, otherwise it will look sloppy.
10. Knee-High Boots –
Whether you choose a flat, high, or wedge heel, knee-high boots are in style, year after year. Now is the PERFECT time to find a pair you love for less money. If you choose a pair with hardware, pull on it and make sure it feels secure, otherwise they won’t last that long, (most likely).
If you like one of these “essentials” you’d like to add to your wardrobe, you should be able to find something you like, regardless of where you shop, on sale at this time of year.