Last month I started a mini series with 5 go-to outfits at different levels of casual to dressy. These are my go-to outfits and outfit formulas for different life situations. The first one was 5 Casual Go-To Outfits for Fall that you could default to while running weekend errands or wrangling kids. Today is part 2!
I didn’t quite know what to title today’s looks. In my own head I call them “put together casual looks” or “out and about looks” which isn’t a very helpful distinction because last month’s batch of very casual looks could be titled the same thing. 😛 Like I said, it’s just the title I use in my own head. But regardless of what you wanna call them, the definition is outfits that are casual, but something I’d wear when hanging out with adults. So like, lunch out with friends, dinner out with friends + kids, or meetings for my super casual work environment. They’re still casual, but they’re a smidge of a step up from last month’s outfits.
These are the outfit formulas I tend to follow when I’m about to head to lunch or a meeting. I can swap in different tops, different colored completer pieces, or different colored jeans, but these are 5 formulas I can always count on to get dressed in a snap!
Plaid or Printed Button Up + Oversized Cardigan + Jeans + Booties
This is my main go-to formula, and it works with so many different printed button ups and different colored cardigans. I get complimented often when I’m wearing a rendition of this outfit formula, and it’s such an easy outfit to do!
A note about button ups: I used to really dislike them before finding materials/fit/drape that I liked. Button ups are not all the same. They come in a variety of weights, with some being really stiff to really flimsy to all sorts of weights in between. I always prefer ones that are on the softer, more drapey end of the spectrum so that the collar isn’s stiff and bothersome. But I don’t want them so thin that they don’t lay well or are too flimsy to stay put under pullover sweaters. If you like the look but haven’t found ones you like wearing, keep trying! They’re not all the same!
Also, see how I remixed this navy gingham button up 7 ways for fall HERE.
Shop for the Look:
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact–I wear size S)
Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (exact–I wear size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact--wearing size 4)
Watch: c/o JORD (exact)
Tee + Cardigan + Jeans + Booties + Pendant or Statement Necklace
Whether it’s a twist tee or a plain v-neck tee, throw on a cardigan or utility jacket for warmth. Then, to add presence and polish to the outfit, pull it together with booties/boots and some jewelry! I’ve worn this exact outfit with white slip-on sneakers while running errands, but swapping in booties sharpens the look and takes it up a notch.
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing XS)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact--wearing size 4)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 8.5)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Watch: c/o JORD (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Printed Button Up + Vest + Jeans + Boots + Scarf
I love this combo! I used to think vests were pointless–they didn’t even keep your arms warm :P–but a few years ago I became a convert! I own vests from Old Navy and J.Crew Factory. The one above is a puffer vest from Old Navy, which may not work best for those who don’t want to add bulk to the top half. It sure is cozy and warm with fleece lining though!
An alternative is a quilted vest which is usually less bulky and has more seaming at the waist, which should be more figure flattering, giving curves and definition. I have THIS quilted vest from J.Crew Factory. See it on me HERE. This year Old Navy came out with some quilted vests as well. I haven’t tried them yet, but you can find them HERE.
Top off your whole look with a scarf! It makes the entire outfit!
Shop for the Look:
Vest: Old Navy (this year’s version–wearing S; similar–I wear size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (similar–I wear size 4)
Scarf: c/o Conversation Pieces (similar)
Boots: Fergalicious via Famous Footwear (similar)
Printed Blouse + Colored Jeans + Booties
Every season I have a few printed blouses that can be thrown on in a pinch. Blouses are a step up from t-shirts in terms of material, and printed ones are easy because they’re visually interesting without having to layer or add accessories to. If you want to layer over them or accessorize more, you totally can, but the ease of printed blouses is that you don’t need to. Just throw it on and go as is!
This top’s not only got a cute print, but it has other details like the ruffles along the chest and sleeves and the minor bell sleeves. To change up that jeans + top look, wear colored jeans instead! Just as easy as regular jeans, but looks a whole lot more interesting and like you put way more effort into it.
Shop for the Look:
Top: LOFT (exact–wearing size S)
Cardigan: H&M (similar)
Jeans: Old Navy (almost exact, similar)
Shoes c/o Sole Society (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Watch: c/o JORD (exact)
Blouse + Cardigan + Jeans + Boots
A plain blouse with jeans is my last go-to look in the fall when I’m headed to meetings or lunch with friends. With a solid top like this, I like to anchor the outfit with taller boots to give the whole thing more visual interest. (I explained this all on Instastories a few weeks ago and showed this outfit with taupe booties, black booties, and these boots.) For completer pieces, a utility jacket would work over this, but of course I went with an oversized cardigan as my go-to look since they not only keep me warmer, but they’re easier to move around in.
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size M)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size XS)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 4)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
This batch of outfits features a lot of cardigans, but given that this post is all about my go-to looks it makes sense. I find cardigans the most comfortable and easiest to wear out of all completer pieces, so when I’m in a rush I will throw those on knowing that no matter what I’m doing that day, I will be comfortable and unhindered by my clothes! 🙂