Winter Wardrobe Style Options for Tops, Pants and Leggings
Recently, one of my clients asked me: “What’s an alternative to long sleeved t-shirts and knits over leggings and skinny leg jeans in winter?”
I immediately knew my answer would benefit many of you here on my blog who are asking the same question. So here is what I responded:
“Begin with a long blouse and for a more interesting look, add a vest over the top that will offer extra structure, style and warmth”.
Now today’s blog will include a few winter wardrobe style options for pants and leggings that I have personally put together along with a few blouse styles the team and I have found during our shopping escapades.
Additionally, please see a few further style notes below on how to nail the look this season. Please note……all these photos are taken on the run in small areas so be kind!!!!!!
BLOUSE BENEFITS
A blouse is generally softer than a shirt and not as restrictive. It may or may not have buttons and will usually have sleeves that can flatter the arms while also working as a clever layering tool under a vest or peeking out from beneath a blazer.
Target
These are perfect for all body shapes!!!
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
It’s fairly common knowledge that wearing leggings/skinny leg jeans requires a top with length. You all know my mantra that leggings are not pants no matter how good your buns are.
This season, the trend for tops is shorter in the front and longer at the back. However, be careful if you are wearing leggings, as the top must cover the whole crutch area – below the hip is the minimum.
Sportsgirl
French Connection
If the top is a little shorter in the front, just bring a cami or long sleeve T down lower to fill the gap that’s needed!!!
KNIT FOR WARMTH & COVERAGE
Knits are a great way of adding length and keeping warm this season, there are some lovely ones in stores at the moment! Here are a couple of examples.
Target
Trenery
BALANCING ACT
However you dress, it’s crucial to never lose your shape. You may not see how good your curves look but others will when you work them into your style.
So as a general rule, we want the top and the bottom of your look to be proportioned so if you’re wearing tight leggings, opt for a top that flows rather than a tight fit. You can always belt it in at the waist or add a structured blazer or vest to create shape.
Seed
I hope this post offers you a few winter style options to play with.
Have you been experimenting with your own layered look? As we approach the winter season, I would love to hear what your favourite winter look is?
Let me know in the comments below!
I’m a big fan of leggings as some of my clients. Mums
Great thank you
Great Jackie……they would all look better on of course!! 🙂 x
As always, a great variety of suggestion. Thanks Cindy
Thanks Narelle, glad you liked this casual approach to Top options! xo
Hello Cindy I have an unusual request……in May I am singing at a Charity Concert in Izmir, Turkey. I am one of the two MCs as well as having 3 solo numbers. The concert is being held in a very smart Hall attached to a hospital . We are to wear black and can add red or purple touches (using scarves etc), Our leader is a Russian lady, Ludmila, with very strict ideas! It is an evening concert and I must be very smartly dressed as my role is important. Also Turkey is a Muslim country so discretion in dress is required. I am 60, have lost weight (18 kg) since you and I went on our clothing makeover in 2009 (I came for makeup with Lacey last year and you and I met again). Oh, and I am in France at the moment, and will be in Paris today and for the next week). Any ideas you have re a black dress/gown would be very much appreciated! Some photo suggestions too perhaps??? I am a wee bit nervous and need to “get it right”!!!
Hi Deb, this sounds fantastic!!! I will contact you personally in the next couple of days via email as its Easter at the moment, I will see what photos I can send as ideas for you!!!! xox
Good ol’ Target. Love this look personally in winter. Great for busy mums. Mixing my ankle boots and knee highs to change the look is fun as well! xx
Agree Kate……There are some inexpensive pieces, something my clients are always asking me to show! xx
I am quite petite and find all the tops quite big and long can you suggest any stores that have tops appropriate for my small frame
Hi Sue, I feel your pain, this is why I do frequent shops like Alannah Hill, Forever New, Sportsgirl, Review, Thurley and Ted Baker as you will get smaller sizing. I know that Jigsaw and some XS in French Connection are also great! I hope this helps!! xo
Thanks Cindy
I love your on-the-run pics. . . . to me it keeps it real and shows how easily you put pieces together and from a variety of stores and labels. Love the Sportsgirl tops for block colour and pattern to mix it up a bit.
Always look forward to your blogs. Lara xx
Thanks Cindy
I love your on-the-run pics. . . . to me it keeps it real and shows how easily you put pieces together and from a variety of stores and labels. Love the Sportsgirl tops for block colour and pattern to mix it up a bit.
Always look forward to your blogs. Lara xx
Oh……thanks so much Lara, I worry so much that the photos are on the run and I’m rushing in between shops, we are sometimes being sneaky with the photos, so I am pleased you have given me this feedback as I’m sure some will think its not professional! 🙂 Thanks xo