Uh, so, if you have followed me here at all you won’t be surprised that black pants and jeans will be a part of this round up of my favorite outfits of the year. Hello! Hi. Getting dressed can be a challenge, eh? Especially in my late 40’s I’ve realized. I just feel SO different than I ever have before and finding outfits that get me through my various activities just asks for a different kinda lift these days. A heavy one, you guys. A heavy lift. So, when I find things that work right now I tend to stick to them.
Even though I’m a creature who thrives on variety, the more clothes I try on and the more life experience I have I tend to just want to simplify. AND after all these try-ons I definitely have opinions about what works and what doesn’t. So when it came to truly looking at my very favorite outfits for this year I wasn’t surprised that there were lots of repeats of items. And you can see a few overlaps from this article on the pieces upgrading my fall wardrobe here.
My Most-Worn Outfits So Far This Year
And honestly, that’s kind of the point of doing this roundup every year. It’s not been about forcing myself to look fresh in every outfit, it’s about noticing what I actually reach for over and over. Turns out my closet has been telling me who I am dressing for lately (me, at 48, who wants to feel put-together without thinking too hard), and I’m just now catching up to it.
1 | The Theory Blazer Travel Uniform
blazer (10) | similar tank | jeans (30) | sneakers | necklace
This outfit with baggy wide leg Levi’s jeans and my favorite Theory lightweight blazer has been a new go-to travel outfit for me, especially when I’m packing lighter for a weekend or shorter trip…like when I first wore it to Chicago. I’ve got on my go-to top layer and my heaviest jeans (which are still super comfy for traveling) and my most cushiony sneakers. I pair it with a black tank or could layer a long sleeve tee or sweater as it gets cooler. It’s so versatile and then allows me to have more room in my carry-on since I’m wearing the larger pieces. I typically don’t recommend final sale items, but this blazer is available for size exchange and totally worth it.
Since it’s a bit lower in stock, I’ve included a few alternatives, too, but can’t speak to them as far as fit or versatility or fabric:
2 | MMLaFleur Blazer + Untucked Button-Down
blazer (10) | shirt (m) | jeans (29)
I guess this article is kinda about good blazers and how amazing they can be for reliable outfit-makers. This one from MMLaFleur is incredible. It’s in a stretch crepe fabric which I now want all of my blazers to be in (unless it’s the tech-y linen blend of the one above.) Aritzia has one in a crepe blend that looks good, too, if you like a single button blazer. I will forever adore a long untucked button down paired with a blazer. Forever. I wore this to dinner one night with friends, and am now reminded that I want to wear the combo again immediately. I prefer a lighter to medium wash jean when I’m wearing black on top, for contrast.
3 | Levi’s + Freda Salvador Sandals, Summer’s Combo
similar tank | jeans (30) | sandals | bag
And here you see a couple more repeated pieces, but with a fun pop in the accessories. These Levi’s got me through many months of this year and will be worn well through fall and winter again. As it warmed up I paired them with a swingy, boxy tank and my favorite sandals ever, the Freda Salvador fisherman sandals. They’re super comfy and so beautifully made. I can walk a lot in them and the blue adds a fun element to an all black outfit…as does this adorable Catsupo bag from our shop which also got me through many months this year! Ooh the Freda in blue are sold out right now, but these Onitsuka Tiger sporty flats would be SUCH a fun fall alternative.
4 | The Theory Blazer, Again
blazer (10) | dress (on sale!) | sneakers
I took this blazer to Montreal this summer and it was, again, perfect. The mornings and evenings were cool and it was comfy and chic to bring as a topper. It’s also light enough that carrying it around is no big deal. The fabric is a linen blend and I highly recommend it. But I will say it also doesn’t feel or look totally like linen, making it even more wearable through the early cooler months.
5 | Ruti Work Pants Meet Blazer, Another Travel MVP
blazer (10) | pants (8) | bag | sneakers
It’s clear now I got so much wear out of this blazer. It is such a nice piece to grab all the time…comfy but leveled up. It’s perfect with the beloved Ruti On The Loose Work Pants. This was a super comfy alternative travel outfit when I didn’t want to wear wide leg jeans. These Ruti pants are worth all the hype. They are really freaking good. True to size and I’m 5’4″ and wearing the Regular length.
6 | Lioness Bomber, Baggy on Baggy in NYC
bomber jacket | sweater | tee | jeans (30) | sneakers
I wore this outfit in NYC in the winter and it was so freaking good. I’m loving oversized jackets that hit near the waistline with my baggy jeans and this one from Lioness is incredibly comfy. The baggy on baggy is so fun, but I find it most successful when the jacket or top isn’t too long. Shoutout to my very favorite purse for travel ever, the Clare V Moyen messenger.
7 | adidas Track Pants, Menswear-on-Sporty
similar tank | similar track pant | sneakers
These adidas herringbone track pants sold like hot cakes this summer, but I am in love with the menswear vibe with the sporty elements. And any of their fun brown track pants would give a similar vibe in this kind of look. I’ll keep an eye out for more tweed-type textures, too. And these from Anthropologie are fun, too. My MOTHER tank sold long ago, too, but I’m in love with these Free People graphic tees and they’re much less expensive.
8 | Denim-on-Denim, Sporty Girl Edition
jacket (m) | jeans (30) | top | sneakers | hat
I’m always down for a denim-on-denim moment and this denim track jacket was the find of the year for this sporty loving gal. My wash is sold out, but this one would be cool, too. The cropped tee (or at least a tee that hits at the waistline) made this look feel balanced. I’m loving this one from Gap right now.
So there you have it, my 8 most-worn, most-loved outfits of the year, blazers and all. If you’re anything like me, you don’t need 50 new options, you need a handful of go-tos that actually work and just… repeat them. No shame.
xo,
L
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I love everything on you! I need that blazer. What length did you get in the levis jeans?