Hi friends! This is a quickie little post today because I’m honestly feeling the fatigue of a weekend dedicated pretty solidly to all things pre-apocalyptic/coronaviral and would love nothing more than to escape into the fictional realm of a post-apocalyptic young adult novel as soon as is humanly possible. (Funny how that works.)

But I’ve also had these photos sitting around for a month or so, and every time I glance at them, I fall in love with that oversized honey-mustard blazer all over again, so in a move that I’m going to call completely selfless, I’m shelving the adolescent reading for a moment in the name of celebrating all things sunshiny. These are weird times, friends. If something as simple as a color can help elevate my mood, you can bet your butt I’m going to let you in on the secret.

Coat (similar) // Black Hoodie // Jeans // Boots // Sunglasses // Earrings // Similar Bag (albeit different colors)

Okurrr, Ochre: Bright Jacket, Mood Boost

I don’t know what it is about this particular shade of ochre* that I love so much, but its perennial appeal is particularly uplifting this time of year. It feels both appropriately bright and welcoming of the changing seasons, while at the same time offering the depth and warmth that I find myself craving when there’s still a chill in the air.

Don’t get me wrong — you will still find me wearing my go-to black/white/olive/drab/neutrals most days of the week, but I’ve reached for this jacket countless times over the past five months, and it never fails to add a layer of richness and whimsy to whatever outfit it’s topping. As much as I love the cut and style of this particular blazer, that emotional appeal is linked 100% to this playful-but-decidedly-more-sophisticated-than-yellow hue: in the fall it felt perfectly autumnal. In the winter it contrasted richly against the gray coastal skies. And now that it’s spring, it’s lively and inviting. Obviously, it’ll find itself at home in the summer months, too, where it mirrors the hues of both state fair corn dogs and wheat fields set alight at golden hour. (Two of my favorite things, I might add.)

In short: in this exceptionally unfamiliar time in which we currently find ourselves, if you’re seeking a little wardrobe pick-me-up that feels both familiar and unexpected, look no further than the richly saturated vibes found in the ochre pieces below.

*What exactly is ochre, you ask? Well, for this article we’ve narrowed it down to deeply saturated hues of dark, earthy yellow. Something between turmeric and cumin (if your language happens to veer culinary, as does my own).

Similar Coat (OR try this) // Black Hoodie // Jeans // Boots // Sunglasses // Earrings // Similar Bag (albeit different colors)

Outfit Details

Coat (sold out) // This exact piece sold out relatively quickly, but there are select sizes left in this coat, which offers a similar shape but in a warmer weight, or this one, which is a bit sunnier in color.

Black Hoodie (under $50) // This isn’t the weight of a traditional sweatshirt — it’s lighter, more of a heavy jersey, and supremely soft. I love the look of a hoodie under a coat or leather jacket, so this is an ideal way to obtain that vibe without adding a lot of bulk. TTS.

Jeans (limited sizes, or here in loads of different washes)// My favorite AGOLDE jeans are pretty dang close to what you might consider a “mom jean,” but with a slightly more modern fit that is a bit more fitted through the knee. I love wearing these rolled for a more cropped look, too. The fit on these has mixed reviews. I am typically between a 24-25, slim in the hips but with some booty, and I sized down to the 24 and still have some room.

Boots (on sale!) // I can’t overstate what a fantastic purchase these boots have been. I get constant comments on them, and they’re eccentric without being overly flashy. The heel is totally walkable, too. Surprisingly, they’re still pretty well-stocked, sizewise, and on sale! TTS.

Sunglasses // Not going to lie — I think these came with a weird, off-gassing smell, but apparently I’m the only one who could smell it. (After forcing multiple people to weigh in, lucky them…) The smell has diminished now, but I love the style. They’re oversized and very robust (and as such a bit heavy, but I don’t mind that). Easily the heft and quality of sunnies four times their cost. Available in tortoise shell, too.

Earrings // Almost never not wearing these tortoise shell earrings, the steal of all Amazon steals — 2/$6. They’re so lightweight, and they don’t bother my sensitive piercings.

Bag (sold out) // Unfortunately this one is sold out, but this one has a very similar vibe and details and is available in a few cool colors. (Or there’s ONE of the exact bags on Poshmark, here!)

Shop This Outfit…& ALL THINGS Ochre

OK, I’m off to retreat to the fictional world of global crises, but here’s hoping things get less weird out there, friends. Stay healthy!

xo,
Em

Guys! Follow me on Instagram for more peeks into our life on the Northern California coast. And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my personal food + lifestyle blog, The Pig & Quill, where I share salty scribblings from my kitchen and home life. Byeeeeee!

Photos by Carolyn Stockman.