What happens when you take a small-town girl and plop her in the middle of a shopping center?
Chaos. Pure joy-induced, excitement-fueled chaos much like watching a kid get unleashed at a candy store inside of Disneyland.
While I felt my wallet shiver for what was about to potentially happen, I looked down at my purse and assured it that I was a girl on a mission.
Frivolous purchases were not the goal.
Casual Holiday Outfit Inspo From Anthropologie: A Li’l Sparkle + A Touch Of Velvet
I’ve been very focused on redefining my wardrobe with key pieces that work for my new Southern California lifestyle (which, as it turns out, has drastically different needs than my life in Michigan).
On this particular shopping adventure, I wanted to find some pretty tops and bottoms that could work for the holiday season upon us.
I found myself lured into Anthropologie by its magical scented candles, and when I took one spin about the store, noticing all of the velvet, suede and softest sweaters imaginable, I was in heaven. There wasn’t one item I touched that didn’t feel delightfully soft and luxurious (this plaid duster shacket felt so much better in person than I would’ve ever imagined, and this longline shirt jacket was shockingly plush).
top | pants | jacket | duster | jeans
While I’m not someone who has fancy parties to attend, nor do I even enjoy dressing fancy, I do love adding festive textures into my outfits that feel a little more special between Halloween and New Year’s (and even after, to ride out the rest of winter).
Adding a little sparkle and a touch of velvet to my otherwise casual appearance really helps keep my spirit feeling celebratory this time of year, no matter the schedule of events. Let’s just say, Anthropologie doesn’t disappoint.
Blue Corduroy Pants That Look Good With Everything
MOTHER’s The Big-League Prep Cuff Heel Corduroy Pants (whew, say that 10 times fast) stole the show, even the sales associates were gawking over them with me when I brought them into the fitting room.
These corduroy pants have an easy-going wide leg while feeling a bit fancy with the pleated details, included belt, and the festive shade of blue.
These cords run big, which is rare for MOTHER, and sized down from my normal 28 to a 27 for the best fit.
1. With Pilcro’s Sheer Turtleneck
Pilcro’s sheer turtleneck has appeared and disappeared from the website over the weekend, so I recommend running to a local store (if you have one) and snatch this baby up. I initially tried on a large because the top is fitted, but I preferred the medium (pictured below).
For a similar aesthetic, Anthropologie does have a handful of other gorgeous sheer tops available online. This lace turtleneck is very similar, with my other faves being the sheer-sleeve sweater, the sheer-lace bodysuit and the adorable polka-dotted sheer tulle blouse.
2. With A Cashmere Sweater In The Perfect Color
I was informed these particular honey-colored cashmere sweaters sell out every year — and fast. This color just so happens to be incredibly versatile, in my opinion, and it goes with everything in my closet.
Like, literally everything.
I’ve eyed up Anthropologie’s cashmere sweaters online over the years but always hesitated on trying one. Now I’m sad it took me so long, because the Alani Cashmere Mock Neck is impeccably soft, with dropped shoulders to swoon over and the perfect length for tucking.
I’m wearing a size large for that perfect snuggle-up-and-get-cozy look.
3. With A Feminine Tee
I’m a T-shirt + jeans girl through and through, so when I spotted a tee with a feminine touch of tulle, I pounced on it. The corduroy pants already have an elevated edge to them, so even a more tamed (but still feminine) top like this other tee would feel just as festive.
If you’re looking for a tee without a graphic, there is a fantastic raspberry shade that would be marvelous to rock this winter (hello, Dopamine Dressing). I’m hoping Anthro keeps adding more colors to the lineup of this style top — it’s so good!
A (Faux) Suede Duster That’s Melty Soft
I think I circled the store twice with an owl-like gaze on this faux-suede duster before finally picking it up. I initially thought it was a dress, but once I slipped my arms into it and falling head over heels for the melt-in-your-hands soft suede, I realized it was a far more versatile piece.
Dusters are especially rad because they come off like a statement piece without having to have any glitz or glamour, so to speak. The long, swooping front and back create a beautiful flow as I moved in it.
I love throwing it on top of outfits, but honestly…my favorite is wearing it with jeans alone, with just one or two snaps closed (yes, those are snaps, not buttons)! I’m wearing a size large.
duster | jeans | sheer top | cords
Tops To Complete Your Casual-But-Cute Holiday Attire
Because sometimes (most of the time (all of the time)), I’m just looking for a top to replace my old go-to oversized tees, but one that’s just as easy. You know, not fussy but still cute.
1. Pilcro’s Velvet Button-Down
A velvet top is arguably one of the easiest ways to take a casual winter outfit to the next level. They’re like my favorite button-downs I live in all summer long but with a cozier touch.
Anthropologie has a handful of good velvet tops to choose from, but the Velvet Femme Buttondown Shirt has an almost cropped-style sleeve I’m really drawn to. Most of these tops hanging in the store were pre-styled with rolled cuffs, adding to that shorter-sleeve look, and it’s so casually cute when worn.
2. Pilcro’s Tulle Mesh Tee
I know I already talked about this one, but I really have to emphasize it. This tulle-sleeve tee is just what I need to feel a little more fancy while still being totally comfortable.
I think the best part about this shirt is that I didn’t even notice the tulle. Nothing is itchy or lies funny, and it’s all very light and comfortable. I’m wearing a medium in the Pilcro Tulle Mesh Tee, and the fit is perfect.
If you’re looking for the same idea but in a tank version, do not miss this one in festive colors.
3. The Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater
Going a little deeper into this one too. Anthro has a lot of cashmere, but this particular style is considered its “bestselling, best-reviewed sweater ever.” Those are big words straight from its own website. Coincidentally, the Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater also felt the most me — and equally the easiest to wear.
There are 11 colors to choose from in this sweater, each one more beautiful than the last. There are even patterned versions, which — once I pick my jaw up off the floor — I can’t wait to explore more of.
4. Pilcro’s Turtleneck Sweater
The thing that stood out the most about Pilcro’s turtleneck sweater is how comfortable the neck area actually is.
No matter how you feel about turtlenecks, they can sometimes be difficult to style — especially if the neck isn’t cooperating. The neck on Pilcro’s sweater is very loose and drapey, which I found so much easier to wear than a structured version.
I actually didn’t even realize this sweater was considered a proper turtleneck until finding it’s name. I did experiment with the fabric around the neck, noting how it easily laid in different directions, and I love it best when I just kind of…shake it out.
If you do prefer a more traditional turtleneck appearance, you can easily fold the fabric and create the look many of the models have.
Psst…these corduroys?! Totally fun. The rise on me is very low in my true size, and they run slightly loose (for someone without any hips, that is). You can snag different inseams in various washes online, which I would’ve loved to try on in store. The regular inseam was just a tad shorter on me than I preferred (I actually rolled down the larger cuff the pants were styled with to get some extra length).
Faux-Leather & Faux-Fur Jackets That’ll Turn Heads
While there aren’t a ton of jackets at my Anthropologie, the few they have are GOOD.
1. Anthropologie Faux-Fur Jacket
I think this was one of the first items I snapped up into my arms as I walked through the store. This faux-fur jacket is delightfully soft — so much so that I could take a nap with it.
This is the kind of jacket that I want to grab for every holiday activity — whether strolling through holiday light scenes or attending a New Year’s Eve bash. Heck, I even want to throw this over my regular jeans and a tee, not only for the cute factor but also because it’s just so soft.
The lining on the inside is cozy and doesn’t distract from the greatness of the coat (because is it just me or can bad linings TOTALLY ruin a coat?!). I’m wearing a medium (it runs oversized!) and may or may not have brought this one home with me to style up with my own wardrobe.
2. Avec Les Filles Cropped Faux-Leather Moto Jacket
My most favorite part about shopping in store is that I end up loving things I would’ve never ordered online. Some things just have to be felt and experienced, like this moto jacket that I totally fell for.
The faux leather is great quality, giving off a gloriously buttery texture that tricks you into thinking it’s real leather, and the dropped shoulders are the ultimate “it” factor setting this jacket apart from the rest. A size large was perfect.
I would naturally think that such a cropped style moto should be worn with high-rise jeans and a top tucked into those jeans for a streamlined visual, but when I threw this on to get an initial opinion, I didn’t hate my reflection in the mirror.
Wearing the brown moto jacket over the slightly longer honey-hued sweater totally worked for me.
As for these straight-leg jeans? They’ve become a cult classic of my wardrobe, and since I know AGOLDE denim tends to bag out a lot with wear, I like to size down!
And, hey, when you’re done here, check out our Holiday Style hub for more sparkle, glam and comfy, cozy outfit ideas.
Xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl binge-athons and endless cups of coffee — all with a good dose of adorable toddler content too.
Pinners, check this out!
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Birkenstock Boston color please!
These are the suede Bostons in “Taupe”!