Yes, I’m still wearing my Levi 501 jeans (plus sizes available here). Yes, and always and forever, I suspect.
I’ve just…I’ve yet to find another pair of jeans that’s as comfortable and looks as cute with flat footwear, whether it’s my ballet flats or a pair of minimalist sandals (optimistic, I know, for early March) or now my adidas Gazelle Bold sneakers.
jacket (S) | jeans (27), also in plus sizes | shoes | bag
And since it’s almost spring — the season in which giant parkas make me sad — I’ve found that the most useful piece I own for those transitional weather days (it’s cold! it’s warm! it’s chilly! there’s a breeze! there’s the sun!)…is a fleece jacket.
Spring Outfit, Done: Vuori Fleece Jacket + Levi’s 501 Jeans + Adidas Gazelles
jacket (S) | jeans (27), also in plus sizes | shoes | bag
There’s something about the casual nonchalance of jeans & a fleece jacket that speaks to my deepest sartorial self. I suspect it’s because I’ve been wearing something like this outfit since I was small — it’s equal parts comfortable and comforting, after all — and, thanks to some cool details and well-chosen accessories, it hits pretty high on my scale of Cute Enough.
jacket (S) | jeans (27), also in plus sizes | shoes | bag
Vuori’s current fleece jacket is more faux-fur-esque than my old one, which was decidedly more Actual Fleece Jacket in look & feel (see it on me here). This one is much softer, snugglier, thinner and, bizarrely, a little warmer too. It’s so soft, it might actually double as a cardigan, for you cardigan gals out there.
jacket (S) | jeans (27), also in plus sizes | shoes | bag
Fleece Jackets Cute Enough For “Real” Outfits
While I normally choose to “elevate” (snort) my fleece jacket outfits with a cool bag & fancy shoes (see that old article where I’m basically wearing this exact same outfit with ballet flats), for something different, I’m leaning into this sportier vibe.
Why not a sling bag and adidas Gazelle sneakers? Both work!! And both options do feel fresh for 2023.
jacket (S) | jeans (27), also in plus sizes | shoes | bag
I wonder how many different ways I could “accessorize” (gahhh, I hate that word) this jeans-&-fleece-jacket combo? Hmm. I do have some ideas. Would that be an interesting article? Let me know.
Anyway…my Levi’s are an old pair of 501s I picked up at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale years ago. I added some strategic rips myself (nothing fancy, just cut an extra slit with a pair of scissors). Fun fact: If you like this general wash, look for the word “Athens” in any of Levi’s washes, and it’ll be close. Levi.com always has the best washes too, and don’t miss this plus-size pair — it’s my fave wash right now.
Lastly, I’m a firm believer in sizing up one full size in Levi 501s, then letting them slouch out a bit.
jacket (S) | jeans (27), also in plus sizes | shoes | bag
The Coolest Levi 501 Jeans
At some point — summer is coming, theoretically — I’ll start wearing something more exciting, but…no promises, Gang. I do tend to love that comfortable/comforting mix.
xo,
S
