In the last post, I focused on the more casual aspects of uniform dressing.  Here are some additional looks to add to your arsenal.  These will diversify your options and the end-uses for each outfit, as well as amp up the style quotient.

Sometimes, the addition of a blazer and a heel are all you need for a little fashion boost or to simply take you from day to night.  Don’t forget that you may need to update your denim silhouettes.  The fit is all about looser, cropped styles.  Mom jeans!

Photo: Mademoiselle Robot,  Pump: M.Gemi Penna, Bag: Chloe Small Drew Crossbody, Blazer: Sandro Valentine Blazer, Loafer: Gucci Brixton Loafer,  Denim: Redone Denim Blazer: J.Crew Blazer, Painted Denim: NSF Denim

I love dresses.  They take the least brainpower (it’s a top and bottom in one, duh!) to outfit, and always look put-together, with very minimal effort required.  Knit and sweater dresses are the perfect option for busy days; they will keep you cozy and comfortable.  This style happens to be flattering on all figures.  Luckily, at the moment, fashion isn’t about how tight you can wear your clothes: jeans are roomier, the body-con dress is passé, and cozy sweaters have been a trend for a few seasons now.  If you are going for a casual look, the sneaker is the perfect option, but this dress can easily be dressed-up with a boot of any height.

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas Sneaker, Bag: Chloe Faye Bag , Stripe Dress: Theory Stripe Dress , Gray Dress: Sandro Sofy Jumper, Leather Leather Jacket – Madewell,  White Sneaker: Eyty’s , Heeled Boot: Chloe Suede Ankle Boots, Dress: Raquel Allegra Jersey

My favorite daytime addition has been leather leggings or pants.  They have long been my nighttime staple, but they look perfect when paired  with the ubiquitous white sneaker.  And in these freezing temps, they are a winter blessing.  Leather leggings are such an easy item to transition to night – just add a heel and maybe an earring.  While they are an investment, you only need one (perfect) pair and you will wear them for years.  They will be well worth the money.

Photo: Pinterest, Sunglasses: Illesteva, Leather Pants: Vince, Coat: Club Monaco Daylina, Turtleneck: Acne, Button Down: J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Bag: Saint Laurent Sac Université, Crewneck: J.Crew Cashmere Sweater, Sneaker: Adidas Sneaker

Lastly, you don’t have to pack away your skinnies yet.  Layered tops and a blazer plus a heeled stiletto sandal immediately update your look and make it work-appropriate.  If the sweatshirt doesn’t work, sub in a perfect white tee or cashmere sweater.

Photo: Pinterest, Sunglasses: Illesteva, Denim: Acne Highrise Jeans, Sweatshirt: Madewell, Heel: Stuart Weitzman, Button Down: J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Blazer: Joseph Laurent Jacket, Sweatshirt: J.Crew

Feature Photos: Pinterest

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After turning 30, getting married, getting pregnant, and becoming a mom, a big challenge for me has been figuring out what I am going to wear – or not wear.  It may sound silly or trite, but having worked in the apparel industry for over ten years and being confident in every outfit I wore, I suddenly felt like most of my closet no longer represented who I was.   It was a bit of an identity crisis.  Who was I?  I needed a fashion rebirth.

As a new(ish) mom who is trying to find her new path, I want to show a modern sense of style that can go from a meeting to the playground, all while being comfortable.  Practicality is now a must.  I’m a little older now and don’t want to dress like a 25 year old.  I also want to invest in fewer, higher quality pieces that will last for a few seasons.  It was time to find some new looks, flush out and streamline my closet, and focus on adding in some new essentials.

It turns out I love a little bit of a uniform.  I cycle in a few different looks with some variations on the pants, shoes, accessories, which makes the look feel new or transition it from day to night.  This focus gets me out the door faster and allows me to quickly layer or add on when I want.  These looks aren’t earth-shattering, but the honest truth is that they look good on just about anyone (that’s why they are photographed!) and fit in perfectly to fashion right now.  Looking put-together doesn’t have to be so difficult.

Look 1:

Photo: Fashiion-Gone-Rouge, Coat: Rag & Bone, Boot: No. 6, Bag: Mansur Gavriel, Scarf: J.Crew, Sweater: J.Crew, Sneaker: Common Projects, Pants: Nili Lotan

A major key to getting these looks down is basically cutting out prints (not include stripes…).  Prints are tricky.  Tricky to coordinate into a look, tricky to wear well, and, a little secret, it’s tricky for most retailers to even design!   If in question, it’s a probably not.  Leave your printed loves for days where you have more time to think about your look.

Look 2:

Photo: Lucy Williams, Hat: J.Crew, Sweater: Iro, Scarf: J.Crew, Boots: Acne, Bag: J.Crew, Coat: Woolrich Bros Literary Parka.

Also, cut down on the color.  Neutrals play best – but of course a pop is always fun.  Proportions are always key.  Cropped or ankle length pants are so flattering with flat shoe and always look good with a heel (more on that soon). I am a huge fan of all looks pared back with a sneaker.  It looks modern and leaves my feet so happy.  Take advantage of this beautiful time in fashion!

Look 3:

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas, Coat: J.Crew Stadium Coat, Sunglasses: Valentino, Hat: Steven Alan, Sweater: Nili Lotan, Pants: Nili Lotan