Back To School Uniform

Okay, I may not be going back to school today like the rest of North Carolina's public school students, but I have found a uniform that I can see myself wearing over and over again this fall.

After road tripping last week, I realized how liberating it can be to combine fashion with comfort. No, I'm not talking about velour sweat suits. I'm talking about sitting pretty in soft, cozy clothes.

Alice and Olivia Look for Fall 2010

Take this Alice & Olivia (here I go again with these guys!) look for fall. This outfit is exactly what I'm talking about. Two simple pieces- a cashmere tee and dark leggings- plus one item to elevate the look. In this instance, the look is brought out of pajama land by a faux fur vest but a great tweed jacket or long wool cardigan can also make this more appropriate an afternoon out and about. An outfit like this can be so versatile- appropriate for moms on the go with flat boots or ballet flats and then evenings out with your hubby by adding with killer platforms. All in all, it's quite Parisian chic!

For me, an employee in a casual industry, this type of look is perfect for the office. In fact, today I'm wearing skinny black James Jeans, an asymmetrically hemmed Alice & Olivia tee and a gray linen jacket. I also added a long chain, pearl and ribbon Gabriele Frantzen necklace and Hollywould ballet flats, to avoid looking like I came from the gym in my boyfriend's tee shirt!

Alice & Olivia Inside Out Raglan Sleeve Tee

Above is the exact top I'm wearing. It's cozy, soft, comfy and cute! It also strategically covers my derriere and slims my hips, which I appreciate when I'm rocking skinny pants or especially leggings. (See my comments on wearing skinny cargo pants from Monday's post! I feel that is the best way to dress my body type when it comes to this trend.)

J. Crew Wool Flannel Fallyn Jacket

While I bought my jacket from Banana Republic several years ago, this new J. Crew jacket is quite similar. It adds great structure and polish to this relaxed look, elevating the tee to office appropriate. Jackets also tend to widen the shoulders, great for balancing wider hips!

Gabriele Frantzen Necklace

I don't own this exact necklace, but the one above is very similar to the one I'm wearing today. But the great thing about accessories as of late is that you can wear the most casual tee or tank and really dress it up with good jewelry. A necklace like this also adds some color and interest to an outfit of mostly neutral basics.

Factory Jersey & Faux Leather Leggings from Shopbop

I discovered these leggings today and am OBSESSED with them. They are so similar to the Trina Turk Duke leggings but much cheaper. If I owned these, I'd be wearing them today. Some leggings look so cheap and sometimes even a little sheer but Factory's "pleather" takes this pair out of the leggings category and into more of the pants world in my book. Shopbop has styled this pair with a long sweatshirt, another option for daytime...but maybe not for work.

J. Crew Alpaca Sweater

If you're really in the mood to bundle up or sit in an office as freezing cold as mine, this Alpaca Sweater from J. Crew is a great option as opposed to a jacket. I appreciate its length, once again slimming hips and thighs, and really love this color. It is being produced in black as well!

Here are a few more options...

Alice & Olivia Curved Hem Top

Three Dots Oversized Quilted Cardigan

J. Crew Toothpick Riding Pants

So whether you're a mom on the go or just a girl running errands on a Saturday, try out this fun combination. You might find yourself lounging on your sofa at the end of the day, feeling just as comfortable as you would in those bamboo cotton pajamas...but looking ten times better!