This past weekend, while getting my mani/pedi, I noticed two women basically wearing the same exact outfit, a v-neck sweater and jeans. For a casual weekend look both women looked great, except for one thing, the outfits lacked a lot of personality or flair. As I sat there with my feet soaking, I started thinking about all the easy ways both outfits could really pop. Like I said, it’s not like they outfits were bad, I could just see both these women getting really bored, really fast. In addition to this, I received an email from a stay-at-home mom this morning asking me for help on how to look more stylish in the basic sweaters and bootcut jeans she wears all the time.
Despite all the different styles to choose from out there, a basic v-neck sweater and jeans remains one of the most worn outfits by women. The look is easy, uncomplicated and hard to mess up. However, worn too often, this look can start to feel really staid. For today’s post in this series, I decided to put together five different looks, for five different scenarios, using a this outfit. What is different in this week’s post compared to past posts is that, while I will be using the same v-neck sweater from J. Crew, I will be styling five of the different colors this sweater comes in. Being such a basic I wanted to show some variety. For the jeans I chose a basic bootcut pair from Mavi.
A tip about jeans with stretch
Before I get into the v-neck sweater and jeans looks, I want to talk about jeans with stretch or Lycra. As I was asked by the stay-at-home mom looking for better ways to wear jeans and a sweater, I was also told that she was finding that her jeans were stretching out and bagging by the end of the day. While Lycra in jeans is great, too much of it can be a nightmare. When buying a pair of jeans with stretch it is important to do the recovery stretch test. Take a pair of jeans and stretch the leg of the jeans. If the jeans don’t bounce back into shape quickly it means that the Lycra has poor recovery and will definitely bag out by day’s end. The better the recovery the better the jeans will keep their shape after being worn all day. It should be noted too that Lycra weakens over time. If you have noticed that a pair of jeans that you once loved are now stretching out more easily it could be that the Lycra has lost its resiliency and it is time to replace them.
Five v-neck sweater and jeans outfits
Okay, now that I’ve got that out of the way here are five v-neck sweaters and jeans looks that are more styled but remain simple and fuss free. Also, be sure to read the logic behind each look to better understand why I chose the complementing pieces that I did in each outfit.
Outfit #1- Casual Weekend
Like the two women I saw this weekend, a v-neck sweater and jeans is a great look for a weekend of casual errand running, going to the movies or whatever else is on the agenda. In an effort to keep the look as casual as the weekend plans, I added pieces that create more style while not making the look too fussy. I chose a pair of easy flat loafers from Anthropologie that add some style while not compromising the ability to run around and get stuff done, a metallic tote from Zara that will go with everything, as well as hold everything, an basic statement necklace, that can be tossed on in a pinch, and a colorful magenta scarf from Banana Republic. The outfit is high on style while being easy as the weekend.
Outfit #2- The Busy Mom
The busy mom has a lot on her place, much of it not requiring a lot of style. In fact, too much style and not enough practicality can be detrimental for the mom getting done what she needs to do quickly and efficiently.
Thinking that a v-neck sweater and jeans has to be an easy grab outfit for most moms, I gave a lot of thought on how this time starved woman who doesn’t have a ton of time to dress up could add some shine to this basic outfit. Using the aqua color this J. Crew sweater comes in, I chose a printed handbag because the busy mom hardly has time to think about much accessorizing beyond that.
By styling this outfit with a fun peacock printed bag, the outfit gets a style upgrade without any effort. All the mom would have to is carry her purse. Next, you would be correct, I did actually use a pair of clogs for this outfit. I chose them because, again, the busy mom is on the go and she needs to be comfortable. Sometimes even tying a pair of sneakers can be a time suck, so all a mom would need to do is slip her feet into a pair of clogs and go. In addition, clogs are comfortable, just what moms need. The pair I chose is by Dansko and look a heck of a lot more interesting than the ugly clogs out there. Plus they are in green. Playing on a mom’s need to ease, I chose green because they will go with whatever colored top she is wearing– green goes with everything. Lastly the necklace. Look, if a mom can’t find the .001 seconds it takes to throw a necklace then I have serious concerns about this mom’s ability to manage her time. Using the necklace used in the previous look, it being silver and gold, this necklace is also easy because it is in silver and gold.
Outfit #3- At the Casual Workplace
If you work in an environment where jeans are acceptable and have found yourself in a jeans and a sweater rut, take note of these style suggestions. First, accessories this casual look with professional accessories, like this colorful ballerina flat by Vaneli. The gold necklace and earrings add a professional touch, as does the easy knit blazer from Boden. The outfit is finished with a pop of yellow through the handbag by Elliott Lucca.
Outfit #4- For a feminine look
Let’s say you’re the quintessential girly girl and find that a v-neck and jeans just doesn’t embrace this side of you. By taking the pink color of this sweater and the addition of some feminine touches the softer side of a sweater and jeans can be embraced. Here I chose a pair of delicate flats from Modcloth, a soft blue Coach handbag and added a play-on-pearls necklace, for a more modern look, along with pearl earrings.
Outfit #5- A night out with the girls
Nothing is sexier than a deep v-neck and a pair of jeans for a night out, be it a date or a night out with the girls. I don’t know about you, but jeans and a sweater often works fine for my evenings out. Using the black colorway of this J. Crew sweater, I added some punch with this colorblocked Aldo clutch, a pair of sexy booties, a leather jacket from Reiss and a silver statement necklace and simple hoops. If you’ve been grabbing that black sweater and jeans, consider a few sexy punches to change up the look and get more versatility.
