xo

I'm Lisa Kirk, a wife, mama, writer, and founder. Since 2010, Something Pretty has been home to my favorite memories, reflections, and inspirations. Thanks so much for reading!

January Outfit Diary

Style

A few years ago, an online friend, Nicole Caruso, reached out to me with this question: “What does #worthyofwearing mean to you?” She had recently started posting makeup tutorials, style inspiration, and beautiful messages of encouragement for women using that hashtag and it was taking off like wildfire. Charlie was two at the time, and just a few years into my life as an at-home mama without an office to go to or any “reason” to get dressed up in the morning, I could easily see why–it resonated with me deeply as well. The answer I gave her rings true today: “Sometimes, leggings and a top knot are what make me feel like the most prepared, equipped version of myself as a stay-at-home-part-time-working mama—there’s no denying that. But more often than not, I feel like my best self with lipstick on. When I wear beautiful but admittedly impractical shoes. When I put on a dress or a sweater that I love…even though it’s dry clean only. Finding joy in putting an outfit together has been part of me since long, long before I became a mother. It is still part of me now that I am a mother, maybe even more so because I appreciate those dressed-up days more than ever. I’m #worthyofwearing outfits that I love not in spite of being a mama, but because I am one, and those pieces of my identity can exist in a sweet and authentic harmony.”

Now, three years later, Nicole has transformed her much-needed message of encouragement, self-worth, creativity, and dignity into a book! Worthy of Wearing is available for preorder today and I don’t think I have ever hit “add to cart” so quickly. I cannot WAIT to get my hands on this book, and if this sounds like a message you need more of in your life, follow along with Nicole and pick up a copy yourself.

So, on the note of dressing up and having fun with clothes–even in a season of being home, winter, social distancing, etc., etc., here’s my January outfit diary. I usually find myself in a styling rut this time of year, but I actually kind of loved my outfits this month! As always, let me know if you have any questions about anything I share here. :)

& Other Stories mockneck sweater and boyfriend jeans & Other Stories mockneck sweater: If this sweater looks familiar, it’s because I bought it right off of the January Edit! This soft, machine-washable mockneck comes in a bunch of beautiful colors and is so comfortable. Fit is a little short/boxy, so consider sizing up for length if you would like (I didn’t and am wearing a small). / J. Crew slim boyfriend jeans: Also from the January Edit! I couldn’t stop thinking about these light-wash, cropped jeans, and since I had a gift card from Christmas, I decided to try them out. They’re so different from my usual dark-wash skinnies and I am already having so much fun styling them in different ways. Get ready to see them a lot ;) / J. Crew daisy headband: This sweet embroidered headband is from the summer, but for other daisy hair accessories, try this embroidered headband, these clips, or this turban headband. This braided floral headband is really pretty too! / Margaux Demi flats: My love for my Margaux Demi flats is very well-documented…I actually just made my first Instagram Guide highlighting a bunch of ways I’ve worn them. Needless to say, I can’t get enough of the comfortable fit or timeless look. Take 10% off your first order with the code LISA.

Pink lace pants J. Crew Factory cotton-wool Teddie sweater: This cozy gray crewneck has been a staple of my winter wardrobe this year. Wearing a medium. / J. Crew pink lace pants: These pants are so different from any of my other pants, they make me smile every time I wear them! If you like the look, definitely search for “J. Crew lace pants” on Poshmark, since they’ve done a bunch of different ones over the years. I also love this navy style for a subtler look, and this cherry pair for a bolder one! / J. Crew Factory silver flats: These gunmetal, pointed-toe flats were a Cyber Week treat to myself years ago and I still love pulling them out every winter for a touch of sparkle. Similar here and here.

How to style a plaid blazer for winter Target plaid blazer: I wore this budget-friendly blazer often in the fall, but this was the first time I put a more wintery spin on it. The long, boxy silhouette lent itself well to layering up underneath. / J. Crew tissue turtleneck: I usually don’t like turtlenecks, but since this one is lightweight and not too tight around the neck, it makes a great basic, cold-weather layer. / Zella Live In High Waist leggings: By far my favorite leggings I’ve ever owned. Thick but not too hot, opaque, high-waisted, and not shiny. Wearing a small. / Blondo Presto Suede Boots: I’ve been wanting a pair of black suede knee-high boots for a few years now, and was excited to find these under the Christmas tree! I have heard great things about how well these hold up through winter weather. The shafts are stretchy and comfortable and I love the classic, leg-lengthening look. I can’t find the exact style available online, but these look almost identical. / Little Poppy Co. headband: I couldn’t resist this braided headband in the perfect shade of blush as an add-on to Azelie’s bow subscription last month! You do need to have an active subscription to access their add-on shop, but they also have an accessories subscription (use the code BOWLOVE for $5 off your first month) that is verrry tempting ;)

How to wear white pants in winter H&M pearl-detail sweater: The pearl details along the neckline give this super-cozy sweater (an H&M find from last year) a dressier, more feminine feel. Similar here and here. / J. Crew Factory white corduroy pants: I love the way the corduroy makes these white pants perfectly winter-appropriate, while the high-waist button front is a fun twist. These run small–I had to return and exchange a pair before landing on one that fit. Wearing a 29. / Sam Edelman Loraine loafers: One of my favorite pairs of flats, these loafers have held up beautifully over the two years I’ve had them. They come in a bunch of different colors–mine are the Saddle Leather.

How to wear a trench coat in winter Banana Republic Factory trench coat: This classic trench has been a staple in my closet for at least five years. There is no better winter-to-spring transition piece that will never go out of style. Similar here, here, and here. / Navy sweater: This is actually one of Dave’s old sweaters, which I stole the first winter after we were married and have yet to return ;) Similar here. / J. Crew Factory jeggings: My current favorite skinny jeans at a great price point! They are stretchy and comfy and I love the high-waist. I’m wearing a size 28 and think they fit true to size. / Sam Edelman Loraine loafers: One of my favorite pairs of flats, these loafers have held up beautifully over the two years I’ve had them. They come in a bunch of different colors–mine are the Saddle Leather. / Gold monogram necklace: This monogrammed necklace was one of my wedding gifts from Dave! He doesn’t remember where he bought it but this and this are similarly dainty options.

Mixing stripes and leopard (Oh hey, new mirror!!) Olive Sophie striped tee: I shared a bunch of my favorite Olive pieces in this post and bought this striped tee soon after. I really like the boxy (but not short) cut and thick fabric. Note that it’s a “one-size” piece, so it’ll look a little different on everyone! / J. Crew Factory jeggings: My current favorite skinny jeans at a great price point! They are stretchy and comfy and I love the high-waist. I’m wearing a size 28 and think they fit true to size. / Old Navy leopard mules: My cost per wear of these budget-friendly mules is in the fractions of a penny. I bought them last fall and still love the pop of pattern they add to any outfit. Stripes and leopard paired together feel a little bit 2012-reminiscent in the best way ;) Similar here. / MVMT Lexington watch: Featured here, this slim rose gold watch is one of my favorite new accessories.

Gray suede Birdies loafers Abercrombie gray sweater: This sweater’s chunky knit and loose fit give it an easygoing, casual feel, but without looking sloppy. I’ve been reaching for it often during all of our time at home. Similar here, here, and here. / J. Crew slim boyfriend jeans: I couldn’t stop thinking about these light-wash, cropped jeans after including them in the January Edit, and since I had a gift card from Christmas, I decided to try them out. They’re so different from my usual dark-wash skinnies and I am already having so much fun styling them in different ways. / Birdies The Starling slippers: After admiring them from afar for YEARS, I finally pulled the trigger on this pair of Birdies slippers during their recent sale, and I’m so glad I did! They’re the perfect house shoe, offering comfort, support, and style when I’m home with the kids (read: 95% of the time :)). / Little Poppy Co. floral bow: You can’t see it too well in this photo, but this pastel Liberty floral print bow gave this outfit a little touch of spring. I’m ready for it! Almost identical bow here, another pretty option here.

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  1. Kelly says:

    would you say the margaux flats are true to size?

    • Lisa says:

      Yes, but keep an eye on their European/American sizing specifications in each listing. For example, a 38.5 is a US 8.5 for the Demi and a US 7.5 for the Mule. I’m not sure why, but something to be aware of :)

  2. Nicole says:

    Love these outfits! Also, have you ever considered writing a book of essays? I’d “add to cart” immediately for that too!

  3. Emily says:

    I love how cheery but still every-day your January outfits are. They don’t feel dull, like sometimes life can, in the middle of winter. Very fresh, but down to earth, like you’re ready to tackle the year ;).

    • Lisa says:

      Thank you so much! Taking a little extra time to be creative or pair things in different ways definitely gave me a mental boost during this post-Christmas, dreary-weather month! xo

  4. Em says:

    Copy and paste into my closet, please and thank you!

  5. Dana says:

    New mirror and house plant are cuuuute! Also the green sweater is restocked in all sizes and there’s a cold front coming in next week so I’m thinking I’m influenced…

  6. […] My sister gave me a heads up that my current favorite sweater (as seen in this post and this post) is currently restocked in all sizes in green! I have to stop myself from wearing it […]

  7. Samantha Ray says:

    I love these outfits! I also love the idea of being worthy of dressing how you like to – especially with being at home with the baby most of the time. Sometimes dressing “up” just helps me feel more me. I am loving that green mockneck sweater!

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