With mid-winter temperatures milder than ever I find myself more and more looking for clothing that can be worn now or later. Growing up in New England life was all about layering from turtleneck to polo to v-neck sweater. It's stuck with me as an adult. No matter what vibe you're looking to strike it's those versatile closet pieces that will stick with you the longest.
Being that I am a blogger of all things Anthropologie I cruised around their site for some pieces that would find a permanent home in my closet, never needing to be packed up. Below are my top 5 picks.
Frosted Boucle Pullover (now $50)
If there is one thing I've learned living in New York City, it's that grey is a girl's best friend. The hardy neutral can play as a bright spot in a winter outfit or the base of a good summer piece. The Frosted Boucle Pullover (now $50) can be worn either slightly slouchy in your true size, or you can size down for a more fitted look.
Wear it in this season: Spring, Fall, Winter.
Work and weekend-ready? You bet.
Best colors to pair it with: Navy, black, or gold for a neutral look; jewel tones like ruby red or eggplant purple for a more trendy look.
Avoid: Deep purples, yellow.
For a sample look, why not throw the pullover on over a dress? Instant work outfit! The stripes of the dress and the color of the pullover speak to each other, with slight pops from the shoes and earrings. You could easily wear the sweater with a thermal, jeans and flats too.
In this outfit: Frosted Boucle Pullover (now $50), Pieced Column Dress ($178), Color Palette Tights, Dark Grey ($14), Indigo Scaled T-Straps ($168), Fire Ring Drops, Cream ($78).
Wrap Around Blouse ($98)
Tie-necks, pussy bows, drop bows. They're everywhere this year! Yet the Wrap Around Blouse ($98) wins my heart for the side-tie style. I love the combination of polka dots and dashes which give this work-ready shirt a visual edge.
Wear it in this season: Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer evening.
Work and weekend-ready? You bet.
Best colors to pair it with: Pair it with lighter blue for a tonal look; use green for a pop, or try yellow in the summer.
Avoid: Dark navy -- it will look like a uniform.
This Polyvore set below is a great example of how to wear green and navy together! This top looks great tucked into a pencil skirt and can also be worn with jeans (flats for the weekend, pumps for casual Friday).
Wrap around blouse, $98
J Crew knit cardigan, $120
J Crew pencil skirt, $78
Kate spade handbag, $325
Kate spade bangle, $148
Kate Spade stud earrings
J Crew leather belt, $30
J Crew knit cardigan, $120
J Crew pencil skirt, $78
Kate spade handbag, $325
Kate spade bangle, $148
Kate Spade stud earrings
J Crew leather belt, $30
Greta Pullover ($58)
It looks too comfortable to be worn during the work week, but in winter the Greta Pullover ($58) is a fantastic layering option. The stripes look great peeking out from a button-down or worn belted as a top layer with a pencil skirt and blouse.
Wear it in this season: Fall, Winter.
Work and weekend-ready? In more casual work environments, yes.
Best colors to pair it with: Light blue, gold, dark denim colors.
Avoid: Green.
Feeling a bit brave? Paired with a melon orange, this top has a modern chic work look nailed. You can wear the button down either over the pullover (just cuff the buttondown so the red sleeves show through) or under with a thin belt.
In this outfit: Greta Pullover ($58), Sylvia Buttondown ($88), Pilcro Straight Ankle Chinos, Coral ($88), Azimuth Necklace ($58), Amur Heels ($470).
Fluttered Hem Tee ($48)
It's hard to pick just one color of the Fluttered Hem Tee ($48), a top that looks equally great under a blazer or on its own over crops. I've already purchased the navy and am leaning towards either the red above or yellow below next. This top is very easily to layer with despite the asymmetric hem. The trick is making sure the tail is paired with either something that hits at the waist or an equally long topper.
Wear it in this season: Any.
Work and weekend-ready? In more casual work environments, yes.
Best colors to pair it with: white, blue, rich browns.
Avoid: Green.
White pants in the winter? I know it sounds crazy but I'm seeing it more and more. Throw a dark navy blazer over this look and you're ready for work.
Scoop neck top, $48
Ag Stevie Ankle, $158
Platform shoes, $80
Dangling jewelry, $32
J Crew sparkle jewelry, $68
J Crew wrap belt, $52
Ag Stevie Ankle, $158
Platform shoes, $80
Dangling jewelry, $32
J Crew sparkle jewelry, $68
J Crew wrap belt, $52
Upstaged Tee ($78)
The Upstaged Tee ($78) is a lace topper that's on-trend from both the front and back. The thickness of the lace in front means this top will stand the test of time -- you can layer a dark top under it easily for a simpler, streamlined look. But right now it's more fun to experiment with light colors underneath, peeking through!
Wear it in this season: Any.
Work and weekend-ready? In more casual work environments, yes.
Best colors to pair it with: dark denims, pink, yellow, brown.
Avoid: Grey.
In the look below a pale pink cami will poke through for a natural look, while linear chandelier earrings draw attention to the neckline. This work could easily go from work to class to night out -- my favorite kind of day! Swap out the heels for flats with these straight-leg jeans if you plan to do a lot of running around.
In this outfit: Upstaged Tee ($78), Intrinsic Cami ($38), AG Stevie Straight ($164), Glowing Hour Earrings ($48), Tegu Platforms ($168).
