J.Crew Factory

The Open-Front Cardigan

Leave a Comment / Style / By / January 11, 2021
J.Crew cardigan, linen shirt, and Martie pants. Margaux black ballet flats.

The open-front cardigan is an item of clothing that I didn’t own prior to working from home but have since acquired. The cold weather presents limitless opportunities to incorporate a third piece into my daily looks. With the spirit of comfort in the air, I’ve been giving my trusty grey blazer a break. Note: the term comfort is not synonymous with the extreme level of informal dress that has prevailed across the U.S.

If you’re not sure what a third piece is, permettez-moi d’expliquer. It’s an item that is layered on top of your outfit’s base. A third piece enhances your look. The base consists of a top, a bottom, and a pair of shoes. Jackets, blazers, vests, and cardigans are all viable third pieces.

I find that the open-front cardigan simultaneously adds polish and comfort to my button-up shirt/Martie pant uniform. Think of the opening sequence to Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood. The first thing Fred does is replace his suiting jacket with a sweater and his dress shoes with a pair of canvas sneakers. In an instant, he’s ready to teach the kids. I don’t have children, but I do have a cat who likes to be held. An open-front cardigan is more conducive to snuggles than a blazer.

Works Sighted

J.Crew Factory cardigan (old); J.Crew slim perfect shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen (old); J.Crew Martie pant; Margaux Demi flats (black)

Black Tights

Leave a Comment / Style / By / November 1, 2020
Black and white winter outfit.

To say that I often wear black tights during the colder months would be an understatement. I wear them almost every day (when I’m not wearing my J.Crew Martie pant—more on that later). I used to wear tights in different colors when I was younger, but then I became partial to navy and black. I still wear my navy tights occasionally, but the black ones definitely get more use. To the girls who go out in winter with bare legs, écoute bien. Being cold isn’t becoming.

Once you determine which brand of tights suits you, you’ll have to figure out how to style them according to your body shape. For me, black tights pair well with above-the-knee woolen skirts and booties. I often wear these three items in black along with a top in a dissimilar color. I also like to wear black from head to toe with a skirt in a hue that stands out.

Works Sighted

J.Crew puff-sleeve top (old); Loft Outlet ponte skirt (old); A New Day 50 denier tights (black); J.Crew Factory suede booties (old)