Happy Saturday guys!
Okay so admittedly I never post on the weekends BUT because it’s getting down to the wire with shipping in time for Christmas, I figured I’d post Monday’s post early so you still had time to buy any Christmassy outfit necessities and get them in time for Christmas Eve ?
PSA: Sunday is the LAST day for most retailers to place orders in time for Christmas Eve arrival, so mark your calendars accordingly!
Today I’m heading up to Milwaukee with some of my best friends (we were roommates after college for 4 years and this will be such a fun, much-needed reunion!) to go dress shopping for our bestie, Kate! I absolutely LOVE Milwaukee (we went there for my bachelorette party too) and it’s always so much fun to catch up with Kate’s parents who have also become my second parents over the years.
Want to know what I’m ALSO so excited about this week? Neal is home for the REST OF THE YEAR! He travels so much and to know I have him home for the next two weeks feels like Disneyland! We’re excited to lay low and catch-up and go on some fun little christmassy dates over the next few days ?
Anyway–what are you up to this week? Are you taking off early for the holidays? I’d love to know what you’ve been up to! (Comment below, or message me on Instagram!)
So–let’s jump into today’s topic, yeah?
As I was playing around and putting together different outfits last week, I realized there are so many cute ways to wear plaid button-downs for the holidays, but we always seem to get stuck in the same plaid button down, jeans and boots rut! I figured, why not show you three new ways to wear one?
(Side note: Speaking of several ways to wear something, with so much holiday madness, I know I’ve fallen off the capsule wardrobe remix wagon lately–I promise it will be back in FULL FORCE come January! Don’t worry!)
Keep on scrollin’ to see my three favorite ways to style a plaid button down this season. These are all super versatile and can be worn anywhere, from work to Christmas Eve to a dressier holiday party!
Look #1: Polished and Cozy:
Where to wear this look:
I think this look is so versatile! It would be great for work and the cardigan definitely makes the outfit casual, yet polished, but after work, you could just lose the cardigan and be ready for a cute, festive holiday party, too!
Why it works:
The shoes and a hint of sparkly earring definitely add some polish to the outfit, while the cardigan adds some classic, yet casual sophistication. The pop of leopard with the clutch also makes it really fun!
Outfit Components:
Plaid Button Down:
So, first of all, the item of the hour–the plaid button down! I think any plaid button down you own will definitely work with any of these formulas, but I really love how soft this one is! While it’s super soft like flannel, it’s actually cotton, which not only makes it comfy and more breathable, but also a little more versatile in terms of being able to dress it up or dress it down. It’s a bit oversized as well (I’m wearing an XS, so I’d say it runs TTS, but if you don’t want it oversized, size down.) If you’re not a plaid button-down kind of girl, this J.Crew ruffle plaid top and this Madewell navy plaid ruffle yoke blouse are SO. CUTE and could work perfectly with any of these looks! Shop more plaid shirts below:
Cardigan:
This is the coziest of the three looks because of the addition of this super cozy cardigan. I hadn’t previously owned any sweaters in this “oatmeal” hue, but I really love it because it’s a nice departure from camel, grey, and cream and is the perfect in-between neutral. You can also see it styled in this post and this post! Sizing: I’m wearing XS but it’s still a bit oversized–the sleeves are a little long (I think this is by design but if not I’m cool with it too ? ) but I scrunch them up anyway and think they look really cute rolled!
Ponte Pants:
Ponte Pants are magical pants because they are basically just like fancy leggings that look like real pants. I like this version from Halogen because they have the cute crease in the front which makes them look a bit more polished. They’re so comfy, again, because they actually feel like leggings. Secret weapon! I’m actually wearing these in all three looks! (So I guess maybe this post should be called “how to wear your plaid button down and ponte pants three ways…” There are a ton of ponte pants for sale on Nordstrom so there are plenty to choose from based on your price point!
Everlane Day Heels:
OMG. My obsession. As if I needed another reason to go on and on about Everlane, one of my favorite brands of all time. Their Day heels are named because you truly can walk around in them all day and your feet will never hurt. They came out with a couple velvet versions for winter (they have them in black too) and I can’t recommend them enough. I also have the red leather version for spring/summer. (You can see how I styled them here!) Sizing: Make sure to go up at least 1/2 size! They run small!
Leopard Clutch:
A mainstay in my capsule wardrobe posts for good reason–it makes every outfit look way cuter! It adds a nice pop of pattern as well as texture, and I especially love leopard paired with plaid!
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Look #2: Business Meeting
Where to wear this look:
This is definitely the most “business” oriented outfit but if you want to add a little bit of preppiness to any outfit, a classic blazer is always an awesome idea! I love the camel paired with the plaid because it’s a little more of an unexpected combination, and camel looks so lovely on everyone! It’s such a rich beautiful color.
Why it works:
The shoes and a hint of sparkly earring definitely add some polish to the outfit, while the cardigan adds some classic, yet casual sophistication. The pop of leopard with the clutch also makes it really fun!
Outfit Components:
In addition to the plaid button down and ponte pants discussed above, I also added…
J.Crew Blazer:
I’ve had my eye on this blazer for SO long and I’m so glad I finally bit the bullet! I think it’s a really nice way to class up anything you’re wearing and blazers are always a must-have staple for work! Because the button down is pretty casual in itself, the blazer really helps to elevate it to an “office appropriate” level. (I also cuffed the sleeves of the shirt so they came up over the blazer sleeves for an added plaid touch!)
Leopard Bow Heels:
Another buy of mine during Cyber Week–I love these little leopard bow heels so much! I also love that they’re velvet, so, like the clutch did in our previous look, they add not just a cute pattern, but more texture too!
Madewell Transport Tote:
You already know how much I love this tote! The only one you’ll ever need for work, period, the end. Also comes in all black and black with tan handles!
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Look #3: Dressy-Casual Holiday Party
Where to wear this look:
This is perhaps the most versatile look of all–when you aren’t sure what to wear to a holiday party (you know, one that isn’t “cocktail” attire but it’s not “super casual” either?) this can be your foolproof outfit formula! It’s classic and conservative enough to wear to Grandma’s, but it’s cute and fun enough to wear out with friends, too!
Why it works:
The fun statement earrings and cute ankle-strap heels help balance the plaid shirt and ponte pants for the perfect “dressy-casual” balance.
Outfit Components:
In addition to the plaid button down and ponte pants discussed above, I also added…
Ankle Strap Pumps:
I just got these from DSW and they are my newest obsession! They make any outfit look so cute and girly and the price is a steal! These are also almost identical and come in the prettiest dark wine color!
Sequin Beaded Ball Earrings:
I’ve worn these little earrings from J.Crew so much lately. They add the perfect does of “holiday” to any outfit! They come in more colors, too. (I really want them in black and also in gold!)
Leopard Clutch:
We’ve already been over how great this clutch is and that leopard + plaid is the best ever combination. ?
What’s your favorite way to wear your plaid button down?
Photos by Iron & Honey
