THE JANUARY DRESS CODE

Unless I’m traveling, January always feels like an uninspired month for style. Most social events are on pause and getting dressed is purely about casual, comfortable outfits. I want to wear loose jeans with sneakers and sweaters but not without completely neglecting a style quotient. I’ve developed a uniform that to my surprise consistently garners compliments. I’ve turned to it several times over the last several months when getting dressed with no time for effort, but still want to look presentable. The hero piece is the loose jeans. They easily shift gears when needed with a jacket and boot if I want to upscale a look.

COS jeans, Toteme hat, Sophie Buhai necklace (on sale), Lisa Yang sweater, J.Crew jeans, New Balance sneakers, Khaite boots

If dissecting its success to a nutshell, I’d say it’s all about proportions. The actual pieces – jeans, sweater, sneakers – are basic but made relevant when the shapes hit right. I have a few jeans in rotation that are a good starting point. A pair from COS I posted on in November (newly restocked after selling out), a pair from J. Crew from 2022 (similar), and an even older pair from Uniqlo (similar). The key is the fit. Toss out the idea of flattering because the looser the better. I like them resting at the waistline or lower, then puddling over the shoe. In this post, with a focus on casual, I’m referring to a sneaker. If I want to hedge towards a more polished look, the silhouette works great with a pointed toe boot/shoe peeking out from the hem. Back to the sneaker though – an athletic style with a decent sole adds visual length and prevents a loose jean from looking too sloppy. With the bottom half being oversized, the top needs to be trim. Fitted knits work here and keep the proportions in check. If the sweater hits at my waist or just a tad longer, it’s a winner.

An upscale cap adds a finished touch. The wool/cashmere style from Toteme is perfect and lends an unexpected style factor (and major warmth!) to the overall look. To feel a little more dressed, I’ll sometimes throw on a string of pearls or other piece of simple jewelry. A swipe of red lipstick is the most forgiving way to go without makeup…and maybe a pair of sunglasses to hide dark circles. Then, I’m out the door with which ever bag is packed and ready to go.

COS

These run very large. I like to wear them long, skimming, but not dragging on the floor. A pointed toe shoe as styled here elevates the sneaker run-around look. A cropped jacket would add additional polish. I’ve worn these jeans with this Nili Lotan jacket, the boxy Gucci jacket from this post, and vintage Chanel jackets from Kern1. I like to contrast more refined pieces with very casual styles. It works vice versa too…wearing a fabulous skirt or silk trousers with a hooded cashmere sweatshirt or basic tee.

J.Crew Wide Leg Jeans in petite, regular and tall

The Sneakers:

I’m a huge fan of New Balance and have accumulated a small collection. My lifestyle has shifted over the last few years with sneakers being the shoe I gravitate towards more often. The 990 and 2002R are my two favorite. They’re athletic and supremely comfortable yet add a bit of cool to the denim looks in this post. I prefer a neutral palette. If traveling is in the books, they are a must.

These 990s will be my next addition.

Good starters…in gray or black.

For a pointed toe look on a low heeled boot, the Marfa from Khaite is good. A slim ankle assures a tight fit that works equally well with a slightly cropped pant/jean.

Khaite Marfa in black leather or tan suede

Knits that hit just right for this look:

COS

J.Crew Cashmere Rollneck

Toteme

Lisa Yang

Theory

Cropped jackets with loose, wide jeans:

Nili Lotan navy jacket (I wear mine all the time) and in black

COS double faced wool jacket – I have in gray and love…size down.

Nili Lotan (size down) also in camel

Proenza Schouler White Label (on sale)

Nili Lotan cardigan jacket

Shop everything in this post and more HERE.