This time last year, we were dealing with snow that stayed on the ground for about a week. So far this year our weather has been a bit menopausal. We've been swinging back and forth between 80-degrees and freezing. It even snowed last weekend! Not like last year -- it was gone by the afternoon. Now we're bracing for storms that will bring us the coldest sustained temps we've had so far this winter, and the weather guys are talking about ice this week and another possible snow event next weekend.
If you follow me on socials, then you'll know that these last two weeks have not been typical for me. I had jury duty, and I was picked to be on a jury. While it was an interesting experience, it was not a fun one, and I'm glad it's over.
You may also have noticed that in addition to weekly OOTD roundup posts, I've been sharing daily outfits to my stories (or at least trying to). That way you can shop any items you like quicker and hopefully avoid things selling out.
That said, most everything in this roundup is old. I'm trying to do a better job of shopping my own closet and wearing what I already have. That doesn't mean I won't ever buy anything new, but I'm trying to be more conscientious of my spending habits, especially when it comes to clothes.
Now for the outfits! As always, I'll share a brief explanation for each look plus links to shop the same or similar items. As a reminder, I am 5'2" and weigh about 140 lbs. I usually wear size 6 or s/m in clothes and size 7 in shoes.
These pants, believe it or not, are from Temu, but you would only know it because I told you. They're actually one of my nicest quality winter pants, and I can't believe I paid so little for them. They are a true winter pant for me because they're made of wool, and it's only cold enough for me to comfortably wear them a few times a year. That's also the reason why I haven't experimented much with them in terms of how I wear them. I just update the black top to whatever is appropriate for the time.
This sweater is from this season, but it's sold out. I found a couple of similar options that are actually nicer than this one. I try not to spend much on sweaters since I wear them so rarely. This one is from Walmart and cost about $12. I like that the weave is open and breathes. It does mean I have to wear something under it, although I'll be honest and say that I have no idea what I wore under it this day.
I was actually dismissed for a full day since the trial I was paneled for didn't start until Wednesday, so on Tuesday I worked. I know the lighting in this picture is awful. I tried to fix it to show the colors better. This dress and my tights are navy blue, not black.
Speaking of this dress, it's new. As in I bought it only a few weeks ago, but I cannot find it online anywhere. It's from Walmart, though, so check your local store if you like it. I will say that I sized up for length and to make sure the buttons on the bodice wouldn't pull. That did not fix the sleeve cuffs, though. They are tiny, and I ended up wearing this with the button undone all day. For a good portion of the day I had a cardigan layered over the top, but I didn't take a photo with it on.
My boots are also new. I wanted a new pair of brown, low-heeled boots. The pair I've had for years are starting to show their age, and the heel on my other pair is not really practical for all-day wear at school. These are a similar style to the Frye boots that are so popular right now but at a fraction of the cost. I wish the shafts were a bit wider on my calves, but they're not uncomfortable.
On Wednesday it was back to jury duty, and it was cold that day. I knew I was in for a long day of sitting, so I wanted to be comfortable. I also wanted to be professional, so I pulled out these blue pinstriped pants that I got at the beginning of the school year. I wore almost this exact outfit back in November; the only thing I changed was my boots.
These pants have been a nice addition to my closet. They're incredibly versatile and can be worn in all seasons. I really like that they're a pull-on style pant with an elastic waist instead of a button and zipper. They're the Billie pant by Old Navy. This exact pair is sold out, but they come in quite a few options.
My sweater is also by Old Navy. It's part of their SoSoft line, which is honestly the best ever. This style is still available, although this exact shade of blue is not.
Thursday, and day three of jury duty, was really cold, and because I knew I would be walking pretty far from where I had to park to the courthouse, I dressed in more layers than I typically do. Also, I almost always wear something under sweaters to keep them from rubbing my skin all day. I can't stand that.
Everything in this outfit is old, but my long-sleeve basic tee that I layered under the sweater and my boots are still available. This long-sleeve layering tee is absolutely worth buying. I have it in three colors and wear them all the time during the winter. They're a great base layer, but can also be worn on their own.
By the time we got to Friday and day four of jury duty, I needed a cheerful outfit. This colorful, floral skirt was just the thing. It would have been really easy to throw on another black sweater and call it a day, but I decided to lean into the pink tones of the pattern.
My sweater is really old, but I still love it, especially the lace-like detailing on the sleeves. It adds interest to what would otherwise be just a basic, solid-colored sweater.
Skipping ahead to Tuesday and finally going back to work. I've had this outfit planned since before Christmas, just waiting on the weather to cooperate so I could actually wear it. Plaid on plaid is a combo that I love but rarely wear myself. I was thrilled with how this outfit turned out.
I've had this skirt for several years now. It's one of the best quality pieces I've gotten off Amazon. The skirt is 80 percent wool and fully lined. It has a side zip closure and faux leather detailing at the pockets. It comes in a ton of other color options.
I got this blouse with Christmas in mind, but then we had summer-like temps, and I didn't wear it. Surprisingly, it's still available in all sizes, and it's marked down to under $20. I love the oversized collar and the velvet bow-tie.
The long sweater vest was the perfect finishing piece. It gave me just a bit more warmth over the thinner blouse without suffocating me. It's available in several other colors.
Let's talk about my skirt. First off, it's 100 percent cotton, so it feels good. Very soft. It's not lined, but it doesn't need to be. The waist is elastic, and it does not have pockets. I sized up to a large in an overabundance of caution; I could have easily worn the medium, but it did shrink some in the wash. Not much, but it's not falling off.
This turtleneck is one of my favorite things I've bought recently. It's not your basic turtleneck. The neck, hem, and sleeves are all lettuce-edge, which is probably my favorite retro trend that's come back around. It's also ribbed with an almost lace-like texture. It is so soft, too. Highly recommend.
This was not what I had planned to wear this day. Not even remotely close. I don't know what made me change my mind, but I woke up and no longer wanted to wear the outfit I had laid out the night before. All I know is I was feeling less whimsical and more academic.
Anyway, these pants are so good. They are the wide leg pixie pant by Old Navy. I'm so glad that they make this pant in more than just a skinny leg now. Anyway, this gorgeous brown-and-pink pattern is no longer available in this style, but they do have it in two other leg options, which I've linked to for you.
I decided that I wanted to go with a more monochrome look, so I pulled out this gorgeous purpley tunic sweater. It's another of Old Navy's SoSoft line, which is honestly amazing.
That brings us to Friday, and a day when I didn't actually know what I wanted to wear. I threw this together about 10 minutes before I left the house. Apparently, I should have incorporated more color. A few students asked if I felt okay and another wanted to know why I was wearing only black and white.
My t-shirt is an old library check-out card. I realize that you can't read the very top in this picture, but it says "Return to Library." I was worried when I ordered this that it was going to be one of those crinkly, sticker-like designs, but I was pleasantly surprised.
My cargos are old, and I wish I could still link to them, but they're no longer available. My button-down is also old, as are my sneakers.
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