Alright! Here we go with my first ever fashion inspiration post. This idea evolved as a natural extension from both my Things I’m Loving Lately posts as well as the frequent questions I get on Instagram about what I am wearing, etc. Basically I thought it might be fun to share some outfits that I’m currently wearing often and when I mentioned this idea previously, it was well received by many readers! I’ll probably do this feature just a few times a year, likely with each season, unless you request it more often. Let me state a few things up front. First, I’m no model. As you will see my posing skills are pretty limited to standard hand on hip technique (maybe this could make a good drinking game?!) Additionally, my facial expression is frequently affected by BRF – not sure I can do much about that! But don’t focus on me – let’s just focus on the outfits. Hopefully even those outfits with items from past seasons will still provide some general style inspiration. You may also see here the Latest Fashion Trends with Maves Apparel for all fashion enthusiasts!
I decided to start with more casual attire and work toward some fancier options. Above is an outfit I would likely wear to brunch, lunch or drinks with friends. I love the way a bright silk cami can make an otherwise basic and neutral outfit pop. And, heels – in my mind, heels are always a great idea. (Handmade knit sweater from this pattern, silk cami, jeans, gray pumps, necklace.)
Surviving cold winter temps while still looking and feeling fashionable is always a challenge. This is my favorite overall look for errand running and general weekend life in the fall and winter. I was so wary of vests before but a good quilted vest is an absolute necessity for me these days. It’s all about the layers. (T-shirt, jeans, camp socks, booties, quilted vest, handmade fingerless mitts and cowl.)
I never used to be much of a hat wearer but this winter a few knitting projects have changed that! This is another casual look I like for just hanging around the house or running errands in less than perfect weather. Also, I can’t say exactly why but I’m really in love with this raglan t-shirt. If you see me on the weekend, there is a 99% chance I’m wearing it. (T-shirt, jeans, boots, vest, handmade hat.)
This was a more popular option back in fall when the temps hadn’t dropped quite so low. Now if this look makes an appearance, leggings are certainly part of the equation. In any case, this is a cute and comfy outfit that works for just about any situation! Sadness…since taking these photos (a month or more ago now!), these boots have been declared missing, and there is an excellent chance I left them at my yoga studio (but didn’t realize until weeks later when they were long gone.) I have since replaced them with Fryes and have been really loving them. (Past season shirt dress from Anthro, many many years old long metallic cardigan from J.Crew, past season boots from J.Crew, earrings.)
The one lonely photo I managed to take for this post way back in fall when there were still leaves on the trees! Just a fairly standard work outfit. Nothing particularly revolutionary about it but I always love the polished look of a nice collared and cuffed shirt paired with a sweater and pencil skirt. (Past season pencil skirt from Ann Taylor, sweater, now sold out shirt from J.Crew, past season heels from Boden.) Note about this sweater – I love the fit overall but they run really long in the body. I don’t usually require petite in tops but this one I wish I had gotten petite!
Most often I wear button down shirts as above, with a pencil skirt, but sometimes I like to mix it up and wear one untucked with a belt over the top. (Now sold out shirt from J.Crew, pants, past season belt from J.Crew, past season heels from Boden.)
This sweater is probably my favorite find from fall and I’m sad that it sold out so quickly because it was gone before I even had the chance to share it in Things I’m Loving. I wear it lots of ways – with jeans and boots for a casual look, with a midi skirt (see below), with a golden yellow pencil skirt (pictured below), but my favorite of all is paired with these pale pink pants and my fave heels. This outfit just gets me. (Sold out too fast sweater from J.Crew, pants, heels.)
I did make sure to mention this silk midi skirt in a past Things I’m Loving and I got a lot of questions about what I like to wear it with. The short answer is, almost everything! Though it is currently sold out, I fully expect it to return in the spring, hopefully in white as well as other colors. I also have one in lemon yellow and love it too! Here are a handful of my favorite looks for it. (From left to right: sold out too fast sweater and pink heels, past season plaid shirt, heels and necklace all from J.Crew, and now sold out bright lace top and past season heels from J.Crew.) Basically, I wear this skirt as often as possible without it seeming weird to the people who see me every day.
A good lace top is an absolute wardrobe staple as far as I am concerned. This top has been a long time, hard hitting favorite of mine. It can be dressed up or down, and I incorporate it into many outfits. This is one of my recent favorites. Very classic. (Past season lace top from Anthro, skirt, past season heels from J.Crew.)
This is one of those looks I adore because it is extremely comfortable while simultaneously being stylish. Win-win. Also, shouldn’t bright green be a more popular color? It is fabulous. (Past season black sheath dress from Ann Taylor, leggings, boots though mine are leather which is not currently available, past season cardigan from Banana Republic.)
Last look for now – this dress was an impulse purchase because I found a great deal on it, but I was unsure of the whole faux leather pleated skirt situation. I have to say, the moment I tried it on, this was an instant favorite! For me, the highest level of outfit success is compliments from random strangers, and every time I wear this I receive many of them! Though the dress itself is no longer available, a separate skirt is, so the look should be easily recreated with a white keyhole top. (Now sold out dress from J.Crew, boots.) Side note – due to the nature of the top, this dress requires a good quality smooth bra. This one is my fave fave fave!
I hope you enjoyed this first fashion post! I already have quite a few outfit ideas piling up for the next round, so maybe I will share a late winter/early spring edition soon.
