Cheers to Friday and the weekend ahead!! We’re surprising the kids with a special Christmas treat tonight and I can hardly wait! All we’ve told them is to get dressed-up and be ready to leave by 5:30. I’m sure I’ll share it on my Instagram Story, so follow me there if you want to see what we’re up to.
Today I’m bringing you a monster-sized Dressing Room Diaries, and with it being holiday season, so many things I’m reviewing are on super sale (check the end of this post for discount codes)! I tried to include a little bit of everything…sweaters, athletic wear, pajamas and a bunch of holiday style options.
If you’re new around here, Dressing Room Diaries is where I hunt down some of the cutest new arrivals from my favorite retailers, and review them for you. The shots aren’t good, the lighting is bad, my hair is usually past it’s expiration, and many of the items aren’t a good fit for me…but it’s real life, real girl, real clothes…and hopefully helpful for you to see them this way, instead of perfectly styled on a model.
Fit Note: I’m 5’4″-ish, 120 pounds-isa (depending on the week’s taco count), with a slight pear shape. My usual size is an XS/0.
I’m going to kick it off with my favorite finds…starting with this relaxed cowlneck sweater! I actually shared it last week, but I loved it so much I ordered another color! It’s light and soft, with a flattering draped fit. It has a cute pleat in the back giving the sweater a bit of swing, so it doesn’t cling to the body. It’s on the longer side, but also looks cute with a little half-tuck (see that here). And as you can see, it’s cute worn alone or layered over a collared shirt.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS, but it also comes in petite sizing if you prefer it shorter.
Cowlneck Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Fave Black Jeans | Leopard Belt | Knee Boots
This sweater has a soft, fuzzy feeling and a relaxed funnel neck. The edge is slightly rolled at both the wrists and hem, and it hits at hip-length. It’s really lightweight and not at all bulky.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but it would be cute with a size up, too.
Mockneck Sweater | Distressed Jeans | Boots | Earrings (25% off!)
This side slit tunic is a silky merino wool, with a long, drapey cowlneck. It comes in tons of colors and is long enough for leggings. It’s really lightweight, too.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS.
Cowlneck Tunic | Distressed Jeans | Booties
I’m clearly on a turtleneck and cowlneck kick, but I just love how they frame the face…not to mention, are soft and warm on my neck. This cashmere turtleneck feels so luxe, and comes in tons of colors. It’s easily dressed up with a skirt or slacks, but looks chic with jeans and loafers, too.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, which is a great slim fit. I think I’d actually prefer sizing up and wearing it more relaxed.
Cashmere Turtleneck | Distressed Jeans | Booties
I love a good fair isle, and especially when layered over a gingham shirt. This one has so much cute colors to pull from, plus a darling tie closure on the back. (And it’s on sale!!)
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Fair Isle Tie-Back Sweater (40% off!) | Jeans | Boots
I actually already own this ribbed v-neck, but wanted to try a larger size to see if it worked as a tunic…and yes, it does! The front gets a little low, but would be cute with a lacy bralette.
Fit Tip: My usual XS fits well in this sweater, but as a tunic, I’m wearing a medium.
Ribbed V-Neck Sweater | Jeans | Boots
Fair isle + turtleneck = swoon! The pattern is so cute, and the material thick and soft…it’s definitely a bold color, even more electric in person!
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Fair Isle Turtleneck | Jeans | Black Booties
This darling cable knit sweater has subtle pom-pom details and a slightly blouson sleeve. It’s not overly thick or chunky, so it’s perfect for layering, too. I love this periwinkle blue…so unexpected this time of year.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Crewneck Pom Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Fave Black Jeans | Knee Boots
This picture is bad, but this mock neck sweater has a subtle polar bear and cub on the front. It’s on the thinner side, but can still be layered. I love the soft heather gray and relaxed fit.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Polar Bear Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Fave Black Jeans | Knee Boots
You can never have too many striped tees, and this one is extra thick with darling tulle cuffs! They’d be so cute poking out of a blazer or sweater, don’t you think!?
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Striped Tee | Distressed Jeans | Boots | Earrings (25% off!)
Pretend I’m wearing heels and this velvet peplum top is holiday ready! You could pair it with dark jeans or ankle pants, and add some bling. I love that the peplum sits lower on the waist, so it conceals the tummy area. It also comes in a gorgeous emerald green and cranberry…both so festive!
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 0, but if you’re in-between or busty, I’d sized up one.
Velvet Peplum Top | Distressed Jeans | Boots | Earrings (25% off!)
This cardigan is closer to a coat, and fits a little like a blazer. It’s thick and soft with a foldover collar and pockets. The front drapes but isn’t shapeless.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.
Foldover Cardigan | Plaid Shirt | Fave Black Jeans | Leopard Belt | Knee Boots
Let’s move on to outerwear and jackets…and this gorgeous suede moto jacket! It comes in a ton of amazing colors, but I was partial to this deep plum. I like that it’s edgy, but still feminine. It’s heavy and fully-lined, so actually provides some warmth, too.
Fit Tip: The XS was a little snug through the arms, so I sized up to a small for layering room.
Suede Moto Jacket | Fave Black Jeans | Leopard Belt | Knee Boots
A similar jacket, but this one faux-leather. The collar snaps in place when work open (so no flapping about), and stands up straight when zipped. You’d never know in person this isn’t real or believe it’s under $100!
Fit Tip: Same fit as the suede, I sized up one to a small.
Faux-Leather Moto Jacket | Fave Black Jeans | Leopard Belt | Knee Boots
This little jacket/top is right up Mama Sugarplum’s alley (hopefully she and I get a shopping date together soon!). It’s thick cotton with a cute ruffle trim, and a fold over neckline. The bottom is open, so you’d need to layer a tee underneath.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS.
Ruffle-Trim Wrap Jacket | Jeans | Boots
This zip-up jacket is great for throwing on with workout clothes, or even jeans and sneakers. It has thick sweatshirt arms, and a quilted puffer torso, plus thumbholes and pockets. The quilted part is reflective, so great for exercising outside and at night.
Fit Tip: I sized up to a small.
Reflective Quilted Jacket | Jeans | Boots
This pullover has so many things going for it…zip-up neckline, thick sweatshirt material, super soft, and thumbholes. It’s also really long (past my hips), so great for covering your bum in workout leggings. I actually wish it were a more standard sweatshirt length.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small and it’s still a little snug.
Funnel-neck Pullover Sweatshirt | Distressed Jeans | Booties
This pullover has a more relaxed fit and stretchy-soft material. You could pull the neck tighter and tie the drawstring, or wear loose as a slight cowlneck.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small, but I tend to size up in Old Navy activewear.
Funnel Neck Pullover | Jeans | Boots
I really wanted this tunic to work, but it was just too much fabric for my frame. It’s a soft, thick sweatshirt material, but still has some drape to it…along with a relaxed cowlneck and wide bell sleeves. It’s definitely long enough for leggings, too.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a regular XS.
Cowlneck Knit Tunic | Jeans | Boots
This puffer jacket is fleece-lined and super heavy, but not overly bulky. It’s crazy warm with a tall neck, and no hood. It’s serious bang for your buck, too…it’s on sale for $16 today!!
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small.
Frost Free Jacket (only $20!) | Plaid Shirt | Leopard Belt | Jeans | Boots
I know a lot of people are fans of the high-waisted workout legging, but I don’t like the constricting feeling across my stomach when I’m exercising. I mean, I’m already miserable enough as it is! I much prefer the mid-rise of these, and the midi length is actually perfect as an ankle-length on me. (The longer ones bunch too much at the ankle.) They are super thick and stretchy, but also really soft. As for the jacket, it’s super-soft fuzzy fleece with a contrasting zipper.
Fit Tip: I sized up one in everything, and am wearing a small in the leggings and jacket.
Furry Fleece Jacket | Crewneck Tee | Live-In Leggings
Okay, I’ve had lots of requests for festive holiday wear, so I found several really fun options…starting with this ruffle sleeve sheath dress. The sleeves are so fun and billowy, and the v-neck is just low enough to give it some sass. This deep red is fun for holidays, too.
Fit Tip: It runs big, so I’d size down one, I’m wearing an XS and it’s too big across the shoulders and arms.
I adore this lace fit-and-flare, and wish the photo showed more of the details. The cap sleeves are a fluttery lace, as is the choker-style collar, with a thick grosgrain ribbon at the waist. The skirt has a tiered peplum, and the back is open. It’s beautifully made and easily looks twice the price.
Fit Tip: It runs small, I sized up one to a small.
This dress just screams party and New Years Eve! The halter-style neckline is uber-flattering, and the tiers of fringe hang perfectly. I like the knee-length too, for a classy look. And I dare you not to shimmy while wearing it.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing XX
I’m still on the jumpsuit bandwagon…this one is crepe and fully-lined, so it feels really sturdy. The asymmetrical peplum makes it flirty, while the cap-sleeves and wide legs keep you fully covered.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a 2, and it fits great through the stride (obviously I’d need a hem).
This halter-style jumpsuit has all kinds of sass with a flattering neckline and deep v-neck. It’s a jersey knit, so you may feel more comfortable wearing it with a Spanx. The tie belt accentuates the waist, but is also removable.
Fit Tip: The XS was too short in the stride for me, so I sized up to a small.
On the more casual side, this sweater dress is pretty much as good as sweater dresses get! It’s soft and stretchy and thick enough to cover lumps, but not so thick that it adds bulk. I love the tall neck and knee length, too.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS. Size down if you prefer a body con fit.
And finally, let’s talk cozy loungewear…and it doesn’t get any cozier or softer than this combo! This circle cardigan is the stuff dreams are made of, and the lounge pants are fuzzy with a great drape to them. I love that they don’t scream ‘PAJAMAS!’ so you don’t feel weird wearing them when your neighbor stops by mid-afternoon.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS in the cardigan, but sized up to a small in the pants so they wouldn’t be snug across the tush.
Cozy Circle Cardigan | Crewneck Tee | Lounge Pants
Ready for Christmas morning in this cute flannel set!! It’s thick and warm and comes in the cutest patterns.
Fit Tip: It runs large, but I stick with an XS.
Woo-Wee, this post was a doozy! I do hope you found it helpful, and maybe discovered some new goodies, and even gift ideas. What’s your favorite from this round of Dressing Room Diaries? Happy weekend, lovebugs!
{Great Holiday Sales}
NORDSTROM // Huge seasonal sale, including this Barefoot Dreams cardigan!
LOFT // 40% off everything with code NEWNOW
GAP // 40% off everything with code DEAL
OLD NAVY // 30% off everything, no code needed (I’d grab this tartan bag!)
J.CREW // 25% off everything
J.CREW FACTORY // 50-60% off everything, plus extra 50% off sale
BACKCOUNTRY // 15% off Patagonia fleece pullovers
BAUBLE BAR // 25% off site wide with code GIFT25 (this $10 necklace is a great stocking stuffer!)
