T-SWEATER + PONTE PANT

02.09.17

Is it just me or are the winter blues hitting extra hard right now? I’m so ready to be done with this frosty season and to feel the heat of the sun again. This will be the first year in a long time that we don’t have a warm getaway on the agenda either so the wait for warmth will be extra long. Dressing for freezing rain, snow and just plain old cold used to be exciting but I’ve got to admit it’s become a bit of a drag! That said, there’s no getting around it just yet so I’m trying to find a few ways to play with style and layers before the season gives up.

In my Winter Wardrobe Assessment I mentioned a few items that I had yet to get a lot of use out of and this T-Sweater was one of them. I love this sweater so much but it can be a little tricky to style in the winter as it’s not super warm on its own and the sleeves are pretty much too wide for most coats. So I thought I’d give myself the challenge of creating a look centered around this piece that qualifies as warm, comfortable and sophisticated.

Let’s see how I did! 


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INITIAL THOUGHTS

Hello dreamy layers! I am LOVING a floaty white tunic under this textural buttery knit. The off-white on white is a super comforting combo but it also feels fresh and light, which is something I need in my life at this time of year. Then once, my giant alpaca coat gets involved it’s basically like wearing a cozy cloud.

This is one of my favourite Winter silhouettes too. Lots of volume on top that extends past the hips and a sleek, lean lower half. It’s so simple and comfortable but a little unusual and contemporary, especially in this colour palette.

I’ve actually worn my Ponte Pants quite a bit this winter and they’ve been awesome. They hold their shape, wash up easy and since they’re fairly dense they’re almost as warm as my skinny jeans. I consider them an upgraded legging and not quite a proper pant, but that’s just me. I love them under a tunic or with a fitted turtleneck and a long cardigan.

I’m also glad I finally tossed my giant Capote Coat over the T-Sweater because it works perfectly (no sleeve or shoulder bunching, YES!) and makes for a totally toasty outdoor look. Definitely one of those, ‘Why didn’t I think of this sooner.‘ moments.

Usually I would pair this look with a heeled boot to offset the volume with height but my Chelsea boots were right there and I liked the idea of adding a little polish, which the semi-gloss leather always does. So I just didn’t over think it!

All-in-all I think this look is a keeper! For something that’s essentially a giant top and leggings, I’d say it could be considered pretty darn chic.


Style Bee - T-Sweater + Ponte Pant Style Bee - T-Sweater + Ponte Pant Style Bee - T-Sweater + Ponte Pant

STYLE + FIT DETAILS

1 | THE MORE THE MERRIER | When it comes to layers that is. In this look I’m actually wearing a total of 6 layers. I’ve got this bra on, which is super soft with ample coverage, topped with this fitted tank, my pants, my tunic, then the T-Sweater and finally my Capote Coat. I tucked the tank into my Ponte Pants (the waistband is ideal for tucking) so it stays smooth and then the tunic is slinky (but not clingy), the T-Sweater just glides on top and the coat stay in place thanks to texture on texture. Of course, I didn’t consider all those things when I was getting ready but it’s good to acknowledge what’s helping to make this work when a similar look might not be as comfortable.

When you’re working with lots of layers, go for a fitted base and try to incorporate a layer that’s made of a slinky material to avoid bunching and discomfort. 

2 | TONE ON TONE CONTRAST | My favourite element of the T-Sweater is it’s hand spun, nubbly cotton texture and I love the contrast it has against the super smooth silk blend tunic. Similarly the Ponte Pants are a luxurious deep dense black which contrasts beautifully with the semi-gloss leather on my Chelsea boots. This trick is oh so subtle but highly impactful once you think about it!

Try creating contrast in a monochrome look by mixing different textures.

3 | LONG + SHORT OF IT | I’m no stranger to this layering approach, that being a long base with a wide cropped top. I’ve tried it many times on the blog before (most notably here, here, here and here) and every time I’m reminded that I need not be shy about layering voluminous tops. This variation actually feels the least daring and that’s ok. The key to a successful bold layering endeavour (at least I think) is to choose a bottom layer that’s a little slinkier, narrower and much longer than the top one. In this case the tunic is perhaps a touch too wide, so it has to fold over itself but because it’s a floaty fabric it still works.

Try going bold with added volume on top sometime. You might be surprised by how much you like it!

4 | CEMENT | Why is the colour of this coat so hard to come by? I love it because it takes on a different tone with everything it’s paired with. In this case it feels more like a warm neutral but when it’s on over jeans it almost looks like a cool grey. It’s also impervious to lint and pet hair. If any designers are reading this, more cement please! 

Try to identify a colour in your closet that is unique and adaptable and wear it with pieces you may not otherwise pair it with.


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So I must admit that this outfit was pretty fun to discover! Are there any pieces left in your winter closet that could use a little experimentation?

| 1 | T-Sweater by Jamie + the Jones (wearing S/M) | See below for similar options.2 | Tunic c/o Only Child  (linked to similar in light grey) | 3 | Ponte Pant c/o BRASS (wearing XS) | 4 | Thora Boots by Rachel Comey | 5 | Capote Coat by Lauren Manoogian | 6 | Eloise Bag by The Stowe | 7 | Hat by Everlane s/o (Linked to similar)




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19 comments
02.09.17
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Alexandra Marie says:

    Is it just me or did Jamie + the Jones raise their prices? I feel like last time I looked, their Blank Canvas top was $98 and now it’s $120. It’s totally their right and prerogative to do so, of course, and $22 is really *not* that much extra to pay, but three figures seems a little less justifiable to spend on a t-shirt for me right now. 🙁

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Alexandra, Yes, they did raise their prices. I believe they mentioned it briefly on Instagram last fall but it would have been easy to miss. I know what you mean about 3 figures being a bit harder to wrap your head around! If it helps, their tops are some of my all time closet favourites! Totally worth the extra $22. xo

  2. Ali says:

    You are perfection! Quick question — when did you purchase your T-Sweater? I only ask because the weave seems different from mine – less dense perhaps?

  3. Mun says:

    Looks so deliciously cozy!

  4. Savannah says:

    Love, love, love this outfit. The silhouette is beautiful, and I love the combo of flowy and fitted. You always look great!

  5. Katlyn says:

    Love this look! Quick question: how do you wash your ponte pants?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Katlyn! I wash them on delicate in cold water and then hang them from the waist on a pant hanger on my clothes rack. Otherwise they get creases from the drying rack 😉

  6. This is one of my favourite looks here so far, Lee! Love the white on off-white with black and cement (and love the cement colour generally). Also craving that sort of coziness…rich in subtle contrast of tones and textures. Beautiful!

  7. Tonya says:

    I LOVE the different layers and textures of this look! So unique and interesting while still minimal…love it!

    http://www.themoptop.com

  8. Martine says:

    Love this outfit!
    Especially the capote coat and the ponte pants.
    The oversized look of the coat really gives me a warm feeling and it looks as if you can hide away from the cold.
    The ponte pants is something I’m looking for for some time already.
    Often I see beautiful pieces on your site but I have found out that here in Europe it’s difficult to find an equivalent for them.
    For example the ponte pants is something that’s not know on the internet here.
    Maybe I need to use another name…..
    But shipping them from the US or Canada is a bit expensive.
    You see, I really need to go back to the US for some shopping 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Martine! It’s definitely a cozy coat for sure. Sometimes I just wear it as a blanket at home on the couch haha! I agree that shipping to Europe is super pricey but if you find something you love and can’t locate at home it might be worth it. That said, I’ll keep a look out for you! xo

  9. Emily Mahi'ai says:

    I’ve been layering my t sweater with an army green cape from Emlee Design, since that’s the only outerwear that comfortably fits over the sweater. Haha! It’s definitely more of a fall and spring sweater but I still wear it around the house constantly. The other day I paired it with a J+J blank canvas top in natural, flax Florence pants, and black mules from Nisolo. I think people thought I looked ridiculous, and maybe I did, but I loved it. ?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That outfit sounds perfect Emily! Ah, you reminded me that I cannot wait to wear my Florence pants again! How do you like your Emlee Cape? I’ve been interested in one for a while now. They look gorgeous! xo

  10. Jodie says:

    Another winning layering combo!
    Love the colors, textures and varying lengths.
    How do you keep that coat pill free? It looks brand new.

    Our temperatures drooped last night back into teens and we are experiment a Nor’ easter so I feel you!

    Have a great day!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Jodie! Honestly, this coat is just amazing. I don’t do anything to actively stop pilling but I do store it on a shelf instead of a hanger so that keeps it’s shape. There is some pilling where my bag rubs but I think alpaca must be less prone to it that wool because it’s not bad. Stay cozy lady! xo