what to wear under a sweater

FOUR WAYS TO WEAR SPANX FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS

It took me a while to hop on the faux leather leggings trend. I wasn’t sure if they suited my style, and I assumed they’d be too long on me and not as flattering anyway. So, I held off—until this year. That’s when I discovered that the highly popular Spanx Faux Leather Leggings actually come in a petite version! While they are a bit of an investment, their versatility, comfort, and flattering fit make them well worth the price. Keep reading for all the details!

FOUR WAYS TO WEAR FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS

WITH FUR

Remember when fur vests were everywhere a few years ago? Well, they’re making a comeback, and I couldn’t resist picking one up from LOFT this season. My husband jokingly calls it a “wolf coat,” which makes it hard to keep a straight face—but honestly, I feel fabulous in it! I styled it with a tunic, faux leather leggings, and chic booties for a polished yet cozy look.

WITH A PONCHO

I spotted this cape/poncho on so many of my blogger friends before finally deciding to get one for myself. I knew I was at least a foot shorter than most of them, but I wanted to give it a try anyway—and I’m so glad I did! While it’s a bit long on me, that actually makes it perfect for pairing with leggings. It’s incredibly warm, and I love the side slits that let a bit of your shape show through.

WITH A BLAZER

Any long blazer will do for this look, but I chose my sweater blazer! I showed this one with two different pairs of shoes, booties for a little bit more warmth and flats for a cute pop of leopard!

WITH A JEAN JACKET

For an effortless, everyday look, I styled my faux leather leggings with a classic jean jacket and my favorite wedge sneakers. To keep things balanced and modest, I layered a tunic underneath. It’s the perfect mix of casual and chic!

CONCLUSION

These leggings come in a variety of stylish options and are available in sizes XS–3X, with petite and tall lengths as well! I’m wearing the petite version, and while I did cuff the bottoms under slightly, you can hardly tell. Do you own a pair of faux leather leggings? How do you like to style yours?

HOW TO WEAR NAVY BLUE AND BLACK LIKE A PARISIAN, TOGETHER

If you asked most people whether they’d wear navy blue and black together, they’d likely say no. But for Parisians, it’s a different story. They tend to favor neutral tones like black, gray, brown, and navy blue. It’s puzzling why this pairing is considered a fashion faux pas by many, as when styled correctly, navy blue and black can look incredibly chic and sophisticated. Perhaps this is why Parisian women have embraced this combination for so long—they truly embody elegance and style. Scroll down to explore this intriguing color pairing; you might be surprised!

SOME STRIKING BLUE-BLACK OUTFITS

Here are some influential Parisians, including Inès de La Fressange and Caroline de Maigret, each showcasing their unique interpretations of navy blue and black. 

Their images are frequently spotted on Pinterest, effortlessly blending these two colors. One of my all-time favorite style icons, Emmanuelle Alt, is particularly skilled at pairing navy and black, making it look timeless and sophisticated.

Like black, navy blue exudes power, intelligence, and confidence. Personally, I love wearing colors that evoke this feeling.

Interestingly, this color combination isn’t commonly embraced in the States, and I’m not quite sure why. Perhaps it stems from a longstanding “rule” suggesting that these two colors shouldn’t be worn together. However, European designers have been championing this duo for years. Since the shades are quite similar, it’s essential to let one color stand out when styling them together.

THREE SIMPLE RULES FOR WEARING NAVY BLUE AND BLACK TOGETHER

MAKE THE COLOR STANDOUT

No matter how you choose to combine navy blue and black, ensure they contrast enough to stand out from one another. Otherwise, you risk creating a black-on-black look. Personally, I tend to wear black on the bottom and navy on top when pairing the two. However, it’s equally stylish to opt for navy pants with a black top or sweater.

ADD A CONTRASTING COLOR

Add a pop of color to your navy and black ensemble with accessories like brown boots; the contrast creates a sharp and polished look. You can also incorporate white for a crisp appearance, such as pairing a classic navy blazer with a white tee and black jeans. This fall, embrace bold colors by trying something unexpected, like a navy silk top paired with green trousers.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

If you’re not accustomed to pairing navy blue and black, start with something simple, like a navy blue dress with black pumps.

Alternatively, try a black sweater with a navy blue scarf. One of my favorite combinations is a navy coat—like my beloved Sézane Johnson or Sézane James coat—worn with black jeans.

A popular French style involves the classic navy Breton top paired with black jeans, seamlessly blending the two colors.

Navy Blue and Black Outfit Ideas

CONCLUSION

Embracing the timeless elegance of navy and black together is a sophisticated choice that echoes the Parisian aesthetic. By understanding the nuances of these colors and their harmonious interplay, you can create outfits that are both chic and effortless. Whether you opt for a monochromatic look or experiment with complementary accents, the combination of navy and black offers endless possibilities for expressing your personal style.