22 December 2009 – Slouchy Goodness

Posted on | December 22, 2009 | 13 Comments

22 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Gray dolman sleeve cardigan: Ann Taylor, gift from MIL
Black sweater: Banana Republic
Black cropped pants: Old Navy
Green scarf: old standby, origins unknown
Ruffled pumps: AM, from DSW

End Notes:

Did anyone else watch that short-lived Bravo TV series, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style? In it, he hands women a list of 10 essential wardrobe items; item number ten is a “sweatsuit alternative.” It’s a term I always giggled at because you could almost see Tim Gunn cringing as he said the word “sweatsuit” and then a wave of relief passes over his face as he finishes, “alternative.”

Since I was never a sweatsuit girl, I had never really paused to consider what my “sweatsuit alternative” is. But on days like today — full of preparations for husband N., baby e’s., and my imminent departure on on a two-part holiday travel extravaganza — yes, clothing myself entirely in stretchy fleece sounds…nice.

I’m not wearing a sweatsuit, obviously, nor would I really call this, truly, a “sweatsuit alternative.” I will say, however, that this dolman sleeve cardigan is quickly becoming my sweatshirt alternative. It’s incredibly soft and warm and its generous cut makes me feel like I’m walking around wrapped up in a blanket. But it’s a stylish blanket in an unusual cut that makes even this simple ensemble a little more visually interesting. Even better, it looks great belted closed or hanging open.

This is not a cut of sweater that I would normally be drawn to in a store (and I’m sure it looks strange on a hanger), so a big salute of gratitude goes out once again to my very chic mother-in-law who always seems to know what wardrobe items will make my life simultaneously easier and a little more stylish.

Do you have a sweatsuit or sweatshirt alternative?

22 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Beltless, Layers Upon Layers, Office Hours, Pants Please, Proportionally, Reaching New Heights, Research Casual, Teaching Outfits

Comments

13 Responses to “22 December 2009 – Slouchy Goodness”

La Historiadora de Moda
December 22nd, 2009 @ 10:18 am

I love the pop of color here! You look comfy and chic! I don’t have a sweatsuit alternative as such, but something akin to a sweatshirt alternative for me is a brown cardigan that I thrifted last year. It’s a little to big and stretched out to look perfect, but it’s so comfy that I love wearing it.
Rebekah
December 22nd, 2009 @ 10:19 am

I’m wearing my sweatsuit alternative right now!

http://jauntydame.com/2009/12/me-work-out/

I warn you though, it’s frumpy. I’m not letting myself upgrade until I’ve proven that I’ll exercise regularly.
Sally
December 22nd, 2009 @ 11:34 am

That is a seriously stylin’ alternative to sweats, E! My comfort ensemble of choice is a pair of leggings, boots, and a sweater dress. I am coming to really hate jeans, and am never comfier than when I’ve got a stretchy, cozy pair of leggings on my gams.
Make Do Style
December 22nd, 2009 @ 12:21 pm

Leggings and a tunic dress seem to be my at ease default. But then unless I’m cleaning, painting or gardening I don’t really ever dress down!
Diana
December 22nd, 2009 @ 12:26 pm

Love this outfit! I think my sweatsuit alternative is leggings and a dress.
Andrea
December 22nd, 2009 @ 12:29 pm

I’m wearing my sweatsuit alternative right now! :) It’s a pair of slouchy harem pants with a comfy (but still nice) top, and a long cardigan.

I just wanted to stop by and say merry Christmas to all you ladies – I hope you have a wonderful day. :)

A xx
What Would a Nerd Wear
December 22nd, 2009 @ 12:49 pm

oh this looks so cozy! my sweatsuit alternative is definitely jersey dress and tights–they look good, can’t get rumpled and are cozy enough to nap in.
good luck on your travels!
jesse.anne.o
December 22nd, 2009 @ 1:50 pm

I love this look. And yes, Tim Gunn’s “sweatsuit alternative” has always made me laugh. I always laughed and thought, “Isn’t that just jeans and Vans?”
Sharon
December 22nd, 2009 @ 5:13 pm

I love the way you handle shapes and color combinations. It’s very inspiring to see neutrals not looking boring.
Courtney
December 22nd, 2009 @ 7:36 pm

Love the outfit! You look comfortable and chic. I’m wearing my sweatsuit alternative right now. Grape purple corduroy pants, a grey graphic tee, and a soft navy boyfriend cardigan. So comfortable, but I look decent enough for travel, which was my inspiration today.
Miranda
December 22nd, 2009 @ 8:49 pm

I miss “Guide to Style”! Its vice was taking on too much at once (style/relationship guru/personal counselor). But the guidelines were delicious.

My sweatsuit alternative would have to be: gray skinny cords, leopard print wedges, and a robin’s egg blue ballet-wrap sweater.

I love the punch of green with dark hair. As a fellow dark-haired fair girl — such a fan!!
kansas
December 24th, 2009 @ 11:03 am

as most ladies here my sweatsuit alternative generally seems to be jersey head to toe. leggings and a tunic of some kind maybe with a shirt, not a tee, thrown over the tunic for some layering. add some knee socks for a bit more layered and textural goodness and i’m set. throw on a couple of necklaces and it perfect comfort without looking like total crap.
Chelsea
January 7th, 2010 @ 9:35 am

I love the shape the ensemble creates on you… that sweater is glorious, and you rock the black skinnies so well!

And the teal scarf is the perfect accessory… love that pop of color!