11 March 2010

Posted on | March 11, 2010 | 10 Comments

11 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Striped top – Ralph Lauren, hand me down
Sweater – J.Crew
Brown tank – ON
Purple cord skirt – American Eagle
Black thermal tights – from Romania
Knee socks – Target
Boots – Dillards
Bag – thrifted

Endnotes:

While we all three are quite quick to ditch the tights and throw on knee socks with boots at the slightest rise in temperature, we don’t very often experiment with the socks over tights and with boots look. Which is a shame, since I’m finding this option to not only add warmth but also a fun pop of color to a simple black pair of tights. Last winter, I had many more colorful and patterned pairs of tights to play with but most of those got stuck somewhere in storage during my move and I was reluctant to invest in more than just a few basic pairs in neutrals for this season. But I’ve found that even a simple black pair can be considerably spruced up with the addition of a pop of color from a pair of knee socks. (And they can also be used for a wee bit of pattern mixing as is the case with the stripes and floral example below).

For this look, I layered a pair of mustard colored socks to play off the deep purple of the skirt, creating a muted complimentary color pairing. While I rarely wear purple and yellow in their crayon box variety together, I’ve learned from E, that slightly muted or saturated versions of the complimetaries can create beautiful combinations together.

Layers, originally uploaded by academichic.

Layers II, originally uploaded by academichic.

I also like how the mustard yellow echoes the color of the oversized wood buttons of the sweater, bringing the top and bottom of this outfit together through this shared color match. And all aesthetic reasons aside, adding knee socks over tights is really just so practical when you’re trudging through snow in cold temperatures and need to keep those feet warm and toasty. S.

11 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Color Combinations, Layers Upon Layers, Office Hours, Reaching New Heights, Skirting the Issue, Teaching Outfits

Comments

10 Responses to “11 March 2010”

Kathryn
March 11th, 2010 @ 3:36 am

I love that you added mustard tights here. That color is so wonderful. I’ve been working it like a mad woman all winter.
The Closet of Kim
March 11th, 2010 @ 3:52 am

I really like doing the socks with tights. I’m not a fan of my knees now that they are in their mid-30′s so it’s actually the only way I will do the trend. It’s so comfy and warm and stylish! Perfect combo in my book. I love all the ways you’ve done it with the colors and patterns.
Sally
March 11th, 2010 @ 5:59 am

So many great ways to layer! The warm tones in the socks and buttons really do tie it all together.
healthy&homemade
March 11th, 2010 @ 7:03 am

So many beautiful layers! You look so warm and cozy.
Ella
March 11th, 2010 @ 7:40 am

I’m so pleased to see a feature on knee-high socks! I’ve been wearing them here in England so that I can still wear my pretty skirts during the winter without my legs turning a frightening shade of blue. My favourite socks are those with little bows at the top. They poke out just above the top of my boots and bring a touch of feminine detail to my rather heavy, practical leather boots.
sabrina
March 11th, 2010 @ 8:36 am

That amazing bag again! I adore that bag, especially with the rest of your adorable outfit. The striped shirt and the white sweater are really lovely together.
I’m a big fan of knee socks and tights. Knee socks are my easy way out of dealing with colors sometimes, as they often come in great colors and add a nice pop to a more neutral outfit.
Faux Naïf
March 11th, 2010 @ 7:04 pm

that bag is amazing! i absolutely adore this look. my favourite yet!
futurelint
March 12th, 2010 @ 8:02 am

I love the mustard socks, especially with the caramel color of the boots! That bag is adorable, I totally want it!
Anette
March 12th, 2010 @ 9:00 am

I love the socks over thights in boots. It is an esay way to get colours into the clothes during the winter time and it is also warm.
Clare
March 13th, 2010 @ 5:28 pm

I love the yellow socks!! The color combo is so perfect!