24 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Gray cardigan: Ann Taylor, gift from MIL
• White nursing cami: Target
• Belt: Gap Outlet
• Cream wool pencil skirt: Isaac Hazan, vintage, thrifted
• Brown tights: Old Navy
• Wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

I love it when an outfit works as well in actuality as it does in my imagination. This is one of those outfits.

When I first started stalking style blogs, I remember being startled and intrigued by the inimitable Jessica Schroeder’s embrace of white as a staple color in her winter wardrobe. And I don’t mean a white sweater or a white hat and scarf. No, I’m talking full on white or cream dresses, worn with rich burgundy or contrasting with crisp black. I thought it was beautiful and stunning and I wanted to try it myself. It took another year, further inspirational bursts from Alison the Valiant — who is another winter white genius — and a successful thrifting trip with A. where I snagged this cream wool pencil skirt to satisfy this style itch.

I wanted to create a classic hourglass shape, so I used this slouchy, dolman-sleeve sweater to exaggerate my shoulders and a wide belt to cinch in at the waist, and I let the high waist of the pencil skirt do the rest. Brown tights and brown wedges create the illusion of a long, seamless leg line. I love these old-school proportions, and I also love how I let my clothes do so much of the work for me.

24 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

And with baby e. in his thrifted corduroys and little tie onesie, we made a classic pair.

How do you wear white in the winter?

24 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.