Shopping Our Closets - Light Weight Joggers and a Button Down Shirt

This week I want to share with you two pieces I think are essential to a warmer weather wardrobe: light weight joggers and a button down shirt. These two are practical and versatile and able to be used for so many outfits. For today’s post I combined these pieces to make a comfortable ensemble easily worn to a summer graduation party, a casual night out, or a trip to the zoo with the kids or grandkids.

I was never a jogger sort of gal. Jeans have always been my go to, and occasionally dress pants for work when I had an office job. Joggers were for exercise, not daily wear. However, I came across a floral Sonoma pair at Kohl’s a couple of years ago and thought I would give them a try, since I loved the floral pattern. You can see those styled here. Now I have this purple pair, and a blue pair. In addition I have added a few pairs that I thrifted.

Those of us who have very bad varicose veins do not really like to show our legs off on a regular basis, but we also like to be cool in the hot weather, so a light weight, comfy pant like these joggers is the perfect compromise. They are completely versatile as well, so you can make them super casual, or add a silky top and heels for a more dressed up vibe.

Style Tip: Never say never when it comes to clothing. Trying new styles and pieces is exactly how you grow your wardrobe and how you really hone in on your exact style. Style, just like many things in life, is a trial and error type of thing. Try something and if you don’t like it, move on to the next thing.

I went for a purple with purple combo in this outfit, but I wouldn’t call it monochrome, because the purples are quite different. My tee seems to lean in the blue direction, although if you saw it by itself you would definitely say it is purple. I love graphic tees, and this thrifted Misslook piece is spot on my style. You can also see my purple hued bracelets that I added for jewelry interest.

Style Tip: If you like to wear tee shirts think outside the box as to how you style them. A nice, crisp white tee is just as much a work wear piece as a nice, crisp button down. Add a neck scarf or some layered necklaces, top it with a structured blazer and you’ll look ready to take on the world. On the other side, tees, especially graphic ones with words or designs, can be uniquely yours and tell a lot about your personality and what you value.

Once again, I am using a classic button down as a shacket. This thrifted yellow piece is White Stag. I have hung onto a few more structured, solid colored button downs as layering pieces that can be used all year round.

I chose this bright yellow bag as I thought it drew out the bright yellow in the center of the daisy on my shirt and compliments the pale yellow button down. This was a thrift find and is a brand called Bueno.

I got these pale yellow Universal Thread sneakers at Target on clearance a few seasons ago.

What do you think of this look? Do you wear button down’s as light weight layering pieces? Do you like to wear tee shirts? How do you like to style them? I always love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment or two.

As usual I ‘m including a few shopping links for you to peruse. Please feel free to use these links as inspiration for your own wardrobe. I only make money on these links if you use the link to purchase something. These are affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

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Outside the Box - Joggers as Pants

Since I started this column called Outside the Box, to force myself to try clothing pieces, trends and combinations I don't normally wear, I knew at some point I would have to try using a pair of joggings pants in an outfit. When I say that, I do not mean, an outfit that is meant for a walk at the park or going to your kid's soccer match. I wanted to create an outfit that would be a fun alternative for a date night to a nice restaurant or a show.

Jogging pants, to me, have only ever been meant to be worn as an active piece for jogging, walking, exercising or other activities of that nature like yoga or tai chi. Obviously that means that I do not own lots of jogging pants. I have a couple pairs from the bookstore where I work, and bought them to be worn when I exercise or feel the need to be extra comfy, usually only when I am sick. For me to wear a pair of joggers as part of an outfit is way outside my comfort box, but hear we go. 

Here is my outfit. I found these pinky purple velour joggers at Meijer on the clearance rack. This soft, pretty pair had a lovely sheen to them and I felt that made them perfect for a more dressy outfit. This was a size medium and I wish they would have had a large. They fit, albeit snuggly and I think next time, I will choose a tunic that covers my front to avoid the front crack. The joggers are a brand called Cupio.

My younger daughter had this gray lace Apt 9 top that she no longer wanted as it was a little big on her. I thought this would be a great topper for this look. Under the lace top I am wearing my blush Relativity tank top that has some bling on the front. The gray top also has a split back, which adds to the dressed up vibe of the outfit. 

I got this lovely colored bead necklace at JCPenney recently, on clearance of course, and I thought it would make a great statement piece for any number of outfits and will be a regular go to in the fall due to its berry, olive and teal colors. You can see a little bit of the bling on my tank top through the lace. 

Once again I grabbed my Comfort Plus gray heels. I also thought this Nicolle Miller bag pulled the whole look together. 

Here's the whole outfit again. 

What do you think? Does this outfit work? Would you wear joggers as pants? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. I know it it hard to take the time to comment, but I really do appreciate when you do. It helps to know what my followers are thinking, as well as your interactions with my blog, help it to grow. Thank you!

I hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful Memorial Day!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.