My creative well is officially dry.  The cupboards are bare.  So let’s head to the reader mailbag, and answer a few questions.

Hi Abra!

I feel like I am in a slump with work attire lately. I’m bored with my wardrobe and don’t feel stylish. Do you have any suggestions to update my wardrobe with pieces to make it feel fresh again? My office is business casual but leaning more towards casual.

Thanks! – D

This is a tough question, but one that I can certainly relate to.  Whether it’s the pandemic or postpartum or just a fashion rut, having a closet full of nothing to wear is the worst.  Without knowing what’s in your closet, let me make a few suggestions of things you can add to any wardrobe to freshen it up.

Color // Picking up a few pieces in of-the-moment hues can extend the life of existing pieces and give you something you’re excited to wear.  This sheer utility shirt from BR comes in a sumptuous wine color.  This gauze J.Crew top (plus) in dusty shale also deserves a look.  You could also try sweaters in goldenrod or acorn (plus).

Texture // If you’re looking for a versatile choice for day and night, what about a black lace blouse (plus) in a conservative cut?  Or how about an easy sweater in an eyelash texture?  And since it’s wintertime, perhaps something in velvet?

Statement Pieces // Pump up the volume on your wardrobe by adding a few statement pieces.  Perhaps a pair of cobalt pants.  A cool, vegan leather jacket.  A chic loafer with bold, embroidered embellishments.

Change It Up // Another option, and one that is a little more drastic is to change up your hairstyle or hair color.  Start by looking back at photos of celeb haircuts you thought were great, and see if maybe it’s time for a change.  Whether you want to try bangs, get extensions, or finally go red, sometimes a different hairstyle is what’s needed.

Abra:

Can you help me find a pair of dangly pearl earrings?  I lost mine on vacation and I need them for the holidays.  I’d prefer to spend less than $150. 

Thank you for the help. MS

Pearl earrings are an awesome choice for holiday wear.  When I can’t think of anything else, I grab a sleek ivory sweater and pearls.

How about this pair from MM LaFleur?  They mix the traditional and modern beautifully.  This pair from of pearls from Nura Keshi dangle from simple hoops.  I also love this pair from Astrid and Miyu.  Need a pair for less than $50?  These Layne pearl earrings from Verishop are the ticket.

Hi Belle,

I moved to DC from this past summer and am unsure what kind of winter coat I need. I’ve been told the average temp is about 40 degrees, which is barely winter to me (native Clevelander) and speaks to a cute but not that warm fashion coat. However, based on how miserably humid it was this summer, I’m assuming the winter weather is pretty wet, and that’s where I’m lost.  Where I’m from if it’s the weather is wet it’s also cold enough to wear a puffer/ski jacket/etc. Can you provide some guidance? Thank you!

Anna

Coming from Montana, I know cold.  So I can understand how someone from a place with lake-effect snow might not take the weather of the Mid-Atlantic seriously.  But D.C. is a weird kind of cold.  It can be damp and humid and it just gets into your bones.

When I lived there, I wore a waterproof trench coat in the late fall and a wool coat in the dead of winter (sadly, J.Crew no longer makes the Thinsulate lined version).  You might also keep a long puffer or ski coat for the occasional freak snowstorm.  I also wouldn’t discount the power of wool socks and fleece-lined tights.

The key in D.C. is to layer.  It might be 20-degrees when you leave for work and 55-degrees when you head home.  Pack a scarf and gloves, and which ever coat you choose, it can usually handle it.  Just unzip when it’s a little warmer, and bundle up when it’s not.

Hi Abra,

I’m attending a wedding in late November in the mountains of NC and need some guidance on what to wear. The venue (from what I can gather) is an indoor/outdoor space + the temps could be anywhere from 65-40 degrees. The invitation calls for a range of attire as well: “Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.”

I was thinking something midi-length with sleeves…but I’m stuck and it seems there are so many options out there, especially this early. Thanks, Elizabeth

Many of the midi-length, sleeved cocktail dresses out there right now have cutouts.  If that’s your taste, I like this mock neck dress from Zhivago.  If it’s not, this might be more difficult than you thought.

This cobalt dress from Sachin & Babi is worth a look.  I like that the black metallic on this Ramy Brook dress isn’t overpowering.  For something more affordable, this moody off-the-shoulder dress in velvet is great.

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