The 90's Are Back: How I Styled Cigarette Jeans With A Statement Jacket

One thing I know we can all agree on is that a black turtleneck is a must-have for the cold seasons. And I'm not saying this because I stan Steve Jobs and how black turtlenecks were his signature, but because a black turtleneck is a super versatile piece that is easy to wear both for work and after-hours. Yes, you can rock a turtleneck silhouette in all kinds of colors, but in black, you're sure to exude a polished allure and some gravitas. A black turtleneck also makes the perfect layering piece for anything from a blazer to a button-down shirt, or even a vest. It adds dimension to a look while elongating the neckline, which is the way to go when you want to elevate your Fall and Winter outfits. Now, turtlenecks also come in short-sleeve versions and I love those in early Fall, when the cooler temperatures are still comfortable enough for bare arms. And a sleeveless turtleneck is as versatile – if not more – as its long-sleeve counterparts. I especially love it with cap sleeves and a chunkier knit to bring some coziness to Autumn looks. Here are some ways that I have styled my black sleeveless turtleneck sweater:

Sleeveless Turtleneck with Wide-Leg Pants

For a polished yet comfortable office look, I paired brown linen wide-leg pants with a black cap-sleeve turtleneck sweater. I added a black cord belt for some definition and went with leopard pumps for some edge. 

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Sleeveless Turtleneck with Barrel Jeans

Okay, you know by now that I'm into my barrel jeans! So of course, they were going to be part of this edit! I went for an elevated casual outfit with exxagerated barrel jeans and my sleeveless turtleneck sweater. I topped it off with a black and white houndstooth jacket and wore black and white pumps for a striking coordinated effect. I wore this outfit to a coffee date, but it would also work for weekend errands or checking out the Paris Couture exhibition at the Minnesota Arts Institute in you're in the Twin Cities.

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Sleeveless Turtleneck with A Fitted Midi Skirt

Black on black will always, always be a never-fail move! For an extra sharp outfit you can rock to work or more formal feats, try pairing a cap-sleeve turtleneck with a fitted midi skirt. For more pizzazz, I accessorized with an extra wide leather belt and wore black and white heels. 

Just showing off my coffee and croissant treat!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, let me say it again: I love the Fall season. I just love it! It opens so much fashion possibility, whether it be playing with textures, getting creative with layering, or having fun with deep, earthy color-blocking. Fall signature colors are rich and when mixed and matched right, can create such a striking allure that not only blends in with the changing landscape, but also makes a bold statement outfit-wise. A color pairing that I've repeated over the years and can't get enough of is red and dark brown chocolate. Friends, I have a serious dark brown chocolate problem! I can't resist adding that hue to my wardrobe, whether it be shoes, scarves, bags, pants, coats, dresses, and the list goes on. It's a beautiful, timeless shade, and for us dark girls, it's the perfect nude tone. Pair it with red, and you have a stunning combo that works for the office or for all your off-duty adventures. Here are some outfits that will inspire you to play with this color pairing this Fall:

Brown Pants and Blazer With A Red Bag

Tonal styling will always be a winner! For this outfit, I paired dark brown faux leather pants with a belted camel brown blazer for a tonal monochrome base. For a pop of color, I added a sculptural red leather handbag. This outfit makes the perfect Fall workwear ensemble and can work with different pops of color if you want to try others such as green or royal blue.

Red Mini Skirt with A Brown Sweater

Fall is also knitwear season and an easy trick to stay cozy during this time of the year is to go for a knit-on-knit outfit. Case in point: this red knit skirt and brown knit sweater. The mini skirt and longline sweater balance the outfit proportions beautifully and the brown tights and brown boots let the red skirt steal the color pop show. 

Brown Pleated Skirt With A Graphic Sweatshirt

A styling move that I love and that you should embrace too is juxtaposing classic workwear staples such as a midi pleated skirt with classic casual pieces such as a graphic sweatshirt. This combination creates alluring tension, adding an edge to your look. I went for a brown pleated skirt with a red graphic sweatshirt (the French swear word was the sell for me!) and elevated the look with a leopard silk scarf. Attending fashion week? Definitely try this outfit!

Brown Pants and a Sweater With a Red Crossbody Bag

What's Fall for if not for mixing textures? For a simple yet stand-out look, I went for faux leather pants in chocolate brown paired with a matching longline ribbed sweater (actually a mini dress but more of a top for us tall girls). For a pop of red, I wore red shoes and a red crossbody bag.

Brown Pencil Skirt With A Red Sweater

Another outfit, another opportunity to play with textures! For a simple office look, try pairing a faux suede column skirt with a cropped cotton sweater. To keep the focus on the sweater's texture and volume, go for chocolate brown accessories such as a braided wide leather belt, strappy sandals, and oversized hobo bag.

Shop this brown skirt and red sweater outfit

So there you have it: some Fall outfit inspo featuring brown and red. Which look will you try? And what are some of your favorite color pairings for Fall? Chime in in the comments!