How We Style Cozy Knits | January Stylish Monday Link Up
With the holidays in the rear view mirror, we have retired our Festive Outfits with a few more months of winter straight ahead that will require us to keep warm and stylish. And nothing keeps me quite as warm as cozy knits. I find knit fabrics much more comfortable than woven ones so I generally exist in head to toe knitwear of some sort…unless I wear jeans. But I only wear those when I leave the house, which is not often these days. I have actually turned into that mom that I swore I never would…I drive my kids to school in my pajamas.
There I said it. And I am ashamed of myself.
But I have a trick up my cozy knit sleeve. Actually the trick is the sleeve itself and the whole rest of my favorite oversized Leopard Cardigan. I just throw this beauty on top of whatever mess I am wearing and all you can see is the fabulous that is this sweater. Add a pair of oversized sunnies and a warm beanie on my head and nobody can tell through the car window that I am any less stylish than when I am actually dressed in clothes. This sweater is magic like that.
And to think I almost didn’t buy it. I almost didn’t even try it on. But at the enthusiastic urging of the Torrid store manager, I did try it on, I loved it, I bought it, and it has become one of the most worn items in my wardrobe over the past year.
It is not just any ordinary knit cardigan either. Like I said, it’s magic. It acts as a coat in the fall (when I took these photos), it acts as a robe when I am in my pajamas, and it acts as a blanket when I am just lounging around. It also transforms my mess into something much more glamorous. It is very heavy and two sizes too big and kind of feels like a giant mamma leopard is wrapping me up in her own warm coat when I slide it over my shoulders.
And just as any leopard would believe, this print goes with everything. I have worn it with stripes, plaid, camouflage, polka dots, and tie dye, just to name a few. And here I am wearing it over my skull print leggings.
This entire outfit is about the coziest of knits for a long cold winter ahead. So let me talk about these leggings. They are one of my favorite pairs for yoga and other exercise but they are also cute enough to wear out for running errands. The gold sugar skull print makes me smile (I am much more motivated when I’m smiling) and they have a slight compression fit that is great for working out. But my favorite thing about them is the pockets and there is a matching sports bra.
I layered this lightweight knit tunic over the leggings and sports bra. This is also one of my favorite basic layering pieces for this time of year. It is light enough to wear as a first layer but oversized enough to wear as a last layer and perfect all by itself with no layers at all.
I love the handkerchief hem and tunic length and the roll neck keeps the chill out. But I am the first to admit that sports bras are not the best bras underneath certain articles of clothing. They are definitely not the best bras for this top, but I wanted the chance to show off this set together so I wore it anyway.
Big chunky knit socks are a must for my cold toes as I tucked them warmly into my new Doc Martens that are too heavy for walking. I added a tan newsboy cap with a band of gold and gold jewelry to complement the gold skull print. I really liked the way the black and tan leopard print worked with the black and gold skull print, too. It’s unexpected. And unexpected is fun.
And now I’m going to take my shirt off. Again. Well, I told you I wanted to share this leggings and sports bra set so here it is.
Although we shot these photos in the fall before the snow moved in, it was still bitter cold outside. If I recall correctly, it was near freezing as I stripped off all my cozy knit layers in the middle of the park and yelled at Jeff to take the pictures quickly before my body went into complete shock. I suppose I could have gone home and taken the sports bra photos indoors. Oh well, it’s done now and I survived it.
Anyway, you can see how functional this whole layered outfit can be. When I am ready for yoga, I just strip off a few layers, hit the mat in my living room, then layer back up when I am finished and return to the household business at hand. In comfort and style. The way I like it!
And that’s all I have for you today…all about cozy knits and how I style them.
Now let’s check out my stylish friends and see how they are wearing their cozy knits.
Stylish Monday is a monthly series published in collaboration with a group of 15 international fashion and lifestyle bloggers. It is another opportunity to be creative with our personal style as we join together each month with a style prompt or theme. We also host a link party where anyone is welcome to add their personal style posts. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the party.
Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits
“Living in a cold climate, I survive the winters in cozy knits like this thick cowl neck sweater and warm leggings.”
Amy
Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits
“Trend alert! Cable knits are having a moment, so I splurged on this neutral colored cable knit dress from Stitch Fix, and styled it with my tall suede boots. It’s a cozy look, and perfect for winter! Pop on over to the blog to see a few more knit pieces and for my style tips for knitwear for pear shapes.”
Andy
Emma of Style Splash
“I probably spend half the year in knitwear of some kind so I have acquired quite a collection over the years. This bright orange sweater with frill detailing is hard to beat though – I love the colour, plus it’s super soft and cosy. It’s great to pair with another bright hue or team with neutrals.”
Emma
Joy of Joyous Musings
“Cozy knit are so yummy in the colder temperatures, this sweater knit skirt is on sale under 23.00 dollars, I love it so much I have it in Ivory.”
Joy
Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends
“I’m loving all the knitwear sets that are totally on-trend for the winter! Think elevated sweatsuit – sweater material joggers and a cute matching sweater top! The sets are so comfy, cozy and easily split up to be styled with other pieces! Don’t you love having lots of styling options?! This is the perfect trend for winters in Illinois!”
Julie
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
“Loving how this cute crochet cardi ties together the whole jumpsuit look. Making it feel cozy and fun- for the perfect casual chic styling!”
Lucy
Michele of @seechele_styles
“Kicking knits up a notch in my knit sustainable cream boots with a thrifted cream knit ribbed turtleneck.”
Michele
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“Knit dresses! Can’t do without in winter, they are just so cozy and warm. This one is a bit older but I love to wear it, especially with sneakers. Can it get any more comfortable?”
Nancy
Nicole of High Latitude Style
“I have loved knit jumpers all my life. My late mom knitted many of them when I was a kid. I remember a bottle green one with white shoulder section and orange embellishments, a citrus A-line, and a matching skirt and cardigan ensemble in red with green and black stripes. She used acrylic yarn and created super soft, cozy pieces. Her girlfriend, however, knitted wool sweaters. They were so itchy.”
Nicole
Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell
“I finally bought a Shacket, and better yet, she’s a sweater! Truly, one of the most versatile pieces I’ve bought all season, I’ve found this multi-functioning knit piece can be worn as a jacket, sweater, tunic or layering piece – how fab is that? And since today’s post is all about knits, I thought I’d show you a few ways I’ve styled this neutral-colored plaid wonder this past week.”
Suzanne
And me!
“This leopard coatigan is one of my favorite knit pieces that I own. I wear it literally all fall and winter long with all sorts of different outfits.”
Shelbee
Featured Favorites from Last Month’s Festive Outfits
Alexandra of On Rockwood Lane
Jacqui of Mummabstylish
Are you styling cozy knits this season?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Coatigan, Leggings, Bralette, and Tunic-Torrid / Boots-Doc Martens / Socks, Hat, Necklace, and Earrings-Old, Gloves-Amazon
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
46 Comments
Gail
I love cozy knits – one of the highlights of winter. The leopard cardigan is a real stunner!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I love cozy knits, too! Especially when our temperatures are hitting -30 degrees with the wind chill!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Oh wow, I already freeze when I see you standing in the cold like that, but hey , okay, it’s a fabulous workout set! And that cardi is fantastic, I am a sucker for all things leopard!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I was going to head out today to take my Thrifty Six photos for next week but it is way too cold! I have to wait until Wednesday when it warms up a bit. We have a wind chill warning until tomorrow afternoon where it will feel like -30 degrees F (-34 C). Way tooooo cold for me!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I really love the print of your duster!! And the print on your workout set!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Have a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
And to think you very nearly didn’t buy this, Shelbee! It’s utter perfection on you! I love it! I also love how you styled it here, with the gorgeous yoga gear! Genius! I did giggle when you admitted to everyone that you drive your kids to school in your PJs. I think it’s brilliant. Why not stay comfy? It’s not like you’ve got to get out of the car?!!!
Hope all is fabulous with you, and that you’re staying warm now it’s much colder!!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I would have missed out on so much fabulous coziness if I had left this sweater behind, Suzy! I am so glad that the store manager talked me into trying it on! I am definitely much more relaxed in my attire when I drive them to school. But when the weather is nice, I always walk them so I make sure I am dressed on those days! It might just be yoga gear, but at least it’s clothes! It is so cold here right now and we have wind chill warnings tomorrow for -30 degrees. Eeek. I don’t know if I can handle it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy
Your cardigan is stunning. Definitely a statement piece. And I love how you styled it. The hat is the finishing touch!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! It really is such a fun and fabulous cardigan! I feel a little bit Hollywood when I wear it!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Shelbee, love you in all black too! The hat is adorable on you as well. I have a similiar leopard cardi you look great!
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I do love to wear all black. It is a frequent go-to for me. But a splash of something bold is always great to perk up any outfit. Have a great week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You do it perfect. Love the skulls there. Very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! Have a fantastic day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
You rock that animal print!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Tamar, thanks so much! You are so sweet!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
I can see why you love this cardigan so much! It’s such a practical piece that works indoors and outdoors to keep you cozy! While I haven’t yet worn PJ’s to take my daughter to school, it’s definitely crossed my mind more these days! Maybe if I had such a fun long cardigan I’d be doing the same thing too!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! It really is a practical piece. I had no idea how much wear I would get out of it though. And I think I paid around $20 for it on clearance (marked down from around $100). Honestly, it is worth the $100 that I didn’t need to spend on it! Haha. As for the jammies, I never would have done such a thing until this pandemic forced me into not caring too much about that stuff anymore! LOL
xoxo
Shelbee
joymaxbolick
Love this leopard cardigan!! It looks amazing on you
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie Augustyn
Shelbee,
I love your duster length cardigan! It’s the perfect fall and winter piece with so many styling options! I love how you’ve layered up your look! When you live in cold climates, layering is essential! Another fun monthly collaboration!
Julie xo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Julie, thanks so much! This long cardigan has proven to be so versatile and such a staple in my wardrobe. I have become like the queen of layering since we moved to this arctic place 8 years ago! It’s so cold here today that my kids’ school is delayed because of frostbite concerns! We are at -24 right now. Brrrr. I need alllll the layers! Stay warm and fabulous, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
I have a duster like this and I’ve worn it over my workout wear when we had to hit the grocery store afterwards (something I said I’d never do, haha). So at least we have an outwear that looks amazing.
So glad you bought this Shelbee…it’s fabulous,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jodie! I am laughing at things that we have said we would never do! Do you know that when I was in my 30’s I said I would never wear a two piece swim suit again because I thought I was too old?! Hahaha. Now I am almost 50 and finally have the confidence to rock the heck out of two piece swim wear!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Cozy knits are my jam! I never feel as fabulous as I do when wearing a long cardigan like yours, Shelbee. The bold print and striking color combo make for a stunning look on you.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Rena, thanks so much! I really do feel fabulous in this cardigan! It makes me feel sort of like some old Hollywood crone hiding in my house and only coming out when I have to. Bu when I do come out, I come out visible! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Oh, Shelbee! What a shame it would have been if you’d left that cardigan behind! It’s absolutely perfect! And, it works so well with the sugar skull leggings…what a fun look! As for wearing your pjs to take your kids to school, I wear my pjs and robe to pick up groceries at the store!! I don’t usually have to get out of the car as Nigel is almost always with me. But, I don’t hesitate to do it! My neighbors are probably shaking their heads every morning when I take the dog out to do his business! All year long, I wear my pjs…I’m usually an imitation of the Marshmallow Man in the winter because I’ve still got my big ol’ robe on under my puffer coat. Warmth is more important to me than style when I’m pooping the dog!
I want to get into yoga…any recommendations?
https://marshainthemiddle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! You sound so similar to me! If I don’t have to go into the store (because Jeff usually does all that for me, too), I have no problem throwing a coat over my jammies and hopping in the car for the ride! I always wonder what my neighbors think about me, the fashion blogger, when I am running around the neighborhood wearing everything I own at once! Hahaha. That was a joke with one of neighbors before they moved away…when I get cold I pile on so many layers that are all mismatched because I just grab them as I go so it really does look like I am wearing everything I own. Whatever. I need to be warm first. My outfits won’t look so cute if I am frozen to death!
As for yoga, I absolutely love Yoga with Kassandra. I have tried a bunch of other yoga instructors on YouTube (I prefer to do my yoga at home where no one can see me!) but there is something about her demeanor and the way she explains things that really works for me. She’s great for beginners. I didn’t know a thing about yoga when I started and she really does explain it in a simple and easy way to understand. She also has practices for all different levels as you work your way up. I stayed in her beginner levels for about a year and now I only do some intermediate ones mixed with beginner ones. Check her out and let me know what you think!
xoxo
Shelbee
suzanne
OHHHKAY! you know that I am sooo obsessed with this long cardigan, it is just plain stunning! And your leggings and bralette are so much fun! I own many long cardigans, which came in handy when I needed to drive my kiddos to school – in my pajamas! I cant count how many time this happened, but thanks to statement cardigans and uggs, no one knew the difference – oh and sunnies and red lipstick, lol! Anyway, you look fab my friends (as always)!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aww, thanks so much, Suzanne! I had a feeling you might like this sweater…it really does scream Suzanne! Oh my gosh, I feel so much better learning that you drove your kids to school in your pajamas, too, with the help of statement cardigans and sunnies! Hahaha. That’s so great. Sometimes I just throw my giant fur coat on over my jammies and I feel super glamorous on top while I’m a hot mess underneath. The magic of clothing is very real! This was a fun and cozy prompt for January…my kids have a school delay today because it is currently -23 degrees outside. They can’t go into until it gets a little warmer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
OMG! That cardigan is amazing! I love the entire outfit, but I can get over how cozy the cardigan looks. What a great find.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! And if I recall correctly, I think I only paid around $20 for it on clearance. It retailed for around $100 (I think) and honestly, it is worth every bit of that so I really scored!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I love your long cardigan! If I had one like that I’d be doing the morning school run with it over my PJs too!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Emma! It is so perfect for the morning school run!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
I like the way you think! I’d be doing the same thing with such a nice, long and cozy cardigan.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Right?! It’s such a great piece to mask the mess underneath! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Helen Fern
I love that huge smile (and your leggings!) – What an inspirational post! Thank you so much for sharing at My Big Fat Menopausal Life’s Share the Wealth party. Your support is greatly appreciated! Hope your week is fantastic!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Helen, thanks so much! I really appreciate that. Have a fabulous day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jamie
OHHH SO COOL! And I am not talking the temperature that day. I just love skull prints and you have the matching top that goes with those awsome leggings. i have a few pairs of skull leggings but I want the ones your wearing!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Jamie! I used to really dislike skull prints but they have grown on me over the years and now I love them for their edginess! These are the only pair I have with a skull print but maybe I will add more to my collection in the future. My exact leggings are still available in limited sizes but they are on clearance right now so it might be worth checking out. I hope you have a marvelous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jamie
Thanks Shelbee for the link to those awsome leggings. Thankfully they had one pair left in my size at a great sale price. My order is in and I can hardly wait. That’s so perfect because I buy most of my leggings, tights and shoes from Torrid. They have such a great selection of leggings and their pricing is affordable.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
You’re welcome, Jamie! I am so glad to hear that they had your size still available! Enjoy your new leggings!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tracy
That cardigan looks so cozy and loove a leopard print!
Tracy
https://www.findyourdazzle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tracy! It really is a fabulous sweater and so, so comfy and cozy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Great selection on cozy knits, Shelbee. Love yours so much 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! It has been a very cold winter so far. I need all the cozy I can get!
xoxo
Shelbee