Do you know about the “third piece” fashion construct? The concept is that your outfit is not complete without a “third piece” to pull your top and bottom pieces together. Many people feel silly or uncomfortable wearing a traditional blazer while working or lounging at home these days, so we are here to offer you some alternative options, from cozy to dramatically stylish.
P.S. As a reminder, prices and availability are changing quickly these days! If you like something, don’t wait to buy it. And always check sites directly for up-to-date pricing.
Soft Jackets
A Soft Jacket is truly the perfect outfit topper for your work Zoom calls right now. It is still a bit chilly inside but you need to look professional and feel put together. A sweater or sweatshirt isn’t going to make you feel as “boss” as we’d like, but a formal blazer doesn’t keep you warm enough or look right. The Soft Jacket is the answer to this wardrobe conundrum. Most of the jackets below are styles we have tried on and sold to our styling clients so we know they work well. My favorite of the jackets below is the BlankNYC Faux Suede Drapey Jacket, a cozy, stylish steal at $35.20!
Caslon Drape Collar Knit Blazer, $69
Eileen Fisher Shawl Collar Cotton Blend Jacket, $328 $131.20
Lucky Brand Utility Jacket, $99
Uniqlo Linen Cotton Shirt Jacket, $39.90
Free People Weekend Dolman Blazer, $98
Rails Trey Jacket in Oversized Stars, $198
BlankNYC Faux Suede Drapey Jacket, $88 $35.20
Sweaters
Sometimes, whether for style or warmth, you just need a sweater. I don’t know how I would have gotten through the first month of the quarantine without my (now sold out) Uniqlo sweater coat. I’m still wearing it. From a cashmere kimono to a camo knit, there is a sweater for every style type. I’ll put away my big sweater coat for the summer of course but plan to keep my basic long black cashmere cardigan out all season.
Garnet Hill Oversized Cashmere Kimono, $299
Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Lite Coastal Cardigan, $126
Roman Floral Knit Cardigan, $115
Everlane Oversized Alpaca Cardigan, $128
Sanctuary Lenox Open Front Cardigan, $109 $44.98
Vince Wool and Cashmere Cardigan, $395 $158
ATM Cashmere Open Cardigan, $395 $197.50
Caftans and Wraps
The caftan is the ideal third piece for summer. It makes a fashion statement and gives just the right amount of coverage. I can’t wait to pull my favorite caftan from Roman out of the closet once it warms up a bit. Caftans can be made of a warmer material like cashmere or wool, and therefore transcend seasons, or a more sheer fabric appropriate only for summer, as is usually the case for a beautifully patterned caftan.
Free People Spellbound Tie-Dye Kimono, $68
Treasure & Bond Slub Stripe Wrap, $49 $19.60
Kate Spade New York Pacific Petals Ruana, $98
Cuyana Baby Alpaca Square Edge Cape, $215
Rag and Bone Ombre Poncho, $275
Madewell Placed Rainbow Plaid Cape Scarf, $59.50
Gucci Double-G Stripe Metallic Jacquard Poncho, $2250
Treasure and Bond Kite Sleeve Wrap, $39 $23.40
Indiblossom by Anu Wrap, $65 $52
Anu is hoping to launch her e-commerce store soon! In the meantime, if you’re interested reach out to us or Anu herself by emailing her at anu.mehra.512@gmail.com. She has a huge variety of prints, each more stunning than the last!
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander and Kyle Dunphy are based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and serve clients across the country. We offer personal styling services, an on-demand e-course, corporate services, and training to become a personal stylist.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!
