Commuter Style

I had to commute into Boston last week for training. I used to work downtown so I am use to taking the commuter rail into Boston from the suburbs. But I have to admit that it’s been several years, and over time I have forgotten what it’s like to be a commuter. Being on the train last week brought back a bunch of memories... both things that I missed (time to read) and things that I did not miss (standing the whole ride to work when no seats are available!). 

Commuters taking public transit have a different set of elements to keep in mind when getting dressed for work. As a commuter, I missed my high heel pumps and flowing skirts. They just weren’t practical. I had to be more efficient and smart about my wardrobe choices.

These days I drive to work. I can throw all kinds of stuff in my car to have at my disposal. I keep an umbrella in my car so I don’t have to worry about remembering one. I even bring two jackets with me sometimes because it’s a lot colder the morning and heats up in the afternoon! This is clearly not efficient!

So here are a few tips for the commuter ladies on how to best dress for both comfort and style A public transit commute to work is not an excuse for poor wardrobe choices! You can be both cute and practical. I promise!

Shoes: Clearly my 4 inch pumps are not going to cut it for a commute that requires walking, trains, shuttles ect. There are plenty of cute flat options out there but don’t discount the wedge heel. The wedge can give you the added height you might be looking for, elongate your leg and make your calves look fabulous… all while being comfortable for your feet. Whether it’s a sandal or a bootie, the wedge heel can be just the right option for your commute!

Banana Republic Angela Pointed Toe Flat

Sole Society Laurie Wedge

Skirts: There is nothing worse than having your adorable full skirt rise up over your head when a big gust of wind comes your way! Commuters know that gust of wind can come at any moment. It’s best to expect and be prepared for it. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to a pants only wardrobe. Bring on the skirts but keep them close-fitting. Styles that fit closer to your body including A-line and Pencil will work best for your commute. Stay away from full skirts, pleats or a gathered waist as these styles can be easily swept away.

Banana Republic Gerber Daisy Pencil Skirt

J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Bi-Stretch Cotton

White: It’s really hard to stay clean on the way to work when taking public transit. You come in contact with so many things (smoke, dirt, unknown substances) that could potentially leave a mark, that it’s really hard to justify wearing white. This is particularly hard for me as I love white in the summer… white jeans, white shirts, white blazer, white dress, you name it, I love it. But I hate the idea of having a smudge on my beautiful white. So for purposes of the commute, I advise against. Any white that you can protect with a jacket is a go but the rest is better saved for the weekend.

Jacket/Layers: New England weather can be downright crazy. It can be overcast, rainy and cold on the way to work and bright, sunny and hot on the way home. How are you supposed to dress for this?!  The answer lies in jackets and layers. Before I started commuting into Boston I invested in a new rain jacket. This wasn’t just any rain jacket. It is a little longer waterproof jacket (covering my butt) which has a detachable hood and a detachable inner quilted lining. I knew I need one versatile piece that could cover multiple weather scenarios. It also helps to dress in layers. Wear a blazer over a lighter blouse or shell. Wear a scarf that can add warmth when needed and easily be discarded when it gets too warm. Putting a little thought into your wardrobe can make it a lot easier for you to be prepared for all the changes New England weather has to offer!

Banana Republic Raw Edge Tweed Moto Jacket

Eddie Bauer Women's Girl On the Go Insulated Trench Coat

Bags: Having the right commuter bag is an absolute must! You want something that’s large enough to hold all your stuff (phone, wallet, shoes, lunch, ect) but also comfortable to carry and can easily fit on your lap. Tote bags are my personal favorite. If you can find one with a zip closure, that’s the best option to easily getting what you need while keeping things from falling out. Look for one with interior pockets or compartments to keep things organized. Try to find a bag that will make a great all in one. Also, try to take only the things you need for that day. The last thing you want to have to do is carry an extra heavy bag or for that matter, multiple bags!

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Medium Harmony

Spring is coming! Do you have your boots ready?

Spring in New England is always rainy. And every year, I struggle with the right boots and jacket for the weather. I've lived here my whole life and you would think that by now, I would have it down. Well, I don't. I have a handle on winter. I have perfected my winter gear over the years. But spring has always been a struggle for me. Several years ago I did buy a pair of hunter boots that have come in handy when the rain is overwhelming. But it's that drizzle rain and damp air that seems to catch me off guard every year.

This year I purchased the Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Snow Boot. I love them! They are a short waterproof boot that is easy to slide on and off and very comfortable. These boots are great for commuting in wet weather. They are a lot less bulky than my tall hunter boots and easy to wear with my dress pants when commuting to work. (Yes, I'm one of those girls who changes her shoes when she gets to work. I'm not going to ruin my good shoes in bad weather!)

Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Snow Boot

Hunter Women's Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots

A couple of years ago I purchased an insulated rain coat from Eddie Bauer. It's turned out to be a great investment! The detachable interior lining is great for colder temps and can be removed when spring starts to get warmer. The hood is also detachable which is a feather I always look for in functional coats/jackets. It's machine washable with a comfortable and flattering fit.

Eddie Bauer Women's Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Coat

So now's the time to start looking into that new Spring gear! I'm so ready for those warmer temps!

Fall Outerwear Options

This New England weather has been all over the place! We've gone from 80 degrees down to 50 and back up to 70... What???!! To say that this poses a wardrobe challenge is an understatement! What's a girl to do!

I notice that no one seems to know how to dress. I see some people still wearing sandals while others are in boots. I see scarves and jackets on some, while others dress with no outerwear in sight. We seems to have a handle on Summer and Winter, it's the in between that we are not sure how to handle. To make matters worse, the mornings can start of below 50 degrees and warm up to 70 by noon.  If you are not sure how to dress for these questionable fall days... keep reading!

I think that the answer lies in outwear and shoes. I struggle with what shoes to wear and what jacket to take with me. In this post I'm going to focus on your options when it comes to outwear for the Fall.

Vests: The J. Crew Excursion Quilted Down Vest is a popular favorite. This item offers a nice layer of additional warmth when there is that slight Fall chill in the air. It also works well indoors if your office space is just a little too cold for that lightweight t-shirt or sweater that you're wearing.

Quilted Jacket: This jacket has become popular over the last couple of year and provides additional warmth without being super bulky or heavy. It tends to be lightweight and comfy. The quilted jacket is great for colder temps before we really get into winter. This is a more casual jacket meant to be worn with pants or jeans.One great example is the J. Crew Factory Quilted Jacket. Another well known designer example is the Burberry Quilted Coat.

Trench: This coat can come a variety of degrees of warmth. For example, a simple trench coat might come in a cotton fabric that is great for a warmer Fall day. However, there are other options that come with a warmer interior lining that provide better protection against the elements. The trench can provide shelter from wet climates as well. This classic style is available in a variety of colors and fabrics at almost any retailer. The classic version can be seen here as the Factory Trench Coat. The brand that may have made the trench coat famous, London Fog, is still at it with the Heritage Trench Coat.

Peacoat: This popular wool coat comes in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to satisfy your Fall into Winter needs. The classic short Peacoat can be found in a variety of retail stores in almost any color imaginable. The Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Peacoat is a perfect example of this stylish option. This coat is usually paired best with pants. It is versatile enough to be dressed up or down for a number of occasions.

Cape: The Cape is making a big comeback this Fall. I've seen it in several fashion magazines and showcased in stores. It usually comes in Wool or a Wool blend. This option is great in good weather conditions. It's very stylish and tends to make a statement. It can be a very warm option for your midsection. One of my favorites is the Ann Taylor City Cape.

Moto Jacket: For those who might be unfamiliar with this style, the moto jacket is a short/cropped leather jacket. These jackets are on trend at the moment and more stylish than functional. They do provide some warmth but obviously only useful in good weather conditions. Banana Republic is currently selling a Fringe Leather Moto Jacket that is right on trend. Fringe is big this Fall and if you want to combine these two hot looks into one, this is your chance!