1 Base Outfit, 3 Ways (with flats!)

three ways to style jeans and a white mockneck sweater

I’m always a fan of a good foundation outfit that can be styled differently using layers and accessories. A cream sweater and a pair of straight jeans are high on my winter capsule list, and the possibilities are endless from flats to heels to sneakers. I wanted to share 3 simple outfit ideas here, all of which feature flat shoes since many of you’ve mentioned that you’re rarely wearing heels these days. You can see these looks in motion in my Instagram Reel video.

petite blazer jeans work outfit with flat shoes
Liverpool blazer xs petite, Sam Edelman flats sz 5 (older version), Halogen sweater xxs, Topshop jeans 25, Goyard tote (my review)

These Topshop jeans were my first foray into the straight jeans world years ago and remain a classic. The rise is a little lower than my A&F pairs and the legs a tad wider cut. I’m wearing the 25 x 30 length without any adjustments, but since they have a raw hem to begin with, they can easily be cut shorter at home to your desired length. Check out my post on how to cut jeans and prevent fraying.

1. With Flats – Loafer, Pointy, Ballet

A good neutral flat is certainly a wardrobe staple, and as a more comfortable alternative to pointy toe, I’d highly recommend these loafers or check out these ballet flats that are a very close Chanel look-for-less. And for a great pair of neutral heels, these Sam Edelman pumps are a solid closet staple.

sam edelman laguna boots review petite outfit
Sam Edelman boots sz 5, BP sunglasses, Halogen sweater xxs, Topshop jeans 25, Naghedi bag (my review), Edited Pieces coat
2. With Lug Sole Chelsea Boots

As a chunkier, no-laces alternative to my trusty SE combat boots, I picked up their Laguna Chelsea boot after seeing so many good reviews around IG. These have an on-trend silhouette with a squared off toe and lug sole, and tons of color options. I wanted a lighter neutral boot to pair with my winter whites and creams. For your initial few wears, I recommend wearing taller socks to avoid the boot shaft rubbing against your leg. A friend shared that she recently wore these for a European vacation for miles of walking in snowy weather!

3. With Converse sneakers

It took a few decades, but the local sneaker brand has finally piqued my interest and I have been loving both my off white and black pairs! They especially work well with straight leg jeans as a sneaker option that has ankle coverage. I went with the Converse Lift All Star style – the platform adds some comfort and height, but isn’t so tall that I’d feel like I’d roll my ankle. Fit wise, these ran a little big so size down if between half sizes, and Converse tend to run narrow at the toe box. Many of you also recommended the leather platforms as a chic alternative to canvas.

Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.

how to style black platform converse if petite
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