Simplicity

40+ winter casual style

We all have those days…

You know, when we don’t want to make an effort, for whatever reason. I seem to have a lot of those days. Just saying…

Well, it’s winter, it’s cold. Battling snow and ice takes all my energy.

Actually, I find both cold and hot weather bring out my lazy side, making me go for something pared-down and simple. Minimalism and functionalism rule: I dress for warmth and comfort, and anything that is not absolutely necessary is redundant. Besides, it’s damn challenging to look stylish when you’re ankle deep in snow most of the time. That’s my excuse, anyway.

And I hate layering. I know, I’ve said that before.

But really, in my opinion layering is not the most practical way of dressing in Finland. Sure, it’s cold, outdoors. That’s what the huge coat and a big scarf are for. But indoors (= houses, buses, trains etc), that’s a different story: it’s usually at least +20°C / 68°F, if not even warmer (I’m typing this in my living room, wearing shorts and a t-shirt). So, layering means you keep taking off your extra layers, then putting them back on before going out. Not very practical if you plan to go shopping, popping in and out of shops all the time. Or if your morning commute involves a train ride of more than 15 minutes. I find it’s easier to just take my coat off and fold it over my arm whereas lots of layers would make me feel like a sweaty mess in no time.

So, in keeping with my personal preference of only one layer between my underwear and outerwear, I live in light-weight cashmere sweaters in winter. I suppose wool would be just as warm, but my skin doesn’t like it. So, over the years I’ve collected quite a few cashmere sweaters and cardigans. Maybe my winter challenge should be to wear each one at least once?

cashmere sweater

Outfit details:

cashmere sweater: old (lost the label) / cords: Marks and Spencer / 

bag: Furla / sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana

What do you wear when you don’t want to make an effort?

Tiina

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31 Comments

  1. Connie
    28 January 2016 / 4:58 am

    Oh yes. Just perfectly simply beautiful.

    • Tiina L
      28 January 2016 / 4:42 pm

      Thanks, Connie, how sweet of you.

  2. Jill James
    28 January 2016 / 6:13 am

    You just go to prove that sometimes simple and elegant is best. Stunning shots in the snow.

    • Tiina L
      28 January 2016 / 4:43 pm

      Thanks, Jill.

  3. Suzanne Carillo
    28 January 2016 / 1:48 pm

    I agree about the layer conundrum. I can be perfectly warm outside or nice inside but never wearing the same outfit. The issues of living in a cold climate. That along with salt on footwear and hat hair. That sweater is gorgeous. Kudos for getting out in the snow without a coat and taking a photo. You are a stronger woman than I.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      28 January 2016 / 4:45 pm

      Oh yes, salt, what a way to destroy nice shoes. And snow… Well, I'm a Finn, we're sort of expected to do crazy stuff like that.

  4. Shybiker
    28 January 2016 / 2:11 pm

    Nice. And your head-pose in the first photo is exactly the same as the one in your profile next to it. That tossed-back gesture always impresses me. It's a Mary Tyler Moore kinda exuberance. (Hope that reference isn't too ancient for you; MMM had a TV show in the Seventies.)

    • Tiina L
      28 January 2016 / 4:47 pm

      Yes, I know Mary Tyler Moore, I was old enough to watch TV in the 70s. It seems that I have my standard poses, or mannerisms.

  5. josep-maria badia
    28 January 2016 / 6:22 pm

    The beauty of simplicity. I love the color combination. The jersey is beautiful.

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:32 pm

      Yes, simplicity is often the best option. Thanks!

  6. Glenda
    28 January 2016 / 11:57 pm

    You look radiant with your lovely smile.

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:33 pm

      Thank you, Glenda!

  7. Alice Warren
    29 January 2016 / 6:26 am

    I love the feel of cashmere but I am not sure that would keep me warm enough. I am with you about wool, it does not agree with my skin either. Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:33 pm

      Oh, cashmere is warm, you'll be fine.

  8. No Fear of Fashion
    29 January 2016 / 6:35 am

    Actually, I find this outfit very flattering. Really nice.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:34 pm

      Thanks, Greetje!

    • No Fear of Fashion
      11 February 2016 / 7:47 pm

      No flattering. I don't "do" flattering.

  9. Nicole Mölders
    29 January 2016 / 7:03 am

    Thanks for lin king up to Top of the World Style.

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:34 pm

      Thanks, Nicole!

  10. Doused In Pink
    29 January 2016 / 2:16 pm

    A good cashmere sweater is a must have closet staple and the color is so pretty! Love this effortless look!JillDoused In Pink

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:35 pm

      I actually have quite few cashmere sweaters… But I live in a cold climate, that's my excuse.

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:35 pm

      I love purple! And it goes with anything…

  11. Mica T
    30 January 2016 / 3:46 am

    The simplest of outfits are usually the ones we enjoy and wear the most I find! That purple top looks beautiful on you and nice and cosy for the snow too.Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      30 January 2016 / 1:36 pm

      Exactly! There's a reason we go for the same outfit time after time: it's simple and easy to wear.

  12. Anna Parkes
    30 January 2016 / 7:50 pm

    Hurrah I've found someone else who doesn't like layering! I have to do exactly as you describe and it means a lot of planning to make sure each layer is fit for revealing. Like you I opt for cashmere when it's uber cold, which doesn't seem to happen too often here. I love your sunglasses by the way – you do look so glamorous in these.AnnaAnna's Island Style

    • Tiina L
      31 January 2016 / 4:54 pm

      Layering makes me feel as if my clothes are restricting my movements. I particularly hate long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts under cardigans or jackets; it feels as if I was wearing some sort of a straight jacket. Not very pleasant…

  13. Jazzy Jack
    31 January 2016 / 8:52 am

    Ahh cashmere. Yummmm!You look effortlessly elegant.Over here we need all our layers with our dud heating and pretense that it doesn't get cold!By the end of winter I'm an itchy mess.Xo Jazzy Jack

    • Tiina L
      31 January 2016 / 4:59 pm

      Thanks! Yes, I get what you mean about layers: I often wear a cashmere cardi while in England, too, as it's often a bit drafty indoors, and 'cold' weather means lots of humidity, which makes you shiver all the time.

  14. Garaytreasures
    6 February 2016 / 3:42 am

    I live in simple almost 6 days a week, dressing up one of those days, so I know what it means to just appreciate and love simple dressing. Cute simple outfit!Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"Rachel xo http://garaytreasures.com

    • Tiina L
      8 February 2016 / 5:48 pm

      Thanks, Rachel. Yes, I think it's better to keep the everyday outfits simple, life is is busy and complicated as it is.

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