One Sweatshirt, Five Ways.

    I never thought I would give into this sweatshirt-chic trend. I've been known to give one of my closest friends a hard time for wearing her hooded sweatshirts wherever she goes and then lamenting that she gets mistaken for being underage even with two young children in tow (which is accompanied by dirty looks by judging eyes). Personally, the hooded sweatshirt definitely has its place, namely, at the gym, in the house, and dog-walking but not much else (I may also allow for very quick errands). I can't see why you can't just switch out a hoodie for an actual *jacket*. However, I came across this sweatshirt-style sweater on the Club Monaco website and was completely captivated by it. It didn't have a hood (if it did, I would have given it an automatic "nay") but the alligator motif gave it this dressed up feel that I could most certainly get used to. I also love that the hem is slightly longer in the back:

Club Monaco Belle Sweatshirt

    I know many of you are thinking, OK, well how do I wear this? And how versatile can it possibly be? I know you are asking this, because I was asking myself the same questions. So I came up with a few ways to style this sweatshirt, both for the office and for the weekend that didn't include a trip to the gym (I also did a similar post for Forbes Style File a few months back, if you are interested in checking it out, see here). 

    Keep in simple. Winterize this look by adding some tights and/or boots:

Sweater: Club Monaco Belle Sweatshirt (Grey, size XS).

Skirt: Zara Pencil Skirt (White, size XS)(similar here).

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel (Black).

Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Adena Pumps (Black, size 6).

Bracelet: Urban Outfitters

Rings: Forever21

     Layer:

Shirt: J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt (Afternoon Sky, size 0).

Trousers: Theory Alleen (Sailor, size 00) (similar).

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel (Black).

Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Adena Pumps (Black, size 6).

                                                          Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch MK5076 (Silver).

Rings: Topshop.

With [faux] leather pants:

Pants: Alice + Olivia Zip Front Leather leggings  (Black, size 0)(check out this faux front leather pair).

Coat: Aritzia Spencer Wool Coat (Black, size XS).

Sneakers: Aldo Chism Wedge Sneakers (Black, size 6).
Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel (Black).
Ring: Topshop.
Hat: Aritzia.

      Bejeweled:

Necklace: J.Crew Factory Fringe Necklace (Mint)(similar).

Jacob: Sleeveless Button Down Blouse (White, size XS)(similar here).

Pants: Club Monaco Rachel Pant (Black, size 00).

Booties: Jean-Michel Cazabat Sage Wedge Booties (similar).

Bag: Zara Basic Suede Shopper Tote (Black)(similar).

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch MK5076 (Silver).
Rings: Topshop

     With denim flares:

Denim: J Brand Lovestory (Dark Vintage, size 25)(also love it in this color).

Necklace: Express Graduated Spike Necklace (Gold).

Bracelets: Urban Outfitters, Aldo

Clutch: Botkier Charlotte Clutch (Black)(cute alternative here).

Rings: Topshop.

Boots: Coach Letty Wedge Boots (Black, size 6.5)(similar here).

     This Club Monaco Belle Sweatshirt goes for $98.50, and it's lovely, but I would certainly wait for a sale (if you have a student card/email you can get 20% off). There are tons of other great alternatives right now, as well. As an added bonus, when this trend passes, you can always where it as a cover up to the gym (which is what I plan on doing).

     And of course, this post would not be complete without a recap: