50 Shades of Grey

black coat with white jeans

There’s nothing I love more than the crisp look of winter white jeans! Yesterday it felt like summer in the city (when in all actuality it was only 36 degrees (Fahrenheit)), so I put away the puffer and opted for a wool topper instead.

black white and grey neutrals winter outfit

If I’ve learned anything while living in New York City (and Chicago, too!), it’s that investing in outerwear is an absolute must. We wear our coats for at least six months out of the year, and that’s during a mild winter! Eight months is generally a safer bet. There are so many times that I don’t even take off my coat when running errands, going into a store, or popping by an event, so, for me, it’s important to have coats that I feel great in. I try to limit my puffer coat to the absolute coldest of days. You know, when it’s bone-chillingly-cold and your face actually goes numb when you’re walking to the subway. When it’s above 25 degrees, however, I try to stick to a wool coat of some sort. My coat game is pretty strong.. I have a leopard-print coat, a pink coat, a navy blue coat (actually two of them, but they are totally different – I swear!), two camel coats, a burgundy coat, and there are even a few more options in my storage unit, too. (It’s probably a bit of an issue that I can’t remember what they look like.) But hey, when you’re wearing it every. single. day. for so many months, I think it’s important to have a few in rotation to keep you feeling snazzy. Wearing the same thing day in and day out definitely doesn’t boost my confidence. And let’s be honest, you guys would probably get sick of seeing the same coat on this blog every day! (Which is generally why I take them off when I shoot photos!)

how to wear white jeans in the winter blogger outfit new york city

About a month ago, I realized that I didn’t own a black coat. (Kind of like the time I realized I didn’t have a black handbag and decided to splurge on this one!) You sit there staring at your closet in disbelief that you don’t own such a staple, wishing it would magically appear because you need it that day. You must know the feeling, right? Well, that’s how I felt with the black coat. I wear so much black, gray, and white during the winter in NYC and I realized I desperately needed a black coat to wear with my more neutral outfits. Zappos to the rescue!

winter white jeans black coat grey pumps

I guess I was majorly feeling 50 Shades of Grey (I’m just using that as a phrase, I haven’t seen the movie nor read the book.) when I got dressed earlier this week. I even got this manicure on this particular day. You can rarely go wrong when you stick to pairing neutral basics in a monochromatic color scheme!

PS: Don’t you just die for these pumps? I am in love!

Get the Look…

Lauren Ralph Lauren Coat c/o Zappos
Michael Kors Pumps c/o Zappos (similar here & here!)
J.Crew Sweater (similar)
J.Crew Silk Blouse
Old Navy Denim (on sale!)
Tom Ford Sunglasses
Capwell + Co Ring
Michael Kors Watch (on sale!)
Paint Box Nails Manicure

ralph lauren black wool coat, j.crew sweater, white jeans, michael kors grey pumps

Current Faves

Leave a Comment

29 Comments

  1. 2.26.15
    Rena said:

    I invest also a lot in coats as here in Bavaria this is definitely a requirement due to the climate 🙂 But honestly so far I avoided it to wear white jeans in winter although this looks simply fantastic on you in that combination!
    xx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  2. 2.26.15
    Natali said:

    This is a great, minimalistic and casual outfit!

    http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com

  3. 2.26.15

    Cute coat! And I loved the blog post title. (I read the books and saw the movie and loved them both! :D)

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

  4. 2.26.15

    Great outfit! Casual but chic, like it a lot! I would love to wear this outfit in school!
    Thanks for great inspiration!

    Sequins In Pink

    http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com

  5. 2.26.15

    I love this look! The coat is gorgeous and I love the sheer black button up peeking out from underneath the great sweater!

    Sarah Jessica
    The Laws of Beauty

  6. 2.26.15
    Meagan said:

    Love this outfit! Sweet and simple!
    -Meg
    http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

  7. 2.26.15
    Jessica said:

    This look is perfection! I am totally in love with the layers and black, white and gray!

    -Jessica
    http://www.wearitforless.com

  8. 2.26.15

    This look is so cute, I love the layering
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

  9. 2.26.15

    I was actually just taking stock of how many coats I own and I definitely was in the double digits…. whoops!

  10. 2.26.15
    Becky said:

    Love these colors on you – the white pants lighten up the look too. Love the shoes!

    http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com

  11. 2.26.15
    melissa said:

    Love that look!
    xo,
    Melissa
    MissyOnMadison.com

  12. 2.26.15

    I love your title, it definitely made me laugh! I did a post a few months back with the same title, great minds think alike! This outfit is perfect btw.
    xoxo, Julia
    http://www.littlepieceofchic.com

  13. 2.26.15

    Love your outfit!!

    http://www.blondeincashmere.com

  14. 2.26.15
    Ella said:

    Absolutely love this lip color on you, Jess!
    http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26

  15. 2.26.15
    Dr. Dad said:

    Are you recovered (ing) from your subway stair-diving adventure ?? Don’t see any bruises, but can’t see your backside.

  16. 2.26.15
    Katherine said:

    Love this! I’ve been dying to get a pair of white jeans, but I just don’t think I can pull them off (#thunderthighs). But they look amazing in the winter and summer.

    -Katherine
    http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca

    • 2.27.15
      Jessica Sturdy said:

      Katherine, you have to try these Old Navy jeans! I don’t wear pants at all (other than jeans) because of my thighs and have always steered clear of light colored jeans, but there’s just something about these jeans that’s almost slimming. They are the mid-rise Rockstar skinny jeans… You should go try on a pair! (Or order a pair and just return in store if you don’t like the fit!)

  17. 2.26.15
    Chioma said:

    i love these jeans, i just ordered some super cute boyfriend and skinnies!

    Chioma
    C’s Evolution of Style

  18. 2.26.15

    Love this sophisticated and chic look!

    Heidi
    http://www.wishesandreality.com

  19. 2.27.15

    Great style post! This look is so refreshing. And you’re right! Living here on the Northeast, it’s imperative that we have lots of options for outerwear. A gorgeous winter coat is the perfect mood enhancer. Happy Friday 🙂

  20. 2.27.15

    Love the outfit. Looks super cosy while still looking amazing! I’m in love with the coat.

    Jess X

    chasinglifeandme.blogspot.co.uk

  21. 2.27.15
    Jessica said:

    Loving this combination and that coat is such a great shape on you! Think I’m the only person who doesn’t own white jeans. I’ve yet to find a pair that don’t make me feel gross!

    xo jessica
    http://www.mystylevita.com

    • 2.27.15
      Jessica Sturdy said:

      You should seriously try these mid-rise (or the high-rise) Rockstar jeans at Old Navy! I think I have thunder thighs in almost any type of pants (which is why I actually don’t ever wear pants other than jeans), but I find that these white jeans are actually slimming. It’s bizarre… Go try on a pair!

  22. 2.27.15
    Alexandra said:

    Love love love your shoes!!!

    Warm Regards,
    Alexandra
    http://www.littlewildheart.com

  23. 2.28.15

    Love everything about this outfit! You have amazing style and enjoy seeing what you’ll be wearing next. 🙂