Style for Every State

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins styles a blue navy floral dress, long grey sweater, aviator sunglasses, Sword & Plough clutch purse, and Steve Madden booties in Chicago.

To me, Chicago is all about the juxtaposition. The picture-perfect serene lakefront right next to the expansive skyline… The most amazing summers and the harshest of winters… The big-city feel with the small town vibe… The list could go on and on!

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins styles a blue navy floral dress, long grey sweater, aviator sunglasses, clutch purse, and booties.

My style is definitely influenced by my surroundings and for some, style is all about where you grew up – I’m sure you can relate to one or the other! (Or maybe even both!) Considering I grew up in a “village” of 3,000 people in the middle of a cornfield, I wouldn’t necessarily say my style is influenced by small-town Illinois. But it’s always been important to me to remember where I came from, in a lot of different ways.

Fashion-focused lifestyle blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a navy floral dress, Old Navy grey sweater, and Sword & Plough wool clutch.

When it comes to my personal style, I’ve always been one to gravitate towards juxtaposition. I love adding just the right amount of masculinity to my overly feminine outfits! A military-inspired jacket over a lace top… Wearing a dress with your sneakers… A boxy denim jacket over the girliest of dresses… A chambray layered under a sequin tee… Baggy boyfriend pants paired with a pointed toe pump… A plaid shirt tucked into a sequin shirt… Moto jeans with a ruffled feminine jacket… You get the idea! I love how this grey floral dress is definitely feminine with the print, but the colorway is a bit androgynous (especially when paired with a long, oversized cardigan!).

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wearing an Old Navy floral cami dress, grey sweater, booties, clutch, and aviators in Chicago.

In Chicago, comfort ends up being the deciding factor with most fashion-related questions! Chicago’s weather can be absolutely bizarre… 90 degrees one day and snowing the next. (That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but not too far off!) It’s a city with all four seasons and just about every single storm and element!

Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins stands in front of Chicago wearing a navy floral dress, long grey sweater, and aviator sunglasses.

At the core of most of my outfits, I tend to dress for practicality. I think that personal style ‘rule’ was majorly influenced by New York, as well. You’ve got to be able to walk a few blocks and take the subway stairs in your shoes! In terms of comfort in Chicago, I’m a total baby when it comes to being cold. Layers upon layers are key for me, and I’ve learned to love hats and beanies to keep my head warm, too. I try to make it fashionable, but it’s got to be functional, too!

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins styling a navy blue floral dress, long grey sweater, booties, and sunglasses in Chicago.

Even as it’s just now starting to cool down, I always have some sort of jacket or sweater in my bag when I leave for the day. When I saw this long cardigan, I knew I had to have it… And I’ve worn it just about every day since! It’s perfect to toss on during this sometimes-awkward transition between seasons.

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins styling a navy blue floral dress, grey sweater, and aviator sunglasses.

Get the Look…

Old Navy Oversized Cardigan
Old Navy Floral Cami Dress
Steve Madden Ankle Booties (from last fall; also love this pair, this pair, & this pair!)
Sword & Plough Wool Clutch/Crossbody
Aviator Sunglasses

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a navy blue floral dress, long grey sweater, booties, and sunglasses in Chicago.

How has your hometown or current city influenced your style?! Be sure to share your own stately style outfit snaps all over the USA with #50Styles50States!

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins styles a blue navy floral dress, Old Navy long grey sweater, aviator sunglasses, clutch purse, and Steve Madden booties.

Bows & Sequins, fashion blogger, wearing a navy dress, grey long sweater, clutch purse, and aviator sunglasses in Chicago.

Fashion-focused lifestyle blogger styling a blue floral dress, long grey sweater, Steve Madden booties, and sunglasses.

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wearing a navy floral dress, Old Navy grey sweater, and booties in the Windy City.

Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins wearing a navy floral dress, grey sweater, tan and grey clutch, and aviators in Chicago.

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wears an outfit consisting of a navy floral cami dress, long grey sweater, booties, aviator sunglasses, and a clutch purse in Chicago.

Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins wearing a navy blue floral dress, long grey sweater, clutch bag, and aviators.

Bows & Sequins, fashion-focused lifestyle blogger, wears a navy floral dress, grey sweater, and tan and grey clutch in Chicago.

Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins wearing a navy floral dress, grey sweater, and tan and grey wool clutch.

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wears an outfit consisting of a navy floral cami dress, long grey sweater, booties, aviator sunglasses, and a wool clutch purse.

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wears an outfit consisting of a navy floral cami dress, long grey sweater, booties, aviator sunglasses, and a clutch purse.

Fashion blogger Bows & Sequins wearing an Old Navy floral cami dress, Old Navy grey sweater, Steve Madden booties, clutch, and aviators in Chicago.

Created in partnership with Old Navy

Current Faves

Leave a Comment

16 Comments

  1. 9.13.16
    Elizabeth said:

    Love the dress and such pretty photos of chi town! Old navy has had some great pieces recently especially their dresses.
    XO
    https://splashofpreppy.wordpress.com

  2. 9.13.16
    Briana said:

    I love how this looks both comfy and cool!

    Briana
    http://www.beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com

  3. 9.13.16
    Natali said:

    Wow! Fantastic outfit for this early Fall weather! I’m loving your cardigan and booties. 🙂

    http://www.lartoffashion.com

  4. 9.13.16

    You are so cute girl! LOVE that dress!

  5. 9.13.16

    Cute dress! I love the look!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

  6. 9.14.16

    Such a lovely dress, gorgeous bag and stunning photos!

    Rxx
    http://www.peppermintdolly.com

  7. 9.14.16
    Marie said:

    Such a lovely look ! You looks so good. And i really love your hair.
    Kisses
    Marie

    http://www.whatiwearinlondon.com

  8. 9.14.16
    Emma said:
  9. 9.14.16
    Jessica said:

    I just love these photos against the Chicago skyline, so pretty! And I’m totally with you on mixing masculine with feminine, it’s the best combo.

    xo Jessica
    My Style Vita

  10. 9.14.16
    Kate said:

    I love the combination of the floral dress with the booties. Soooo cute!!!
    XO, Kate
    Katekoutures.blogspot.com

  11. 9.15.16
    Ileana said:

    Such a lovely dress, gorgeous bag and stunning photos!

    Eyebrow Threading

  12. 9.15.16
    Mariah said:

    I love this outfit! Such a good way to transfer summer dresses for fall.

    http://moosmusing.com

  13. 9.15.16

    You look beautiful & love Chicago’s skyline!! 🙂

    ❤️ xoxo,
    Lily | pslilyboutique.com
    PSLily Boutique

  14. 9.18.16
    Emily Piskulick said:

    the backdrop for these photos is absolutely stunning! xo

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/