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NATALIE

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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10 Rules for Effortless, Everyday Style

In this series, I share some simple tips for leveling up your daily looks.

I’ve had a jacket like this as part of my wardrobe for most of my adulthood. It’s a classic, casual piece that’s perfect for layering, and a great layer for California weather in general. Over the years I’ve rotated through different versions of surplus jackets—some more cropped, some in different materials, some with a lighter green tone—but this one right here is a recent find that feels like the jacket I’ve always been searching for. The color is a perfect olive hue. The length is long enough to cover my bum (which means I can wear it with leggings!), it has good pockets, and it cinches in at the waist.

All that to say, if you love this jacket but the price point is a bit high, Target has one that is nearly identical for only $35, so be sure to check that one out!

In all of the outfits I share here in this post, I have on my Chloe Coin Necklace, silhouette locket (c/o Family Print Shop, 16″ length), and Emma Hoops in Brass Circle. I teamed up with CaitlinConni, and Christina for today’s styling, and you can click on any of their names to go to their LIKEtoKNOW.it page and shop their looks.

This first look is an easy, casual, #legitmomstyle look. I absolutely love how easy a great pair of jeans and mules are to throw on—simple, comfortable, practical and chic. And it works well with a surplus jacket! These jeans are truly one of my most worn wardrobe items—size down 2 sizes from your Madewell size for those. The top is super soft and runs a little big, so I went down a size. The jacket and mules both fit TTS, though some say they prefer going up 1/2 size in the mules so that’s worth noting.

This multicolor sweater is part of my March Capsule, and I’ve had several of you ask me to style it for you a few more ways to show its versatility—so here you go! I LOVE how it pairs with an olive surplus jacket since it has that olive color in the stripes. I recommend sizing up 1/2 size in the mules.

I love to wear black since it easily hides stains and instantly looks chic. That being said, it can be tricky to wear it sometimes and not look too intense. I love how the leopard boots and olive jacket add some warmth and detail to the really simple base outfit. This cashmere sweater is a real winner—great price, super soft and ethically made. I went up a size and love the fit.

Jacket (and similar) / Shirt / Jeans (c/o) / Mules

This is an easy classic look for spring—the white button down and gold mules feel so light and airy. The sleeveless button-down has been such a good addition to my wardrobe—it really does work year-round for layering in cooler weather and wearing alone in the heat.

Lastly, a skirt! I feel like my legs haven’t seen daylight in a while, but now that spring is coming I’m getting excited to bust out this denim skirt again (and some dresses, too!). This skirt is incredibly comfortable and flattering thanks to the stretch in the denim and the a-line fit. I sized down to the 2 and it’s a great fit. Also, these oxfords are a total workhorse in my wardrobe and I highly recommend them (even though I know they are definitely pricey). They’re TTS, but they do need to be broken in.

Which look is your favorite? How do you like to style your surplus jacket?

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5 Ways to Style a Surplus Jacket

Read the Comments +

  1. Jessica says:

    Just found you through Insta and love your style! Do you mind sharing what size your surplus jacket is? You’ve made me want to order one. 🙂 Thanks!

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Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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