The good news? A little early prep now can make planning your party outfits feel less like a chore. This isn’t about a full wardrobe overhaul. It’s about setting yourself up with easy outfit formulas, go-to staples, and a few intentional pieces that make getting dressed the least stressful part of the season.

Here’s how to refresh your closet and build effortless holiday party outfits you’ll actually want to wear all season long.

1. Take Stock of What You Already Own

Before adding anything new, open those closet doors and actually look at what’s inside.

• Pull out pieces you love but might have forgotten about (that little black dress, those tailored trousers, the sparkly earrings, that sequin top).
• Do a quick try-on session for key outfits. You’ll thank yourself later when something doesn’t end up fitting the way you thought it would in your head. Don’t you hate that?
• Donate or toss anything that doesn’t fit or doesn’t make you feel good. Let’s normalize not holding on to clothes that negatively remind us of a past version of ourselves.

Like getting dressed every other day, holiday dressing gets a lot easier when you start from what’s already working.

2. Identify the “Core Four” Outfits

The holidays tend to bring the same types of events every year. Instead of panicking each time, plan for them now. Think of these as your holiday party outfit formulas:

• Work Party Outfit: Polished, elevated, but still comfortable.
• Family Dinner Outfit: Easy, cozy, but cute (because photos).
• Dressy Event Outfit: Your statement piece moment: maybe a slip dress or a nice co-ord set.
• Casual Gathering Outfit: A chic (and comfy) sweater and jeans combo that always works.

→ Tip: If you already have some of these covered, make note of what you can add.

3. Add One or Two Elevated Staples

You don’t need a new wardrobe for the season. A few well-chosen staples can instantly make older outfits feel new:

• A tailored blazer or festive cardigan to layer over basics.
• A sleek pair of boots or heels you can dress up or down.
• Statement earrings or hair accessories to add polish in seconds.

Think versatile pieces that mix and match easily. This is your holiday version of a capsule wardrobe, so make sure you’re investing in items that can be worn again. Try to avoid buying “one-time-wear” pieces.

4. Prep Your Go-To “Uniform”

For those days when getting ready feels like a chore, having a go-to outfit you know works is everything. This is your holiday party uniform. The outfit you can throw on and walk out the door feeling put together and ready for the unavoidable appearances.

Examples:

• Black trousers + silk blouse + red lip.
• Knit dress + boots + gold hoops.
• Jeans + cashmere sweater + statement coat.

5. Refresh the Details

Sometimes the small details are what make a look feel special:

• Make sure your shoes are cleaned and ready to go.
• Steam or dry clean key pieces ahead of time.
• Add a bold lip or festive nail colour to elevate even a simple outfit.

Related: 10 Holiday Nail Art Trends To Try This Season

6. Make a Mini Holiday Party Capsule Wardrobe

This doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just a small, intentional selection of 8-10 pieces that all work together. Keep it visible in your closet so you can grab and go all season.

• 2 tops (dressy + casual)
• 2 bottoms (tailored trousers + jeans)
• 2 layers (blazer + cozy knit)
• 2 shoes (heels + boots)
• A dress or jumpsuit for dressier events

The holiday season is busy enough – figuring out what to wear shouldn’t add to the chaos. Getting your closet ready now means one less thing to think about when the invitations roll in.

A little planning goes a long way. By creating easy outfit formulas, refreshing a few details, and leaning on a mini capsule, you’ll feel more put together and less panicked at 5 p.m. on party day.

Here’s to enjoying the season, looking your best, and actually having fun at those parties we sometimes dread.

The post Holiday Party Outfits: How to Prep Your Closet for the Festive Season appeared first on Told By Jo.

It’s that just-right piece that bridges the gap between light-weight summer outfits and full-on fall layers. Originally made for outdoor work, it’s since been upgraded into a chic, everyday staple that does the most without trying too hard. Lightweight enough to toss over a tee, structured enough to pull an outfit together instantly. This is the jacket that makes you feel cozy and polished in one go.

Why a Barn Jacket Just Works

The barn jacket isn’t here to be a passing TikTok trend. It’s a classic that quietly shows up every fall and for good reason:

• Light but warm enough. You won’t sweat to death when the sun comes out, but you’ll still be cozy on those crisp mornings.
• Classic cut. The clean, utilitarian silhouette literally pairs with everything – basics, trousers, denim. Think “put together” without the effort.
• Neutral-friendly. Olive, navy, khaki. All the go-with-everything shades that slide seamlessly into your fall wardrobe.
• Practical. Yes, the pockets are actually usable (phone, keys, wallet and your favourite lip gloss – you’re covered). The fabric? Built to handle transitional weather.

It sits perfectly in the middle: more elevated than a cardigan or denim jacket, less “formal” than a trench or blazer – basically, the sweet spot in world of fall jackets.

How to Wear a Barn Jacket

The fun part? Barn jackets work with almost everything. A few ways to style it:

1. Everyday Casual: Straight-leg jeans, sneakers, and your favourite tee. Effortless but pulled together.
2. Workwear Casual: Toss over a structured top, trousers and loafers.
3. Weekend Errands: Relaxed jeans, a basic knit, Boston clogs, and your favourite dark sunnies.
4. Chilly Evenings Out: Wear over a dark mock neck sweater, with your favourite jeans and a pair of boots.

Barn Jackets Worth Adding to Cart

• Classic Splurge: J.Crew Heritage Barn Jacket. A true classic and a wardrobe staple with corduroy collar and durable cotton canvas.
• Mid-Range Favourite: Top Shop Barn Jacket. The longer cut is a nice twist on the classic “at-the-waist” cut.
• Budget-Friendly: Amazon Military Style Barn Jacket. Affordable, versatile, and available in multiple colours.
• Modern Twist: Abercrombie Cinched Waist Twill Jacket. The cinched waist option offers a more feminine touch.
• Sustainable Pick: Everlane Barn Jacket. Minimal and ethical.

Affordable Barn Jackets Under $100

• H&M Canvas Jacket – Around $60. Structured cut with a corduroy collar
• Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket – $65 and under (currently on sale!). Also comes in a lighter taupe color. A great budget version for everyday wear.
• Uniqlo Zip-Up Short Barn Jacket – Under $70. Short and relaxed cut for everyday layering.

The Takeaway

The barn jacket is that quiet hero of your wardrobe. Not flashy, not trendy just dependable, wearable, and the kind of piece you’ll reach for on repeat without even thinking about it. Whether you go classic heritage or budget-friendly dupe, you’ll get your cost per wear fast.

Fall is full of choices: PSL or chai? Sneakers or boots? But “what jacket should I wear?” won’t be one of them.

The post The Barn Jacket: The Perfect Summer-to-Fall Transition Piece appeared first on Told By Jo.

This earthy tone has become the season’s colour, bringing a fresh yet timeless look to fall and winter wardrobes. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or just running errands, olive green pieces are versatile enough to keep things interesting without trying too hard.

Ready to dive into the trend? I’ve rounded up some of the best olive green fashion finds that’ll carry you through the colder months in style.

This post is all about the best olive green fashion finds to shop this fall and winter.

Related: Six Ways to Style Faux Leather

The post The Best Olive Green Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe this Fall and Winter appeared first on Told By Jo.

I have spent months hand-picking each piece and not just buying things for the sake of it. As a recovering shopaholic, this is a huge deal for me. In true spring fashion (pun intended), I am having fun experimenting with colour.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential clothing items that are versatile, timeless, and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits for different occasions.

The key is to choose pieces that are interchangeable and complement each other, allowing you to create multiple looks with just a few key items.

The concept of a capsule wardrobe is to streamline your closet by focusing on quality over quantity and choosing pieces that fit well, flatter your body shape, and reflect your style.

Here is your spring capsule wardrobe inspiration.

How to Style Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Here are nine combinations and outfit ideas to inspire you for the days when you have “nothing to wear”.

This post was all about building a spring capsule wardrobe.

Related: Spring Outfit Ideas and Where to Shop for the Best Deals

The post My Spring Capsule Wardrobe and How I’m Styling Every Item appeared first on Told By Jo.

The one thing I’ve changed when it comes to my shopping habits is saying goodbye to fast fashion and “trendy” pieces and investing in quality, long-lasting clothes. When it comes to investing in core capsule pieces, you don’t actually ever have to break the bank.

I’ve gotten very good at buying really good pieces from shops you’d least suspect to carry quality clothes. For example, this grey coat I’ve been wearing since last fall was only $40 from Ardene and is of amazing quality. I get tons of questions about it and people can hardly believe where I got it!

Favourite Places to Shop for Great Deals and Good Pieces

Here are a few of my favourite places to shop for great deals and outerwear pieces that will carry you through the seasons. One of my favourite things to wear in the spring and fall are shackets and I promise you, they’re never as pricey as they look! Sign up for each retailer’s email list as most send out coupons regularly and announce sales early. I refuse ever to buy anything at full price – designer or not.

• Ardene
• Bluenotes
• Winners/Marshalls
• Amazon
• Zara
• H&M
• ASOS
• Primark

Spring Outfit Ideas

Spring outfits are some of my favourites to put together as the pieces are so versatile. When shopping these days, I try my best not to buy anything that can’t be worn with a few different outfits. Here are three easy-to-put-together spring outfit ideas that you can replicate.

I try to follow a simple outfit formula for most of my go-to outfits. For example, when it comes to tapered chinos or dress pants, I will almost always pair them with an oversized poplin shirt. Shoes can either be smart sneakers or sandals but this will depend on whether you want to go for a relaxed or smart casual look.

Here are a few spring outfit ideas that can easily be replicated.

Stripped Poplin Shirt // Tapered Chinos // Sneakers // Bag // Watch // Sunglasses

Poplin Shirt // Chinos // Sandals // Bag // Sunglasses

Shirt Jacket // Faux Leather Leggings // T-Shirt // Converse // Prada Bag

RELATED: What to Wear Under Spaghetti Strap Tops and Racerback Tanks

The post Minimal Spring Outfit Ideas and Where to Find the Best Deals appeared first on Told By Jo.

Lucky for you, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. When it comes to your fall and winter arsenal, you want to add timeless pieces that are of excellent quality that can be styled and layered in different ways. The goal is to add staple items to your capsule wardrobe.

So whether you’re looking to purge your closet and start fresh or if you want to refresh and add some new pieces, this post is for you. These items are all classic and far from the “in right now” category. Here are five fall style trends that you might not have considered and should probably add to your list ASAP.

Chunky Cardigans

Something about thick cardigans gives a put-together and classic look all while keeping you warm. They also double up as a great layering piece as the temperature drops.

Links: White | Grey | Beige

Cargo Pants

Forget those cargo pants you used to wear as a kid that zipped off the knees into shorts. I’m not talking about army-style cargo pants that your old neighbour would wear with a matching vest to go fishing. Cargo pants have made a comeback and the right pair can be paired really well with sneakers. Swap out sneakers for a pair of heels and a nice top for a night-out look.

Links: Straight Leg Cargos | Tapered Cargos

Half Zip Sweaters

High necks and warm knits are all the rage in the fall and winter. These will always be timeless wardrobe additions. Half-zip sweaters are a great alternative to turtlenecks, a more contemporary take, if you will. For men and women alike, they can be worn alone or with a shirt underneath at the office.

Links: White | Light Brown | Burgundy

Gold Jewelry

Statement rings and earrings have the power to take the simplest of outfits from basic to put together. I’m a huge fan of bold/chunky rings and earrings. They are the perfect fall (and year ’round) accessory! Opt for gold for fall to bring some warmth and to be honest, there is something about gold pieces that compliment all skin tones.

Links: Bold Ring | Dome Hoop Earrings | Affordable Amazon Rings

Faux Leather

Faux leather is a no-brainer fall staple. I’ve been really loving seeing different styles of faux leather, specifically browns and earth tones. You can’t go wrong with a really good faux leather piece that can add character and edge to an otherwise “safe” look. Not sure where to start with faux leather? Add a pair of great-fitting pants and an oversized shacket.

Links: Black Pants | Brown Shirt | Brown Pants

Simple Ways to Style Fall Trends

So now that you’ve gotten a rundown of some of the current fall trends, here are some great ways to style them! I love finding inspiration online and finding ways to make certain looks fit my height, size and shape.

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Related: Six Ways to Style Faux Leather

The post 5 Fall Style Trends to Add to Your Cart Right Now (And How to Style Them) appeared first on Told By Jo.

I’ve been living in my faux leather leggings. This pair is lined with a fleece-like material which makes them so warm – I can pretty much wear them right into the winter. Unfortunately, they’re no longer available but I saw a similar pair in Zara (here) and another in H&M (here).

Ways to Style Faux Leather This Fall

In this post, I’ll be sharing how I’ve been incorporating faux leather into my closet and ways to style faux leather this fall. Here are my favourite looks so far!

Shop this outfit: faux leather leggings (here) // graphic t-shirt (here) // similar shoes (here) and (here) // sunglasses (exact pair here, similar ones here)

Faux Leather Leggings with a Graphic T-shirt

Style your faux leather leggings with an oversized graphic t-shirt and a pair of your favourite kicks. I truly *loath* the word “edgy” but that is the only way I can describe this look. I’m so obsessed with these faux leather leggings. They are so comfortable and I find it very hard to not wear them with every outfit most days.

Shop this look: similar sweater (here) // faux leather leggings (here) // similar shoes (here) and (here)

Faux Leather Leggings with a Comfy Sweater

My favourite kinds of fall outfits are those that are insanely comfortable but also look and feel good. I love a good sweater and a comfortable pair of shoes. Swapping out a pair of jeans or joggers for faux leather bottoms takes an otherwise casual look to the next level.

Shop this outfit: mom jeans (here) // body suit (here) // faux leather shirt (here)

Faux Leather shirt with your Favorite Light-wash Denim

This faux leather shirt is everything. I couldn’t wait until it was cool outside enough to wear it as it’s lined on the inside. I styled it with mom jeans and a bodysuit to add character to an otherwise very basic outfit.

Shop this look: faux leather leggings (here) // sweater (here) // similar beige boots (here and here) // sunglasses (here)

Faux Leather Leggings with Boots and a Cozy Sweater

On a colder day, pair faux leggings with a pair of contrasting, beige boots and a warm sweater. Neutral-coloured boots were trendy in 2020 styled with similar-coloured bottoms/tops for a monochromatic look. At one point they were sold out everywhere! Believe it or not, this pair is from Aldo (no longer available but I’ve linked a similar pair below). Luckily it seems that the hype has died down so you can get a pair for a really good price.

Shop this look: oversized shirt (here) // faux leather leggings (here) // body suit (here)

Faux Leather Leggings with an Oversized Shirt

Oversized shirts have a special place in my heart. I love the way an oversized shirt looks on top of a bodysuit and fitted bottoms. In this case, the faux leather leggings that I refuse to put down. Did I mention I’ve had this pair for almost a year and they are in great condition?

Shop this look: plaid shacket* (here) // faux leather leggings (here) // shoes (here)

faux leather leggings with a Plaid style Shacket

Can you even do a fall outfit lookbook without having a plaid shacket somewhere in there? No such thing. This really should have just been a ‘how to style the only pair of leggings that I seem to always be wearing’ post. Once I find a good thing, I don’t let it go. Get yourself a pair of faux leather leggings – I promise you won’t’ regret it. They look great with pretty much everything.

*The shacket I’m wearing is a men’s small.

You can never go wrong with faux leather and I think it’s safe to say that I’m mildly obsessed. I hope this roundup provided you with some faux leather fall outfit inspiration! What are some ways that you’re experimenting with faux leather in your closet?

The post Six Ways to Style Faux Leather This Fall appeared first on Told By Jo.

Sunglasses I’m Wearing

Or maybe you love collecting designer sunglasses but aren’t able to try them on before you buy. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime.

From YSL to Rayban dupes, Amazon has it all. When I purchased my first pair two summers ago, I was skeptical, but I’m happy I took the plunge. Compared to their designer counterparts, all the prices are immeasurable and the quality stands the test of time.

I can’t rave enough about the quality of the sunglasses I’ve bought. I get compliments every time I wear them and without getting close, you can’t even tell that they’re dupes! In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourites that you should definitely check out. I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.

Dupes for Designer Sunglasses on Amazon

This vintage cat-eye pair is a really good dupe for the Saint Laurent New Wave SL 327 sunglasses. The originals retail for approximately $450.00 while the Amazon version is less than $16! They are super durable and are flattering for most face shapes. You really can’t go wrong with this style.

The Celine Square S130 are the definition of “don’t talk to me”. If you’re familiar with DIFF Eyewear, they do a style called the Carson. Lately, this is my favourite pair to reach for when I want to look put together without really trying. They take your look from 0-100 and are a really good pair of statement sunglasses. Amazon does a great dupe for this pair.

Another favourite of mine is these Rayban Hexagonal dupes. They are so minimal and perfect for everyday wear. I love that they’re unisex because my husband had actually bought them for himself. The Amazon pair is less than $20 on prime delivery while the original Rayban pair is just under $200.

Before committing the money and investing in designer sunglasses, consider trying out these Amazon dupes. These are only a few of my favourites but they are a ton of other styles to check out.

If you’ve come across other dupes for designer sunglasses on Amazon, please share in the comments below. One can never have too many pairs of sunglasses!

Shop the Post:

Related: Black Summer Dresses on my Wishlist

The post The Best Dupes for Designer Sunglasses on Amazon appeared first on Told By Jo.

I’m sharing some of my favourite fall and winter fashion must haves including some budget friendly alternatives because I love a good sale. Most of these fall and winter pieces are made by so many different brands that its not hard to find affordable versions. 

Shoes // Jeans (similar) // Jacket (similar) // Bag (similar)

Over the past year or so I have been shopping for and buying timeless items to add to my wardrobe and investing in pieces that will stand the test of time. In putting together my capsule wardrobe, I am adding essentials and basic items that can be mixed and matched to create different looks and transition well between day and night, depending on the occasion. As much as I have loved my fair share of “fast fashion” and very cheap pieces, I finally understand why my mom always used to tell me that cheap is expensive.

By investing in essential and good quality items, I spend less time stressing about what to wear and I am not buying things that will only sit in the back of my closet and will never actually be worn. This fall and winter I am turning to three variations of jackets that can be dressed up or down as well as layered with scarves and sweaters.

Just to be clear, investing in quality items doesn’t mean spending an arm and a leg. I’ve taken the time to round up affordable options so that I can help you get the most of your money and feel good about your purchase. I highly recommend checking out your local thrift store as well if you’re comfortable doing so. 

Must Have Fall and Winter Jackets

Here are four fall and winter fashion must haves to add to your closet this year that will stand the test of time and trends.  If you’re still putting together your Christmas list or shopping for someone special, these would make a great gift for pretty much anybody!

Puffer Jacket

Puffer jackets are a fall and winter staple for me, especially because fall weather in Canada is so unpredictable. I end up wearing them in the spring as well on rainy days so they’re pretty much an all-year-round jacket to have. The puffer jacket that I have is an old one from Joe Fresh but here is a similar one for less than $40!

Camel Coat

This one goes without saying – camel coats are a closet staple. If you don’t have one, you’re missing out. They are perfect for nights out when you are dressed up and wanting a warm jacket to complete the look. You can find great quality camel coats that are not wool but are high quality and will last you a long time. Here is a great option if you want an oversized fit or this one if you prefer the classic fit for less than $35!

Trench Coat

I remember as a kid having a trench coat that I’d wear out in the rain – I’m pretty sure it was red and plastic. I was searching for an well priced trench coat for months and I recently came across one similar to this one (it’s on sale for only $35!). Am I the only one that gets Sherlock Holmes detective vibes from trench coats?! No? Okay. Here is another trench coat option that comes in five different colours!

Dr. Martens: The Best Combat Boots

I’ve had my eye on Dr. Martens combat boots for a couple of years now but never got around to buying them. I recently came across this pair and added it to my basket. I was immediately drawn to the black monochrome look which is difference from the classic, gum sole that Dr. Martens typically does. I was sold. You can never go wrong with black.

I’ve always heard great reviews about these boots – mainly talking about how durable and versatile they are. After doing my research, people seem to genuinely believe that Dr. Martens has the best combat boots out there. So if you’re looking to add combat boots to your shoe collection, you can’t go wrong with these.

If you are looking for similar combat boots but you do not want to splurge, I’ve got you covered. These boots are a great alternative to Dr. Martens in terms of the look and feel. They are the perfect dupe to the classic, bulky combat boot at a fraction of the price – plus they’re waterproof!

Shop These Fall and Winter Fashion Must Haves

The post Fall and Winter Fashion Must Haves appeared first on Told By Jo.