Are you ready to be your most stylish yet in 2025? Whether you’re in the workforce or retired, spending your time with grandkids or fellow travelers, in your 50s or your 80s, you absolutely can show up looking polished, put together and, yes, stylish and modern every day. My goal at Dressed for My Day continues to be (after almost 7 years) to help you and me to feel a little more confident and competent when it comes to getting dressed for our unique days…so we can keep showing up our best and contribute to the world around us with joy, enthusiasm and authenticity.
To that end I introduce to you our new 2025 style series, Styling the Classics…for the Modern Woman. Throughout the year I’ll post tips, inspiration and style boards to help you style the classic pieces in your closet in a way that looks current and stylish. Most of us have at least a few classics, and many of my readers have filled their closets with them. So I thought that would be a good place to begin…with the classics you may already have in your closet.
Each season I’ll share 6-12 posts in this series styling classic pieces in ways that work for that specific time of year. So, for instance, I may have several posts about styling such classics as black trousers, white button-up shirts, silk blouses, blazers or denim jackets, but they’ll be unique for each season. And the underlying focus of every blog post will be to keep those looks modern, current, stylish.
Don’t worry. I’ll still have a variety of other types of content. But style series like these help me to stay focused on serving you consistently with good content.
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Today we begin the winter portion of our 2025 style series by Styling the Classic Ivory Pullover Sweater. You may or may not have an ivory pullover sweater in your closet; I didn’t until this year. But you can use these same tips and ideas with the neutral colored pullover with classic lines in your closet. I’m wearing the Jenni Kayne cashmere fisherman sweater, but the similar option at a more economical price point that I recommend is the Quince Mongolian cashmere fisherman crewneck sweater.
I chose to feature the cashmere fisherman sweater because I feel like it is the more modern of the basic crewneck sweaters. Also it looks a little more casual than the basic crewneck, but you can still create polished, elevated outfits with it. You can certainly style your other crewneck sweaters similarly.
Modern Style Tip #1 – Work with your proportions and body shape.
The most important tip for keeping your pullover sweater outfits modern and stylish is to work with your unique body proportions and shape. If we don’t select and style our pullover sweaters for what is best for our bodies, they can make us look heavier than we really are, rather shapeless, too.
So for all of my looks you’ll notice that I gave my sweater a gentle front tuck. I may have even tucked all the way around in one outfit; I’m not sure. I did this to highlight my waist and my even proportions. This particular sweater is a little long for me to leave untucked. But if it were shorter and a bit more fitted, I would. By the way, I have an hourglass shape and even proportions.
If you are a woman with a protruding tummy and you don’t want to tuck your shirt, then I suggest you look for sweaters that graze your body and that are a nice length that indicates where your waistline is without needing to be tucked in.
You’ll also want to consider how your sweater works with your pants or jeans so that you create the best proportions. For more information on how to determine your body proportions, I suggest you check out this video.
And for information on how to dress your unique body, check out my blog series, Dressed for My Day My Way. Now let’s talk about some classic pairings for your classic ivory sweater.
Modern Style Tip #2 – Elevate your basic sweater & jeans outfit.
During the fall and winter I’m constantly reminding myself, “Don’t just wear a sweater and jeans; style a sweater and jeans.”
I love to wear blue jeans in the fall and winter. And there’s nothing more classic than pairing your basic crewneck sweater with a favorite pair of jeans. Of course, you could opt for black or grey denim, too. But I decided on my dark wash straight leg blue jeans here. I think it’s easiest to wear fuller sweaters like this one with slim fitting jeans, whether they are straight legs or maybe a flare. You can certainly work with the more modern wide leg jeans, but you’ll want those to fit slim in the hips and you’ll definitely need to tuck that sweater if it’s blousy.
Add a belt, if you’d like, to give a little definition. That hardware and touch of leather also elevates the look. Add a pretty coat and classy booties. Be sure to put on some pretty jewelry. Don’t just wear a sweater and jeans; style a sweater and jeans.
Modern Style Tip #3 – Consider your preferred contrast in intensity.
I believe our outfits always look the best when the contrast in intensity mimics the contrast in intensity we have in our physical features. Between my light green eyes, pale skin and light silver/blonde hair I have low contrast in intensity. So I like to wear outfits that also have low contrast in the intensity of the different garments I’m wearing.
I don’t always choose to wear my ivory pullover sweater this way. I think that would be a little too challenging for me and really limit my wear of this garment. But when I do want to create a low contrast in intensity look, this combination works really nicely.
My soft camel pants are no longer available; they’re from my closet (as many if not all items will be in these 2025 style series blog posts). But you could create a similar low contrast in intensity outfit (if that’s your preference) with pants or a skirt in a similar intensity – including light grey, icy blue, soft pink or oatmeal.
Modern Style Tip #4 – Wear your classic sweater with modern trousers.
Throughout this 2025 style series, you’ll hear me say to wear your classic pieces with modern things. That’s the best way to keep your look up-to-date. I love classics, too. But if we wear all classics that have been hanging in our closet for years, we’ll look a little dated.
So choose to wear your classic sweater with pants or skirts that have a modern silhouette. Good news! The classic, pleated, wider leg trouser is very in style and of the moment. So really you’re getting to wear two classics here while keeping the look modern. I will note, too, that my booties have a modern vibe and I kept my jewelry youthful.
Modern Style Tip #5 – Wear your ivory pullover sweater in color combinations that are modern and suited to you.
I love the combination of ivory and dark grey. Here I created an easy-on-the-eyes look with my dark grey wool pants from Me+Em (last year, no longer available) and a medium grey double faced wool coat (not available in this color). I wore black accessories to pull the look together.
Modern Style Tip #6 – Wear your classic ivory pullover sweater with a trending color.
Since ivory is a neutral that goes with absolutely everything, it’s easy to pair with so many things in your closet. Really the rainbow is the limit. But why not pair it with a trending color for a very “now” look?
I’ve been scouring my sources for information about the trends we can expect for spring, and one big piece of news is that brown is expected to dominate. I purchased this accordion skirt over a year ago when brown was on trend, so colors don’t become passe to quickly.
Modern Style Tip #6 – Create visually interesting outfits by mixing textures.
My ivory pullover sweater and brown accordion sweater outfit is simple and minimalist, but still interesting because I’ve mixed textures: cashmere, satin, smooth leather and suede. My brown knee-high boots (C/O) are super comfortable and I’m wearing them in the extended calf size.
Style Board Outfit Inspiration
Throughout this series I’ll be pulling mainly from my closet, so many of the garments and accessories I show may not be available. But you’ll always find the ones that are linked in the captions under the photos. Because I want to provide you with more inspiration than I can show simply from my closet, I’ll also have some style boards with each post. The items on the style boards are available and I’ve tried to choose reasonably priced pieces.
For this first board I created a tonal outfit with all ivory. I left the handbag selection up to my assistant Lucy, and I’m so glad she chose a soft brown colored shoulder bag. I was stumped, honestly. And she nailed it.
We are all unique and prefer differences in coloring. So for the final style board I found a more ecru sweater instead of an ivory pullover sweater. Also this one is ribbed cotton, so it would make a great addition to your wardrobe for spring. I combined it with light wash wide leg trouser jeans for a low contrast in intensity look.
I selected the metallic handbag for the look above, as well as the bracelet and earrings. Lucy added the field sneakers and dainty necklace, and I absolutely love the juxtaposition we have created here together. Every single choice here is modern, but still classy and not at all fussy.
Thanks so much for stopping in for a little style inspiration. You’ll always be able to find all of the Styling the Classics…for the Modern Woman blog posts in the top menu under the 2025 STYLE SERIES tab. Let me know what you think!
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Blessed for My Day
If you’re a Christ follower, the year isn’t the only thing that is new. YOU are a new creation. Old things have passed away and, behold, new things have come into your life. What old things? Hang-ups, habits, thought patterns, fleshly desires. Sure, they still raise their ugly heads every now and again and taunt you, but you now have the power over them in Christ Jesus. Don’t let them convince you otherwise.
And what new things have come into your life? The resurrection power of Christ. With Him you can do all things. Also the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He will never leave you, and He will equip you to do any hard thing you are called to do. The fireworks have ended and we’re on to the second day of the year now. But you, dear sister, are still new in Christ.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
Good morning Kay and happy anniversary!
I can already tell you’ve put so much thought and effort into this new series. I’m very much looking forward to each post. I have multiple ivory sweaters and my mind is already wandering to my closet for new ways to style them. This should be enlightening and fun.
And I loved and needed your BFMD.
Love this post and the angle of your new series! Thanks for granting both my wishes when you asked for feedback on the coming year! You look beautiful in this sweater, btw 🙂
I love an ivory sweater, and your styling suggestions are wonderful!
Happy Anniversary to you and James! Many blessings upon you!
Thank you. I made the mistake of saying we’ve been married 47 years in the email, but of course it’s been 37. I know my brain was thinking 37 when I typed that, but somehow it came out 47. Ha!
Ha ha! We share an anniversary (and happy anniversary to you!) and I was thinking “Have I gotten Kay’s age wrong all these years I’ve been following her?!” Thanks for the clarification! Blessings on your day!
Happy Anniversary to you, too!
I was just about to comment on “47” because I knew you weren’t 13 when you married! We are at 47 and I’m 70! Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary to you and James! I sat here doing the math because I remember your age, and I thought whoa, married at 13?! LOL. Congratulations again!
Thank you so much!
I love the post as well.i love the sweater but would purchase in a darker color as I never feel comfortable in light tones. Maybe black? (please advise). I’m ready to make my first purchase from Quince. I’m a petite large so I don’t know what size to order in the sweater. Please email me with your thoughts on size and color. Thank You
You can’t go wrong with any of the colors. Choose one you’ll enjoy. For sizing, I suggest checking their size guide. I’m wearing my true to size medium in my Quince fishermen sweaters, but I did size up to a large in the regular crewneck for a looser fit. They have a generous return policy, so you could order two sizes if needed and return one.
Happy anniversary! My husband and I celebrated our 36th this week. I feel the same way, we are closer and more focused on our heavenly path each day.
I love the new series and look forward to it. We live in a small rural area and I work at a local high school. Pretty casual dress code so I shop little more budget friendly however use your ideas often. Dressing for my day definitely gives me confidence
Thank you! Have a blessed trip.
2025 is off to a good start Kay. I know I’m going to enjoy this series.
You’re my favorite influencer. So relatable! Were you guys really married at 13?!!!
Hahaha! No, I wrote that late last night and obviously made a mistake. Crazy that I made it twice! We’ve been happily married 37 years. I knew it was 37 in my head, but it came out as 47 for some reason. LOL!
Happy anniversary!!! Please share photos of your surprise trip. Have fun. Yesterday was my husbands first day of retirement from the Fire service after 49 yrs. We are looking forward to spur of the moment get aways.
I’m going to enjoy this series. Two years ago I let my hair go grey as I was allergic to the dye. I’m not as white as you, but I’ve found the colors I like to wear now have changed. I would not have chose ivory for grey hair. What do you think if I’m not white grey? I also stopped wearing cognac tops and brown. I see you still do? When I had my colors done years ago I was a vivid Summer, but I had brown hair then. The neutrals I enjoy now are light grey, black and navy. Did you find you changed colors once you went grey?
Hi, Kathy. I’m a Jeweltone Summer in the Zyla system. I specifically asked David Zyla if the colors he chose for me personally would change when I went grey. His response was no, but I might prefer to wear lighter shades of my colors. Now that I’m salt and pepper grey, I find that to be true. My neutrals are navy and cream. Cool greys are in my palette but I just find them depressing to wear. I like color.
Hi Kim….. Thanks for your reply. I like some color too and find since I went grey that I’m adding more color to my closet on top of the neutrals I mentioned. I’m still figuring it out. Interesting he said colors wouldn’t change once you went grey. I think we all know colors we feel good in. Have a good day.
Hi Kay, this series sounds fantastic! Looking forward to it! I love today’s post. You have so many helpful tips. I have one ivory pullover, from Talbots. It’s very versatile and I could easily duplicate every look you posted here with what I have in my closet. 🙂 Love your BFMD post as well.
Happy Anniversary! Always enjoy your blog.
Happy Anniversary! Hope 2025 will be one of your best! I love the fisherman sweater – I don’t have a white one but think I’ll try to find one now! Have a great day!
Happy new year and happy anniversary, Kay, and many more years together. We‘ll celebrate 40 years of marriage in 2025. I‘m enjoying your new series very much. As I‘m travelling today and tomorrow I look forward to unpacking my trusted (and self-sewed) ivory sweater tomorrow night and try some of your tricks. Best wishes, Ulrike
Love these posts! I have learned alot from you. Thank you!
Happy Anniversary and New Year!
Congratulations with your wedding anniversary Kay! My husband and I celebrate 35 years this Saturday. Living in a country at the other side of the Atlantic I never left a comment. Nevertheless I want to express once how much I like your blog, your style tips, your natural elegancy outside but certainly also inside! I appreciate very much all the effort you put into your blog. Your “Styling the classics” hits my fashion soul very much! Continue! Wishing you a happy “second” honey moon!
I think you must’ve been a baby when you got married! Happy anniversary! I really like the style series you’re doing. Of course, I enjoy all of your posts. Thank you. Happy new year.
Happy anniversary!
I’m excited for this series! Very practical.
Thank you for your BFMD’s. I enjoy them very much. I hope you had a good break.
Happy New Year!
I like your new series for 2025! Learning how to style the classics I love will help me see them differently. Style boards and the weekly review of your actual outfits are other features that I enjoy. Keep up the good work!
Happy Anniversary! How nice that you have a surprise trip to look forward to. How exciting!
Love the post today. I’m always stumped on how to style things. I look at things in my closet and am never sure how to put things together. I’m sure I will get so much from this.
Beautiful post, Kay! ENJOY your Anniversary trip♥️
Happy anniversary Kay. I’m really going to enjoy this series.
Happy anniversary and best wishes for many more good years together for you and your husband! Enjoyed all these outfits very much – thank you.
I think I’m going to really like this new series! I have so many great pieces in my closet; I am trying not to keep adding more. My life at 62 is very athletic and “outdoorsy.” My friends are all the same. At the most I may run an errand here and there or have a lunch after pickleball or a hike with friends. We usually go as we are. When I do have the opportunity to get dressed for something I feel I have plenty to draw from. I have many classic pieces with less than a handful of trendy ones mixed in each season. I love to see new and fresh ways to mix and match what I already have for those occasions where I need to be more pulled together😊
Happy New Year and Anniversary! I am just reading this post today and wanted to tell you that I am really looking forward to this Style Series for this year… Combining what I have in different ways and being selective with new trends suits me well… the style boards that you and your assistant produce together feel fresh and stylish… So thank you both for your colllaboration!
37 … 47 … what’s a decade here or there when life is flying by and you’re happy? Right? LOL. (We celebrated our 58th last summer! Yikes!) Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year to you both. I love this new series. You’ve helped me decide what to wear to church tomorrow! I’m looking forward to more of these. Appreciate your inspiration.
I love your style series and this one is a good one! Thanks for writing them. I have an ivory cotton cropped sweater that I purchased last year from Quince. I’m always looking for more ways to style it.
Ivory belt pictured with taupe pants at Nordic sale perhaps? Thanks