Now + Later Spring Separates

Thank you to Express & ShopStyle for kindly sponsoring this post.
All opinions are 100% honest & all items were hand-selected by me.

It’s amazing how different our lives look now than they only did a month ago. Our daily schedules have drastically changed and, for most of us, so has our wardrobe.  While it’s fun to dress up every once in a while (even though we have nowhere to go), working from home every day requires much less formal attire.

As tempting as it is to stock up on loungewear, I want to be smart with my purchases right now and I personally would much rather buy things that I can style multiple ways than simply one-hit wonders. Finding pieces that are versatile enough to be able to wear both now and later is essential!

So today I’m sharing 4 looks from Express featuring items you can comfortably work from home in and also transition to wear outside of the house once quarantine is over.  And the best part is that everything is 40% off right now!

NOW

Slouchy sweaters are my favorite & this open-knit cardigan is exactly the type of neutral completer piece every closet needs.  This also comes in gray & oatmeal – if you want a more oversized fit, I’d size up one (I originally went down a size, but ended up exchanging it for my usual size so it would fit a bit slouchier).  This knit is the perfect weight to wear now on cooler days & you can pull it out again in the fall.

I chose this tank to wear underneath because it’s slightly more elevated than a basic cami, which makes it a great layering piece.  The square neckline gives it a modern feel and, thanks to the wider straps, you can wear a regular bra with it – always a plus!  I ordered my usual size but if you want it to fit more like a bodysuit, I’d recommend sizing down (stay true to size if you have a larger bust).  More casual layered pairings to try: this high neck tank + this mixed stitch cardigan or this v-neck tee (just ordered in 2 colors!) + this duster cardigan.

I know denim seems like a strange choice for lounging around the house, but the hyper stretch in these jeans makes them just as comfortable as leggings – I swear!  I love a good button-fly high-rise and because these have zero distressing, they’re easy to dress up too.  I found them to run true to size – I got the regular length & I’m 5’8″ so if you’re shorter or prefer a more cropped length, I’d recommend getting the short inseam or ordering in the petite sizing.  These also come in long for my tall girls!

What I’m wearing:
c/o Express Open Stitch Balloon Sleeve Cardigan, c/o Express Square Neck Tank,
c/o Express High Waisted Hyper Stretch Jeggings, c/o Express Snake Print Mules

LATER

To style this tank for later in the season, just tuck it into a pretty printed skirt and add a pair of heels – so simple & chic!  I’d wear this for date night or a Sunday brunch with friends.  This satin midi skirt is such a good option & it comes in 3 different patterns (plus some solid colors here & here).  You could also add a belt at the waist to create more definition.  And, if you want to give it a sporty vibe, I’d throw a denim or moto jacket on top and swap out the heels for white sneakers.

What I’m wearing:
c/o Express Square Neck Tank, c/o Express Satin Midi Skirt,
c/o Express Heeled Sandals (another option here)

NOW

Let’s face it – when it comes to cozy loungewear, nothing beats sweats! Again, the key here is to choose pieces that have some polish to them.  The short sleeves and puff shoulders on this sweatshirt make it so versatile – unfortunately, this sold out before I had a chance to share it here, but this one is almost identical!  Other comfy tops worth checking out: this open-stitch sweater, this waffle knit top & this oversized tunic (wear with these black leggings).

I fell in love with these stretchy pants the second I put them on – they have the look of a jogger but the fit of a legging & they are so buttery soft!  The best part about both of these separates is that you can still wear them out & about to run errands, walk the dog or pick up groceries.  (I went down a size in the sweatshirt because it’s pretty roomy, but got my usual size in the leggings.)  If you’re looking for more substantial joggers, these have a thicker fabric & are the same color as the ones I’m wearing here.

What I’m wearing:
c/o Express Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt (sold out but also in camo & leopard),
c/o Express High Waisted Jogger Leggings, Similar Sneakers

LATER

Of course, you could wear this top with jeans or denim shorts, but I wanted to challenge myself to dress it up in an unexpected way.  These cropped wide leg pants provide the perfect contrast to the slouchy casual vibe of the sweatshirt & instantly make it look more sophisticated.  I think you could definitely wear this to work once your office opens up again.  I’d also style this top with a denim skirt or tucked into utility pants with slide sandals. Check out more of my now & later picks in the scrolling bar below!

What I’m wearing:
c/o Express Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt (sold out; similar here),
c/o Express Linen Striped Pants

MY EXPRESS FAVORITES