Since we’re still in winter and there seems to be no end in sight when it comes to this bitter cold, I can’t help but feel the need to be comfortable and warm all the time. Everyone’s ready for summer and everyone’s tired of slipping on ICE. In fact, last night I ended up scraping ice off of three cars and my hands were so numb I couldn’t bend them. it’s time for summer people. Needs to get here sooner rather than later.

While I continue to wish for summer, I’m wearing a comfort that seems to be a popular trend this year, and not just popular amongst lumberjacks. Yes, I’m talking Flannel.

This year flannel seemed to more prevalent in shirts than pajamas. It was was a staple in my closet and now I can see why. Flannel is comfortable and comes with something else that is also very trendy at the moment; patterns. Everyone seems to love this combination. Who wouldn’t? It’s made from wool, cotton or synthetic fibers and thus has this insulating effect like a thermal but again is trendy and can be worn anywhere from business casual to a casual evening. Flannel is awesome.

Another great thing about it? It’s CHEAP. It’s been around forever and I had never really noticed it until now. But it’s been a great alternative to a sweater and I think I could wear it everyday.

Ok – so flannel looks –

I wore this to work one Friday – it was a business casual day and I was told that I could wear flannel if it “looked dressy enough.” I wore this blue pattern with a gray puffer vest, dark denim and brown dress shoes. It was fine for the office and I was told it was business appropriate. This shirt is John Ashford and was from Macy’s – $11.99

Wore this classic flannel to a birthday dinner at good ol’ Outback. We were very casual and it was still really comfortable. When I think of flannel – I think of this pattern. Wore it with gray denim, black lace-up boots and a NorthFace. Another John Ashford from Macy’s $11.99

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The cover photo on this post features two other Ashford Shirts; in the middle is one that I received from my Five Four Subscription. Five Four is a street wear trend company based out of California, so it was a lighter fabric, but it has awesome colors. I liked when this arrived because it reassured me that flannel was in fact a trend this season. I wore this on Christmas. Here’s a picture of it with me and my Godson. He was also wearing plaid!

Christmas Eve was the Mecca for Flannel on my Mom’s side. We asked that everyone wear a flannel shirt. It was awesome how everyone participated!

Here’s me with another cool kid – who was decked out in one herself!

When I say we were all in flannel, I meant it. Here’s the group photo. Several pattern clashes but it was awesome! My cousin even found a flannel dress! We had babies, pregnant ladies and all the Aunts and Uncles participating! Wonder what next year will bring!

Stay warm everyone!….and comfortable!

#SpenceDoesStyle