Dressing for fall into winter: cozy knits, wide-leg pants, feminine details, classic shoes, quilted jackets, leopard print, & sweater vests.
Finding My Style
Today I am once again dipping my toe into the fashion pool.
And while I would never deem to call myself a fashion blogger, I have always loved clothes.
I like to think I got this from my mom. She had the most incredible style and, along with her blue and white dishes, I was lucky to inherit some of her beautiful clothes and shoes.
Even though my workplace was fairly casual, I always dressed up for the office. I had so much fun putting together an outfit each day!
It might sound silly, but that is something that I have missed in retirement. Especially since people in Maine tend to dress very casually.
Plus the pandemic definitely didn’t do anything for fashion anywhere, right?
I really enjoyed pulling together my wardrobe for my trip to NYC in September, though, and then sharing it with all of you.
For me, clothes are another way to flex my creative muscle and express my personal style.
Just like my home.
So I decided to keep the ball rolling from my NYC trip — purging what just doesn’t make me feel great and then thoughtfully filling in with some new pieces that elevate and refresh things I already own.
Now once again I am having fun getting dressed each day!
Today I am sharing how I got my fashion mojo back, and what I am wearing this fall into winter!
Choosing a Color Palette
Of course I started with color.
It probably won’t surprise you that I wear a lot of blue. In fact for a while, I wore it almost exclusively. I won’t share with you how many blue and white striped shirts and sweaters I own…
When not in blue, you could probably find me in gray. Black too, of course. And even some brown.
As I have transitioned to my natural gray hair color, though, I have found that some colors that looked good with my brown hair don’t work anymore, and others look better.
Brown is definitely out for me now.
And black and gray look better. Bright and light blues are more flattering now than my beloved navy, though I will never give up navy blue. Ever.
Just as when you decorate a room, I wanted an accent color. All shades of wine — from deep oxblood to brighter burgundy to plum — are on trend right now. And I already had a few pieces in these shades in my closet. They also work with my skin tone.
So there you have it, my fall/winter palette: blue, gray, black, and burgundy.
Inspiration Board
I have to admit that I had lost my style mojo since retiring and moving to Maine.
In the morning, I would walk into my closet, overflowing with clothes — many that I loved — but not feel inspired to wear any of them. I can’t count how many days I would get dressed, and then immediately change my outfit. Sometimes more than once.
And then I read somewhere that many of us shop for clothes, just buying something that strikes our fancy when we are in a store or online. That was definitely me! The result was I ended up with a closet full of clothes that I might love, but didn’t really form a cohesive whole.
I realized I needed a plan. A wardrobe made up of pieces that I could combine to create outfits that I wanted to wear.
But first I needed to figure out what those were. What really is my style now that I am retired and living in Maine?
So, instead of skimming and tossing the many clothes catalogs that come to my house, I started looking at them more closely. Then tearing out the outfits that I would want to wear.
And as I looked at what I had saved, a distinct style started to emerge. Casual but tailored. Classic with a twist. Cozy and Comfy. With some feminine details. And also a fun shoe.
Trends I Am Loving
Of course as I “studied” the catalogs, commonalities started to emerge.
These are the trends that I am loving and embracing!
NOTE: I am sharing shopping links in this post for your convenience. If you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you, I will receive some small compensation. None of these items were gifted to me. If I say that I have purchased an item myself, then I am sharing it because I am happy with it. To give you additional options I am sharing other items I do not own and cannot vouch for personally. Happy shopping!
Wider leg pants:
I have been a tried and true skinny jeans gal for years. My favorite silhouette was an oversized top and skinny bottom. But I have found that the fuller leg works for my 5′ 5″ stature when they are fitted through the hips and hit at the ankle. A slightly cropped flared pant also works for me. And I have a pair of the trendy but modified barrel-leg style that are comfy and have just the right amount of slouch.
I am linking my favorite wide legs jeans on sale!
Leopard Print:
Did leopard print really ever go out of style? It is definitely “in” now, and I am happy that I already have some pieces in my closet. I think it looks best when dressed down with a snuggly sweater or denim.
Sweater Vests
I am kind of obsessed with the sweater vest this year. It seems like such a classic 70’s throwback to me. I love the way it allows a pretty blouse to show, but you also get the coziness of a sweater. You know I love my layers! I might have to get a fair isle vest for the holidays, but for now I went with a basic black.
Cardigan sweaters
The cardigan sweater seems to be bigger than ever! Oversized or fitted, lady-style, fisherman or cable knit. There is a cardigan for everyone. Wear it on its own, or layer with a ruffle-collared shirt. There are so many ways to style!
Tops with feminine details
I am loving all the tops with pretty feminine details. Blouses with floral prints, ruffles, or lace. Delicate frilled, crocheted, or bow-neck sweaters. I think these look best when worn with something to keep them from being too “sweet”. A lacy blouse with jeans. A floral blouse under a striped sweater or checked jacket. A feminine sweater with faux-leather pants.
Floral quilted jackets
Free People might have started this trend with their Chloe Jacket. Now there are dupes on Amazon, as well as options from other retailers.
Sporty pants
I am not talking leggings, sweat or track pants. These sporty pants are more elevated. I like the ones with a contrasting stripe down the side. Dress them up with a button up shirt, a blazer, and loafers. Or get comfy with an oversized sweater and retro sneaks.
Classic Shoes:
Mary Janes seem to be the “it” shoe of the season. Wear them with jeans or other pants.
A classic loafer adds a tailored look to any outfit.
And fun retro-look sneaks make any outfit — including dresses and skirts — look fresh.
Belts
The higher-waisted wide-leg pants look great with a shirt tucked in, perfect for showing off a simple classic belt. I still need to get one!
Where I Have Shopped and What I Have Gotten
When I was gathering my inspiration outfits, I wasn’t looking at prices.
My idea was to eventually create similar looks within my own budget.
I always love a bargain, but I am also willing to splurge for some items.
Again, similar to how I shop for my home.
Here are the high-low places I have shopped and what I have gotten.
Sezane
This is a French retailer that my daughter Zoë introduced me to when we were in NYC, and I am obsessed!. I would say they are a mid/upper price point, and sadly apparently never have sales. I guess that is a French thing.
So I went for a lovely black mohair/wool cardigan with crochet finishing on the placket and around the neckline. I can dress it down with jeans or up with my faux leather pants or a silk slip skirt. Maybe an outfit for Thanksgiving!
Note, Sezane’s sizes run differently than normal U.S. Make sure you read the size information before ordering!
Wyse
Another new-to-me company, though I was receiving their catalog. They are British and, again, I love pretty much everything! Unfortunately their prices are very high. Their catalog and website is full of inspiration, though. And fortunately they do have sales, so I was able to snag my black sweater vest at 40% off.
Quince
If you haven’t heard of Quince, you are going to thank me.
I don’t know how they do it, but they sell clothes similar to many popular websites at a fraction of the price. Think well-made cashmere and cotton sweaters. Silk skirts. Jeans, dresses, and workout wear.
I bought an oversize cable cardigan and a wool shirt-jacket.
Target
Target is a long drive for me, but I did find some good basics: a black cotton cardigan and a pair of perfect cropped wide-leg burgundy chinos. Win win!
Madewell
I ordered their Darted Barrel-Leg Jean. My regular size 28 (I am 5′ 5″, 135 lbs) were large, even for a relaxed fit. The size 27 are fitted at the waist, with the perfect amount of slouch through the leg. So I recommend sizing down!
Norsdstrom Rack
When I am looking for shoes, I always check Nordstrom Rack first, where you can get some great deals. I ordered a pair of classic black penny loafers.
Walmart
I don’t make a habit of buying clothes from Walmart, but a friend posted a cute pair of fleece Mary Janes that I couldn’t resist for the price. They are great dupes for a much more expensive pair!
I am linking both here.
Local Consignment and resale stores
I love to shop at consignment and resale stores! Buying second hand can save you a lot of money and you can find some unique pieces. Plus, it is good for the environment!
It is easy to get sucked into the “I love this and it is such a great price” mindset, though. So when I went to a local consignment store last Saturday, I kept my inspiration board and color palette clearly in mind.
I love what I came away with — particularly the J Crew blue floral jacket. It looks brand new and was a steal at just $30.
On My Wishlist
I am really happy with my fall-into-winter wardrobe, but there are still a few pieces I have my eye on.
Maybe I will make a few more purchases as we head towards the holidays!
Here are some items on my wishlist!
This Week Into Next
We had a warmish week, with temps in the upper 50’s and low 60’s, but cooler (downright chilly) weather is headed our way for the weekend.
Truthfully, I am ready for some cozy sweater weather. After all, I have some new sweaters to wear!
On Saturday I am headed to New Hampshire to do a FB Marketplace pickup. I got an idea for a change in the living room and I found something that could be really cool. You can never really tell what a FBM item will look like in person, though, so we will see. Some of you might not be happy with the change I am envisioning, and I do still love the piece I am thinking of swapping out.
Have I piqued your curiosity?
I finished Jamie’s “Megan the dog” costume and sent it out. Unfortunately, I just got word that it arrived and the hat is too small. Wah! My daughter has assured me that she will figure something out, so that he can wear it to the Halloween celebration at Daycare on Friday.
I will be making Poppy’s black cat costume this weekend. It has a headband, so I don’t have to worry about hat size…
I am off to St. Paul for Halloween with Leah, Adam, Jamie, and Megan next Wednesday. I can’t wait to spend time with all of them!
I am planning on getting a blog post with a soup recipe done before I go!
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Be well!
