There is no need to give up wearing pastels, brights and jewel tones as we head into Autumn and Winter. As long as the weights of the items are seasonally appropriate — go for it. If you’re a neutral gal, by all means stick to that palette too. But if you like brights and pastels like I do — keep them alive year round.
On that note, here’s a selection of colourful items for cooler weather. I’ve thrown in some neutrals just for fun.
- Topshop 'Karter' Square Toe Loafer (Women): A masculine loafer in a girly colour is sublime. Very comfy and works for both low and high volume feet. Can work for bunions too. Add an orthotic for extra arch support. Runs big so size down
- Trina Turk Long-Sleeve Floral Tie-Neck Top, Multicolor: Winter Floral Fabness. Not good on petites. Gorgeous fabric and drape.
- J.Crew Tulle-hem top: A Fall peplum with a bit of tulle is festive. Great with a black pencil skirt or cropped pants. Size down.
- J.Crew Italian cashmere boatneck tunic: A pullover with a magical neckline that looks good on most body types. Very soft and cozy. Curvies look best with the top semi-tucked to create a bit of waist definition. size down.
- J.Crew Plush fleece excursion vest: Bring out your inner teddy bear with this darling. Cuddly in the extreme. Size down.
- J.Crew Stadium-cloth cocoon coat: A streamlined cocoon coat in a yummy shade of lilac. TTS if you need roomier sleeves, but size down if you don't.
- Zara Coat With Embroidered Yoke Details: The photo does not do this Modern Retro coat justice. It has puffed sleeves, embroidery on the yoke, a swing silhouette, and patch pockets. Charming Deluxe.
- Chaus 'Colorful Splash' Sleeveless V-Neck Blouse: A delightful accent for a black support act. Good on a large bust, short neck and apple-shaped body type.
- Topshop 'Mustard' Western Boot (Women): Super Hero Fabness with a touch of the sensational '70s. The colour is more tomato red in person, so it may have followed me home. Very comfortable, and works for low and regular volume feet. Good shaft width for narrow ankles.
- Via Spiga 'Medora' Pointy Toe Pump (Women): A low-heeled pump in bright fuchsia can come in handy. Best on low volume feet, and quite comfortable.
- Neiman Marcus Neiman Marcus Snake-Embossed Dome Satchel Bag, Orange: Dutch Orange Faux Leather Fabness. Good price and playful shape.
- Ellen Tracy Faux Double Breasted Jacket: A neon fuchsia jacket for Fall. Why not! The faux double-breasted closures are interesting. Nice drape, quite tailored, and good with black.
- Elena Medium Leather Satchel Bag, Ruby: I can't rave enough about this bag. Sensational shape, quality and size. Chic and robust.
- Louise Et Cie 'Brianna' Buckle Toe Pump (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive): Block-heeled ballerinas are on trend, and the oversized buckle on this one is maximally fab. Comfortable on a variety of foot shapes. Comes in four colours.
- J.Crew Italian cashmere ribbed turtleneck in stripe: Bright, sporty and happy. Runs big and is very bold in the red and blush. You might prefer the toffee and black version.
- 87 VIC MATIĒ Ankle boot: Sparkly navy booties for the win. I have not seen these in person yet, but they look comfortable, hip and fun. Available in green.
- Charles Jourdan Charles Jourdan Ophelia Leopard-Print Leather Satchel Bag, Pink: The back of this bag is black, so it works well with black outfits. Pink leopard looks naughty and nice.
- Halogen 'Emily' Loafer (Women): A trendy and textured chunky loafer that adds a bit of Tomboy to your outfit. Read the rave reviews.
- J.Crew Double-cloth lady day coat with Thinsulate: Ladylike, streamlined, well made, and warm. Great length for dresses. An item with a high longevity factor. Might run narrow in the sleeves. Available in many colours.
- J.Crew Campbell blazer in pink houndstooth: Pink houndstooth is delightful. Remix with all sorts of patterns and earth tones for a fresh look for Fall.
- J.Crew Rainbow stripe sweater in merino wool: A multi-coloured stripe to cheer you up on a gloomy day. Casual and bold. It's a little short so not good for longer torsos.
- Banana Republic One-Button Velvet Blazer: Fun chartreuse velvet jacket (available in navy). Lightweight and flattering on a wider waist. It does not nip in on the waist when you have a narrow waistline. Cut is quite straight.
- Banana Republic Keyhole Dress: Romantic Girly Fun. Fab with hose, Mary Janes and a coat for Fall.
- Banana Republic Tailored Vest: Blush Vest Fabness. The shape is a lot more versatile than you think. Layer it over just about any outfit to create a structured and chic touch to your look. Works well as an indoor jacket too. Might run a size big.
- Banana Republic Luxe Brushed Twill Flannel Blazer: A smart casual blazer for Team Short Waisted and Team Purple.
- J.Crew Boyfriend shirt in cerulean plaid: A fun mix of cobalt, rust and feminine white plaid. Runs big, and wide in the torso. Very boxy cut.
- J.Crew Boy shirt in fiery sunset buffalo check: Lumberjack Chic. The softest plaid of them all. No breast pockets. Runs big, and wide in the torso. Very boxy cut, so best semi tucked into bottoms. The red is more tomato in person, which is why it followed me home. Wear it with a pencil skirt and heels.
- Zara Short Anorak With Hidden Hood Details: The best short fitted puffer I've seen all year. Glitzy, chic and dressy. Not sporty. It's Zara but very well made. The black piping detailing is SUPERB, the chevron quilting is awfully slimming, and the cut on the funnel neck is architectural. A narrow cut so runs small, and you MUST have a long neck to pull off this style. The red is less bright in person. More fire engine than tomato. Comes in four colours. The toffee is hanging in my coat closet.
- Vince Camuto Ruffle Front Blouse: A drapey cobalt blouse that works well on a variety of body types. Looks good tucked, semi-tucked or worn out. The ruffle is flattering on a larger bust. Sleeves are long and it runs big. Great with black.
- Vince Camuto Woven Scarf Neck High/Low Hem Jersey Top: A knitted neck-tie blouse is unique, especially in forest green. Comfortable and suits a range of body types. The tie is more dramatic in person, so consider yourself warned. Layers well under toppers, is festive for any occasion, and runs big.
- Vince Camuto Ruffle Jersey Sheath Dress: A ruffle front dress WITH sleeves, sufficient hem length, a decent hemline, and in a colour other than black is quite the find. Runs big.
- Lafayette 148 New York 'Bonita' Knit Collar Silk Blouse: The fabric is SUBLIME, and like liquid mercury. The top layers extremely well under jackets, and is available in neutrals too.
- DEIMILLE Della Pia Crystal Embellished Pump (Women): Cinderella Tomboy shoes with just the right amount of bling. PERFECT with a tuxedo for the holidays. Very comfortable and beautifully made. High longevity factor. Works well for both low and high volume feet. The blue is the way to go.
- Mephisto Sabatina Oxford (Women): Trendy and extremely comfortable. The lug sole is lightweight. The patent adds a good dose of chic. Works well for both low and high volume feet.
You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.
