Today we continue to work through the 10 casual Autumn formulas I blogged about last month, devoting a separate post to each outfit formula. With formula #1, formula #2 and formula #3 down, it’s on to formula #4. This formula is all about boot cut jeans so if that’s your favourite style of denim, this one is for you:

Jeans + tunic sweater + leather or pleather jacket + ankle boots

Here are the components of this formula in more detail:

• Jeans: You’ll need boot cut jeans, but straighter legs and trouser cuts will work just as well. Choose any wash and remember that black-black and grey jeans are great options too.
• Tunic sweater: Opt for knitwear that’s longer in length. Mid-thigh is best but you can go shorter if you’re petite. Form fitting tunics are lovely, but voluminous styles are more forgiving on the midriff area (think empire cuts and banded styles). If tunic sweaters are too warm, opt for tunic button down shirts, tunic T’s or tunic knit tops. Remember that you can belt a tunic to rein in some of the volume so don’t dismiss the idea yet! Of course, wearing a normal length top with pants is always an option if tunics aren’t your thing. But I’m encouraging banded 80’s style tunics because the look is “new”, forgiving and very comfortable.
• Leather or pleather jacket: It’s the jacket that adds structure to this formula and there are countless styles of leather and pleather silhouettes this season. Think beyond black leather and try colours like cream, caramel, burgundy, teal and blue. If you don’t like biker jackets, opt for bomber styles, classic blazer and peplum looks, or groovy belted 70’s vibes. The jacket can be short to add a dramatic layering effect over the tunic, or longer for a more streamlined look. After dressing many women in this formula, I’ve found that empire cut tunics look best when matched with longer length jackets. A cropped jacket tends to look best over a streamlined tunic that tapers in at the hem when worn over jeans. If leather and pleather are not your preference, complete the outfit with a corduroy blazer, military jacket or retro trapeze jacket instead.
• Ankle boots: Casual flat ankle boots are a no-brainer, but you might like to try cowboy boots too. Short Dr. Marten boots will also work and so will styles with a low heel or wedge. Once again, think beyond black and try footwear in colours like tan, blue, grey, red, eggplant and burgundy. We tend to wear lots of black, brown and grey tops in Autumn and Winter so adding an unexpected colour with footwear makes a refreshing change. Ankle boots are not your only option here. Swap them out for converse sneakers, flat oxfords and loafers if you want to wear cozy socks, but ballet flats are also great when it’s warm enough to go sockless.

Notes on the accessories for this formula:

• Scarf: Scarves are not essential, but they’re always visually appealing. Versatile pashmina wrap-style scarves are my top pick because they look great both indoors and outdoors. Silky scarves are just as fab, but not as casual. I’m not particularly fond of neckerchiefs because they cut your long lean line, but they can work if you have a long neck. Scarves are best when tied vertically (like this, this and this).
• Handbag: A flat tote is the obvious choice, but if you need both hands free to attend to little ones, a cross body bag is the solution.
• Accessories: You know the drill, attend to your specs first and your watch second, because they’re the most important accessories on your body. A statement necklace is a nice alternative to a scarf and earrings add a nice touch.

And now some examples. The first is an interpretation on the daring side of modern classic, the second is more trendy and urban, while the third is bohemian and earthy. Remember that this is a formula, so you can substitute the items in the visuals for those that that are more to your taste. Also, clicking on the pictures will take you to Polyvore where you can see the individual items, but take the specific items I chose with a grain of salt. I selected them items purely based on what was easily available and what made the right visual impact. So I am not suggesting that you need a $21,000 Cartier watch to make the modern classic look work.

Modern Classic

Trendy & Urban

Bohemian & Earthy

I like to sport formula #4 with converse sneakers and loafers because I don’t own flat casual ankle boots. But I’ll sport a smart casual version of the formula with dressy heeled ankle boots or booties and a silky blouse instead. Mums on the go, I’d love to hear your suggestions on how to improve this formula.

Today we continue our journey through the 10 casual Autumn formulas I blogged about a few weeks ago. Formula #3 is all about the casual dress, so I turned to super stylish, Chicago forum member Laura, who is a freelance writer and busy Mum on the go. She’s a frock gal who owns this look. Who better to convince you that frocks are fab than our very lovely Laura with the killer pixie do and two darling boys in tow.

Of all of Angie’s brilliant formulas for moms on the go, I probably wear Formula #2 the most (for practical weather purposes), but my absolute favorite is Formula #3:

Casual dress + tights or hose + tall boots

I wasn’t always this convinced! Until about a year ago, you would find me in jeans most days. My conversion took place in the dressing room of Macy’s in Herald Square, during the YLF Manhattan convention. Angie dragged us kicking and screaming to the gigantic Macy’s flagship dress department. Thirty minutes and three fabulous frocks later, I was reborn as a dress girl.

Dresses make me feel pulled together and feminine, but still practical and comfy. It’s one simple garment, and all you need to add is tights and boots for extra coverage. What could be easier? Also, wearing casual dresses is a great alternative to jeans and sweaters. I get so sick of wearing jeans!

For Fall I love non-restrictive and forgiving empire cut dresses, A-line dresses and sack dresses in thicker fabrics with stretch. Ponte de Roma knits are pure genius, and sweater dresses and jersey knit are great too. When I shop, I generally look for long or ¾-length sleeves. But sleeveless works as well: I simply put a thin layering turtleneck underneath, or pop a cropped cardigan, military jacket, denim jacket or moto vest over it, and I feel covered. For extra warmth (remember I live in Chicago), I’ll layer over a trench coat, wool coat and eventually a heavy duty down puffer along with headgear, scarf and gloves.

I’ve also gotten over a phobia about hose. Now I wear tights, textured hose and leggings. If you’re not sure about hose, start by wearing leggings under a dress. Leggings are basically a thicker form of tights, and can give you that extra comfort level if your day calls for sitting on the floor with your baby or chasing a toddler around a playground. I love how black tights matched with black boots give me a nice long line. And make sure your dress is the right length — at the knee or a few inches above the knee for most of us.

My handbag of choice is a large tote or cross-body bag when I need to be hands free. I like to wear a fun colour to contrast with my monochromatic outfits which keeps things cheerful on a gray windy day! I always wear my big white statement watch but I tend to keep earrings and necklaces dainty because that’s my style preference.

I have road tested formula #3 time and time again, and what makes it work when you’re running after your 3-year-old around (as I am) is making sure the dresses are casual and pairing them with footwear that’s practical with a capital P. I wear all sorts of casual boots: ankle boots, Doc Martens, knee- high riding boots, flat slouchy boots, Frye harness boots, and cowboy boots.

So, over to you. Are you a dress girl at heart? If not, are you willing to give this formula a try? Let’s hear your opinions on formula #3.

I’m a huge fan of micro fishnets, but I’m also into other types of patterns on black textured hose. Lace, checks, swirls, chevrons, polka dots, florals, stripes and diamond designs are among my favourites at the moment. Textured hose is versatile because you can dress it both up and down.

I know what you’re thinking – hose is dressy. The same way you might think that dresses are generally dressy. But these perceptions are not entirely true because dresses worn with hose can look relaxed if you add casual elements into the mix. The picture below shows gals in dressy ensembles matched with black textured hose and heeled pumps. The hose smartens up the outfits for sure. But wear the hose with a pair of flat, casual boots and a casual dress or skirt and you’ve dressed down the look.

For example, try one of my favorite looks for Autumn: a no-nonsense day dress with Frye boots and sheer black checked hose. This pairing is unexpected and more visually interesting than falling back on plain old black opaques.

Fashion unites us, but style sets us apart. It’s HOW you wear the item that makes the difference. Anyone can purchase black textured hose and wear it with pumps and a dressy frock, because that’s the combination that makes traditional sense. But wearing fashion items in unconventional ways can often be a lot more fun. This also helps you get the most out of a small wardrobe, which is a real cost saver. An all-round win.

Wearing black boots with black textured hose is flop proof because it gives you a long leg line. Mismatching the colour of the hose and the boots can be done, but you might find it harder to achieve the long lean line.

I promised to devote a separate post to each of the 10 casual Autumn formulas I wrote about earlier about this month. With formula #1 down, it’s on to formula #2:

Skinny jeans + long sleeved T + scarf + tall boots

Tucking jeans or pants into tall boots is extremely practical for winter weather. Really, there is no substitute for this footwear formula if you’re out braving the elements and commuting on foot. Living in rainy Seattle, I tuck jeans into boots frequently and it happens to be one of my very favourite looks of all time. I feel stylish, sleek, comfortable and pulled together for the rain, ice and snow. And above all my feet are warm and dry.

Here are the components of this formula in more detail:

• Jeans: You’ll need slim cut, casual pants or jeans that are super tapered on the lower leg to make tucking an easy operation. If jeans are not your thing, you’ll achieve the same look with Ponte de Roma knit pants, micro-check pants, or denim leggings. Choose any wash of jeans and don’t forget that black-black and grey jeans are good options too. Because extra-skinny jeans are ideal for this look, you might like to reserve certain pants and jeans solely for the purpose of tucking into boots.
• Long sleeved T: A good quality, solid layering T is a super backdrop for a patterned scarf. But you don’t need to stick to basic T styling either. Think banded tunic styles with dolman sleeves, empire cuts and wrap styles as more interesting alternatives. Button down shirts and cru, turtle and V-neck knitwear will also work. You can also switch the solid and pattern mix around by wearing a patterned top and solid scarf. Honestly, any type of top with a scarf that works is good. As an extra Autumn topper, think trench coat, cropped coat, leather, pleather, corduroy, plaid, military jacket, or one of the new look longer length cardigans.
• Scarf: Versatile pashmina wrap-style scarves are my top pick because they look great both indoors and outdoors. Silky scarves are just as fab, but not quite as casual. I’m not particularly fond of neckerchiefs because they cut your long lean line, but they can work if you have a long neck. Scarves are best when tied vertically (like this, this and this).
• Tall boots: Choose knee-high and mid-calf boots that are either flat, wedged or low heeled. The world is your oyster when it comes to the aesthetic of the boots. From riding boots and slouch styles, to biker boots, cowboy looks, fleece lined snow boots and anything else that tickles your fancy. Wellington boots and 20 eyelet Doc Martens are superb too.
• Handbag: A flat tote is the obvious choice, but if you need both hands free to attend to little ones, a cross body bag is the solution.
• Accessories: Attend to your specs first and your watch second, because they’re the most important accessories on your body. There’s no need to wear a necklace because this look is all about the statement scarf, but earrings add a nice touch. If you like hats, then newsboy caps, berets, slouchy beanies, riding caps and felt cloches are all super choices.

And now some examples. The first is a fun and bright interpretation, while the second is edgy and urban. No modern-classic interpretations today! Remember that this is a formula, so you can substitute the items in the visuals for those that that are more to your taste. Note that you can click on the pictures to find details about individual items in Polyvore.

Fun & Bright:

Edgy & Urban:

Forum member Tanya recently challenged herself to wear a different casual Autumn formula each day, covering eight of the formulas in one week. She looks KILLER in every outfit and I can’t possibly pick a favourite. Tanya’s chic, casual, everyday style is a true inspiration for us all so be sure to take a look.

Mums on the go and gals on the go, I’d love to hear your suggestions on how to improve this formula. Also, if you post your interpretation of this formula on your own blog, link to my post and we will list you below when we see the trackback.

I promised to devote a separate post to each of the 10 casual Autumn formulas I blogged about last week. So I’m kicking off the series with flop proof Autumn outfit formula #1:

Jeans + embellished / graphic T + new look cardigan + ballet flats

Here are the components of this formula in more detail:

• Jeans: Opt for boot cut, straight leg or skinny jeans in a wash or colour of your preference. Faded blue jeans are completely fine for a super casual look, and black and grey jeans are great options too. Black jeans look particularly good with blue tops, while grey jeans are fab with black, white, red and jewel tones.
• Graphic or embellished T: This keeps the look extra casual, but is still a step up from a basic T. I’m not always a fan of T’s, but as fun layering items I’m all for it. Look for arty motifs, or pretty design features like rosettes, ruching, ribbons and ruffles. Tunics and banded style T’s will also work. If T’s are not your thing, opt for a more refined mesh or rayon knit top, woven blouse or button down shirt instead. It’s all good.
• New look cardigan: This is the season for the long “new look” cardigan. Think cascading or flyaway, curved hem or boyfriend. These new look cardigans are voluminous when worn un-belted. Fabulous! Comfy, forgiving and super relaxed as long as there is significant structure along the shoulder line. Finer gauge knits are more slimming and look dressier, but chunkier knits can work too. Petites can absolutely wear tunic cardigans as long as the length is not too long. Belting the style to showcase your waistline is an option but not a necessity. If you insist on wearing a classic cropped cardigan then that’s okay too. But it would be fun to try something new.
• Ballet flats: Flats are the best choice for practical reasons, but feel free to wear a casual, low heel or wedge if that’s your preference. If you don’t like ballet flats, think ankle boots, cowboy boots, loafers, fashion sneakers or Converse. A casual wedged pump will also work. With the exception of ballet flats and wedged pumps, which look best sans socks or with hose, you can wear all the other options with cozy socks. Be mindful of the hem width of jeans you pair with specific shoes. Converse and fashion sneakers tend to look best with boot cuts.

Notes on the accessories for this formula:

• Handbag: Keep it healthy and make the size and shape work for you. A flat tote is the obvious choice, but if you need both hands free to attend to little ones, a cross body bag is the solution.
• Accessories: If you wear specs, sort them out first because they are your most important accessory. If you wear a watch, that’s next. Choose between statement necklaces or earrings but don’t wear both at the same time. Casual pendants on leather cords are great, but scarves make a nice seasonal change. For those that like hats, newsboy caps, berets, slouchy beanies, riding caps and felt cloches are all adorable choices.

And now some examples. The first is an arty and fun interpretation, while the second is more refined and modern-classic. Remember that this is a formula, so you can substitute the items in the visuals for those that that are more to your taste.

Arty & Fun:

Refined & Modern Classic:

For more inspiration, check out forum member Tanya who isn’t a Mom on the go, but dresses casually for work. She effortlessly and beautifully wore this particular formula for most of last week. Wonderful budget babe Dianna recently recreated Autumn formula #1 using affordable items from the web. Both posts are well worth a look. I’m impressed.

Mums on the go, I’d love to hear your suggestions on how to improve this formula. Here are some examples from our readers:

• Ana, of The Math Fashionista, brings Cheetah print into the equation

If you post your interpretation of this formula on your own blog, link to my post and we will list you here when we see the trackback.

Plaid shirts and blouses are everywhere at the moment. For the most part they’re super casual in cotton or flannel fabrications, but they can look dressier when worn in drapey silks, chiffons and polyester blends.

The trick to wearing flannel plaid tops is to add feminine touches. In other words, if you don’t want to look boyish wearing a flannel shirt like we did in the 90’s, add the following girly design elements and accessories to this season’s look:

• Choose a tunic length: This really makes the style feel “new”.
• Add a belt: My suggestion is to swap out the self- fabric belt that came with the tunic to prevent it from looking like a robe. Opt for a webbing or distressed leather belt instead, either low-slung or waist-cinching.
• Keep the ruffles: You might be sick of ruffles, but having them on an otherwise masculine garment makes sense.
• Mix in lace: Layer a lacy camisole under the shirt and if you’re daring, throw in the pearls too.

This item might not be your cup of tea if you can’t get your head around wearing flannel plaid. But it can be cute once you get the details right, which is why the plaid tunic forms part of MOTG formula #9. I have happy stylish clients wearing that formula combination right now. Promise!

Tunic looks with ruffles, belts and lace. Fabulous over jeans or stretch knit pants with killer boots. But I’m one of the lasses who won’t we wearing casual plaid this season. I’ll wear a plaid top if it’s in a dressy silk fabrication and opt for a the denim shirt look instead.

The flop proof Mom-on-the-go outfit formulas for Summer went down really well, so I’m kicking off a series of updates for Autumn 2009. Using elements from this season’s must have list, I’ve compiled 10 casual outfit combinations that I’m putting into practice with clients right now. So far, my clients are happy with the results. I’ll revisit each separate outfit combination in more detail and with visuals as the season progresses.

You can more or less interchange the shoe and boot suggestions, but for the sake of variety and simplicity, I’ve stuck to one footwear option per formula. You can also swap around the top, scarf and jacket options to create entirely new formulas. The possibilities are endless and this is just a starting point. Lastly, unless I specify the style of jeans, the wash, cut and hem width is up to you.

Flop proof outfit formulas:

1. Jeans + embellished / graphic T + new look cardigan + ballet flats: By new look cardigans I mean boyfriend, cascading or fly away and curved hem styles. I won’t shoot you if you insist on sticking to a classic cropped cardigan, but do try to evolve your look this season ladies! It’s all about the cardigan at the moment and the new styles make for a refreshing change. If a fancy layering T is not your thing, a knit top or woven blouse will work just as well.
2. Skinny Jeans + long sleeved T + scarf + tall boots: Tucking jeans into knee–high or calf length boots is very practical for cold, wet weather. You have the option of leaving the top solid and adding a patterned scarf, or vice versa. Add a new look cardigan layer if it’s nippy outside.
3. Casual dress + tights or hose + tall boots: Dresses can be casual and I can’t stress that enough. Think jersey knit, sack styles and sweater dresses paired with mid-calf slouch boots or knee-high riding boots. Go bare-legged if it’s warm, or add a cheeky little cropped jacket for cooler weather.
4. Jeans + tunic sweater + leather / pleather jacket + ankle boots: Banded tunic knitwear gets my vote because the style is easy and forgiving around the midriff area. Add a cropped jacket for structure and throw in ankle-length cowboy boots for fun. Cowboy boots do not need to look overtly western. Fryes assortment has been stellar this season and the colours are delicious.
5. Jeans + graphic / embellished T + boyfriend blazer + Converse sneakers: Wooohoo! Super cool. Boyfriend blazers do not need to look smart and strict. Choose one in a nubby tweed or pinstripe and scrunch up the sleeves for a more relaxed look.
6. Denim skirt + knit top + leather or pleather jacket + slouch boots: Corduroy or tartan skirts will work just as well. Substitute a woven button down shirt for the knit top and layer over a sleeveless or short sleeved pullover for a fun preppy vibe.
7. Micro check pants + denim shirt / knit top + pleather / leather jacket + loafers: Denim and chambray shirts are resurfacing and are great to pair with a non-denim bottoms. Don’t dismiss the idea of loafers. They can totally be hip if your outfit is interesting.
8. Clamdiggers + long sleeved T + scarf+ tall boots: This look is daring and sweet.
9. Skinny stretch knit pants + button down tunic shirt + casual belt + tall boots: Ponte de Roma knit pants are your oh-so-comfy casual pants alternative to jeans. Think plaid/tartan tunic or painters shirt and add a casual distressed belt for more structure. A lacy camisole peeking through from underneath a boyish plaid shirt adds a nice feminine touch.
10. Leggings + tunic or dress + ballet flats: Now that the weather has cooled, you might want to try some of the leggings looks that our forum members’ rocked.

I’ve left out accessories like necklaces, bracelets and cuffs because they aren’t essential. But they’re still a great way to finish off an outfit that’s missing a little extra magic. Belts are also not a must, but they will add polish to the ensemble. Large shoulder totes, cross-body bags and rain hats are practical and hands free solutions for those with children in tow.

As temperatures plummet, you’ll substitute the T’s and knit tops for warm handle knitwear and add on layers like weatherproof trenches, wool coats, puffers, hats and gloves. Umbrellas and wellington boots are also fun items to add into these ensemble mixes. Most importantly, don’t forget that statement specs and a fabulous watch are sometimes the only accessories you’ll need to pull a casual outfit together.

For easy reference, here are the formulas I posted last season:

• Mom on the go: flop-proof outfit #1
• Mom on the go: flop-proof outfit #2
• Mom on the go: flop-proof outfit #3

And Laura’s posts on road testing these formulas:

• Roadtesting Angie’s mom-on-the-go formulas
• Roadtesting Angie’s mom-on-the-go formulas

Let me know in the comments if you have anything to add. I’d love to hear your thoughts before we cover the individual formulas in more detail. And have fun with your casual mom-on-the-go outfits.

Our fabulous forum members putting some of these casual flop proof outfit formulas into stylish action this season (you’ll see additional inspiring outfits in the forum thread). Most of these lasses are real life Moms on the go with kids in tow, while the other gals are simply using the formula for casual everyday dressing. Our models cover ALL heights, body types, sizes, ages, fashion personas and budgets. A lot more compelling than catalogue models. I’m impressed.

When skinny jeans resurfaced four years ago, fashion magazines and style experts were convinced it was a fad that would be gone in six months. Now we’re all eating our words as the look gets stronger each year. The upcoming season is no exception.

Our eyes have readjusted to the look of the tapered denim leg. We know how to wear the style in flattering ways. If you’re shy about your thigh area, this means tunics, heels and boots, instead of with normal length tops and flats. The right pair of skinny jeans looks great on anyone if they’re worn in the way that looks best for their body type.

So it surprises me that after seven fashion seasons and loads of style guidance, I still hear people saying that they can’t wear skinnies. Obviously, if you loathe the look there is no point in trying. So I’d like to get a sense of what the YLF readership thinks of skinny jeans. Do you wear them? Would you like to wear skinnies but can’t find a style to fit your bod or your budget? Do you like the look on others, but not on yourself? Or, do you wish skinny jeans would disappear. I want to hear exactly how YOU feel about skinny jeans right now.

Mainstream retailers like Banana Republic are pushing skinny jeans as one of their 7 biggest trends for Fall with slogans like: “skinny jeans and rich layers give us a first look at what’s ahead for cooler weather”. That’s a huge statement. Skinnies are everywhere alongside their forever flattering bootcut buddies. There’s no stopping the force of what has become a well seasoned mainstream basic.

It’s another blast from the past. Remember the calf-length zippered jeans that we wore 20 years ago? I’ll admit I wore the leg-shortening style back then until my Mum said one day : “Those jeans make your legs look short. It’s not very elegant. Your Levis look much better”. I never wore those zippered jeans again.

But my fondness for zipper detailing continues, so I was thrilled to see zippered skinnies back on the fashion scene. They are more sleek and streamlined this time round, and thankfully at a much better length, WITH stretch. I adore the way the open zipper looks like a vent cascading over the top part of the foot, especially when worn with a heel. Subtle and alluring, yet interesting and edgy. Very fab.

Zippered skinnies look nice zipped up at the hems too (picture on the far right). They’ll scrunch voluminously around the ankle when the length is longer (I prefer skinny jeans to scrunch). I’m all over this trend and hope to add a pair of zippered skinnies to my denim collection this year. I wonder if Mum would have liked this version better.

Wearing the same colour and wash of denim on both top and bottom is a fashion faux pas. Too cowgirl and awfully matchy-matchy. You’ll look like you’re wearing a denim suit, which is not so fab.

But if you mismatch the denim pieces, so that the top looks entirely different to the bottom, you’ll get away with wearing them together. For example:

• Match black, or dark blue denim jeans with a faded blue denim top or jacket
• Match any wash of blue or black denim jeans with a white denim jacket
• Match white jeans with a blue or black denim top or jacket

These combinations are fashionably acceptable, but no longer my cup of tea. I guess I overdosed on the look when I wore it to death in the 90’s. Over the last 10 years I’ve been big on wearing ensembles with contrasting textural interest, which means keeping my outfit to one denim item only.

But I’ll admit that with 90’s trends resurfacing, it might be fun to revisit the trend. As long as there is a new twist. If not, it’s one item of denim at a time for me.