Evolving Fall Style Preferences

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Evolving Fall Style Preferences

— by Angie

on October 31, 2011

I’m having an unexpected love affair with trousers at the moment. The last time I was into trousers was in the ’80s, wearing tapered and pleated high-waisted styles in bold checked patterns. Well, now that the silhouette is back in fashion I am once again all over the look in solid tweeds and glen plaids. The “new silhouette” has rekindled my love for trousers in general, making my silky harem pants a constant favourite. I’m also enjoying wearing my pinstriped suit trousers with blouses and faux fur vest.

Speaking of faux fur vests, I’m really into wearing mine with skirts, trousers, jeans and dresses, which I didn’t do last season because I couldn’t find the right faux fur item. I’m making the most of it before it’s too cold to wear the combination.

I’m also drawn to delicate jewelry and blue streaked hair. I can’t tell you exactly why, but the looks are tickling my fancy.

I am continuing my overall quest to strip down my style, wearing simple ensembles with few or no accessories. I am absolutely happiest with my outfits when they have fewer components. This is going to prove harder in Winter because I easily feel cold and like to pack on layers. So the trick will be to look like I’m wearing only a few layers, even though I’m layered to the hilt.

Over to you. Have you noticed how your Autumn style preferences have changed this season?

Individual Style

33 comments · Add a comment

rae

(website)

Veteran

I suddenly want to dress tougher/edgier at work… I guess this is the desire to bring “the real me” to the office while still being presentable. I’m purging a lot of items that I don’t love but that were flattering. To this end, my eye is craving a few things I didn’t feel the need for before:

– More orange, citron, and lime blouses/sweaters
– Refined utility elements (brown leather jacket on the way)
– knit tops with draping or other interesting details
– slim pants

October 31, 2011 at 3:33 pm

taylor

Veteran

I also love the trouser silhouette :). I prefer mine very slim with a slouchy sweater or silk blouse in rich fabrics and fairly neutral colors with something bright thrown in the mix:) still quite minimal with many bracelets and statement watch. I am also loving my faux fur vest and can’t wait to try it with a dress or skirt and tights… Looks like it might rain this week:)

October 31, 2011 at 3:43 pm

rute

Veteran

I’m wearing a lot of animal prints, leopard, piton patterns!
I love my faux fur vests and I’ve been wearing them a lot for 2 years!
Color jeans is another trend I’ve been wearing a lot!

October 31, 2011 at 4:14 pm

Ginny

Veteran

I love animal print and once the weather complies I want to do alot more sweater dresses, they are so comfy, relaxed but still put together. And I am loving jeans tucked into boots!! have always loved the look but didn’t think I could pull it off, of course that was pre-YLF!! yay, and now I try to incorporate that look as much as I can in a week!!

October 31, 2011 at 4:31 pm

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Yes, most definitely. I have started to take myself more seriously (in a good way) and have more self-confidence when expressing myself and making myself heard. It’s been hard and kind of scary, but I feel like I’m more in touch with myself now – and that’s starting to be reflected in my style. With my most recent purchases in particular, I’ve been craving a more streamlined and sophisticated style. I’m not as endeared by distressing and contrasts as I was last year. This year I want straight-forward, sophisticated, and someone more somber clothes. No more ruffles. Less distressed denim (but, I could never give it up completely), more high-quality, sophisticated dresses, more straight-forward separates in colors that I love with simple shoes and bags.

October 31, 2011 at 4:31 pm

Antje

Veteran

Overall this year, I’ve started to dress more business-casual than smart-casual at work, which I’m enjoying. In terms of fall, my favorite outfit formula involves skirt and boots, and a couple layers on top e.g. a sweater vest over a blouse, or a printed top and a jacket. That general formula is not different from last fall or the fall before, but I always strive to update with some trendy touches. E.g., I’m very into my bowtie this year and feel that that instantly makes an “old” outfit look super fresh and current.

October 31, 2011 at 4:45 pm

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Definitely midis, midis and more midis; started to try some new blouses too. Even some with buttons!

October 31, 2011 at 5:00 pm

Laura

Did you say, “blue streaked hair”?

October 31, 2011 at 5:44 pm

(website)

Veteran

I am more drawn to textures as opposed to prints in the past. And I’m wanting my (few) accessories to show my non conservative edge.

October 31, 2011 at 5:53 pm

Lisa

Veteran

I notice I’m not wearing as many scarves at the moment. I still like interest at the neck but I have replaced my scarves with more cowl shape necklines instead. I have not given up on scarves completely though. I am interested in square shape scarves tied in interesting ways instead of large, fluffy scarves draped once around the neck.

I have also been trying to wear more skirts and dresses, at least once a week for both in lieu of jeans 7 days a week for more variety.

And I started wearing blouses. I really like them! I’d love to add a couple more for a softer look than what my button down shirts bring.

I usually love long sweatercoats, yet this year I haven’t worn one even one time yet.

And I always enjoy boots with skinny jeans, although suede boots are starting to catch my eye more often than leather one’s lately.

October 31, 2011 at 6:06 pm

bj1111

Veteran

very resonant post along with the comment dresslover made on the simple and strong thread.

i’ve come full circle, dressing in streamlined, very structured suit jackety outfits in a limited color palette, mostly textures of black and gray. this is how i used to dress in the ’80s and early ’90s. then i got distracted with color and tried to dress more “fashiony” when boho ruled the catwalk.

now i’m coming back to my roots and the current styles are propelling this part of the style journey.

October 31, 2011 at 6:13 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ooooh. These are great ways to evolve your Fall Style, ladies!

October 31, 2011 at 7:06 pm

clearlyclaire

I’m going to do more pattern mixing (out of necessity). I’m also going to try to get used to wearing my new Cons and maybe ankle boots with skirts.

October 31, 2011 at 9:26 pm

Joy

Veteran

This fall I’m craving texture, brown, orange, animal prints, blouses instead of shirts and, so far, booties rather than boots. Our cooler weather has just begun, so it’s the ideal time for jackets and layers before the icy winds bear down on us.
The trouser trend is worrying because it’s so hard to find any that fit a flat rear and alterations in the past have not been great. I’m not ready for wide legs and pleated fronts.

October 31, 2011 at 9:45 pm

Scarlet

Veteran

I am really attracted to the new trouser silhouette but have been afraid to try it on because I don’t want to be traumatized in the dressing room by the pleating Silly, I know. Besides that I seem to be remarkably off skirts, even though I used to really enjoy wearing them. I was off blazer for ages and now I am longing for a really sharp wool one. Also pullovers are seeming like a good idea for the first time in years.

October 31, 2011 at 10:47 pm

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My style is very influenced by what you’re thinking and doing Angie, even though I don’t think I look like an Angie clone. So just reading your post, makes me want to take my trousers out for another spin.

Fall has just started here, really. And soon, it will be winter. So I don’t know if it’s fall that has me changing direction or the gradual influence of YLF. Here are the major changes I see in myself:

– paring down the accessories
– more woven tops
– fewer t shirts
– giving gold another chance
– *thinking* about cutting my hair
– *thinking* about getting glasses

… See what I mean?

November 1, 2011 at 12:19 am

Mimi

Pairing a defined outline with one accessory that makes an impact, not more. People are reacting well to this, I’m glad to say.

November 1, 2011 at 4:29 am

Jonesy

Veteran

These style evolutions are so fun to read about! I find myself interested in more androgynous dressing (at least as I define it :)), especially the shirt-buttoned-to-the-top look, with a pullover sweater or jacket on top. A bit more severity, I guess. I am also really into the slouchy pant silhouette–though it’s tricky to find this style in long enough lengths–as well as interesting shapes in general (especially voluminous). I am moving away from always pairing something voluminous with something slim: I am liking slouchy with slouchy or loose with loose a lot these days.

November 1, 2011 at 5:23 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m mixing it up way more this fall than I ever have in the past. A year ago I was afraid to try skinny jeans, even though I really wanted to wear them tucked into boots, and now I can’t imagine my wardrobe without them.

I’m also leaning away from basic knit tees and cotton button-up shirts toward softer tops and blouses, and more purposeful layering — vests and cute jackets rather than hoodies.

I’m enjoying my animal print items and I still love prints, but I’m also trying to work more solid color items into my wardrobe.

November 1, 2011 at 5:41 am

Vildy

Veteran

All the credit to you, Angie, for being able to take your already always smashing look and find some way to make it suit you even better. Have we already seen your faux fur vest? I’m really curious.

I’ve been thinking over a newly discovered preference for pants and wondering if this means I want a sleeker look. Decided, too, that I really like my waist free so that I can move my unconnected top and bottom half in separate directions without any tugging anywhere. I’m over fitted dresses with waist seaming, therefore. And tucked in shirts. Though I’m pondering whether a constructed knit shirt – I used to have some in white and off white – might work. Am investigating whether my favorite coats are always the unbelted ones, whether more voluminous or fitted.

November 1, 2011 at 6:14 am

Barbara

Veteran

I’m wearing bolder textures, leggings with finger-tip length tunics, skirts with tights and fringed knee-high boots and seriously chunky jewelry. I’ve designed (but have yet to actually make) a couple of sweaters – a bat-wing crochet version and a Chanelesque cardigan.

I pulled out all the chunky sweaters that I crafted in the 80s; they are back in style! WOOHOO!

November 1, 2011 at 6:30 am

Claudia

Veteran

I have been drawn to the more delicate jewelry, too. And I am craving texture.

November 1, 2011 at 6:45 am

Sylvia

(website)

Active Member

I’m also working on analyzing my style and truly making it my own. Currently reading the style statement and doing the exercizes. I really love the high pants look, but have not found the perfect ones yet… Delicate jewelry has always been part of my style.

November 1, 2011 at 7:23 am

Shu

Active Member

Um, it’s ok to wear simple ensembles with little or no acessories? I’m in business!

November 1, 2011 at 7:30 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such fun reading about your evolved style preferences for Autumn, ladies

Vildy, that was a sweet thing to say. Thanks! And high five on catching the trouser bug. I like your slim leg and roomy top idea and hope to see it at some point. Have fun experimenting! I have shown my faux fur waistcoat twice on YLF. Here are the links to the posts if you are interested:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....valentino/

http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....-the-rain/

November 1, 2011 at 7:55 am

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

just back in town after a weekend away and i see “…….I’m also drawn to …… blue streaked hair.”

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what do they call that, ‘burying the lead’? i’m filled with more curiosity than a neighborhood full of cats!

all of the commenters’ descriptions sound so interesting and attractive and well thought out! for me, i think a more ladylike vibe might describe things here a bit…more patterned, drapey sheer blouses. i’ve decided this is the year to WEAR my a-line mandarin collar silky black jacquard coat with ivory faux fur lining (instead of keeping it ‘for good’). We’re also keeping an eye on the Tahari ‘Heidi’ coat:

http://tinyurl.com/3c5w623

Mr. E spotted this one for me to try and it’s really beautiful on – the wonderful tweed fabric lends a lot of versatility to this one, too! i was worried about the ruffle detail and my full bust but it lies quite nicely and breaks up the area nicely. It was a cold summer here and it’s already broke freezing – so coats will be playing a major role! steph

November 1, 2011 at 9:26 am

morethanbeige

Veteran

I am trying to incorporate more boots into my look. And also find a way to keep warm and still look stylish.

November 1, 2011 at 12:35 pm

catgirl

Veteran

Angie, could you make some wool trouser recommendations? Especially for us shorties! These are hard to thrift or find retail, and they have been on my list forever – I just fear that old Liz Claiborne style with the pleats and tapered legs.

November 1, 2011 at 12:43 pm

Erin

Veteran

I keep thinking about wooly sweaters and boots. I love the cool weather of fall.

November 1, 2011 at 6:25 pm

Meredith

Active Member

I’m wearing lots of dresses this fall!!

November 1, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Marley

Veteran

My fall style preferences this year are economically driven – as in – “I don’t have any money to spend on my wardrobe!” So, that has forced me to be more creative with my current wardrobe – which is ok for now. Because I am not able to buy any of the fall trend items, my look has become less “current” or “forward” and more simple, a LOT calmer because I’m not hectically buying pieces! – a lot more thoughtful and respectful of the clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry that I already own. It feels like I am in a real growth spurt in terms of my style – which is weird since I am not buying anything – but I think that I will come out of this period of my life with a much better sense of how I want to present myself to the world – and also, my closet will be significantly pared down to only the things that I love and that I identify as “me!”

November 1, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

I”m looking for more edge and drama. Anything that seems “standard” in my closet is holding less appeal for me this fall.

November 2, 2011 at 5:41 am

Susanna

This year I let my hair grow and style it with loose curls, uneven ends and some highlights. I find that many patterns and prints now “compete” with my hair and create a feeling that too much is going on… I’m back to solid looks, lots of black, grey, tan, white shirts with minimal jewelry. My question to the group, does a soft, curly hairstyle look out of place with a clean minimalist look? I tend to like the style contrast, but that’s just me….also trying to amp up my shoes to balance the look a bit.. ideas?

November 3, 2011 at 10:43 am

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