Your Style Evolution: Fall 2012 Edition

About the Author

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

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Your Style Evolution: Fall 2012 Edition

— by Angie

on November 2, 2012

Sometimes our styles undergo 180 degree shifts in colour, fabrication and silhouette preferences from one season to the next. And sometimes the changes are a lot more subtle, if there are changes at all.

When I compare my current outfit combinations to those of last Autumn, I notice significant differences. Some of these changes were in line with a gradual evolution of my style preferences. And others were quite unexpected.

I’m trouser-crazy. I have three years of trouser season to thank for my trouser-love. The affection started two years ago and I’m not looking back. I’m even sporting wide leg trousers for the very first time. Trousers, in all sorts of shapes, colours, patterns and fabrications, make my heart sing because they feel modern and no-nonsense. I LOVE trousers.
I’m off dresses and pencil skirts. Three years ago you couldn’t get me out of my frocks and pencils, but this year you can’t get me out of my trousers. One exception: I am enjoying my flared skirts.
I’m wearing jeans far less frequently. That way, I can wear my trousers more frequently. That said, my zippered skinnies, jodhpur jeans and white jeans are still favourites, and I’m enjoying my slouchy skinnies and boyfriend jeans just as much.
I’m almost over the rugged-tough look. Nothing will stop me from wearing my Dr. Martens 20 eyelets, black biker jackets and faded denim jackets because those items have been part of my style soul for decades. But other than that, I’m finding a softer look far more appealing. Hence my blush pink moto jacket, and my love for lace, light blue, flared skirts and refined footwear. I still have a strong tomboy style gene, but prefer to interpret those looks in dainty ways.
I’m a bold pattern mixer. This is a huge surprise for minimalist me. I’ve found the pattern mixing trend extremely contagious, and seeing as I don’t wear jewelry, pattern mixing has become “my jewelry”.
I’m loving dark blue. It’s right up there with my favourite neutrals black, and all shades of white. I just bought an ink blue coat and I’m taking it out for its first spin this weekend.
I’m a daytime clutch convert. As a bag lady, I’m proud to unexpectedly be part of this small team.

There are aspects of my style that haven’t changed, like my love for all things crisp, clean, minimal, simple and strict. I still adore shirts, blouses, sleek black turtlenecks, polka dots, stripes, plaid, military style details, blazers, pearls, all things cream and white, sour brights, menswear inspired items, flat and low heeled footwear, big watches and lipstick. Above all, I am still a modern classic gal who likes to amp up the modern and feels naked without her classics.

Over to you! I so enjoy hearing how your style evolves from one season to the next. Please share your changes and your constants in the comments section. Perhaps we are evolving our styles in similar ways, or maybe we’re going in completely different directions.

Autumn 2012

59 comments · Add a comment

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Angie, I look forward to reading your posts every morning (a cup of coffee and Angie’s post!), and this one is no exception! I am always thinking about “my style” as I like to stay current, yet I am over 40 and teach in a high school, so I DON’T want to look like I am trying to be 16. I find that this year I am loving pattern-mixing and slim fit pants & skinnies. I am also wearing jeans less as my slim fits and skinnies are so comfortable and stylish. And I have you and all the wonderful people here on YLF for inspiration on fashion for the seasons

November 2, 2012 at 3:57 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

How fun! My style has changed a lot in the last couple of years, thanks to YLF. Lately I noticed:

I am bolder with colour and pattern mixing;

Also a daytime clutch convert;

I definitively am short hair gal;

I like to play with tough ruggedness as my natural style is gamine so it offers a nice contrast;

Unity and coherence are my new priorities in outfits.

November 2, 2012 at 4:24 am

Deborah

Veteran

I need to actually sit down and consider this:). The two things that immediately come to mind are, this year I have not been wearing my dresses (I have been dress mad for years). I have been enjoying wearing separates more. And I feel I am starting to tire of my skinny jeans a little. I’m sure there are other notable style shifts but will sleep on it and make some notes.

November 2, 2012 at 4:28 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So very interesting to read, Angie. I enjoy following your style evolution!

Because I have been travelling in a warmer climate, I feel as if the autumn has barely begun. But some possible style shifts I have noted over the past few seasons:

1. I am learning how the right bag can elevate a look. (But I still need to build a small bag collection.)

2. As someone who always tended towards minimalism, I am becoming even more minimalist, at least when it comes to jewellery. I mostly wear my wedding ring and tiny, very plain stud earrings. Only rarely will I change those earrings to a more visible style, or add a necklace or bracelets.

3. I am pattern mixing. I like your conception of pattern mixing as a substitute for jewellery.

4. I am learning the value of adding textural interest to an outfit (though I still need to buy more pieces that allow me to explore how this works.)

5. I have chosen the foundational neutrals for my wardrobe at long last, and feel better prepared to add essentials in those colours as budget and availability allows. I also feel more confident about buying pieces in my “supporting” colours.

November 2, 2012 at 4:44 am

Sharon

Veteran

I feel like my style has shifted quite a bit since last Spring.
1.I am loving black and white this season. Previously, I have found it too high contrast for my taste but suddenly I adore it. However, I am still keeping my beloved tan as an accent.
2. I have developed an appreciation for slouchy. I even bought a pair of boyfriend jeans today. But I definitely still bat for Team Dressy.
3. Now my hair is shorter, I am wearing earrings. Every day.
Suz, 4&5 on your list rang true for me, too.

November 2, 2012 at 4:59 am

christieanne

Veteran

Been in a whirl for last few weeks but reading the daily blog with a cup of coffee is my morning high point too. And this one inspired me to note some trends in my own style journey.

1. Color. I have embraced bright, energizing colors – jewel tones, rich brights, color blocking, colored bottoms and tops – I am all for it. Color seems to give me energy.
I am searching for a few good dark tones now – oxblood and ink blue to mix with black (Team Almost Black).

2. Patterns. Wow have I flipped on this. Last year you could barely find four patterned items in my closet. I have gone stripe crazy and a little dotty on the patterns and now my eye is drawn to those first.

3. Jeans. I live in them even for work. Have not worn black trousers forever. Need to cull the rest of the closet stash and rid myself of all but the single best – after forced wearing for a couple of years I have no taste for them. I do sport my black ponte slim pants occasionally and a cropped trouser (don’t look Angie!).

4. Shoes. I want comfy, fun flats. Hunting constantly for a fun sport shoe to wear at work.

5. Jewelry – back to wearing fun necklaces and would like to mix up my earwear more but I never find any that I love.

That’s me! Can’t wait for a weekend off and reading all the responses.

November 2, 2012 at 5:01 am

nancylee

Veteran

This is a great post, Angie. I had to sit and think for a moment…but it was a good exercise! Here are my style evolution observations:

1) I am wearing denim (especially bootcuts) somewhat less frequently, in favor of dresses, skirts, and my GAP skinny trousers

2) I am introducing some tough/edgy elements to my look (just as you’re moving away from it, Angie). In particular, I’ve been throwing my faux leather black moto jacket over dresses when I go out. Time to invest in a real one!

3) I am favoring booties over tall boots.

4) I am enhancing my mostly neutral look with soft autumn colors (like burnt orange, browns, and olive) that better suit my coloring rather than trying to wear colors that might be popular but that don’t flatter me.

Elements that haven’t changed are my love for: long necklaces, scarves, jackets, neutrals, gold/bronze jewelry (over silver), dresses, and boots/booties. I’m still a Euro Chic/Modern Classic/Boho hybrid…..but now with more of an edge/arty vibe.

November 2, 2012 at 5:05 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Interesting, Angie. You have changed a lot in a year! The trouser thing is a big shift for you. For my part, I am softening up, in terms of colors and fabrications. This is still a work in progress. I am wearing denim most days and fewer dresses, probably because the pickings are slim.

November 2, 2012 at 5:29 am

missvee

Veteran

Interesting post! We’re just into Fall now, so my style journey has just started, but here are a couple of observations-
Stripes – I’ve always loved them, now they are my go to ‘neutral’ ‘ for pattern mixing.
Footwear – 3 new pairs of booties/boots are giving older outfits a modern look.
Pattern mixing – this is becoming easier with practice
Trousers – still not my favourite (flat derrière!), but I’m experimenting.
Skirts – still the mainstay of my wardrobe, maybe because I love tights?
Colour -winter white is a new favourite, more flattering than a darker neutral for me.
Such fun reading everyone’s replies!

November 2, 2012 at 5:41 am

April

Veteran

My style is shifting because my life has shifted, from needing five professional outfits a week that could accommodate a non-climate-controlled environment (not easy to look professional in a non-air-conditioned office when it’s 98 and humid) to being at home full time.

I’m determined not to make loungewear my daily outfit, even if all I’m doing on a given day is laundry and cooking.

Nice jeans have taken on a new importance for me, largely because I have a good jacket wardrobe and I love jackets with jeans. I’m declining to buy almost anything new if it needs dry-cleaning. I’m getting rid of all the almost-right pieces in my wardrobe that I held onto just because I needed them to get dressed for work every day.

It’s less a style change than a wardrobe re-focus.

November 2, 2012 at 5:49 am

rute

Veteran

This is so interesting and I have been thinking about style evolution a lot!
For me:
– I’ve been wearing skinny jeans a lot;
– Still love dresses but a more straight (no waist definition) and casual style (this fall I’m not into my bombshell dresses)!
– I’m all over flat boots and flats!

November 2, 2012 at 5:58 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Great post Angie – you’ve made quite a few style shifts in the last year, haven’t you?

I’m noticing for me:

– learning that “less is more”
– wearing less jewelry
– loving pattern mixing
– now have 4 daytime clutches
– wearing more booties/boots/rugged footwear and less ladylike footwear
– no longer interested in crisp button up shirts (sorry Rocky)
– enjoying softer fabrications
– hardly wore sweaters last fall and now want sweaters in every colour!
– overall I feel like I’m not trying so hard, you know?

Things I still love and wear often:

– dresses
– blazers
– midi skirts

November 2, 2012 at 6:21 am

Ruth

Let’s see. My style evolution? Well…

I’m tired of pencil skirts and am more into skirts that flare a bit; knee length or just above the knee seems to be most flattering.

I’m tired of black, and try to use it as only an accent color or not at all; gray is a much better neutral for me.

I’ve dipped my toes into pattern mixing, but have very definite ideas about what looks good together and what doesn’t.

Tucking jeans into boots is something I’ve come to love.

I’m veering away from cardigans and am embracing fitted blazers.

I’ve purchased more dresses this year than I have in a while.

Because of my weight loss, I’ve resumed wearing belts; slim belts look better on me than wide ones.

I’ve bought a lot of printed, rather sheer (but lined) blouses lately. I love to wear them with my jeans and boots.

I’m still in love with peplums and lace, so was elated to find that lace peplum sheath dress at Nordies to wear on my upcoming cruise.

November 2, 2012 at 6:28 am

(website)

Veteran

Interesting. I am finding that in general I’m tired of all my cotton clothing lol. Might be because of having to dress for the heat much longer than I’d like, I’m just over saturated with it.

This year I took a look and realized my clothing was much more pedestrian and suburban than what I would like to be portraying. I am consciously adding more edge with current and future purchases. Added leather cuff bracelets, nailhead studded belts, gladiator multi buckle sandals, leather jackets and skirts. No lace, no ruffles.

I’m remaining more minimal in general, not too many layers, no more than one color surrounded by neutrals. As a matter of fact, I am buying much less color and almost exclusively neutrals as of late.

November 2, 2012 at 6:37 am

valentine

Because I’m a pear…I’ve been wearing structured shirts on top and looser pants…but I’ve decided blazers are too structured and am trying soft coats for a change with my structured white shirt under them. Scarves are a must for me!

November 2, 2012 at 6:38 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

So interesting to think about! I am far less likely to wear black near my face, cardigan sweaters, and very drapey clothes – although overly tailored tops don’t work well on me either. I am much more aware of texture and think it must affect my choices, although I do not always realize it. I am more into oxfords and loafer style shoes than ever, although I am also trying to occasionally trying to wear “high”1.5 inch heels. I am experimenting with tucking! I am sure there are other things, but this is what comes to mind.

November 2, 2012 at 6:47 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow. Great responses! So interesting. Some are moving in polar opposite style directions, while others can high five.

Team Daytime Clutch is growing

It’s fun to suddenly like something that you never thought you would, don’t you think?

November 2, 2012 at 6:51 am

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I am not very good at analyzing myself (although I like to analyze others) so feel free to correct me if I am wrong or add your own observations about my style. That said, I would say that in general my style lately has been moving toward a more sophisticated, grown up look although the general backbone has not changed. The biggest new thing for me this season is the slouchy, oversized look. I will never do boxy but I no longer feel the need to create a strong, defined waist on everything.

November 2, 2012 at 6:52 am

Phoebe

Veteran

Wearing a lot of trousers, a lot more colors and more flats lately. the biggest surprise are my hightop wedge sneakers, which I thought way too casual for my style, but they fit in!

November 2, 2012 at 7:01 am

bj1111

Veteran

angie, great description of your process. do you think the rate of evolution has been faster lately or in line with previous? also, i wonder if this is driven in part by your excitement of discovering the new and the business you are in?

November 2, 2012 at 7:27 am

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

With my weight loss journey, mine is still evolving and will continue…. I will say that I have created a much better balance between the flats which I always wear as a Mom on the Go and more heels that make me feel ultra femme and sassy… Also starting a blog just over a month ago and seeing photos, has awakened my need to dress to create a longer leg line with cropped jackets for my petite height. I am in a really fun stage and look forward to defining more.

A great thought provoking post that is really inspiring!

November 2, 2012 at 7:34 am

cheryl

Veteran

Fun read Angie. I enjoy reading about your process and changes and everyone elses as well. I think my style is pretty much the same except I am wearing a few pieces that are more fitted than I normally wear. My biggest change is that at home I was always in some type of tee and sweats and now I hardly ever want to put on a pair of sweats and a crew neck tee shirt. I am still team casual but I am much more pulled together team casual even at home. No more team bummy very often, lol.

November 2, 2012 at 7:53 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

I’ve been actually feeling a bit stuck in my style journey lately. I think one factor is that we have only just in the past couple weeks started to feel a proper fall, so I haven’t really had much chance to work my fall wardrobe. The second factor is that I put a huge limit on my spending this year… I’ve only bought 14 items for the whole year, and I focused my fall purchasing on casual basics for the most part. So really, my day to day dressing is feeling like repeats of the past 2 years. I need to be okay with that though and I”ve learned my lesson about replacing an entire wardrobe in the span of 18 months… it doesn’t leave much room for replacing “old” stuff because nothing is old enough to warrant replacing.

Having said all that, I do notice I’m continuing to dress more cleanly, and not worry so much about creating a “new outfit” as putting together an outfit that makes me feel wonderful…even if it’s a rerun of a rerun

November 2, 2012 at 7:55 am

Carole

Veteran

After lots of experimenation and exploration, I feel like I’m finally getting a handle on my style preferences. I feel like I’m a few steps behind you, Angie, and ready to start wearing dresses and skirts instead of the skinny jean uniform everyday. I’m on the lookout for the engineer style boots because I feel that would be a fun switch up from the tall boots I wore to death the last few years. I’m realizing I prefer just a little color and am excited about continuing to pare down my wardrobe and shop for better quality.

I’m so excited for my fashion future. I finally feel like I know the direction I’m headed, thanks, to you, Angie, and all the support and guidance here at YLF.

November 2, 2012 at 8:03 am

Tat

Since I descovered YLF you’ve been my style icon, Angie.

Especially I’m addicted to trousers and modern classic.

November 2, 2012 at 8:09 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

You finally got your ink blue coat! Huzzah, Angie!

A lot of *life* changes have taken place in my life from last Autumn to this. Last year, I started a new bank job, and this year I’ve started a wholly new career path. The consequences are interesting!

1 – I am adjusting to lower heels. Which also means I’m wearing bootcuts much less.

2 – I added more variety to my denim. Wearing jeans to work every day means I finally crossed over into coloured denim. Olive with a neon stripe, burgundy ombre, and I will add rust eventually.

3 – I am obsessed with comfortable shoes!

4 – For the first time, I’m determined to wear scarves. But I’m very picky about my scarves. But I want them soon to wear to work immediately. But I don’t want to waste money. The scarf issue is tricky as ever, though for different reasons.

5 – I’m loving casually-worn dresses. Another side effect of a denim uniform.

6 – I am much more UWP this year. Left to my own devices with weather that is finally cool, the rugged boots and jackets are coming out with a vengeance!

November 2, 2012 at 8:40 am

JuneBug

Veteran

Such an interesting post again. Over the years I’ve found that I have moved on from casual dressing to a more feminine formal almost dressed up style- (and it could be because I got married recently)

1. I’ve left my jeans and tops behind, and except for short visits down to the corner grocery, I haven’t worn them at all! I’ve replaced these with tights/ denim skirts with knee high boots, stacked heels or ballet flats

2. I mostly wear dresses and seperates, pairing them bare legged with stacked heels, pumps or ballet flats. A handbag in patent leather, with a relatively casual vibe and a fitted jacket or dark cardigan when it cools down.

3. I’ve also been experimenting with makeup and find that I wear a full face these days, (on occassion ofcourse) whereas earlier I was fine with just doing my eyes and adding a lip stain! I also wear nail paint regularly.

4. With such a lot of decoration in terms of makeup, nail paint and the dressing style, I have definitely reduced wearing ornaments which happened unconsciously as I didn’t feel the need to enhance something with a chain or bracelet and infact bare arms or a neck compliment this style more in my opinion.

5. I have always been feminine and almost the damsel-in-distress type of woman, and this style fo dressing is empowering!

November 2, 2012 at 9:33 am

Day Vies

Veteran

Oh wow, from last year to now the biggest change I have noticed is a preference for flats over heels. I rolled my ankle last August right before my very first half marathon so that was a shove in the flats direction. As a result, heels were not happening for a good long while.

Also instead of buying more pieces I have been buying more accessories (belts, jewelry, scarves, earrings) and getting more mileage out of the pieces I already have. Most of my clothes are modern classics, (Hi Angie!) but I am in the process of discovering that work clothes (button down shirts, suit jackets and pencil skirts) can be worn more casually (who knew?).
So I am in a very experimental stage right now. I am at the tail end of my LL.M. in Taxation and I am trying to integrate my artistic, sparkly, whimsy, side with the side of me that loves a pressed button-down shirt with wide-leg trousers and a great heel.

November 2, 2012 at 9:37 am

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Here is a list of styles I continue to love:
– Boyfriend jeans
– Rolled pants legs
– Jeans, jeans jeans (super casual lifestyle here)
– Booties
– A lot of slouch, on top and on bottom
– Heels of at least 1.5″ and up
– Arm candy vs. pendants
– Daytime clutches
– Oversized winter coat
– Semi or messy tucking but not the lopsided or one-sided tuck

New directions for me:
– Tucking skinnies into short booties.
– Purposeful stacking that almost looks like ruching at the bottom of the leg
– Slouchy trousers (thank you Angie! can’t wait for more occasions to wear them)
– I am eyeing a trouser/denim silhouette that is full in the hips, low crotch but skinny legs, but who knows if it will work on me. Kind of like a boyfriend jean but with fitted tapered legs.
– The drop shoulder skinny arm but full body type of top.
– Trying my hand a scarves again
– Purposeful layering such as jacket over jacket or vest over jacket
– Just ordered a new skirt, hoping I can pull of a casual skirt with tights look for F/W

November 2, 2012 at 10:56 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

So interesting! Thanks for sharing, ladies.

Tat, I am humbled.

bj1111, I think my own rate of evolution has been faster this year because I was solidifying latent and lurking style shifts – if that makes sense. I guess my line of work keeps my fashion feet moving faster. But it is also because of my line of work that I am EXTRA discerning about what ends up in my closet.

November 2, 2012 at 11:12 am

Jules

Veteran

Your glasses are also your jewelry
I really want some.. and I do qualify for a light prescription but have never worn them. I love how they frame a face.

November 2, 2012 at 11:17 am

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I am loving polka dots, stripes and animal prints these days, even all together in one outfit. I am wearing them with bold brights and graphic black and white outfits. I am loving my dresses and pencil skirts with high heel booties these days. I am loving a slight edge to all of my outfits. If something is too lady-like, I have have to add some edge like chunky shoes, or a denim or utility jacket.

November 2, 2012 at 12:04 pm

rachylou

Veteran

Uh oh! I’ve been looking at my pics… The effect of working in the city as opposed to the suburbs is huge. I dress less grown up and am shabbier, yet I feel more fashionable. Wedge sneakers for kitten heels.

…It’s the hair. I’m trying to grow it out and it’s a wreck. It’s bringing me down. Need to start looking for a decent stylist. I’m going to have bad hair if I can’t find someone on the right side of the bay. No more traveling for hair. I’m over that.

November 2, 2012 at 1:04 pm

Sihaya

Veteran

So fun to read! I have a 180 degree switch from you Angie in that I never used to wear skirts and now almost exclusively do so. My trousers are sitting in their hangers for the last 18 months.

November 2, 2012 at 1:25 pm

qfbrenda

Veteran

The biggest change for me is wearing more skinnies than bootcuts. I still LOVE bootcuts, but I needed to make the change for climate reasons. With all of our wet weather, dragging bootcuts through the mud really doesn’t make sense.

But style-wise I feel pretty comfortable with where I am. My Pinterest page is covered with multiples of the same sorts of looks…. lots of blazers and boots.

What has changed is my mind set of constant acquiring. I really needed to acquire since I was starting from scratch. But my closet is in pretty good shape so now I’m focused on enjoying and remixing.

November 2, 2012 at 1:43 pm

jenanded

Veteran

I too wake up to check your blog Angie, thanks to you and everyone elsr for lovely ideas. My shift is away from black. I am not there yet because I like a small wardrobe that sings together and black seems to traverse well. I will solve this! I think too as many of you have given me tips on working out what works with the drsmatic hair colour change from dark brown to white. Perhaps the style changes are minimal I think because colour is my focus… I feel good about my shoe selection for the first time in as ges! w a

November 2, 2012 at 2:57 pm

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I don’t know if this is fall per se or some of all this year, but:
no more a-lines, pencil skirts all the way
a tiptoe into boyfriend jeans (thanks y’all)
longer shirts and jackets
more solid colors, less prints
a lot of stripes
flats more than heels – I had a heel-wearing moment earlier this year but now that it’s getting colder and most of my pants are too short to wear with heels it’s flats all the way
less jewelry, maybe because my hair’s longer and earrings don’t show as well

November 2, 2012 at 3:29 pm

morethanbeige

Veteran

Great post. I asked hubby how he thought my style has evolved. He said “from good to better.” I think I’m going to have to keep him.

1) I’m mixing more things; colors, textures, neutrals. I used to wear an outfit ONE WAY and that was it!
2) Daytime clutches; yes!
3) I think I’m picking bolder pieces in general; either in cut, silhouette, color.
4) I’m having more fun!!!

November 2, 2012 at 3:35 pm

Susie

Veteran

Some of the shifts I’ve made have been over a few years, some have been more recent…

I continue to wear pants much more frequently than dresses or skirts. While black continues to be the predominant color in my lineup, I’ve added some color as well including purple and burgundy this year.

In general, I prefer dresses to skirts. For skirts, I have 3 or 4 maxi length skirts that I like and only 2 pencil skirts.

I continue to shy away from strongly feminine styles like ruffles, bows, florals or pink.

With handbags, I used to prefer a single strap, shoulder style. Now the majority of my bags are satchels with 2 handles that I carry on my arm or by the handles rather than on my shoulder. I’ve always had a few clutches in my collection but I’d like to add even more.

I used to strongly prefer solids over prints and patterns. In the last year or so, I added quite a few pieces in prints. But lately, just in the past few months, I am gravitating back towards solids or simple patterns like stripes or polka dots. Pattern mixing is still not really my cup of tea. I think I just prefer simplicity. While I can appreciate some pattern mixing – I particularly like stripes with animal prints- I tend to view it as trying too hard.

I like jackets and cardigans as toppers but not every outfit has to be layered. I like shirts and sweaters that can stand on their own. Again, favoring simplicity.

I’ve added a lot more scarves to my wardrobe. I’ve always admired them on others and enjoy adding them occasionally to my own outfits.

Probably the biggest change for me is in my shoe selection. While I still wear high heels, I am choosing more chunky heels and even flats in more rugged styles. My husband is pleased to hear that comfort is now a consideration!

I look forward to seeing how my style will continue to evolve…

November 2, 2012 at 4:00 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fantastic, insights, ladies!

Morethanbeige, your hubs scores huge brownie points.

November 2, 2012 at 5:29 pm

Joy

Veteran

Angie, I love how you encourage us to really put some thought into our style. I need to think about my style evolution more. These come to mine:

Dresses: Last year I was searching for sweater dresses. This year so far I’m happy with the two that I have with no plans to add another.
Jeans/trousers: I still like jeans best because of fit issues, but am moving from skinny to favoring a straight leg. I’m also more open to color, something I’ve never done. I may even be tempted by the right patterned pants.
Color: My eye has adjusted to brighter colors on myself. I’m also moving away from black and grey and want more chocolate and navy.
Footwear: I’m favoring booties and shooties over knee high boots this season. I’m moving away from very rounded toes to somethng more almond.

November 2, 2012 at 7:28 pm

Debbie

Veteran

I am wearing more pants and have added a pair with color and dots. I am loving arm candy, daytime clutches and booties.
I am trying for a softer style with romantic touches. I am not quite there but that is where I want to be.

November 2, 2012 at 8:43 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Last year I couldn’t get enough neutrals, and I was yearning to get away from black in favor of browns, charcoal, and taupe. This fall I’m infatuated with color, especially the rich burgundies that are everywhere. I just bought two purses, one a saturated royal blue, and the other a deep royal purple. And I am liking black again as a base neutral.

Last year I was very into tunics over skinny pants. This year I have hardly worn my tunics. And YLF has helped me see my way to shorten my midi skirts to a more current length. Of course, I need to do that work, so right now, I’ve got several skirts just hanging around, unworn this season, waiting to be altered.

November 2, 2012 at 9:17 pm

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Well, my style is much the same as it was last fall since that was when I bought most of my clothes for my major wardrobe/style overhaul. This last year has been a process of discovering and refining my style persona. Of course the major change/challenge is my baby bump and trying to be creative with still wearing as much of my non-maternity wardrobe as I can. I don’t anticipate that I’ll be making any major style changes or major shopping this fall, but I did break down and buy a few maternity pieces like burgundy skinnies, as most of my maternity wardrobe is six years old now. I’m really digging burgundy–last fall I was totally into teal and bright jewel colors like emerald and cobalt, and last spring went crazy for orange, but this fall I can’t get enough of burgundy/oxblood. This fall I’m less enamored of the bright colors and more into subdued autumn shades of eggplant, mustard and pumpkin orange. I guess I’m totally susceptible to the latest color trends (anything that fits in my deep autumn palette)! I’m still into prints and print mixing, but also exploring more neutrals and texture mixing. My style goals for this season are to explore mix and match capsule dressing (as I have to pare down to a smaller maternity capsule), and try to use more of my scarves and jewelry to provide visual interest (since I may need to stick to more neutral pieces and repeat outfits more often.

November 2, 2012 at 10:10 pm

Ginkgo

Veteran

My style is still classic but I think I’m improving in figuring out what exactly works for me, in terms of proportion and colors.

1) sticking to a couple of different color schemes that are flattering, yet will allow variety. I used to buy a color that I liked, now I’m strict that it must be flattering.

2) wearing a column of dark/neutral (pre-YLF I wore colored t-shirts with ill-fitting jeans).

3) wearing stylish, comfortable shoes with no more than a 1 1/2 inch heel, but still suitable for a casual life.

4) after proclaiming to myself that no woman in her late 50s should be wearing a leather jacket, I fell in love with a beautiful Kenneth Cole leather moto jacket at the Rack and instantly bought it! And now I bought the Express pleather one!

5) am identifying and buying tops that are suitable on me for my age and appear to widen my longer face which is missing cheekbones, tops like boat necks and shirts with wider collars.

6) refusing minialism. I’m wearing scarves, or necklaces, or earrings.

7) have totally fallen in love with handbags in the last couple of months and am eagerly looking for a clutch. Have also discovered that an all neutral outfit looks great paired with a colored handbag.

November 2, 2012 at 10:39 pm

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

This is so interesting to read! Angie, your style evolvement has been noticeable and interesting to follow, and I learn a lot from reading yr thoughts about it. The changes are somewhat moree then subtle, yet there is a logic in your style development. You are my style icon, too, I believe I also learn so much from all you ladies in YLF, and you impress me by being so able to put your evolvement into words.

I find the process of describing my style process very new and quite difficult. Since joining YLF this Summer, I’ve learned tons about myself style-wise. A few things:

– Shoes and bags can do wonders. I need to cultivate my shoe and bag-collection. I’m on the lookout for a daytime clutch and a black basic handbag
– I go easy about jewelry, but I love scarves.
– I love clean lines, few details, and classic shapes and colors.
– I want to learn how to mix more patterns into my wardrobe
– I like euro chic, modern, classic, simplistic and feminine
– I love dresses and skirts, but wear jeans more than I think I do

November 3, 2012 at 12:48 am

anne

Veteran

My style has changed little, as I, like QM, have been committing to wearing what was already in my wardrobe. But 2 slight changes could be seen from the 2 summer dresses I have bought
1. trying out the drapy look
2. I bought a woven 50’s style fit and flare dress. I thought I’d moved away from liking ladylike 50’s style but watching “Call the midwife” made it appealing again

November 3, 2012 at 6:53 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

More interesting observations about your style evolutions.

Ingunn, you have articulated your style direction very well! No signs of difficulty at all

November 3, 2012 at 8:00 am

Nova

Active Member

I used to wear jeans every day, now I have one pair. Although I may try out a pair of boyfriends for the weekends.

I find myself wearing skirts or a dress a couple of times a week. Love leggings and am looking to get some in color now that I know I like them.

I have discovered that I LOVE to surrender my waist in dresses. I have belted them a few times (per YLF advice), but really love to leave them as is or with a jacket.

I have added some pattern to my wardrobe.

I have found my shoe wardrobe to be woefully inadequate and am looking to make improvements here.

I still find myself needing to add one slightly “different, quirky” item to most outfits.

November 4, 2012 at 6:34 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Another meaningful style evolution

November 4, 2012 at 6:39 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have had to think some time over this, life this autumn has been full of change with my eldest daughter starting full time education and my youngest at nursery five days a week. I have had more time to think about fashion but have craved simplicity and relied on the tried and true. It is the first season in years I have not looked at the catwalk trends (as much) and have focused more on quality and fit. Perhaps I am carving out my personal style?

November 4, 2012 at 12:01 pm

Lisa

Veteran

My style elements that have stayed the same: tall boots with jeans, jeans and blazers, scarves, wearing the color blue.

My style elements that are new: trousers, wine colors, wearing booties with skinny jeans.

My style elements that are out of favor at the moment: button down shirts, bootcut jeans, prints that are not stripes or dots. I still wear these items, but not nearly as often as I used to.

November 4, 2012 at 6:18 pm

rosee

Veteran

(I’m just marking this for easy future reference)

I am really struggling with my style right now. I know what I want to wear but am not really wearing it due to weight gain. I find getting dressed a real struggle right now, especially with my ideal style.

Things I do like now: more neutral colours especially ink blue and navies (is that spelled right?), more modern classic styles, hats, lower heeled shoes (I can’t seem to do 3 inch heels anymore as the maximum, now it’s closer to 2 inch), pussy bow blouses, polka dots and different style belts.
The usual: greys, retro /vintage styles (especially 40s but also some 70s does 30s), striped boatneck tees, dark denim and flared skirts.

November 4, 2012 at 9:12 pm

rosee

Veteran

… also new: little jewelry – just a watch, and simple earrings (I do wear a chain and pendant for faith reasons but It’s usually hidden under my tops).

November 4, 2012 at 9:17 pm

DonnaF

Veteran

In the past year, I have gone from 100% clueless to “starting to get a clue” after having purged most of my wardrobe which was admittedly 10, 15, and 20 years old. I think I have identified my style as mostly Urban Warrior Artist with a bit of Classic and Gamine thrown in. And thanks to the YLF Forum, I have started to wear nail polish for the first time in my life!!! Blue is my favorite, but I also have yellow, orange, gray, cream, and of course, red. And now, I even have a few colored bags, but no clutches since I am on Team Forgetful.

My transitioning hair and hairstyle, started this past summer, is really throwing me for a loop. For the past 20 or so years, I have had very short, black, spikey hair. It is still growing out to be some kind of bob, but I no longer use gel and the whole look is softer. I have come to realize that I depended on my hair to give me *edge*. With graying hair that I no longer wish to color, I see that I really have to step up my style game so that I don’t look frumpy, invisible, or worse. I am drawn like a moth to moto jackets and spiked boots and shoes, but at age 59 I can see that I can easily end up looking ridiculous and costume-y if I don’t put on the brakes.

ALGO has appealed to me for many years, but I’m realizing that with longer hair that is now covering part of my smallish face and ears AND glasses, sometimes adding earrings is TMGO. I would like to experiment with bracelets, but I have a tiny wrist and don’t know if they would be too fussy for me. . .

November 5, 2012 at 11:59 am

Annabeth

I’m still wearing dresses or skirts most of the time; after almost an entire lifetime in trousers and jeans, I feel like I’ve only just begun exploring skirted looks.

I’ve lost some weight and started exercising, so I am exploring much more body-conscious stuff. Sadly I have realized that my whole life, I have bought clothes to disguise flaws … never to highlight anything I liked about my body, mostly b/c I didn’t like it. Now that this is changing, for both psychological and physical reasons, I feel like I have to learn how to pick out clothes all over again.

Definitely still exploring color, though I am going for more muted tones and more outfits that play on one single color family.

Wearing more jewelry, though that’s not saying much, as I’ve spent most of my life only wearing earrings, if that.

November 5, 2012 at 2:58 pm

Aida

Veteran

I’d say the core of my style is very similar, though I am feeling a LOT more focused these days. Splitting my work and weekend outfits, style wise, has been a huge help in this. Key changes over the last year:

– My hair is WAY shorter! Big, big difference. Seriously.
– As a result, I am not reaching for my pendants much at all BUT I am really loving giant earrings.
– In addition, I am cautiously starting to wear more black; without the big wall of long hair it’s not as gloomy feeling. On the flip side, I am in love with winter white more than ever!
– Slowly working away from jeans towards trousers (and knits to wovens), still not as much as I’d like though. I do still enjoy wearing my dresses and skirts, though I didn’t really wear them much to begin with. And shorts are getting more wear than last year.
– Still softening my look, though not as soft as it was back in spring; I’m back to mixing in the structured/rigid elements as that feels best to me.
– Wearing even more slouch than before.
– Still moving away from the very tall heels, and wearing more flats. 3″ is now my high, previously 4″.
– I’m adding more of my punk rock influence back into my style, this makes me super happy!
– As I get more and more focused on my style, the breadth of my style experimentation is certainly narrowing (your essentials post really helped me with this!). This also makes me super happy. Though I absolutely still enjoy changing silhouettes up often.
– Very very recent member of Team Clutch, hungry for more
– And just starting to eye Team Quality over Quantity. That’s coming up, for sure.

Overall I feel like my wardrobe pieces have gotten better in terms of quality, fitting my style, fit, and dressiness (much higher than last year for sure). As a result, I feel like my _whole look_ has gotten bolder yet more minimal; I don’t feel like I “need” to accessorize much since the clothing is much stronger, and I think the shorter hair also plays into that.

November 7, 2012 at 11:49 pm

Aida

Veteran

Oh yes! I very much enjoyed reading your list and reasonings, Angie. I think since we do see your outfits as you post them and read your comments and all that, we have an idea of what’s going on… but seeing these changes as solid texts can still be quite eye opening. For example, it hadn’t consciously occurred to me that you haven’t been on your skirts/dresses, but now that I READ it it feels so very obvious

November 7, 2012 at 11:51 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Aida, high five to slouch, lower heels, softening your look, wovens, Team Daytime Clutch and trousers! Thanks for enjoying my text.

November 8, 2012 at 6:35 am

About the Author

Your Style Evolution: Fall 2012 Edition

Recent Ensembles

Recent Trends

About the Author

Share this Post

Recent Ensembles

Recent Trends