Outfit Formula: Fall Green and Black

It’s the middle of Summer and hot in the northern hemisphere. As a cool reprieve and something to look forward to, I’m sharing some Autumn outfit formulas. Darker greens are popular with my friends and clients as the season turns, so that’s the inspiration here. Dark green goes well with black. But if black’s not for you, choose dark blue. 

1. Patterned Blouse, Green Pants, Black Accents

A black and green patterned blouse is combined with a pair of slim green cropped trousers. It’s tucked for a dressier vibe, and to create structure by defining the waist. Feel free to leave it un-tucked if that’s your preference. Black pumps and bag that match are the finishing touch. Classic heeled pumps are trending, hence we’re seeing more of them. Choose black shoes that are more to your taste if you don’t like wearing heeled pumps.

Patterned Blouse, Green Pants, Black Accents

2. Black Suit and Graphic Tee

A black pants suit with a longer length jacket is combined with a white tee with a green and black graphic. It’s tucked into the trousers to showcase a black denim obi-style belt that adds a unique touch to the outfit. White pumps pick up the white of the tee thereby adding a punchy high contrast effect. I see a black, white, or mint bag complete the look.

Black Suit and Graphic Tee

3. Patterned Dress, Socks, Loafers

A green and black pattern on a cream background graces a roomy columned frock with sleeves. It’s completed with black loafers and dark green socks to create an autumnal boot vibe. Add a bag that works with the palette.

Patterned Dress, Socks, Loafers

4. Patterned Skirt and Black Support Act

A black and green floral flared midi skirt is paired with a short black sweater with a wide welt. It’s worn comfortably over the skirt, and showcases the structured waist of the skirt because of its cropped length. Dressy heeled tall black boots add a polished touch. Add a bag, jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

Patterned Skirt and Black Support Act

Handbags For Practical Personality

Handbags can be practical AND decorative. Any colour, and structured or unstructured. Make sure the size, weight, style, and compartments work for your needs before committing to a bag. Insert a handbag organizer to easily access the contents. 

Handy Stylish Handbags

Sporting two bags at once can be practical when you need to traipse along extras for the day. A large tote to carry bulky items that you don’t need to access fast and frequently, and a smaller bag to carry the necessities that you do.

Handbag minimalists can create a 3-bag complement. A darker bag for colder weather. A lighter or brighter bag for hot weather. And a small dressy bag for formal occasions. If you swap out bags frequently, consider what you can afford, manage and store.

Dressing for Air-Conditioning

Air-conditioning is a blessing in high heat, especially at night when we sleep. That said, the A/C can be set very low and make indoors feel arctic in the middle of Summer. For someone who runs cold, arctic air-conditioning can be very uncomfortable. 

Indoor air-conditioning that is set too low also poses dressing challenges. When it’s hot outside and I’m wearing a breezy dress, skirt, top and sandals, I’m perfectly dressed for that temperature. But not sufficiently insulated for indoors. A denim jacket or blazer helps, but my feet freeze in open shoes. I can handle the discomfort for very short periods, but not for long.

When shopping with a client in an air-conditioned mall recently, I rushed out the door wearing white jeans, a camisole, a sheer floral long sleeved blouse, a belt, and loafers. I was freezing in the mall without a jacket. I know better, but forgot to bring an extra layer. I almost bought a jacket while we shopped, just to feel comfortable.

We once went to Las Vegas in July. I was waiting in the shade outside our hotel wondering why people were coming out wearing jeans, boots, sweaters, and jackets in 107F (41C). I was wearing denim clamdiggers, a cotton sleeved shirt, and sandals. I went into the hotel and froze my buns off. When you see people walking outside on a hot day in outfits meant for cold, chances are high they work in an air conditioned setting.

I’d rather feel a little hot outside than uncomfortably cold in air-conditioning. If I know I’m in A/C all day in the middle of Summer, I will dress for that temperature and wrap up. If I go into A/C for short bursts during the day, I’ll bring a jacket and wear loafers or sneakers. It helps that I usually wear a cotton camisole and covered clothing for sun protection.

How about you? How do you combat arctic air-conditioning?

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Fab Finds: Loafers and Boots

More and more I’m purchasing wardrobe pieces out of season, especially when I get them on sale. Personally, I don’t mind one bit if items hang or sit in my wardrobe for months before the weather is dead right to wear them. I believe that when an item is good and works for your style, it’s going to be worn at some point. 

In that spirit here are some footwear picks that you probably wouldn’t wear in Summer. They have been winners on clients, friends, and me, so I’m sharing the info on the off chance something works for you too.

1. Sam Edelman Lucca Loafer

These loafers deserve their stellar reviews. Super comfy and soft, and fit a range of feet. Not too wide on the heels either. The suede and metallic versions are even softer and more forgiving than the patent and leather. They run big so size down. My clients with wider feet wear them well. Me and my narrow feet wear them well too. I added insoles to make them fit better.

I passed on two pairs of old loafers and replaced them the gold and light blue. I almost bought the lime green, but the blue bookends my specs and works better with my wardrobe. Unlike most, I wear these in Summer when it’s not too hot. They work well in air-conditioning too. I wear them to shop with clients, and 20,000 steps later there is no problem.

Refined loafers are classic, AND having a fashionable moment. Keep these on your radar if you’re a loafer person too.

2. McGuire Seville Boot

The boot collection at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was disappointing, but these made-in-Spain boots are not. Sleek, comfy, manageable heel height, and versatile high shaft. Dressy in a relaxed way. Roomy toe box too. A very stylish friend got the light blue that coincidentally match her light blue eyes, and is thrilled with them. Very pretty.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: More Top Picks

My first top 40 picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS) went out earlier in the week. That list was based on what I saw in the brick and mortar store. Here’s another set of winners that are well worth a look, based on online shopping. All tried and tested on clients and on our forum members. 

Remember to browse all the colour and size options. Items often come back into stock during the two weeks of the sale, so keep checking back.

  • AllSaints Dalby Leather Biker Jacket: IMPECCABLE moto jacket in ink blue that runs small, and works well on petites. Sleeves can be shortened, but at an expense. Could be worth it.
  • OPEN EDIT Sheer Button-Up Shirt: A $40 on trend and versatile sheer blouse that looks great layered over a camisole or tank top. Comes in neutral solids and subtle patterns.
  • Bernardo RELAXED WOOL ALPACA BLEND COAT: Bernardo is a specialized coat and jacket manufacturer who makes excellent outerwear. This on trend oversized coat is no exception, and beautifully made. Comes in brown that is darker than the stock photo. You need to fill out this coat with broad shoulders. Works on a larger bust too. Lots of room. I retuned the brown because it did not work on my narrow shouldered frame.
  • Donald J Pliner Dasiaci Bootie (Women): These are beautifully made and comfortable on the foot. Quite roomy in the toe box. The cherry patent is less soft than the suede and leather. They hit me at an odd place on my shins, which rubbed as a I strode, so unfortunately I passed. You might have better luck.
  • Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker (Women): Ecco sneakers - and these in-particular - are comfortable and great for feet with bunions. The footbeds can be removed to insert orthotics. The black and white versions are uniquely textured. There is gold and solid black too.
  • Nordstrom Hydro Cotton Terry Robe: 100% Cotton Cosy Robe Fabness, that comes in peony pink. Length works well on petites.
  • Cinq A Sept Khloe Bouclé Tweed Blazer: The texture of this blazer makes a statement, and creates a dramatic juxtaposition with the dressy silhouette of the topper. It's thick - yet lightweight. Fluid fit, and works well on petites.
  • Zella Luxe Wide Leg Pants: Wide leg Athleisure bottoms that fit a range of body types and feel super cosy. There were more colours in stores.
  • Halogen Absolute Camisole: An $11 camisole that is super comfy, might run big, and comes in neutrals. Adjustable straps.
  • Halogen Stripe Crewneck Sweater: Surprisingly, this acrylic/nylon blend sweater feels super good against the skin, especially when you can't wear wool. It's fashionably big. Worked on petites with the sleeves cuffed. Comes in more neutral stripes.
  • Treasure&Bond Speckled Pima Cotton Blend Sweater: Non-wool earthy speckled sweater with a great rounded high-low hem. Feels great against the skin. Looks best UN-TUCKED and worn out. Might need to size down. Comes in olive and grey.
  • Eileen Fisher Raglan Sleeve Merino Wool Pullover: Lightweight, warm, great on apple shaped body types, and for Team Jewel Tones.
  • Socialite Stripe Sleeveless Midi Dress: Great summery dress in a silky fabric that works well on a curvy figure. Front slit isn't too high, and remember to do the sit-down test. Might run a little small.
  • AllSaints Tia Long Sleeve Mesh Top: Beautiful mesh top that fits like a glove. Good on a longer neck. Gorgeous neck draping and pleating. It accentuates the bust so you have to be okay with that. I vote size up so that it's not skin tight. Excellent with pants suits and under blazers. I bat for Team Blue so this one is mine, and I sized up.

Pictures below. You can see the items alongside the descriptions on the collection page.