This ensemble was inspired by my own wardrobe because I wear white jeans throughout the year. They provide a bright, dramatic and crisp touch to Fall and Winter outfits, so don’t pack them away if you don’t want to. Here are some outfit ideas to get you started. 

Graphic Black & White

Combine white jeans with a black pullover or blouse and finish off the outfit with a bright accessory and neutral footwear. The rendition on the left is an outfit I’ve worn a couple of times this month. I pulled together white flared jeans with a black turtleneck, cream and black polka dot belt, cream booties and tomato red clutch. Left off the topper because I was sufficiently warm in the turtleneck. 

Custom Find

by Angie

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Gap

Merino turtleneck sweater

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Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Chrissy' Flare Leg Jeans (White)

$89.00

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Custom Find

by Angie

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MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'The Slim' Bracelet Watch, 36mm

$250.00 $149.97

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ASOS

Wood Wood Thelma White Leather Flat Boot

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Zara

Ombre Color Leather Clutch Bag

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Earthy White 

Combine white jeans with earth-toned separates. For example, I pulled together an olive and burgundy pullover with an earthy scarf and cognac knee-high boots. I finished off the look with a mustard coat, burgundy bag and cognac felt hat. Choose tonal earth tones if these high-contrast ones aren’t your cup of tea. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

I’m having fun browsing the New York Fashion Week runway shows for Spring/Summer 2016. Distilling the runway trends for us is Angie’s strong suit, and I’m already looking forward to reading her trend report. But in the meantime, I’d like to share six of my personal favourites so far:

• The strong colour combos, interesting layering, mushroomed peplums and pointed hems at Jil Sander Navy
• Geometric patterns and bold landscape prints from Novis
• ICB using a crisp white tunic shirt as a creative layering piece
• Texture and pretty metallics at Lela Rose
• Ralph Lauren‘s primary colour palette and use of cognac leather
• Elegant fringe and delicate sleeveless midi dresses from Boss

Fab Links from Our Members

Diana reports that Nervous System designs, which is known for its science- and nature-inspired jewellery, has been experimenting with custom-fit, 3D-printed dresses that are printed as a single folded piece with no assembly required. Fascinating technology, and Diana thinks the dresses are great-looking too!

Angie wanted to share Sally’s tips on what to wear when your weight is in flux. 

She also lets us know that hundreds of women shut down Times Square to draw attention to the extreme lack of plus size visibility in the media.

Trend forecasters predict that “magic” will replace normcore. After reading the article, UmmLila isn’t exactly sure what this will entail.

Robin came across an article about how Dadeville, a city in Alabama, may ban its residents from wearing pants that sag below the hips. She comments: “No matter how we feel about other people’s clothing and fashion choices, making them illegal is unfair, and, in my opinion, a waste of everyone’s time and resources.”

A good few years ago I was helping my client Joan edit her abundant collection of accessories. Amidst the amazing scarves, necklaces, earrings and belt buckles was a quirky collection of vintage costume jewellery. I was listening to Joan’s colourful stories about the pieces when a little face caught my eye. My heart went pitter patter and I gasped. A Yorkshire Terrier brooch! 

It was a vintage piece from the ‘60s that Joan had inherited from her Mother. Like me, Joan’s Mum was besotted with Yorkies. When she passed away Joan inherited the brooch and she adopted Trevor, her Mum’s Yorkie. Trevor stole Joan’s heart and the brooch became an extremely sentimental piece that lives on her denim jacket in Summer and on her rust coat in Winter. It garners compliments wherever she goes.

Years went by, but all the recent talk about brooches trending for Fall and Winter reminded me of the beautiful piece. So on a complete whim, not holding out any hope, I typed “yorkie brooches” into the search box. To my amazement, the EXACT same vintage brooch from the ‘60s was available at Etsy. I couldn’t believe my luck! I immediately sent email to Joan to tell her about my find.

The next day I was all set to buy it when my heart sank to the bottom of my feet. The brooch had been sold overnight. With a heavy heart I emailed Joan to tell her that it wasn’t meant to be. That the brooch was sold to someone else. “Yes, I know…” she replied, “to moi! Pour vous!” 

I was speechless.

A few days ago a little package arrived in the mail. Inside was the most incredible brooch of all time and a beautiful Yorkie card. I wept. I am overwhelmed by Joan’s generosity and thoughtfulness. I will treasure my priceless Yorkie brooch, and wear it with a very happy heart.

Fall shopping with clients is in full swing and there have been lots of favourites across casual and business casual dress codes. My word, do my clients love burgundy and all sorts of shades of deep red. I’m glad they can stock up on them this season. 

Here are some of the winners, and do browse through all the colour options. I’ve added the Marc Jacobs turtleneck and Express sailor pants to my own wardrobe.  

• Vince Camuto Stretch Cotton One-Button Blazer: A great modern classic blazer in a crisp cotton. Has some stretch for comfort and good sleeve length for long arms. I'm amazed at how well this blazer fits BOTH a curvy figure with a larger bust, and a straight figure with a small bust. Might run a size big.
• KUT from the Kloth KUT from the Kloth 'Kiana' Floral Brushstroke Split Neck Blouse: A great non-crease blouse to wear with black, burgundy or blue. Leave untucked or partially tuck the front into bottoms.
• KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Stretch Skinny Jeans (Duty) (Plus Size): KUT does it again. Great non-premium skinnies that work on a variety of body types. Might run a size big.
• KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Stretch Skinny Jeans (Heartfelt): Great non-premium skinnies that work on a variety of body types. Good length for taller gals. Might run a size big.
• Echo 'Rose Bed' Floral Print Wrap: A romantic rose print to wear with burgundy knitwear.
• Halogen Cascade Front Jacket (Regular & Petite): A very comfortable knit jacket to wear like a cardigan. Good with black, blue or white bottoms. Might run a size big.
• Nine West 'Wasabi' Pointy Toe Bootie (Women): The trendy higher shaft is IT, and perfect to wear with cropped pants. A moderately comfortable bootie with a stable low heel.
• Halogen Belted Twill Cape (Regular & Petite): Structured Sherlock Holmes Fabness. Dramatic and quite the statement. Fun to wear to the office with bootcuts.
• Joie 'Tambrel' Asymmetrical Sweater Tunic: A repeat style asymmetrical pullover that looks good on most clients who try it on. Perfect for an apple shaped body type. Very roomy on the midsection. Jagged hemline adds structure.
• Rag & Bone / Jean 'The Dre' Slim Fit Boyfriend Jeans (Aged Wine): The well-loved Rag & Bone streamlined boyfriend jean - but this time - in burgundy. Works well on a curvy body type. Might run a size big.
• Munro 'Yale' Laceless Oxford (Women): These laceless oxfords look better in person and on the foot. VERY comfy and hip with tapered cropped pants. Available in three colours across many sizes and widths.
• Lands' End Women's Not-too-low Rise Slim Leg Jeans: I haven't seen these in person, but they look great on our forum members. Suited to a curvier body type.
• Munro 'Cheryl' Flat: A repeat patchwork loafer style that's VERY comfy. It looks best in the burgundy and grey options. Available in three colours across many sizes and widths.
• Josef Seibel 'Faye' Flat (Women): An excellent option to wear with cropped ankle pants in mild Fall weather. Very comfy.
• Banana Republic Sloan-Fit Black Trouser: Good business casual trousers that seem to work as well for straight figures as they do for curvier figures. The fabric is AMAZING. Very substantial. Brilliant drape.
• Banana Republic Sloan-Fit Textured Black Slim Ankle Pant: The Sloan ankle pant does not work well for curvy figures, but is good on a rectangle, inverted triangle, straighter hourglass and apple shaped body type. Fun pattern to add to a sea of solids.
• Express Mid Rise Sailor Flare Pant: '70's Fabness. High-waisted, fitted and flared. Not good on apple shapes or short waists. Might not work on petites since the hems are very long. Showcase the front button detail by tucking or semi-tucking a top, or wearing a cropped top. Fabulous substantial fabric.
• Sejour V-Neck Dolman Sleeve Pullover (Plus Size): Flowing V-Neck Comfort. Wear with bootcuts or slim-fit pants.
• Current/Elliott 'The Cropped Straight' Ankle Jeans: Trendy cropped pants with a slight flare on the hem. Soft, sturdy and comfortable. Fits a curvy and straight figure. Size down one or two sizes if you want to achieve a tailored fit.
• MARC BY MARC JACOBS Bonded Wool Blend Mini Military Jacket: I haven't seen this jacket in person, but I love the high neckline, retro sleeves and military integrity. Good on a smaller bust, narrow shoulder line, and long neck.
• Trouvé Abstract Pattern Sweater: An easy graphic pullover to wear with black trousers or culottes to the office. Good on a shorter neck and larger bust.
• Josef Seibel Amy 11: Extra comfy heeled oxfords. Lots of room in the toe box despite the pointy shape. The burgundy option is fab too.
• Vince Camuto Blanket Jacquard Poncho (Regular & Petite): Graphic Boho Fabness. Wear the poncho layered over a tee or turtleneck with slim bottoms and boots. Or wrap it over a sheath dress.
• MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pima Cotton & Silk Turtleneck Sweater: A stunning chunky turtleneck that's fitted on the side seams. The asymmetrical detailing on the front and back is unique. The slanted pocket adds playful fun. Not scratchy.
• Plaid Pullover: I haven't seen this pullover in person, but the oversized navy check with black trim is delicious. Hope it isn't scratchy.
• Nine West Women's Entity Leather Boot: A forum member who has fussy feet had good luck with these sleek burgundy boots. Great with flared jeans or trousers, or cropped pants.

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Stretch Cotton One-Button Blazer

$150.00 $89.98

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7

Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth KUT from the Kloth 'Kiana' Floral Brushstroke Split Neck Blouse

$68.00 $30.60

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9

Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Stretch Skinny Jeans (Duty) (Plus Size)

$98.50 $65.98

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3

Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Stretch Skinny Jeans (Heartfelt)

$89.00 $53.40

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7

Nordstrom

Echo 'Rose Bed' Floral Print Wrap

$58.00 $34.79

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11

Nordstrom

Halogen Cascade Front Jacket (Regular & Petite)

$98.00 $48.98

Sale

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15

Nordstrom

Nine West 'Wasabi' Pointy Toe Bootie (Women)

$128.94 $99.90

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8

Nordstrom

Halogen Belted Twill Cape (Regular & Petite)

$128.00 $51.90

Sale

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6

Nordstrom

Joie 'Tambrel' Asymmetrical Sweater Tunic

$298.00

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7

Nordstrom

Rag & Bone / Jean 'The Dre' Slim Fit Boyfriend Jeans (Aged Wine)

$198.00 $118.80

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21

Nordstrom

Munro 'Yale' Laceless Oxford (Women)

$219.95 $109.96

Sale

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3

Lands' End

Women's Not-too-low Rise Slim Leg Jeans

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13

Nordstrom

Munro 'Cheryl' Flat

$199.95

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3

Nordstrom

Josef Seibel 'Faye' Flat (Women)

$144.94

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6

Banana Republic

Sloan-Fit Black Trouser

$89.50 $24.97

Sale

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7

Banana Republic

Sloan-Fit Textured Black Slim Ankle Pant

$98.00 $79.98

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5

Express

Mid Rise Sailor Flare Pant

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19

Nordstrom

Sejour V-Neck Dolman Sleeve Pullover (Plus Size)

$79.00

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4

Nordstrom

Current/Elliott 'The Cropped Straight' Ankle Jeans

$198.00 $79.20

Sale

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41

Nordstrom

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Bonded Wool Blend Mini Military Jacket

$598.00

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3

Nordstrom

Trouvé Abstract Pattern Sweater

$78.00 $46.80

Sale

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10

Zappos

Josef Seibel Amy 11

$150.00

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11

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Blanket Jacquard Poncho (Regular & Petite)

$169.00 $99.90

Sale

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7

Nordstrom

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pima Cotton & Silk Turtleneck Sweater

$378.00 $225.90

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16

Shopbop

Plaid Pullover

$370.00 $111.00

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4

Amazon

Nine West Women's Entity Leather Boot

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12

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.