Weekly Roundup: Hints of Fall

Most people I know enjoy dressing for Fall. I bat for Team Spring and Summer, but Autumn is magical in its own way. I enjoy the change of dress from Summer clothing, as well as the glorious fiery foliage. Onward to a stylish and fabulous Fall. 

Stock levels are low at most retailers, especially in brick-and-mortar stores. I suspect this has a lot to do with ongoing supply chain issues brought on by the global pandemic. That said, retail looks better than it did last year. I had a good browse at our Scotch & Soda last week and the items are incredible if you like earth tones and a sense of practical sporty chic with an edge. Beautifully made as always. Very proud of this Dutch label that continues to be fabulous. Browse the colour and size options.

  • SCOTCH & SODA Short tweed jacket: The cut of this short tweed jacket is AMAZING. The sleeves are works of art, and like origami. It is particularly good with skirts, dresses and high-rise bottoms. It glides over your figure like a jigsaw puzzle that fits. It would be mine if it weren't earthy.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Crewneck Sweater Vest: If you like slouchy vests, high necklines and coppery cinnamon - try this one. The high neckline and welt give it ample structure.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Houndstooth Check Blazer: An on-trend '90s inspired blazer that is more lilac in person, and has cigarette pants to match.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Classic crew neck sweater: Navy and cinnamon stripes are unique, and the fluid fit of this one is yummy. Silky to the touch, and with a retro '80s dropped shoulder.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Reversible printed bomber: Silky reversible bomber jackets are signature to this brand, and these are beautifully luxe. Click the link to see four pattern options.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Knotted relaxed-fit sweater: The slouch of this pullover is tempered by the front knot detailing, and the varied directions of the rib. It's less bulky on the body than you expect, and comes in oatmeal.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Padded wool-blend shirt jacket: This shacket is quilted for warmth, and graphically divine in the navy and olive windowpane. I like the way it hangs very straight and is beyond body type. STUNNING quality.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Relaxed fit printed shirt: This pattern is beautifully different, and so is the olive version. The blouse feels luxe, is textured, and LONG. Fab for Team Tall.
  • Everlane The Cotton–Merino Floral Crew: A graphic floral that looks as good and pretty in the grey and lilac. The sleeves are GORGEOUS, and are fab under a cape. The welt adds excellent structure. The yellow is more muted in person.
  • Zella Sleek Track Pants: If you like to wear streamlined joggers in a brighter shade of olive, try these. They are thicker than the norm, and run a little big. They mould to the shape of most body types.
  • OluKai Pehuea Li Convertible Sneaker: These are the best crisp and clean low-top earthy sneakers of the year. Comfy, rich, and neat on the foot. Fits a range of foot shapes.
  • Madewell Addition Quilted Packable Puffer Jacket: GORGEOUS quality lightweight puffer that looks more architectural than you expect. At first I thought the length was odd but the slight swing of the silhouette works well with the length. It might be a little roomy if you like a narrow fit. Comes in sage green.
  • KOBI HALPERIN Gianna Jacket: Cobalt jackets have been scarce, making this one all the more fab. Ruffled in an architectural way, and works particularly well on straighter and apple-shaped body types. Comes in black.
  • Liverpool Classic Denim Jacket: Earthy Denim Jacket Fabness. Stretchy, soft, versatile, and comfy.
  • HOBBS LONDON Martie Boxy Denim Jacket: A very clean and crisp olive jacket that is beautifully made. Good with dresses, skirts and pants. Nice fluid fit.
  • HOBBS LONDON Hackness Tailored Blazer: I have two of these from a couple of seasons ago, and they are high-quality versatile pieces for my style. They fit beautifully, and are a wonderful shorter length. I've worn them on long flights, they are that comfy and do not crease. They will be on the narrow side if you prefer a roomier fit. Good on narrow shoulders.
  • KUT from the Kloth Quinn Faux Suede Moto Jacket: Machine Washable Suede Moto Fabness. Might run a little big. Comes in more neutrals.
  • COS Colour-block Fine-knit Top: This is a beauty if you like to remix earth tones with a saturated pink or peach. Fluid, long, and very cosy.
  • CeCe Clip Dot Long Sleeve Blouse: An easy boho-inspired blouse that's fluid but not baggy. Good on a larger bust, and forgiving on the midsection. A Swiss dot is pretty and refined, and this comes in many colours. No need to semi-tuck.
  • Boden Charlotte Cardigan: A unique navy cardigan with a collar and white buttons. It's long so great for Team Tall or Long Torso. A knit with some weight, and a bit like a sweater jacket.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Printed high-neck slim-fit T-shirt: These slim-fit tees come in an assortment of unusual earthy patterns. They are great to layer under toppers, vests, and dresses too.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Cowl Neck Sweatshirt: Fashion sweatshirts are the bomb and give knitwear some competition. Pumpkin spice and all things nice, although there is a cream version. The sleeves make the sweatshirt unique, and the T-neck collar can be folded down.
  • Everlane The Sleeveless Turtleneck: This can be worn as a top and layering item under a topper. Or as a vest over a top or dress. It's fluid and looks elegant.
  • Banana Republic Sweater Hoodie: I got this in the cream to wear under my new sandy windowpane Hugo Boss pants suit with hybrid gold wing top sneakers. or cream boots. The cream is rich, and the fabric feels yummy and substantial. It's mostly made of an eco-friendly viscose, which is a natural fibre. I love the higher neckline of the hood. It also perfectly matches my new cream combat boots so it will get lots of wear.
  • Boden Phillipa Rugby Top: If you enjoy rugby stripes, this one comes in unusual colour combinations.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Printed scarf scrunchie: Try a scrunchie with a scarf if you pop your hair into a low or high ponytail.
  • Whistles Denim Pleated Midi Skirt: An interesting denim skirt with fun front and back basque detailing. That's the part you can showcase by tucking or semi-tucking tops. Fab twirling potential. Looks great with tall flat stompy boots too.
  • Boden Cashmere Sweater Vest: A classic and more fitted vest to wear as a top, or pop over a blouse or shirt. Lots of colours.
  • Cole Haan Women's Zerogrand Wing Oxford Closed Hole Ii: A Cole Haan iconic classic that is half sneaker and half oxford. Very soft, comfy and ligthweight. Comes in more neutrals.
  • Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Berkshire Water Resistant Sneaker Boot: I tried these and almost kept them because they are VERY comfortable, warm, and water resistant. The fleece lining is sublime. The white is more cream in person. I returned them because I want the outer fabric to be leather. Comes in black. Extremely lightweight.
  • Boden Elizabeth Coat: A statement coat in navy velvet paisley. DELICIOUSLY different. It's a versatile length and fit, and I like the back boxy pleat. Dress it up or down.
  • Gap Organic Cotton Joggers: These thick and substantial cotton joggers come in Tall, Petite and Regular lengths across five neutrals. They are partly made of Reribra which is an ecological fabric made of upcycled cotton scraps from pre & post consumer cotton waste. They have a half elastic waist, and the cut moulds to most body types.
  • Banana Republic Leather Hobo Bag: A fab light neutral bag to wear as temperatures drop. Lies flat against the body and anchors well on the shoulder.
  • Miz Mooz Dylan Sandal: These can work really well in a hot and warm Fall and Winter, and come in other neutrals. Soft, buttery, comfy, well-made, and a little rugged.
  • Everlane The Modern Breton Tee: An earth-toned Breton striped tee is a rare find, and this one is great. Lovely quality, and nice slouch. Comes in two more stripes.
  • Talbots Terrier Brooch: I'm not a big brooch and earth tone person, but HAD to have this Yorkie brooch because it looks like our little Jo. A completely emotional purchase, and I am high fiving all Terrier lovers!

You can see the pictures alongside the items on the collection page.

Boden
Charlotte Cardigan
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Boden
Phillipa Rugby Top
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Boden
Cashmere Sweater Vest
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Boden
Elizabeth Coat
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Gap
Organic Cotton Joggers
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Talbots
Terrier Brooch
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Your Personal Figure-Flattering Priorities

Style is art, not science. Opinions about it are subjective. What makes an outfit flattering is in the eye of the beholder. Also, there is no one way to be stylish, and an outfit has to feel right in order for you to wear it with joy and confidence. Body type dressing guidelines and traditionally flattering outfit proportions can be helpful as a starting point, but they are by no means essential. Not at all.

Instead, I suggest creating a PERSONAL set of figure-flattering priorities. These are guidelines about fit and outfit proportions that are unique to you. They empower you to dress the way you want to, instead of being boxed into a so-called look that is based on your body type and someone else’s benchmark of beauty. After all, you’re wearing the outfit, so how you perceive it and feel in it is most important.

When I work with my clients, we establish their personal figure-flattering priorities. I listen closely to what types of fits and proportions makes them feel great, and I apply that knowledge to their style. That way their outfit creation process is set up for success, and their style is authentic. When clients are unsure whether a look is flattering or unflattering, I offer my two cents. Often the look in question IS flattering, but they aren’t yet used to the new proportions.

I’ll start the ball rolling by sharing my own set of priorities. They have evolved over time and adapted to my changing needs. I am a stickler for perfect fit, and will go to a lot of effort to create it. I do not need to look my narrowest in an outfit. I will surrender my waist, and wear boxy and baggy items if I like the look. Creating height is also not a priority.

1. Fluid Fits

I do not like to wear clothing items that are too form-fitting and constricting. I’ll define my waist and wear tailored items, but there has to be ample fluidity in the outfit too. I’m energetic and active, and need to move in my outfits (with doggies in tow). So my tailored fits are on the fluid side. Functional flow is key.

2. Oversized Structure

When I wear oversized items, like big and breezy Summer shirts and shirt dresses, I do so with structure. I tuck or semi-tuck the shirts to create a bit of a waistline. I also scrunch the sleeves of the shirts and dresses to reveal forearm skin, because showcasing skin creates structure.

3. Knee-Covering Dress and Skirt Lengths

I do not like showing my knees in skirts and dresses anymore. To my eye the look on me is better when the lengths are midi, midaxi, or just covering the kneecap. There is nothing wrong with my knees, but just because you can wear something, doesn’t mean that you need to. I enjoy the elegance and fun factor of skirt and dress swoosh, so its knee-covering lengths for me.

4. Neck Shortening

I have a very long neck, and my short hair makes my neck look even longer. So I wear high necklines and shirt collars that visually shorten the length of my neck, and stay away from scooped necklines, boat necks, low necklines, and most V-necks. I will also effectively fill the gap of a slightly too wide neckline with a pearl necklace.

5. Strong Shoulder Line

I am small framed and have narrow shoulders, so I like to keep my shoulder line structured by wearing items that are tailored on the shoulders, and by wearing a neckline with ample coverage. I can wear dropped shoulder silhouettes as long as the style has a high neckline, or shirt collar.

6. Long Enough Leg Line

I don’t have a naturally long leg line, and do not feel the need to create one by wearing heeled footwear. But I don’t want to feel overly short in the leg either. So I strive to create a leg line that looks long enough to me. I create one without high heels by semi-tucking or tucking tops into high-rise bottoms that lengthen the leg line from the hips upwards. I wear untucked tops that aren’t too long so the torso is visually shortened. Or I wear long untucked tops with diagonal hemlines.

7. Tailored Boots

I have narrow ankles and calves, which makes most booties and taller boots gape at the opening. Think of a stem in a flower pot as a visual. I do not find this flattering on my body, so I’m extra fussy about how my boots fit. They need to be tailored, streamlined and neat around my ankles and calves. Very little or no gaping is key.

8. Pant Lengths

And last, pant lengths are my thing. I will nitpick about their lengths, and how the type of footwear worn with them and the silhouette of the pants itself is affected by creating just the right length. To my eye, half an inch shorter or longer can often make a visually important difference.

Over to you. Care to share your personal set of figure-flattering priorities?

Outfit Formula: Fall Pants Suit

This post was inspired by my own love for dressy pants suits. I bought a sand and white windowpane patterned Hugo Boss suit at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I absolutely LOVE IT (I’ve modelled it in the forum.) It’s the suit I’ve been waiting for and it’s already one of my favourite wardrobe items. I wore it twice last week to different client appointments and felt like a million bucks. I might need to build a capsule of pants suits because they have become my thing, and I would like to make them signature to my style.

Here is the exact suit with the items I have been wearing with it so far. The pants are full length on me, and not cropped.

Personally, I find pants suits easy, comfortable, and versatile. I wear them fluidly tailored so that they are a cinch to move around in. The key is to not wear pants suits too fitted and constricting, so size up if you need to. I make sure the fabric is fairly crease-resistant, so things look polished all day. I don’t wear heels, so my footwear choices go the distance like flat loafers, boots and fashion sneakers. I dress a suit up or down, and wear it with a dressy crossbody bag.

Mango
Tropical Print Pants
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Zara
WIDE LEG PANTS
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Zara
TUXEDO CIGARETTE PANTS
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Zara
CIGARETTE PANTS
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Zara
ANKLE PANTS
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Zara
LINEN PAJAMA PANTS
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Zara
FLOWY PANTS
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Zara
HIGH-WAISTED CULOTTES
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Zara
CROPPED PRINTED PANTS
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Zara
MID-RISE PANTS
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Zara
FULL LENGTH PANTS
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Mango
Pleated Suit Pants
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Zara
CHINO PANTS
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Pants suits are having their fashion moment. They are a true Trendy Classic to my eye. I was delighted to see teens and young adults wear fluid pants suits with, knitted tops, sneakers, and totes or backpacks when I was in the Netherlands in June and July. They looked super cute, even commuting on their bikes. Practical, dressy, and getting on with life.

If you bat for Team Pants Suits, here is some creative inspiration for Autumn and Winter. All of them are a little different to the norm. I vote pants suits for a holiday outfit or dressy occasion option too.

1. Buttoned Up and Pattern Mixed

I LOVE this navy suit, and want it. The navy and tan check is delicious, but most of all, I adore the short blazer and how it complements the wide crops. It’s beautifully chic buttoned up, with plenty of fluidity for movement. The pattern-mixed snakeskin ballet flats are a refined addition, and pick up the tan check. A playfully pretty pants suit, and elegant too.

Buttoned Up and Pattern Mixed

2. Denim Delight

I LOVE this denim suit and want it too, although it’s not as soft as the other suits. That said, it has stretch and is probably more comfy than it looks. The classic tailored jacket is offset with roomy on-trend cuffed pants. The suit has cinnamon topstitching, so also, a little playful. The patterned turtleneck and snakeskin boots pick up the colour of the topstitching. I’d add knee-highs for warmth, wear flat boots, and leave the blazer unbuttoned.

Denim Delight

3. Loosely Suited

This suit is monochromatically black and grey, pinstriped and colour-blocked. If you are after a less structured suit, this is one way to go. The wide legs look really comfy. Click the photo to see the belted version, which allows for waist definition should you prefer it. The dressy flats are a polished and practical addition, and the black turtleneck is an easy warm layer. Feel free to layer with a top that has a neckline to your liking if turtlenecks aren’t your thing. I have the urge to throw in a bright red bag.

Loosely Suited

4. Menswear-Inspired

This is the most menswear-inspired pants suit. It’s turned into something a lot less strict through the shade of mustard, and with the additions of a graphic tee and athletic sneakers. The whites of the tee and sneakers are a pulled together match. The tee has been tucked, but you can wear it over the pants. Note again how fluid the fit of the suit is. That is what makes it a lot more comfortable and wearable. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. I LOVE pants suits!

Menswear Inspired

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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Link Love: Meaningful Jewellery & Tattoos

I found this article, in which four women share the meaning of their inherited jewellery, heart-warming

“As a jewelry designer, I draw inspiration from items handed down to me to create pieces that can become treasured heirlooms. Pieces which will hold the stories of those who wear them, to be passed down so they can live on. I wanted to hear more of these stories, so I asked four second-generation Canadians about the rings, necklaces, and earrings given to them and heard about the resilience, selflessness, and deep love embedded in them.”

I also enjoyed this blog post, in which 12 Cup of Jo readers share their meaningful tattoos. I really love what Emma did:

“I am madly in love with my life partner: my dog, Robin. She is my first soulmate and north star. When I adopted her in 2015, I wanted to commemorate the relationship. So, I took a picture of the geometric white patch on her chest, and the tattoo artist traced the outline. Everyone tries to guess what state it is!”

Fab Links from Our Members

Minaminu thought this was interesting: the founder of Boden, Johnnie Boden, predicts that formal office wear is out.

Vildy never considered wearing overalls before but this lengthy post chock-full of how-to-do-it examples has her rethinking. She says: “I actually like some of the examples, which I never expected to.”

Suntiger recommends this M Gets Dressed blog post about how to look older in casual clothes.

Stagiaire Fash says this article from 3 years ago about the increasing use of older models and the narrowness of that movement is still relevant.

Runcarla had fun browsing Phil Oh’s first street style shots (from NY Fashion Week) in 18 months. She’s loving all the craziness!

Nuancedream wanted to share this BBC article about how Afghan women are fighting back against the Taliban’s repressive dress code for women. She adds: “Right on! to these women who are proclaiming through their colorful attire that this is Afghan culture.”

Mary Beth directs us to this fun look at the Fall/Winter 2021-22 colour trends. She is loving the Coconut Cream, Root Beer, Mykonos Blue, After Midnight, and Pale Rosette. And she is intrigued by Illuminating.

Defining Neutrals for Your Personal Style

I talk about neutrals and non-neutrals all the time, and take it for granted that you know what I mean. But neutrals mean different things to different people, so I’m going to share my definitions. For me, neutrals fall into three categories: pure, fashion, and personal. 

Pure Neutrals

Black, white and all shades of grey are pure neutrals. These neutrals do not show up on the colour wheel because they are absent of colour. So in the strictest sense, black, white and grey are the only true neutrals.

Fashion Neutrals

In fashion, black, white and grey are considered neutral, but so are quiet colours like dark blues, shades of brown, shades of tan, taupe, mink and beige, shades of olive, and blue denim. In fact many earth tones are thought of as neutral because they are frequently found in nature. When I talk about neutrals in blog posts, I am referring to fashion neutrals, and not just pure neutrals.

Personal Neutrals

Because style is a very individual thing, I take the concept of neutrals a step further because there are colours and patterns that you might find extremely versatile and grounding to wear. Hence, they function like a neutral in your wardrobe and style. For example, bright red is “a neutral” for me because it works with everything. I wear it much the same way I would wear fashion neutrals like denim blue, white, and dark blue. I think similarly about pastels like blush pink and light blue. Others might view burgundy, eggplant, animal prints, and greyed colours like duck egg blue and sage as “neutral” for their style.

Hubs Greg is a purest when it comes to neutrals and thinks of navy and olive as colours. Neutrals to him mean black, white and grey and that’s it. Clearly, I’m not a neutrals purist, and take great liberties with the concept. How about you? How do you define neutrals?