Outfit Formula: Simple Transitional

Mango’s new Fall collection shows some great transitional outfits that are easy to pull together. Simple jeans, tops, knitwear and toppers are combined with closed footwear to create Trendy Classic looks that are relatable and comfortable. The idea is to pull these looks together with items you have in your wardrobe. Maybe they will remind you of a glaring wardrobe hole, or inspire you to haul out some closet orphans.

It inspired me to find similar examples across other brands, and here are four of my favourites. The palettes are earthy because that’s on-trend, but feel free to create similar looks in your colours.

1. Wrapped with Tall Boots

Tuck a pair of skinnies into tall heeled or flat boots with a top that works with the combination. This one is tucked, but you can leave it out. Throw a wrap, poncho, or ruana over the lot to create a dramatic effect. You can belt the wrap if you like. If you click on the photo, you can see the belted version. Layered necklaces look lovely enclosed by the V-neckline.

Wrapped with Tall Boots

2. Casual Dress and Tall Flat Boots

The joy of one-piece dressing is not to be underestimated. Combine a casual dress with mid-calf or knee-high boots. Accessorize to your taste, throw over a topper if you need to, and you’re done. I like how the olive dress and boots match to create a column of colour. Here, black or brown boots would look great too. Comfy, relaxed and pulled together.

Casual Dress and Tall Flat Boots

3. Dressy with Socked Mules

Combine a dressier dress with a coat. Solid or patterned, it’s all good as long as the two work together. Here the midi and coat are the same length, which is not essential, but looks visually neat and tidy. I don’t know how well wearing socks and mules works in practice – maybe it’s too slippery – but it’s one way to extend the wear of the mules and look unique. Dressier than wearing Birkenstocks with socks too. By all means substitute the shoes and socks with footwear and hosiery that is more to your taste.

Dressy with Socked Mules

4. Moto Combat

Wearing a moto jacket with combat boots is a classic hard-edged combination, and especially in black. This version looks a little different because of the light bottoms in a fluid fit, and the GREEN of the moto. The cropped length of the on-trend pleated jeans do a great job of showcasing the tall boots. The taupe pullover quietly pulls things together, as does the black bookending of the boots and model’s hair. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Moto Combat

If you’re in the United States, we wish you a safe and relaxing long Labour Day Weekend. The Cox Castle will be taking Monday off and blog posts will resume on Tuesday.

Link Love: News from the Hairdressing Industry

Allure takes a look at the most promising advancements in the field of hair loss treatments.

Women’s haircuts usually cost more than men’s, but that could slowly be changing.

The Guardian reports that hair waste from salons is being recycled to mop up oil spills on sea shores.

Fab Links from Our Members

Madeline wanted to share this size-inclusive brand that might be of interest for those of us who love black.

Nuancedream directs us to this interesting article on the history of JNCO jeans, an iconic 1990’s look.

How many people sign a modelling contract in their 90’s, asks Runcarla: “The high priestess of maximal style — Iris Apfel — just turned 100, and shows no signs of slowing down.”

Suntiger enjoyed this blog post about using “space budgets” as a tool for minimalism or to keep clutter at bay. 

She also loved these photos of an artist who perfectly matches her outfits to artworks in museums and art galleries.

Purchasing Items for the Future

Generally, I don’t buy items to fulfill a future need, but found myself doing just that last month. I love my pair of long Wit & Wisdom dark denim shorts that I got for a Mediterranean beach and pool capsule almost two years ago. The pandemic happened and our trip was cancelled. The shorts have gone unworn because I keep them with my swimwear capsule.

On a whim a couple of weeks ago, I was in a shorts dressing mood. So I pulled them out to wear with a tucked oversized linen shirt, just to change things up from the skirts, dresses, printed pants, and white jeans that I wear all Summer long. I wear the shorts unrolled and covering my knees. I loved them, and hubs Greg was quick to compliment them too.

As I was wearing them that day, I thought about how much I would like them in white. To my surprise, they came in white, were on sale, and available in my size. I ordered them right away. They are GREAT, and I like them even more than the blue. They look so Summery and crisp in the white. I guess I am longing for that long overdue beach vacation.

The new white shorts are keeping the old blue pair company in a drawer with the rest of my swimwear capsule, patiently waiting for the beach and pool vacation we will have at some point. Because the shorts are simple, classic, easy, a perfect fit, and did not break the bank, I didn’t mind purchasing them for a future purpose. They can go unworn for a while like my swimwear. That said, I might pull the shorts out to wear if the mood strikes me, and not wait for that beach vacation.

Over to you. Have you bought items for future use simply because you stumbled upon the right item, and they fit into your budget at the time?

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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Knot a Long Dress to Add Structure

Sometimes, when you’re wearing a long Summer knitted T-shirt dress or a woven one in a similar silhouette, it’s oh-so-comfy, breezy and easy, but can feel a bit shapeless. If it’s A-line or has side slits, you can tie a knot in one of the front corners. This creates an interesting asymmetrical hemline with a magical diagonal line. It shortens and tapers the hemline a little, and adds an interesting touch. These small visual changes add effective structure to the silhouette.

Here the same dress is shown in blue and red. The red version on the right has had the front corner of the hem knotted. The unknotted blue looks great too. But in case you prefer the silhouette with a little more structure, you can try tying the knot. The knotting trick can work with tunics too.

The knot leaves hectic creases when unknotted so you have to commit to wearing the dress with the knot until it needs the laundry. Or press out the creases. I know some readers are knotting dresses and tunics already, because I’ve seen members of the YLF forum do it with panache.

The Most Important Component

There is lots to consider before a wardrobe item earns a place in your wardrobe and style. Is it the right colour, size, length, fit and silhouette? Can it be altered to fit? Do you like the fabric? Is the item easy to launder? Has it been sustainably and ethically produced? Is it comfortable and practical? Does it work for your climate and lifestyle? Is it in line with your style moniker and aspirational style? Is the price point within your means? Is it on your shopping list?  Is it on your “do not buy” list? Does it work well with existing items? Is it unnecessary duplication? Does it fill a wardrobe hole? Is it more of the same? Is it enough of a change? Is it within your comfort zone? Does it work in your environmental norm? Does it work for the intended occasion? Do you like it, or love it? Do you feel great in it? Does it make you happy? 
 
These are the types of questions we might ask ourselves before we commit to purchasing or keeping a wardrobe item.
 
This got me thinking about whether there is ONE component about a wardrobe item that is more important than the rest. At first I thought it was the fabric. But that’s not the case, although it’s a close second. For me, it’s the colour. And by colour I mean both neutrals and non-neutrals. A potentially perfect wardrobe item in the wrong colour(s) is a non-starter for me. It doesn’t matter how many of the boxes it ticks, I will not be happy wearing the item if the colour isn’t just right. This accounts for the numerous incredible items I have left on retail racks because they were black or grey. 
 
This doesn’t mean that the colour is the only important component. Not by a long shot. But it’s the part I cannot change. And since assorted colours in just the right shades feature heavily in my style, I have to be strict about keeping certain colours in, certain colours out, and making sure that things match. Some people will venture into fun DIY dying projects to create the right colour for an item, but I am not that person. Instead, I will wait patiently for the right item in the right colour to come along. 
 
Over to you. What is the most important component of a wardrobe item for you? I’m pretty sure that answers will vary because what is important to one person, is not as important to another.