Earthy Pattern Mixing for Fall

A new outfit from Jess Jannenga of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, whom we introduced to YLF in January 2019.

Hosiery, accessories, and footwear are less frequently used to pattern mix an outfit, but are effective nonetheless. The subtle yet strong result here brings lots of visual and textural interest to Jess’ Fall outfit consisting of a black faux leather pencil skirt and fluid taupe cowl neck sweater. The black tights have vertical striped cut-outs that lengthen the leg line, and a lace floral pattern that adds botanical flair. Her heeled pointy-toe booties also lengthen the leg line, while the warm-toned leopard print creates maximal Autumnal pizzazz. Our blogger adds a third pattern into the mix with her checked satchel in two shades of brown that complement the earthy colour palette. Jess’ gorgeous red hair, dangly earrings and oversized, gold-rimmed sunnies add glam and drama. Apricot lipstick, deep purple nail polish, and gold watch are the polished finishing touches.

Jess Jannenga - 1

Jess Jannenga - 2

Spotlight: Knix

Joanna GriffithsFounder Joanna Griffiths launched Knix, a forward-thinking underwear brand, with the goal of transforming an underwear market that had too much frill and not enough function. The company believes that “it’s time that all of us lived unapologetically free.”

Free from judgement. Free from self-doubt. Free to be yourself. That’s why all our products, from the most comfortable wireless bras to super absorbent underwear, are designed to make you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

KnixKnix aspires to producing more sustainably and ethically. Reducing environmental degradation by taking into consideration our impacts throughout production, transportation and consumption is top of mind. For example, their reusable collection of leakproof underwear stops you from relying on disposable sanitary pads when it’s that time of the month. This is not for everyone, but the option is there.

As I browse the collections, I’m very pleased to see a diverse range of models sporting the items. The style sensibility of the brand is simple, sporty, streamlined, and especially great for Team Minimal and those who do not like wearing lace. Despite the basic integrity of the designs, there is a range of colours in each item, and many shades of nude. Because comfort is paramount, foam bra cups are wireless and moulded. Fabrics have a 4-way stretch. Their WingWoman bra claims to be their “sexiest wireless bra” featuring a plunging neckline, and covering side wing, which minimizes side boob and overspill.

Apart from a range of wireless everyday bras with or without padding and lift, Knix also offers everyday panties, sports bras, sports panties, postpartum items, thigh saver shorts, tops, swimwear and loungewear.

Knix Essential Boyshort

Knix WingWoman Contour Bra

At first glance I thought that their offerings were very size-inclusive, but after being able to find exactly one bra in my size, I’m not so sure. Knix goes up to an XXXL in panties and loungewear, and offers F and G cup sizes in most band widths. But most of their bra styles start at a 32. Only the Infinity bra is offered in a 28/30 inch band with a C/D cup size. So if you need a very narrow band width and larger cup size, there isn’t much for you. That said, maybe sizing works a little differently with the Knix brand because the fits are less constricting and structured.

If you’re after 100% cotton or cotton-rich panties, these are not for you. The gussets are 86% cotton. I prefer cotton knickers so I won’t be trying these. Visually, though, I do like the clean and crisp lines of the panties that perfectly match their bras.

Although I love wearing pretty lace undies, I would give this look a bash because I’m awfully curious about the comfort factor. I’ll try some of their bras next year and let you know how my most approximate sizes fit. I can also have a virtual bra fitting with a Knix fitting expert to confirm sizes and bra silhouettes.

Knix advertises on television quite frequently, and I enjoy their empowering messaging. I’ve also heard great things from our forum members about their supportive and very comfortable sports bras. If you have experience with the Knix brand, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outfit Formula: Winter Woodsy

Here are four warm, comfy, cosy and mostly neutral Winter looks that you can wear day to day in the city, in the burbs, in the woods, by the seaside, or out in the countryside. Make sure the footwear choices work for your feet by adapting them accordingly. For example, I’d prefer to wear my fleece-lined hi-tops or Sperry duck boots instead of the footwear shown here. I’d add a casual crossbody bag, beanie, and scarf. My outfits would also be brighter. Take inspiration from the looks and do your own thing.

1. Plaid Wrapped and Booted

Combine a pair of skinny jeans with tall flat knee-high or mid-calf boots to create a sleek silhouette. Add a pullover up top to create a high or low contrast. Pop a plaid jacket or coat over the top with a scarf to match. The earthy olives, browns and cream work well with the dark blue jeans. I can see this look work with roomier straight leg jeans too.

Dubarry Annestown Jacket

2. Colour-Blocked and Patterned Socks

Create a high contrast up top with a pullover and thick woolly coat. Add a scarf and hat in a complementary palette if you like. Add a pair of straight leg jeans that you can roll shorter to showcase a pair of fun patterned socks that match the palette of the outfit. Finish off the look with a pair of flat loafers or boots, and casual bag.

Seasalt-Trenwheal Coat

3. Puffed Equestrian

Create a column of black with a pair of leggings, jeggings or jeans and a top. Pop a pair of tall boots over the bottoms. Black boots can work, although here, look how beautifully the brown boots bookend the model’s hair and pick up the brown trim of the outfit. Top things off with a long neutral puffer. Black, a lighter brown, and olive are splendid together. I can see black, navy and grey work well too.

Dubarry Ballybrophy Down Filled Coat

4. Fluid Layers and Chunky Boots

Sport this in your colour palette. Combine a pair of relaxed straight leg jeans with a turtleneck, fun socks, and chunky short boots. Blundstone, Taos and Dr. Martens boots come to mind for footwear. Choose a tee if turtlenecks aren’t your thing. Throw a chunky cardigan over the top of the tee or turtleneck. Top things off with a fab parka. Add jewellery, scarf, hat, eyewear, and watch as desired.

Seasalt Plant Hunter Coat

 

Roundups

Simpler Items

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

Read More

Assorted Items

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

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

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

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

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

Read More

Hints of Spring

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

Read More

Dressier Items

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

Read More

Link Love: Keeping Warm in Cold Weather

The Guardian looks at the 10 things you need to know before buying a “duvet coat” — “a long, puffer-style cocoon that is more than a jacket.”

They also had five cold-weather experts try them out to see if they are worth buying.

I thought this was very informative: From gardeners to nature reserve rangers, The Guardian asked people who work in the elements how to handle the cold. There are good tips in the comments too.

Fab Links from Our Members

Joy likes the variety of pretty colours in this Pantone 2021 Spring & Summer round-up: “Burnt coral and rust are my favorites, but there are also two shades of blue and a deep purple.”

Shevia directs us to this NYTimes article about how old clothes are the newest thing in fashion.

Lynne enjoyed this article on “Dopamine Dressing“.

Nuancedream enjoyed “Smells Like Teen Spirit: The Tempting Nostalgia of a 90s-Era Perfume.” She adds: “I am a fragrance lover and have been wearing it more consistently since the start of the pandemic. Back in the 1990s, Oscar de la Renta was my signature fragrance with its floral, musky and sweet powdery base notes. I moved on to other fragrances since then, but I feel a bit of nostalgia for it now since it’s a classic.”

Minaminu thought this article on diversity in the fashion industry was an interesting read.

Vildy recommends this blog post that analyzes an entire wardrobe for next-level outfit coordination.

Trend: Square-Toe Footwear

The strong influence of ‘90s fashion has brought back square-toe footwear. Trends stick around for years and items seldom date these days, so we’ll be seeing square-toe footwear for a while. Another contribution to fashion’s gigantic melting pot of sartorial choices. 

There is a wide variety of square-toe footwear. Toe boxes range from VERY square and chunky shapes, to more refined versions, with less square snip toes or round square toes. Snip-toe styles are pointy toe boxes where the tips have been “snipped off” to create a square shape. The collection below shows examples of square-toe footwear.

Shopbop
THE VOLON Met Mules
View Info
Top Pick
3
Shopbop
STAND Gitane Sandals
View Info
Top Pick
1
Nordstrom
Vince Koren Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
2
Club Monaco
Jorga Boots
View Info
Top Pick
2
Club Monaco
Jorga Boots
View Info
Top Pick
2
Club Monaco
Jorga Boots
View Info
Top Pick
3

Here are some outfits worn with square-toe footwear, and most of the examples are boots.

I’m an ‘80s pointy-toe footwear gal at heart, but I like square-toe footwear too. I especially like square toes on those who find the style comfortable because the shape matches the contour of their feet. Some of my clients and friends wear square toes with the best of them. I’m thrilled they can stock up on their favourite look because happy feet are stylish feet.

For my own style I like refined square-toe closed shoes, and love a snip toe. Extremely square toes are generally too short for my long toes. Long snip toes tend to be a better fit. Long snip toes are also visually more elongating in outfits. I seldom like wearing open shoes with square toes because I have pointy feet. The shape of my pointy feet — which is on display in open shoes — doesn’t follow the shape of the square soles. Sometimes this looks odd to my eye.

Over to you. Do you like wearing square-toe footwear? Do you find it comfortable and flattering?