I bought a toffee sweater at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It was a bit of a risk in terms of silhouette. The elbow length sleeves in a warm and cosy cashmere yarn might look and feel seasonally confused because they leave my forearms bare and cold. But I bought the darling sweater because I scrunch the sleeves of my sweaters most of the time anyway. 

The only way to know whether this type of cashmere silhouette would work was to put it through its paces. I’ve done just that, and it’s worked beautifully. I wore it to host a dinner party last month, and was all too happy that longer sleeves did not get in the way of hosting. The same is true of working with clients, where I’m moving around and bending down a lot. It’s comfortable and warm enough to wear at home, and also in restaurants where the heat is on the warmer side. Surprisingly, it also layers easily under certain coats and jackets. The sweater no longer looks and feels seasonally confused to me, and has opened the door to more in the same silhouette. I love this sweater, and have worn it quite a bit. I’m glad I took the risk.

Over to you. Have you been pleasantly surprised by items you thought were seasonally confused, but worked out well?

Mixing patterns in one outfit can be subtle or bold. Use any colour palette, and any scale of pattern. The easiest way to unite the patterns is to make sure they share at least one colour. Sometimes they share more colours, and the motif of the patterns can be similar too. 

Onto outfit inspiration. Two of the outfits are boldly pattern mixed, while two are more subtle.

1. Boldly Earthy

A flowing patterned paisley tunic is paired with a pair of skinnies in a dark shade of mustardy-cinnamon. A waistcoat that consists of two patterns is worn as a third piece. The brown tweed and animal print of the waistcoat match the dark brown and cinnamon components of the paisley top, thereby harmonizing the look. Cognac boots complement the earthy vibe of the outfit. I see a dark brown bag complete the look.

2. Subtle Black, White and Navy

A black and white striped pleated skirt is combined with a solid black tucked turtleneck. A black and navy tailored tweed blazer tops the lot. The black in the patterns unites them allowing the eye to rest. White pumps pick up the white in the pattern of the shirt. You might prefer the outfit with black shoes. Add a bag to match.

3. Bold Florals

Here, the same floral pattern across two colour ways is combined in one outfit. The navy and teals in both patterns unites them. The same floral motifs further unite the patterns. Black shoes bookend the model’s black hair. Add a bag that picks up a colour in the pattern, or stick to black.

4. Subtle Graphic Stripe

An olive pinstriped pants suit is combined with a white, black and green graphic tee. The white in the tee matches the white stripes of the suit. The black in the tee matches the black buttons of the blazer. Black shoes match the black in the outfit and the model’s hair. The green bag matches the green in the tee. Beautifully co-ordinated. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Sometimes a colour palette, a silhouette, outfit proportions, or a juxtaposition of items is physically comfortable and looks great to others, but you don’t feel good wearing it. In these situations, you should follow your feelings and choose something else. 

Pay attention to your emotions when you try a new look. What is your instinctive response and how do you feel in the moment? If it’s confident, authentic and attractive, that’s a good sign. If you find yourself doing a dressing room happy dance, even better.

It’s ok to change your mind. What doesn’t resonate emotionally one day might feel good the next. Maybe someone you trust reassures you. Or your eye and preferences adapt. Just keep listening to your head and your heart when choosing outfits.

Full length pants and jeans are back. After years of relentless cropped pants trends, it’s great to see ankle covering bottoms take centre stage. Change is good.

Full length pants and jeans vary in length. Traditional full length hems skim the surface of the ground. The new shorter full length version rests on the vamp of the foot. Extra long, floor sweeping lengths scrunch and slouch at the hem. Take your pick. 

Whichever specific length you choose, full length pants and jeans have their advantages.

1. Elongation

Visually, the length makes your legs look longer. This is especially so when you wear heeled footwear under bootcuts, flares, and wide legs with hems that skim the surface of the ground. You can’t see much of the shoes, but you gain inches in leg length. If creating a longer leg line is a personal figure flattering priority, you’re probably enjoying the return of full lengths.

2. Warmth

The ankle coverage of full length bottoms insulates the lower legs and feet. It’s remarkable what a difference this makes. You need to wear high shaft booties with cropped pants to prevent cold ankles. You don’t need to do that with full lengths. You can wear socks or knee highs with oxfords, loafers or sneakers and feel quite cozy as long as your bottoms cover up.

3. Drama

Extreme long lengths that scrunch and slouch around the ankles and feet create a dramatic effect. This is a tripping hazard when hems are very wide so please be careful. But when hems are tapered or not as wide, “ankle scrunch” can look textural and interesting. Excess fabric folds rest on the shoe, don’t get wet or dirty, and look a little luxurious. Too much scrunch can look ill-fitting and untidy. Just the right amount can be a winner.

Personally, I’m thoroughly enjoying the return of full length pants and jeans for these reasons. I continue to enjoy crops that showcase my ankles (or I cover up with high shaft booties), but enjoy the variation. I especially like wearing full length bottoms with flat loafers and booties. Their ankle coverage has extended the wear of my loafers in colder weather, which is good news for loafer-loving-me.

Over to you. Are you happy with the resurgence of full length pants and jeans? Can you think of extra reasons to like them?