YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 01 May 2026 09:04:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142455 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:42:19 +0000 Sal 2142455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thread and I definitely can see you in those knitwear pieces.  And I found Carla's Taylor Swift comparison interesting - I can see where she is coming from!!  Your climate is so much more extreme than mine with longer hotter summers but I think short cold winters - our temperatures are much more even. Ginger on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142454 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:38:05 +0000 Ginger 2142454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Cardiff girl! I tend to do a lot of fashion by instinct, but when I have to think it out, I dive pretty deep. Ginger on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142453 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:34:30 +0000 Ginger 2142453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carla, it's so funny how fall still feels like a time to start anew. Much more than January, and despite the lack of season change here! You totally ROCK late 20s into 30s! I adore that aesthetic, too - the easy, practical, natural but classy vibe. And I love American Duchess! I'm not sure how many pair of their shoes (and Royal Vintage ones) that I own. Probably about a dozen. (I'll go ahead and name drop, too. I've met and known Lauren through costuming circles for a number of years.) I've been holding out on the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.americanduchess.com/">fall pre-order</a> but have been sorely tempted. I love all three of the Londoner oxford colors (cherry! whew!), and I have an irrational desire for green Kensingtons. I'm holding strong, though, since I bought two pair in the spring and really need to hold my pennies for the Perfect Boots (and more Emmy Design). My stock of cozy skirts right now are mostly 1950s quilted circle skirts. It's like wearing a bedspread... or a tree skirt, to be honest. Very warm and swirly! They are perfect with the short cardigan length. I don't have a wool plaid at present, but I've been pondering making one, and some solids. (I'm thinking of navy corduroy at present.) I'm also eyeing <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1950s-Misses-BLOUSE-SKIRT-WESKIT-Simplicity-Pattern-1259-bust-34/383590870281?hash=item594fcc2d09:g:DdsAAOSwmBRe52jy">this pattern</a> on ebay right now. That is such a great suggestion about juxtaposition. And I really enjoy the Taylor Swift pictures - those are very well-chosen. If I were built more like her I would love to copy just about all of these. (My bust and hips are usually 6+ number sizes apart, which really affects the lines of an outfit.) I do love to put fun flat shoes with skinnies; right now I'm wearing Keds, but when it cools down I have saddle oxfords. I didn't mention it in the post, but I'm also contemplating a medium-heel oxford shoe. The Londoners would look great with both jeans and a dress/tights. Interesting idea about a chore jacket. I started feeling an urge for a corduroy jacket in some shade of green; I might go with a vintage blazer on ebay, or something more like a barn jacket. Thank you for the great ideas! This is definitely the time to brainstorm. Ginger on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142451 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:16:26 +0000 Ginger 2142451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brooklyn, Review looks really good! I love <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.review-australia.com/global/vanilla-spice-dress-blush-multi/RE20DR579.RERED102.html?cgid=shop-dresses#prefn1=dressLength&prefv1=Midi&start=1">this dress</a>, and the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.review-australia.com/global/bettie-fairisle-jumper-cream-multi/RE20KW129.RECRM010.html?cgid=shop-knitwear">Fair Isle sweater</a> also caught my eye. Robin, I do have clogs, and I've used them that way in the past! They're tight over thick socks, however, which I have to wear anyway because my toes get cold. And to be honest, I feel REALLY silly going out to get the mail with slipper socks over my leggings and clogs over that. :p Thank you, TG! I'm pretty happy with it. :) That's very wise, Liesbeth. I don't foresee leaning into brown as a major neutral, either. But it's easier to find in boots. I will try to branch out with similar colors (the rust, cognac, burnt orange) to blend with the brown and get a blended look. Cardiff girl on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142436 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 22:51:05 +0000 Cardiff girl 2142436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a very thorough think about your autumn/winter style.l enjoyed reading it and love your inspiration pictures. Carla on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142334 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:30:05 +0000 Carla 2142334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m so glad you posted, Ginger.  I’m feeling the pull of vintage aesthetic and your styling thoughts are always educational and inspiring.  Yes, to fall feeling like the start of something.  August and September are months for wardrobe ‘thinky thoughts’ (love this) in our household as well.  It is hard to shake years and years of ‘back to’...whatever!   <div> </div><div>Late Edwardian (20’s) and ‘modern’ 30’s style (bobbed hair, dropped waist, early menswear - think vintage sports outfits for cycling, tennis, golf, and early land-girl) is my jam.  When I shop, one of the questions I ask myself is: what would a 21st century Lady Edith wear, but it is more likely that I would have been a land girl! Regarding shoes and boots, have you ever tried anything from American Duchess?  I don’t have any help for indoors other than to suggest wool socks.  I need shoes with support and wear sneakers with inserts indoors, but definitely with wool socks!   </div><div> </div><div>Fuller style midi wool or wool blend skirts would be warm too.  Don’t you have a 70’s style argyle/plaid skirt in your closet?  Or you could sew one up, if you had a pattern or style you liked.  You’ve got the top half sorted with your cardigans.</div><div> </div><div>I have a question/suggestion about optimizing your wardrobe.  You have a refined aesthetic where garments fit/suit each other in degree of refinement which gives a neat ladylike appearance.  Have you ever experimented with purposeful juxtaposition?  A chore jacket over a dress, rather than a cardigan.  A sneaker instead of the expected dress shoe? This observation may seem odd, but I see some aesthetic commonalities between you and ‘off duty’ Taylor Swift.  She has an interesting retro vibe, and her (mostly flat) shoe choices are different from the norm.  </div><div> </div><div>1-7 T. Swift inspo 8 Lady Edith Land Girl!</div><div> </div> Liesbeth on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142325 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 14:36:50 +0000 Liesbeth 2142325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good analysis. Those inspiration pics are on point! Just wanted to add that I don't like brown as a dominant neutral either but I LOVE cognac or tan leather goods. If you like the look of a cognac or brown complement, go for it! Helena on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142299 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 12:44:12 +0000 Helena 2142299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the retro vibe you have going on here ... well thought out plan, well done! RobinF on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142298 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 12:43:34 +0000 RobinF 2142298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was a good read - very thoughtful and specific. I've never heard of this brand but will go check them out. They have a fun, vintage vibe. Regarding slippers, could you keep some clogs or something by the door to slip on for outside? Then you could just have nice comfy slipper socks for inside.  Brooklyn on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142294 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 12:30:29 +0000 Brooklyn 2142294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great planning. I love burgundy and rust. And lace up boots. In Australia we have a brand called “Review” that I think you might like. You might enjoy a browse. <a href="https://www.review-australia.com/au/about-us.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.review-australia.com/au/about-us.html</a> Ginger on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142291 Thu, 03 Sep 2020 12:11:42 +0000 Ginger 2142291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Style Fan I can really see Emmy Design working for you! The warm, earthy colors would be so gorgeous on you.  Thanks, unfrumped! Lounging boots are kind of awesome, but they sure do need to be the right kind. I've worn very thick socks like that before, and while they're nice themselves they're really awkward if you need anything over them. I've added Finds for the two styles of Muk Luks I've tried so far. The Shelly boots I have in burgundy. I think they are intended for either indoor/outdoor wear. unfrumped on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142212 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 22:53:16 +0000 unfrumped 2142212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, wonderful thinking and planning. I hope your choices work out. I’m wondiwhat I can wear for winter “lounging boots “ also— need to get out of mr Dearfoam slippers! I actually needed to wear very warm double layer “ heat socks” last winter and they don’t fit well into regular slippers or boots. Style Fan on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142210 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 22:48:15 +0000 Style Fan 2142210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That Emmy Design is so you!  I am going to look through it for myself.  The pieces are gorgeous. Nice tights are hard to find.  At least that has been my experience.  I have a great pair of brown ones that I bought in Montreal but I don't know the brand.  I am going to look at the ones you have mentioned. Ginger on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142209 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 22:37:10 +0000 Ginger 2142209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ nemosmom, I'm pretty excited about burgundy and rust! Thank you for the Jane and Bleecker recommendation; I see they have some bunny slippers and I'm currently having a "thing" for bunnies. The sole on the Uniqlo slippers looks just right, too. (It is so bad to sit on your feet, but it's how I'm comfortable!) It's funny, Aileen, I've been aware of Emmy Design for many years but only bit the bullet very recently. I finally acknowledged that their knits are really unique, and then in wearing that they're also pretty awesome. FWIW, their customer service is quite good and helpful. The size charts are sometimes individualized by color, too. La Pedestrienne, I haven't worn the MeMoi tights for a full day since it's too hot. But I'm quite impressed. Some sweater tights are loose and tend to bag out, often combined with an extra-tight waistband. These have a good amount of all-over stretch and seemed pretty comfy. Isn't it pretty, Angie?! I can't wait for the new "collegiate" collection! They've released a couple of teaser pictures so far, just enough to be severely tantalizing. (My glasses are dark rims with a cateye!) Funny thing about brown footwear. I used to wear a lot of brown shoes, but I always struggled to find other brown pieces that worked. I felt like it had to be My Neutral and invest in it! But as with black, brown by my face doesn't make me happy, and I never found a good basic brown skirt despite at least 6 tries. So I gave up for a while. But I still have my favorite riding boots! I can see moving back into this color for footwear. Angie on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142201 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 21:54:28 +0000 Angie 2142201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good grief! That Emmy Design clothing line is sooooo YOU, Ginger!! Fun to browse, and size inclusive too :) I think you need to switch to brown footwear. LOVE those boots for you. And cute tortoiseshell specs - I'm sewing the seed..... Sooooo, the '80 Preppy Vest is on trend for Fall, and looks right up your alley! I like it too.  I wear hosiery at home, and find it comfy.  LaPed on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142190 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:43:00 +0000 LaPed 2142190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dreamy knitwear inspiration pics!  Thanks for the MeMoi tights recommendation. I'm looking for something similar and those seem promising.  JAileen on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142189 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:35:23 +0000 JAileen 2142189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can see why you’re attracted to Emmy Design - the website had your name written allover it!  The sweaters are beautiful.  I’ve bookmarked the site so I can peruse it at my leisure. nemosmom on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142184 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:50:33 +0000 nemosmom 2142184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So wise to identify what is working for you and anticipate what you might need to hone in on for your purchases ahead of the season!  And, how fun to find a new color combo in the process!  <div>My feet and lower legs stay cold all year, and I also sit on my feet while working (SUCH a bad habit for me!) I can't vouch for the Muk Luks, but I've had luck with these Jane and Bleeker slipper socks (short ones in summer; tall ones in winter) and they work great! They are not very fashionable, but man, my feet sure are happy!  And, the pile is low enough that I can slip a flipflop over them if I need to step outside briefly.</div><div> </div><div>Last year when it was incredibly cold, I lived in these Uniqlo ankle-high slippers. They have a memory foam footbed, are plush lined, and have an all-over no-slip sole that was fine enough to run to the mailbox on damp ground.  I bought a size up and wore them over smart wool socks.  Again, so not fancy, but happy feet is priority. Uniqlo usually restocks them after Labor Day.</div> Ginger on "Planning for Fall/Winter 2020 (Long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-for-fallwinter-2020-long#post-2142165 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 17:18:26 +0000 Ginger 2142165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (I wish I could be as structured and succinct as Jenn in my wardrobe thoughts! It would probably help if I did this monthly instead of yearly...) I always have wardrobe thinky thoughts at the end of August. I love warm weather, but by this time I'm just wanting a change. It's tough to be officially fall and still clocking 98F daily. There's a long, slow decent just from "burning" to "quite warm" to "nice." Actual cold is a looong way off... but it's still a tough one. I'm never quite sure what to do with it once it arrives. Wintertime Challenge My adjectives are Colorful, Comfortable, Structured, and Elegant, and my moniker is the Duchess Next Door. Summertime, and the dressing is easy. For church or office, a dress, nice sandals, and a cardigan. For home, simple dress or jean shorts and graphic t-shirt; skip cardigan and footwear. For errands, substitute casual sandals or light sneakers. That's it. I love variety, so with lots of items these basic formulas are perfect. I have lots of dresses to pair with white or cognac sandals, and jean shorts go with every t-shirt. But in winter, I struggle to optimize my wardrobe. I've got awesome pieces, but the awesome outfits are either rare, or not very adaptable (ex: works only with high heels or sheer hose). It's so much more complicated just to get dressed, let alone make everything look beautiful together. There are so many more pieces! Often I need a second layer even indoors, and legwear and footwear are never optional. Each piece exponentially increases the challenge. Despite this, I do have some terrific outfits... but then again, if I wear them too much, I get bored! Working from Home I've been working from home since March and will likely be home for a number of months yet. It's possible I'll be part-time WFH permanently. After going home, I switched to my favorite evening and weekend uniform: knit dress, leggings, and long hoodie. But I got bored even of that. Little things started to aggravate me: layering socks under the leggings, the leggings being both bulky and compression-tight, my toes and ankles being cold even with house shoes, and the limited palette of my hoodies. And I stopped feeling cute and started feeling slovenly. Clothes got a lot easier in the spring. I switched to spring dresses with cardigans, and footie socks when it was chilly in the morning. When it got hot I learned that even jean shorts aren't comfortable for sitting at a desk for 10 hours, but I put time into sewing a spectrum of linen dresses. It's been good. Now I'm looking ahead to winter again. Whether I go back to the office or not, I need to think things through more.. And I want to put in the planning effort now instead of when I'm cold and cranky, and the stores are sold out of the good stuff. Inspiration At the end of June, a clothing line I follow (<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.emmydesign.se/en/">Emmy Design</a>) announced their Midsummer sale. I'd only bought twice (a single sweater dress each time, see first Find), but those purchases have been winter workhorses. I've worn each once a week to work, and even on the weekends as well. I rarely need to layer over them, and I never overheat. Emmy Design is best-known for their cozy retro-style cardigans in 100% wool, vintage-inspired knit patterns, and spectrum of colors. They only do one sale a year, the Midsummer. It's not a cheap brand, and shipping from Sweden is about $30 additional. So this was the time to order some cardigans, if I ever would. (And to be honest, I wanted to support them.) So I started thinking through winter clothing. I literally stood in my closet and went through the cardigan colors with all my dresses and skirts. I now own four Emmy cardigans! Two are wool (dusty blue and navy), and two are cotton (bright white and coral pink), and I've been using them already. Especially the white, which is a summer staple for air-conditioning. But a fire had been kindled. I kept coming back to the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.emmydesign.se/en/webshop/gallery/">Autumn/Winter 2019 collection.</a> (scroll down for "The knitty-gritty knitwear collection") This collection, but even moreso the styling, hit all of my style adjectives perfectly. The comfortable, cozy cardigans with structured shoulders and waists; the rich and pretty colors and patterns, including both darker tints and midtones; the absence of black; the layers; the boots and tights - all of it works. And the setting! Autumn in Sweden looks like winter in Texas. There's still warmth in the colors, with the golden-brown dead grass, grayish-brownish-purple brush, brown tree bark, and sunshine. That's how I want to feel in the winter. Analysis Sometimes I see a collection and want to buy all of it. This wasn't that way. It showed the vibe I want but am not quite reaching. The formula and styling is the key. Breaking it down showed me what I was missing: * No black * Balance of dark tones with mid-tones, and lighter touches of oatmeal or light gray * Monochrome, textured tights * Tights in warm tones (burgundy and rust), or light gray * Most footwear lace-up boots, above-ankle or knee-high * Footwear in warm tones (brown and cognac) Particularly remarkable was the number of outfits that combined burgundy/dark red with cognac/rust. These colors didn't fight with each other. Moreover, they blend with the rest of the outfit without drawing special attention. And while I have a lot of burgundy, I tend to put it with black, navy, and blush - none of which are featured in these photos. A brand new color combination to play with! I do not dislike black. But while I usually default to black shoes and tights, it's almost never represented elsewhere in my outfits. It makes me much happier when everything is really part of the outfit, not just receding into the background. I try to match in shoes, but finding just the right styles in non-black, gray, or brown colors can be an ordeal. Shopping * Good sweater tights in burgundy, rust, light gray * Cognac/brown boots I have spent so much time on ebay and Poshmark shopping for just the right boots: smooth leather, lace up, above ankle, medium height heel, shaped (not block), and wingtip detail. The effect should be traditional and refined, but also practical instead of costumey. Lots of ropers and traditional work boots get close, but the heel is usually too low or a block. I have yet to find any fashion boots that approach the right look. Right now I'm leaning toward the Abilene "Victorian" boot, which is unfortunately brown instead of cognac, but ticks all the other boxes. I've had mixed success in tights shopping. The MeMoi brand on Amazon feels great; I tried navy in one pattern, and went back for two shades of true gray in other patterns since they seem to fit and feel just right. But I'm still looking for burgundy and a rust/tan color. I'm hoping they will get new colors back in for the fall, since their current stock is depleting. The navy ones I got are already gone. Making this Work at Home I'll still wear tights at home. They just need to be very comfortable, gently snug without a tight waistband. (And maybe colored leggings.) Footwear for at-home needs to be: * Warm over the ankles and lower legs * Some kind of sole so I can slip out to get the mail or walk around the yard without destroying them * Soft because I sit on my feet while working Regular cabin socks don't work because they don't have soles. They are soft and fuzzy, so they pick up bits of dead grass and twigs, or dampness, when I step outside. And I don't like the bulk of Ugg-style house boots. On ebay I found several options under the MukLuks name: "sweater boots" with a thick rubber sole, and "slipper sox" with knit uppers and a (hopefully) grass-shedding fabric sole. Both styles are in long lengths that go most of the way up my calf. So far I've bought one pair of each; they fit very well on my feet and over tights. I will have to wait until it gets cold enough to wear them for real, but I think these two options may be best. So I'm counting this option sorted, and I can add more colors and patterns since they're fairly inexpensive. Situation Now By the time it really gets cold, fall items will have been available, and depleting, for months. It's so nice to have a list now! The one thing I really can't do yet is a serious try-on session. Sweater dresses and woolens are packed away to keep the moths out, so I'm not anxious to drag them out until the weather is more suitable. And try-on sessions are warm enough without doing wool layers when it's in the 90s outside. So I'm not buying the Abilene boots quite yet. Any returnable boots will need a real try-on with several full outfits to make sure they're keepers. The Abilenes are current stock, so I don't expect them to sell out. I'll continue to keep an eye out for different styles, too, in case an even more perfect pair shows up. I'm also a bit impatient to get more slipper sox, but that really needs to wait for a try-on session as well. Most of the available pair are patterned and I just can't predict what is most versatile.