https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:19:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2055033 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:55:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 2055033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To your and Angie’s point, I think it’s definitely at least partly a height thing. Being very short does make an elegant look more difficult in my book, which is why I have treasured the very occasional time I’ve been told I look elegant! And in fact I can only currently remember one time- in 2008! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054949 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 14:48:03 +0000 Christina F. 2054949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I didn't mean to abandon this topic, but work has crazy intermittently.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Angie</b>, thank you for your wise words. I don't really think it's a size thing - a lack of height thing, maybe. Midis are elegant though.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Opaline&nbsp; </b>- Lulu Frost is right about that bracelet! Accordingly, I would love to have it, but since I type all day I find bracelets to be bothersome, and I can't get int he habit of wearing them on other occasions. <b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>notsaf</b> - I do like Lulu Frost, but I am actually kind of a jewelry minimalist, so I would be very picky about what I got from her collection. As for 50's bombshell - I see what you mean, though I'd never approach it straight on so I don't think I would use it as a descriptor. You're not wrong t say it, though!<br /></div><br /><div><b>Liesbeth</b> - I always have trouble doing matchy matchy just because I don't have the pieces for it, except for neutrals. I only rarely wear outfits of all neutrals. Also, I don't wear the non-neutral pants I have very much. I wouldn't want to add more. I could do it with accessories to an extent, but only to an extent. Anyway, color blocking is fun! And I do have this coat which will probably allow for a blazer under--it's a topcoat.I haven't tried and my arms are relatively large for my size, apparently, so I'm not sure how well it will work. I'll figure it out once all the winter stuff comes out of storage.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054676 Wed, 21 Aug 2019 12:38:42 +0000 notsaf 2054676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooo Lulu Frost would be a great brand for you to follow, Christina: she does that irreverent mix of classic and vintage elements that looks totally artistic and modern. (On brand visually, even if you're not interested in collecting any of the pieces!)</p> <p>Fwiw, and from what I know of it, I see your look as a kind of modern 50's bombshell with a wink, with your fun prints and flared skirts. (The "contrast" or "balance" comes from how you make those things look totally modern – to my mind, it's not actually that "eclectic"!)</p> <p>Look forward to seeing you rock the windowpane blazer this fall!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054672 Wed, 21 Aug 2019 12:31:53 +0000 Liesbeth 2054672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adding another thought to the fun-sophisticated discussion: could you wear sophisticated silhouettes (like the wool coat, a blouse, perhaps a blazer) in fun colors? Could you do matchy like Angie (so repeating statement colors, which always looks sophisticated yet unexpexted to me)? Or do bold color blocking?<br /> If you want to wear your blazers more often (I do too!) you have to have a coat that layers over them (cocoon or parka works for me). But don't buy an expensive coat just for this purpose if you're not sure yet about the blazers :). Underneath perhaps your knit bodycons from BR? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054637 Wed, 21 Aug 2019 06:49:23 +0000 Anonymous 2054637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read your thread earlier but then got caught up with cleaning and didn’t reply. Then I was reading some emails a second ago and a Lulu Frost one actually used both descriptors together for pearls on a bracelet! :)</p> <p>I definitely have a playful/eclectic/quirky streak but I also love sophisticated and sometimes manage to channel the later, lol. At least once on NYE, I was told I looked sophisticated. Ha.<br /> I think it can be done. And apparently Lulu does too!<br /> I like your style currently and your aspirations. I love the blouse you posted here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054511 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 15:24:39 +0000 Angie 2054511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt post, <b>Christina. </b>You're soul searching and&nbsp;that's&nbsp;the way to create an authentic and&nbsp;manageable&nbsp;style&nbsp;that&nbsp;makes&nbsp;you feel fab.&nbsp;</p> <p>Your 5 adjectives are EXCELLENT. You described your current style soooo well. I'm impressed.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>Blazers:</u> it's a climate thing, is my guess. Unless you wear them under coats and bulkier jackets, you're in coats over knitwear soon enough on the East Coast - from a crisp and warm Fall. That's why they don't get much wear.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>Blouses</u>: I'm liking the idea of adding playful blouses as you feel the need to incorporate a little more structure. Change the habit, and you'll reach for them.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>IMPORTANT</b>: Elegance and Sophistication are NOT A SIZE. They are the visual impact of a specific type of wardrobe items, plus the grace, verve and attitude that go along with it.&nbsp;<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054500 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:17:42 +0000 Christina F. 2054500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>smittie - </b>Good idea! I've gotten rid of a lot of my shells, though, as they felt too business-like. But I've had my eye on something.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>suntiger</b> - I'm glad purple is back. You make a good point about the color in relation to the wearer. Strong colors certainly don't look out of place on me!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've thought more about "elegance" and "sophistication" and realized I do feel both those things in a midi length skirt or dress. Maybe it's because my lower calves and ankles are some the slimmer areas of my body? And now I'm starting to question whether how I feel about these adjectives in relation to myself is bound up in my size. If so, that's kind of a bummer. <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054332 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 19:43:44 +0000 Anonymous 2054332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your purples! I've never thought of color as unsophisticated, or neutrals as always sophisticated. Either way they need to be intentional and go with the wearer. Some of us suit strong colors-they're just in balance and "normal"-like red on you. It looks normal, it looks like it belongs. Or Bijou in lilac! The cut and fabric then are what makes the difference once the color is right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054292 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:52:39 +0000 smittie 2054292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try the state 1 blazer with a shell with a jewel, scoop, or v-neckline. I find that’s always a sophisticated look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054289 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:36:01 +0000 Christina F. 2054289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>bijou&nbsp; </b>- I missed this comment before. Thank you! You were actually coming to mind as someone fun but sophisticated! Katerina fits the bill too. As for pants--I just don't reach for them as much, though I have an assortment of nice ones in my neutrals that would add sophistication. No need to even add to that capsule. But I think jeans are easier to pair with boots on nasty days. Of course, I can and do leave an assortment of dressier flats at the office.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>La Ped&nbsp; </b>- yes, you hit the nail on the head about NYC. That's why I chose that, and "eclectic." I see style influences on the street daily and my eye adapts quickly to new looks. I don't want to adopt every single trend, though. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I will have no problem incorporating more magenta/fuschia from a color combination standpoint! The only reason I don't have a lot of it already is that much of it it left my wardrobe due to size and wear and tear since the last time it was widely available. I do have a few items in that color family, though.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054284 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:16:22 +0000 LaPed 2054284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing to me about NY fashion is that it is meta; it takes influences from everywhere, throws them in a blender, and adds a twist of (as Suz says) wit. Not just Iris Apfel, but also Leandra Medine. They manage to go beyond quirky into gleeful. I think the key ingredient is most likely supreme confidence, which can be hard to come by. ;)</p> <p>Oh, and I'm wholeheartedly in support of magenta/navy and fuchsia/navy combos. That colour is super with every kind of denim -- blue,black, grey, white. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054250 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:48:11 +0000 Christina F. 2054250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal </b>- thank you! And no worries, I'd add a blazer very judiciously. In the colder weather, I don't have a problem with space where I hang things, since I have fewer dresses in rotation.</p> <p><div><b>shevia</b>- I would hope I'm not unsophisticated! But there is a difference between that and making being sophisticated a priority, I guess. As for Advanced Style, I haven't seen enough of it to judge, especially since I can't judge in my own case. But you were asking that rhetorically.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for Vreeland-sure! As for Apfel... that's a tougher call but Siz makes a good point. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The "NYC" part of my style moniker really refers to my style having a bit of an egde, but I think that applies much less in the summer. Summer is more like "colorful boho lite" with occasional "nautical Yankee" thrown in. Summer is only about 4 months or so here, though.<br /></div><br /><b>Jenni&nbsp; </b>- I definitely rarely feel elegant.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054249 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:45:50 +0000 Bijou 2054249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to do fun and sophisticated together and I think Katerina knocks the combination out of the park with her fun and statement scarves, brooches and bags.</p> <p>Often the fun is in my accessories or a statement jacket (such as a faux fur or feather jacket). I wear it with a sheath dress and pumps or a sharp suit. Hair and make-up add sophistication. </p> <p>I think you will rock this look as you currently have fun and eclectic elements. Why not buy some items that feel sophisticated and add them to the mix? After all, having fun with fashion is the main aim.</p> <p>If you have cold winters and are a bit hesitant to stray from jeans, why not buy trousers instead of skirts as they will provide the warmth and have a more sophisticated vibe than denim.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054245 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:23:37 +0000 Suz 2054245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Iris Apfel is sophisticated because her style is so distinctive and also because she couldn't exist outside Manhattan and NYC is by definition sophisticated in my books. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054157 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 02:59:07 +0000 Jenni NZ 2054157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I wouldn’t see Iris Apfel as sophisticated, exactly. She’s kind of a bit too kooky to be sophisticated? She would be more fun and eclectic wouldn’t she?<br /> I sort of relate sophisticated and elegant in my head I think. And I pretty much feel about myself that I just don’t do elegant really. The once or twice ever that someone has said I’m elegant are totally treasured remarks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054131 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:33:10 +0000 Jaime 2054131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thought provoking post. Does fun NY eclectic (and I totally connect to that style) mean unsophisticated? To take it to an extreme, are the regulars from <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.advanced.style/">Advanced Style</a> unsophisticated? I understand that they are too extreme for most of us to emulate but some of their outfits are very sophisticated indeed. Even elegant. What about Diana Vreeland?</p> <p>Not offering any specific help on the blazer I know, but this and recent posts have me thinking in this direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054125 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:15:52 +0000 Sal 2054125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the blouse and hope it works.&nbsp; And the purple coat - really lovely and I know you want/need a winter coat.</p> <p>I do agree that a good blazer is a great piece to have....but I also think as they are expensive and wear really well and you have a short season that I would add cautiously as I know you have limited space.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054114 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:34:12 +0000 Christina F. 2054114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all your thoughts! I don’t think I feel quite as scattered as this post makes me seem. Any changes will be done by dipping my toe into new waters, as always. As I said above, after loose summer clothes it makes sense that I’d want more structure now. </p> <p>Jenni - I think there is something to be said about the body shape thing. It’s easier to aim for cute and perhaps even striking, but not so much sophistication. </p> <p>Jane - thanks for your thoughts. I think I don’t put my outfits together with considered details, especially the accessories. Aside from shoes. I am kind of minimalistabout jewelry, and I am never drawn to scarves. That lack of attention to non-shoe accessories may be a roadblock to sophistication. As for tweed, I’m an Anglophile so I’m all for hanging out on the moors in tweed!</p> <p>As, rachylou, the puffy would hide the puffy sleeves! Seems a shame. Anyway this blouse won’t be a true winter item for me. Layering long sleeves over sleeves is tough for me... never seems to work. My blazers have to be worn with short sleeves. </p> <p>Cardiff girl, I’m sure tweed is in your blood, being from the U.K. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054075 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 21:43:44 +0000 Cardiff girl 2054075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don’t rush,try lots of things on,Autumn hasn’t started yet and your feelings may become clearer in a few weeks.If it’s any consolation I always covet a tweed jacket come Autumn too,have no idea why because I ve never owned or worn one!Its how I know autumn is on its way,the swallows leave and I want tweed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054064 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 21:08:50 +0000 rachylou 2054064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s like moth to flame - I love that puff sleeve top. LOVE it. Truth for me tho, no one would ever see it in Winter. Well, no one sees any of my clothes in winter. They only see Puffy. I don’t let it stop me tho.</p> <p>... I’m thinking you don’t like doing a blazer, sweater and thermal layer... so, I don’t know. I *would* move cautiously on the blazer front. Try to put together some looks you feel are warm enough with one blazer... or also, look for warmer blazers... some are definitely warmer than others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054058 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:12:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2054058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Jane isn’t Max’s sister an awesome character?! So kind. And yes, moors and damp dogs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054057 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:08:07 +0000 Jane 2054057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good planning and helpful to have it all set out so you can review in times to come.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think sophisticated for me, might mean, very carefully considered and well put together. I think that eclectic and sophisticated can work well together, but it might mean more definition. Perhaps Sophisticated might mean a very tight bandwidth on colours, where as eclectic might mean some thrift, some luxury, some high street.&nbsp;</p> <p>On fun, I think this can mean trendy. But I am not sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>September is a fav time of year and I love seeing the new items come into the shops and on line. I am totally with you on tweed, although it does ever so slightly remind me of moors and damp dogs! Kind of Max's sister in Rebecca. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054055 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 19:57:29 +0000 Jenni NZ 2054055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I am not sure that looking at your wardrobe and going “Would a Fun NY Eclectic wear this?” is quite the same as going “Would a Sophisticated New Yorker wear this?” They don’t feel like quite the same thing to me.<br /> The sophisticated items could be more of an accent I think, that might be the way to make them work.<br /> With you and I having somewhat similar body shapes, I also wonder whether our shorter and curvier shapes lean towards sophistication as easily as some? I’m sort of thinking not so much, but I could be wrong there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054053 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 19:22:32 +0000 Christina F. 2054053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Lisa - I think I can reconcile fun and sophistication in others, but not so much in myself. Does that make sense? Maybe it has to do with h ow I see myself. Have to give that some thought. (Yes, I guess it's navel gaze week here on YLF!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I am very careful about adding blazers and would only add one more, if any. And yes, they have to be perfect and wonderful, which is hard to find and helps keep the number limited. The upside is that I don't mind keeping a blazer if it gets worn only a few times a year, as long as it's not too much of a look that will fade away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah - yes, I will wear the blouse with jeans for sure! I'll have tp try them with the booties. I only have moderate hopes for the blouse fitting, but I read reviews saying it was pretty good for curvy folks--JC blouses often are not. Related to your suggestion, I will be trying to plan my outfits out. I think I now have the pieces (tops) to make that 1.STATE blazer work, where I might not have a year ago. I've worked hard on building a core of essentials in my neutrals, so I can mix and match my crazier pieces. I'm not hurrying to order the Boden tweed... that's something I can't assess until it's the season for wearing it, really. The plaid blazer is something I feel more confident about, despite the early order.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz - Good question! It probably means a bit dressier and probably more minimalist in color than I am. It involves well fitted clothes (often, but not always--an oversized blouse could work, for instance), and more structure. I have trouble finding nicely fitted clothes, especially on top, though, unless they are knits.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have some Boden button downs that I hardly wear, though I had the brainwave recently that I probably need to be rolling the sleeves up. Those items are in cutesey prints, though.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You make a good point about wit, and I love repartee. As for colors, well, I do love jewel tones and those can be sophisticated for sure. It doesn't have to be all brights.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another observation: I always feel this way before fall, probably as a reaction to wearing lots of looser, more boho clothes in the summer. Boho is my summer shadow style (or maybe not even a shadow but a strong element). Boho is tougher to make feel sophisticated, in my mind. <br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054045 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 18:16:28 +0000 Suz 2054045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So...what does "sophistication" mean to you? </p> <p>In other areas of life I don't think sophistication and fun are necessarily opposed. Take wit. Witty repartee would seem to be the very definition of sophisticated fun.&nbsp;</p> <p>But how does wit translate to fashion?&nbsp;</p> <p>I can see it might show itself in interesting or unusual/ unexpected combinations of colours or sharp cuts or conversational prints or jewellery made from found objects or or or (you get the idea -- there are lots of possible interpretations). The question is, which one would work for <b>you</b>?&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't see bright colour and sophistication as opposed. Think of Mod colour blocking, for instance. Sophistication implies some refinement and selectivity, though, I think...it might be a question of narrowing your palette a bit to specific brights and thinking about which patterns feel sophisticated?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054043 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 18:12:54 +0000 SarahD8 2054043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your "contrast" adjective potentially gives you a lot of leeway to experiment and work in some of these more structured, sophisticated pieces that you're becoming drawn to. For example, I'm imagining the scarf print blouse with jeans and those studded booties. Does that kind of outfit juxtaposition fit with your conception of "contrast"?</p> <p>Since you're unsure about boots in a toffee color, why not look for oxfords/brogues in that color and scratch two itches with one purchase?</p> <p>My big suggestion is to focus on outfits rather than items. Plan how you'll wear that blazer and blouse etc. Can you take your go-to outfit formulas and tweak ONE piece by subbing in one of these new-direction items? That could make it easier/more comfortable to incorporate the new.</p> <p>Take it slow. If the 1.STATE blazer winds up getting significant wear, then buy the Boden tweed a few months from now. (Also, please parrot this advice right back at me in a few weeks, lol!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054036 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:47:25 +0000 Anonymous 2054036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have trouble with connecting fun and sophistication in clothing - but everyone’s idea of what constitutes fun or what constitutes sophisticated are different . I don’t go for fun , personally . </p> <p>I can relate to your blazer issues - and caution you not to buy too many or to try to force yourself into wearing them when they aren’t the first thing you currently reach for . I think the blazer is one item that really exemplifies the “buy better and fewer “ philosophy of dressing . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-for-fall-wardrobe-directions-long#post-2054034 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:35:06 +0000 Christina F. 2054034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I am feeling a bunch of things for Fall, but I am wary because I feel like I'm pulled in different directions that I may not be able to reconcile with what I actually wear on a daily basis in cold weather. I'm going to work my thoughts out here and hope that maybe some of you have some insight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here my style words (I could probably stand to come up with one or two more), and my style moniker is Fun NY Eclectic:<br /></div><div>Colorful<br /> Urban<br /> Fun<br /> Modern</div><div>Contrast<br /></div><div>(My style for F/W is harder edged but I always gravitate towards bright colors, prints, and contrast)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Here are my recent purchases for Fall:</u></div><div>J Crew denim skirt (could be a good completer piece for my bold tops.<br /></div><div>Boots (Born combats will replace less comfy ones; red Pikolinos)</div><div>Ecco sneakers (still waiting in proper size)</div><div>1.STATE blazer a bit of a wildcard as I tend not to reach for blazers (more below); love it though<br /></div><div>Halogen cobalt sweater (very much my wheelhouse, practically a wardrobe essential for me despite the color)</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Things I want to purchase:</u></div><div>Boden purple coat (see find; will order soon)<br /></div><div>Other purple items (Boden has a ton and I love this color; more on this below)</div><div>Navy bootcut cords<br /></div><div>Oxfords/brogues</div><div>Boots in a toffee color (not really sure if I could integrate these successfully enough to justify)<br /></div><div><b>Bright color cord of tweed blazer (Boden has both)</b></div><div><b>Blouses with a bit more structure</b></div><div><br /></div><div>These latter two are my problem areas that I want to dig into below.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Blazers: </b>I love blazers but I don't reach for them a lot. With more wardrobe planning, I may be able to solve this. I don't own too many blazers anymore beyond what I am holding on to for occasional professional needs, so this plaid blazer is an experiment. I love it, but will I reach for it? I love the cord and tweed blazers in bright color at Boden, but I should see how it goes (I also have one Boden tweed blazer). These are also darn difficult for me to layer, both under and over (my arms are kind of large for my size.) The season for wearing them as my only jacket is short here.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Blouses: </b>I've ordered this Angie J Crew pick in the paisley scarf print. I tried on an even brighter colored one at JC recently, but it was so bright and busy that while I liked it on myself, I thought that even I would hesitate to reach for it. I tried on this scarf print in a maxi dress (beautiful but had no use for it), so I thought the blouse in the scarf print my satisfy my urge for a blouse. Blouses can be hard to fit on me unless they are oversized (see this striped J Crew pick, which I own now.) I have some blouses I wear, but often default to knits because they are easier. If this J Crew blouse works (big if), I may just keep it to that one purchase.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think I crave the structure of blazers and blouses for fall, but my style skews towards fun and colorful and what I think of as less sophisticated... but I'm craving more structure and sophistication, maybe because I'm turning 40 in October. Furthermore, every Fall, I also want to add <i>all the tweed</i>. Boden makes this seem possible this year, since they have some of these items in colors I love. I also don't want to go nuts until I see if I can succeed in wearing these items. Yes, I love the Boden plum tweed pencil skirt, but my desire to wear skirts in the winter is often minimal.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am not sure if I can reconcile the "fun NY eclectic" style I've worked to define with both these urges to buy more sophisticated items (in me colors, though), and with the fact that in the cold weather I often reach for the easiest things (jeans and pullover sweaters, which gets tiresome by March). How far can I go to push myself without getting into the realm of making too many costly mistakes? What is the line between sophisticated and colorful, or are those things easier to reconcile than I think (Angle seems to do it but she relishes ladylike details that I don't, like pearls.)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Congrats if you made it this far! Phew!<br /></div></p> <p> </p>