Good day all. The weather has finally turned chilly enough for layers. I was inspired by MaryBeth and Carla.

1. Slouchy high-waisted pants (Uniqlo last year) with grey & white striped shirt and short sweater vest. Worn with black blazer and Clarks ballet flats. Hair in a half-up to add feminine contrast.

I'm not sure about the footwear choice here. I wanted ballet flats to offset the masculine vibe of the outfit, but meh with the trouser length, almost wants an oxford to break onto?

2. Grey pinstripe skirt worn backwards so the slit is at the front. (This is apparently a microtrend. I have at least 3 long straight skirts with back slits, that I haven't worn in years because they are so long, so I am milking it.) White shirt, plain black sweater vest, long thin scarf tied in a half Windsor for interest.

These oxfords (Bata) have lovely brogue detailing. I wanted to add socks for warmth and comfort, so I turned down these white ankle socks to make cuffs. Someone (Helena?) found that look unimaginative because it was everywhere, but I've only seen it on a few university students in our tiny town; just enough to embolden me.

Hair in a single plait to soften the look.

Not shown, but short black trench overtop.

3. Yesterday was rainy enough to want a skirt and boots. I love this box pleated skirt (Talbots) but warm beige doesn't love me so it requires careful handling. This light v neck sweater was not too warm (first sweater wear of the season).

For contrast and cooler colour I wanted this equestrian scarf with navy border (silk, bought in Rome 30 years ago). To find it, I had to rummage through 5 other equestrian scarves. Do I have a problem?

My plan was to wear knee high riding style boots, black with brown trim. But I couldn't find them anywhere, and I was running out of time, so I grabbed these desert boots. That moved it from Ralph Lauren territory towards Indiana Jones. Maybe a bit confused with the preppy top half?

Hair in a low pony with navy velvet scrunchie for preppy energy.

Wouldn't a tweed blazer go great with this? Maybe an item for a HEWI list. Because of the rain, I used my big Columbo style trench coat.

So that was my week. What could I improve on? My closet is replete with classic items as you can see. But I wouldn't mind adding a few completer pieces that I could watch for in thrift shops.