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Fall Panic

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I am totally stumped about what to wear. This is our "chilly summer" or "Early Fall" season.

I know, how can I not know? I mean I have been dressing myself through many a fall season--but as I contemplate the temps this coming week (hovering around 20 Celsius during the day, 10 at night) I have no idea what to wear!

1) I have no closed shoes except a pair of nasty, unattractive sneakers. Last night, in sandals and rolled up white jeans, my feet were cold.

I think a nice pair of loafers may be required, but I will only wear these until it snows--in about 6-8 weeks! Then they will become indoor shoes. However, Angie recommended I wear booties with my tunics and leggings. I don't think I can afford both. At least not right away. (I think I will return the pikolinos in order to afford these. I do, after all, have winter boots, even if they aren't the most fashionable.)

2) For bottoms, I have my white jeans, (straight cut), my blue light weight slim leg jeans and a heavier pair of straight leg dark denim. There are the leggings--but I am trying to save those for winter.

3) Tops. Here's the rub. All my summer tops, except my nasty black and white striped T-shirt (which makes me look like an ice cream cone when I wear it with jeans and it doesn't go with my white jeans) are sleeveless. Brrr. For tops with sleeves (that aren't heavy winter sweaters) I have three: a darkish grey knit top, my wine red blouse and a blue-grey light weight jersey knit scoop neck top. That's it. I have those wonderful H&M tunics, too, but, again, I am saving those for when the leaves actually turn.

I am waiting on an order from Old Navy for more tops--but 3 of them are more suitable for winter and two are T shirts which will need a cardigan.

4) Toppers: my black summer flowy cardigan--It only works with a tight fitting sleeve. My jean jacket--regretting the tight sleeves, now! And it is too bulky to wear indoors, anyway.

Oh--I do have my new grey cardigan. I want more, in pretty colours! I am having the dickens of a time finding one the right length--and with the right amount of flowyness, if that makes sense. I don't want a closet of grandpa cardigans.

I need a light coat. What style? What weight? Argh. I really dislike spending money on this sort of item as I only need it for two or three weeks out of the year.

help.

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Joana

Glory

Veteran

I agree it is quite tricky. Would you consider a coat like this from Old navy? I purchased a navy one at the beginning of spring (from Old Navy) and wore it like crazy. I am wearing it again now in the evenings and will use in the fall. If you purchase a neutral I think it could last for many seasons and you could layer under it to adjust for temperatures. I have to think about footwear and come back to the thread.
http://oldnavy.gapcanada.ca/br.....=958518003

Elizabeth P

Veteran

First thought is to not "save" things for the winter. If they are an appropriate weight to wear now, start wearing them now. Maybe by the time winter rolls around you'll have found more similar items (if you love them) or moved on to something else, or will be moving into heavier things. It will reduce your frustration and perhaps lead to better choices if you open the doors a bit now.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hang in there, Alana.

This is all part of the frustration of wardrobe building.

If it will make you feel any better, I really struggled with transitional season dressing, also. My frugal nature rebelled over spending money I didn't really have on items I would only wear for "a few weeks" of the year. Meanwhile, my fashion loving side was miserable. And practically, I was at wit's end, because I literally had nothing to wear.

Because the reality is...those "few weeks" actually DO add up. Yes, our transitional, temperate seasons are shorter than, say, Vancouver's. By far. But for me, fall and spring together add up to about 3 months total. Which is more than it seems, on the face of it.

As I thought things over, I realized that I owned sandals, and boots/ booties. But NO shoes. And I owned winter coats...and sleeveless tops....but no spring/ fall weight coats, and almost no sleeved tops.

I think it's a common pattern here in Canada. Look around and you will see a lot of UNfashionably "seasonally confused" dressers in spring and fall. None of us knows what to do with ourselves in temperate weather!

First of all, take a deep breath and cut yourself some slack. It might take a couple of years to get this sorted, while you put your main fashion dollars into your dominant season clothing. That is okay.

Meanwhile, you've already seen that there is overlap in bottoms. You'll find the same kind of overlap in tops.

Do any of your sleeveless tops layer under your cardigan? Would they layer well under a similar cardigan in a colour? (If you could find it).

For footwear, how about a pair of booties (vs. boots). Apart from one pair of sneakers, and "special occasion" shoes, I pretty much wear booties during "shoe" weather. Especially in fall. I don't find them too warm. And it sounds as if they might be more versatile for you? Later, when you've covered your basics, you can supplement with a pair of shoes for spring / fall. Shoes are perhaps for us a "frill" to some extent. Strange as that sounds.

Or, you can cash in on the sassy sneaker trend and get a pair of great sneakers that will look fun and also be practical.

For coats -- have you looked again at Land's End? I would go for some kind of rain resistant coat, myself. For this type of season I wear trench coats. I have a shorter one and a knee length one. I also have a gear rainproof jacket. I buy my trenches big enough to layer over top of a leather or other jacket -- so that really, I can wear them into late November most years here. (Your temps are a bit colder than ours -- it is still summer here, albeit an unusually cool one.)

The Bay can be a good source of coats starting around now -- they will be coming into stock in the next few weeks and you can probably look at what they have online.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Oh Glory--that coat is so far away from anything I would "normally" consider it is hard to evaluate whether or not it would work for me--the waist cord alone is scary.

Elizabeth P--when I submitted the tunics and leggings for K/R some forum members recommended I wait so I wouldn't tire of them. But, yes, I get your point.

Suz--you are so helpful to me. Really, booties before loafers? I'll have to pick something low heeled. I have been wearing shoes indoors in the winter as slippers for years, now--ever since my plantar fasciitis demanded something supportive. For the last few years it's been red pleather loafers.

I should probably look at something rain resistant. I did leave for work one morning while it was raining--and I got thoroughly wet. My problem is that a summer weight rain coat is not warm enough for fall--and anything warm enough for fall is insufferable in the summer. But, I will browse Land's End once again--for coats.

I did find some nice tops (again) from LE--notice they are all top of thigh length and loose fitting.

Would they do for fall?

Just how many tops does one need for a six week season?

Women's Plus Size 3/4-sleeve Lightweight Cotton Modal Scoop Tunic

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Women's Plus Size Relaxed Stripe Cotton Mock Turtleneck

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Women's Plus Size 3/4-sleeve Starfish Swiss Dot Boatneck Tunic

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

These all look like potentials for fall, Alana! And they could also cross over into spring (next year) and even winter. Add a scarf or layer a top or thermal undies underneath and you are good to go.

I would think you would need at least 7 tops even for this short season to prevent laundry bottlenecks alone -- but they would also be transitional and used in the other seasons. So they would not be exclusive to fall. At least that's not how I would look at it.

I hear you on the raincoat issue. My solution (admittedly not a great one). In summer, I do without. I just have an umbrella. In a normal year, we do get rain but mostly in downpours of thunder storms. So you just kind of stay inside and wait it out, if you know what I mean. And if you absolutely have to go out in it, you grit your teeth and get wet. Umbrellas work to a point -- but only if the wind is not blowing. But there is no coat that is NOT too hot.

My shorter trench is lighter weight and has proved more versatile -- I can layer a jacket underneath, or not.

My longer trench is more substantial and the fact is, I almost never wear it. I am glad to own it, though, just in case.

It sounds as if maybe you need loafers after all. So get some loafers! If they work as your indoor shoe all winter, then that is a lot of wear, all told.

Gigi

Veteran

Suz has given some excellent advice. I guess my first question is, do you truly not have the money, or are you just reluctant to spend it on transitional clothing? If you truly do not have the money, you could—although this will not probably make you feel fab—buy just a few things at Goodwill to get you through the transitional weather so that you can save your money for winter. As Suz points out, it really does take time to put together a wardrobe that works *for you*. I know you have been frustrated about the lack of offerings in plus sizes, and when you add a time crunch to that, it creates purchases that don't make a person happy in the long haul (I know from experience). So if money is really the only thing holding you back, then this could be an option simply out of necessity.

However, if you are simply reluctant to spend money on transitional items, I think Suz has a good point: the temperate weather does add up during the year. No, you don't need as much of it as the other stuff, but you do need some. And some of the summer-fall transition stuff can work for winter-spring transition, depending on the colors. However, I wouldn't want you to purchase something just because you're in a time crunch, when if you can tide yourself over, you'll give yourself more time to think about it and hunt for what's exactly right.

Today it was cool here in the morning (62 degrees F), so I wore a pair of shooties, because it was too cold for sandals. My shooties are basically slip-on shoes, kind of like a bootie but without a shaft—they're not slip-on sneakers but are dressy. I was so glad I had them!

Robin

I'll second Suz and Gigi: the transitional weather adds up. You said you have 6-8 weeks until loafers would be unwearable. 8 weeks ago is probably about the time you broke out your sandals. I agree with Suz that those of us in winter-dominant environments tend to skimp on the transitional shoes. Last fall, I bought a pair of grey leather sneakers that I can wear without socks. They made all the difference dressing on spring weekends in the too cool for sandals but please-no-more-boots! weather. I'm ready to break them out again soon.

Glory

Veteran

Chiming back in on the coat. Here is another option. I actually also own this jacket in black. It is wind and water resistant with fused lining. It is so fabulous I was thrilled to find it. I cannot even tell you how many I tried before settling on it.
I have it out already to go to the hockey rinks and early morning dog walks (well not this week because it is warm again).
I find it classic enough to last many seasons.
http://www.marks.com/shop/en/m.....s/hd1-long
It comes in a short version as well
Also, a similar one on clearance http://www.marks.com/shop/en/m.....s/hd1-long
As for footwear I like the idea of booties. I can scout around if you like:)

Emily

Veteran

Ditto Suz regarding the weatherproof spring/fall coat for a four-season climate. I bought the one in pic #1 - a shorter, nylon moto jacket - more or less on a whim, but it gets a LOT of wear in spring/fall. I can layer a sweater under it and wear it into November. I bought it in Spring 2013 and have worn it 120+ times - At least 25 times in just March - May, and a handful of times in the summer, too. Either a functional trench or something more casual "gear-ish" will serve you really well. Def. have a peak at Land's End, and maybe LL Bean? Their Canadian duty/shipping is quite reasonable.

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claire

Alana, I'm guessing your transitional weather is like our longer fall in Vancouver. I like drapey sweaters for layering over summer t's, so if you're reluctant to buy a lot of new pieces they can extend the life of your sumer stuff. And some cozy longer cardis can go right through winter as layering pieces to help extend your budget. The Bay has some nice ones in their plus section, not too drapey but enough for a nice layering piece. They could work nicely over the tunics you picked up from H&M with leggings... I loved the Eileen Fisher type look you had going on, sweaters could really add to that, with some booties or slip on sneakers if I you can do bare ankles? (I can't do Finds from my iPad, I'll do some scouting and see if I can link some later!)

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Glory--I didn't realise MWW went up to 2X. That is good news. I like the look of that shell--it is very similar to the one I do wear (which is actually too small and so sits up on my hips rather unattractively rather than down and over them.)

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Emily--that is a gorgeous jacket--where did you get that?

I've just spent some time scouting Lands End. Not liking my options. (All of their stuff seems too short for me.)

Robin, you're right, of course. Summer was only eight weeks and I bought three pairs of sandals! I guess it is just that fall is so terribly unpredictable!

Hey crackers--I've been swooping into the bay a couple of times a week. Time to go in again, now that I am defining my needs better. I have had a couple of things Inge picked out for me in my finds since forever. I really want to find them and try them on.
The cardigan thing is excellent for Fall and winter--the blue sweater is more of a winter thing in my mind--though I'd have to see how thin/thick it is to know for sure.

Gigi--the reason I stay away from Good will (or, more accurately, value village around here) is that they do not have an awful lot in my size, ever. I'd rather spend my very limited time in plus sized shops. Plus, there's a whole history that I'd rather not get into or revive. Maybe someday. Just not yet. I'd rather go back to Walmart.

JONES NEW YORK COLLECTION Plus Metallic Knit Wrap Cardigan

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Jessica Simpson Plus Layered Long Sleeve Sweater

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Don't worry. We are here to help you every step of the way.

YES. Booties before loafers. And a few pairs if you can manage it. Your Winters are very long and cold.

Cardis to layer over some of those sleeveless tops.

Knitwear, knitwear, knitwear for colder weather.

Bottoms - we need to address with the tops.

Toppers. You'll need a few weights. Wool and puffer.

See. You already have a plan - and killer specs to kick off the new season. xo

L'Abeille

Veteran

For out late-summer/early fall coolish days: Are your red loafers still outdoor-wearing worthy? Those plus your dark cardi, overtop of the type of black and white outfits you have looked so good in this summer, would give you a really cute, simple, warm footed upgrade, while you wait to decide what you want for true fall.

Aida

Veteran

As others have said, transitional dressing can be the trickiest! And particularly frustrating when the season is SHORT, but obviously still necessary. The temperature range you describe is my most favorite, separate from actual warm summer days, and you have more options than you might think for this range.

As Suz and Angie mentioned, if you don't have booties yet I too would say a pair of booties would be a better shoe purchase over loafers for now. You'll get a LOT more wear from them, and it will open more outfit options for you. Plus they can be paired with long shorts for the occasional warmer day that pops up.

As far as a coat goes, a lined water resistant trench would be my choice (and is in fact what I wear for my own transitional periods). I have two, one black and one cream. The black one doesn't get worn nearly as much as the cream, especially since I wear for both spring and fall; also, my cream trench is large enough to wear over a light jacket which makes it more versatile. Another option would be an anorak or utility jacket, both more casual options.

For the temperature range you described, I think that your sleeveless tops will carry you part of the way IF you can pop on a cozy cardigan or jacket over the top. Just make sure that those same cardigans and jackets will ALSO work over sleeved tops, and they will carry you through winter as well. Beyond that, I think as Angie said, sweaters will be your best friends.

lari

alana, you have 3 tops and 3 bottoms - technically you can make 9 outfits - this is not that bad please don't "save" anything for later - if you can just wear it! you need proper shoes and outwear. if I were you I would really focus on getting these first. as others already advised - get booties. try kunitz shoes on jasper and 108st. they have a good selection of brands, are super knowledgeable and can order the shoes in diffrent sizes and fits (wide/narrow) in brands they carry if they don't have them in store. I am not sure how much fall merchandise they already have in but their store is definitely worth checking.

unfrumped

Veteran

I do echo not saving things that are right for current weather. The links that gives you more time to look for other items that will be new the , instead of feeling rushed now. Unless the tunics and leggings are too warm for you right now.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with Angie about booties - they can be worn for a lot longer than loafers. Great advice already, the only thing I would add is keep looking. I know it can be discouraging when there are lots of gaps but things always turn up

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

All right, so I spent the day searching on-line for items to complete The Vivienne Files' 4x4 wardrobe.

I felt greatly encouraged until I went to Mark's and discovered that their 2X is too tight in the arms for me to wear comfortably. I had a really funky cardigan I was all excited about too. I tried on a few coats, Glory, but the arms were a no go. (sad face).

So, I'll head to the mall tomorrow to scout out some booties and coats suitable for "Fall."

Emily--I found a wine red pleather jacket with a collar and assymterical zipper like that at Pennington's this evening. I let it stay in the store because I just wasn't sure of the length.

Does pleather stretch?

Angie--thanks so much for being here.

What did you mean when you said "bottoms-- we need to address with the tops"?

Do I have a plan? lol. I'm not so sure. But, I do have killer specs!

We are going to have to call in Inge for some cardigan ideas. I am having a tough time of it. Inge, in case you see this, I'd like grey or black flowy things--the one from Old Navy you found for me which I love, hasn't shown up on the Cdn site yet.

L'abeille, yes, I suppose I could wear the red loafers outside, but I try not too. They are kind of on their last legs with paint spatters here and there, too.

Aida--definitely I will look for something water resistant. (Is pleather water resistant?) AND I will be sure to try on the coats with a sweater underneath. I have a really old one in navy (Angie--it says "Delta Burke" on the tag. How old would that be?) I can bring along to try them with. Looks like cardigans are the clothing item of choice.

Lari--thanks for the recommendation! If I don't get any satisfaction at Southgate tomorrow, I'll head downtown.

Unfrumped--the tunics and leggings are just a bit warm for right now--and then, you know what? Then there's the whole shoe thang! So, yeah, I'd better get on that.

Thanks for the encouragement Caro. Appreciate it.

I started shopping waaay too early--and before I knew what I needed/wanted. (I didn't want to make a plan, though, until I saw what was available. But I jumped the gun a bit. I'd thought there wouldn't be any Navy--today, on-line (but not yet in the store) I found pants in navy. Yay!)

I think that's contributing to my panic (I have been at this since August 1) But that's OK, I'm learning.

Women's Plus Rib-Knit Handkerchief-Hem Cardis

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Style Fan

Veteran

This time of year is hard for fabbers living in the middle of Ontario as well. Actually we have not had much of a summer. I do not own a pair of shoes. Not one pair. I do own several pairs of booties, several pairs of sandals, a few pairs of boots and two pairs of winter boots (Sorels). I don't even own pumps.

I would echo what Angie said about buying booties. They look great with leggings, jeans, pants, etc. I wore my Frye's last week.

I am using Vivienne Files 4 x 4 to review my wardrobe now that I have retired and we do some travelling. I find it very helpful except she does not address the changes in seasons. She is brilliant in many ways.

Canadians have so many seasons. We can have several in one day!

Joana

This thread helped me decide upon new autumn/spring shoe
I am drooling over trendy slip on sneakers, and plain white sneakers, but I already own loafers and casual lace up shoes, they fill that low top - closed toe shoe gap. And I have nice pair of wedge booties for dressier occasions. What I need is a pair of flat booties! Stretch insert or lace up!
This transitional outerwear thing is a challenge for me too, your insight helps a lot