Ah, this is probably my favorite type of post to put together for Seasons + Salt. I LOVE looking back on a season’s outfits and reflecting on what worked and what didn’t. Each time I’m amazed at how much I learn about what I truly like, and I get excited as my personal style comes a little more into focus. I know I said this in the summer, but it’s worth repeating – if you’re looking to define your style, I highly encourage you photograph your outfits for a season, then look back and critique them and take notes about what you liked. The simple process is worth your time.
The Favorites
The lovely graphic above (that I’m so proud of) features my favorite looks from this fall. These are the outfits I felt best in, the ones I want to wear over and over. I feel like they drive home my style words: cool and simple. And, after looking back on my outfits, I added another word, functional. My life (3 kids) and where I live (rainy Oregon) necessitate a certain level of function. And when that is blended with cool and simple, I feel pretty rockin’.
Outfit details from L-R:
(1) Alpaca Sweater, Zady, unfortunately, sold out (similar option) | Linen Button Up, Everlane | Levi’s 501 CT | Modern Heel Boot, c/o Everlane [Original Post]
(2) Madelyn Wood Coat, c/o Only Child | Cashmere Crop Sweater, Everlane (see similar options below) | Denim, Imogene + Willie | Modern Heel Boot, c/o Everlane | | Phoenix Necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry [Original Post]
(3) Pima Turtleneck, Everlane | Chambray Shift Dress (s/o), Everlane | tights, old (similar) | boots, old (similar) [Original Post]
(4) Cream Sweater, old (similar) | Lou Jumpsuit, Reifhaus | boots, old (similar) | Gates Necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry [Original Post]
(5) Linen Button Up, Everlane | Boyfriend Fit Levi’s, thrifted | boots [Original Post]
(6) Merino Turtleneck, thrifted (similar) | Wide Pants, Lauren Winter | Clogs, Lotta | Tote, Cuyana [Original Post]
Goals in Review
Back in September, I wrote that I wanted to utilize dresses more despite the cold, and I feel really good about the progress I’ve made on this goal! Honestly, each year, I always tell myself I’ll wear dresses a little more in the colder months, but this fall, I’ve actually been doing it. I think the key factors helping me out are: wool tights and warm sweaters. These alone (or together!) are enough to make me feel quite comfortable on chilly days. Decades ago, when women lived in skirts and dresses year-round, I bet wool was their secret weapon to staying warm.
I also set the goal of getting more creative with layering, and I think I did okay-to-good at this one. Earlier in the fall, when the weather was mild, it seemed easier. Now it’s just sweaters all the time to stay warm. But I know there are creative combinations to be had. As I’ve attempted to hone my layering skills I have found a little ‘practice’ goes a long way. Taking the time to try on various combinations of layers has helped me figure out what does and doesn’t work. Then, when it’s time to pick my clothes it’s a lot quicker of a task. Most days I continue to select my clothes the night before, when I’m feeling more creative and less sleepy.
Most Worn Pieces
There were some clear favorites this season, some of them have been highlighted in my Double Duty series, but odds are, if you bumped into me this fall, I was wearing one of these items:
Items from L-R:
(1) Cashmere sweaters, Everlane. It’s been chilly this fall, and throwing these puppies on is one of the easiest ways to stay warm. Unfortunately, both of these styles are sold out, but there are a few similar options worth checking out: Grana makes a cropped cashmere crew in gray, and a regular cashmere crew in light grey donegal (very similar to the fabric of mine). Everlane has a cashmere crop mockneck in a gorgeous pale pink, and their cashmere crew looks so good in oatmeal.
(2) Alpaca sweater, Zady. This is my first piece from Zady, it is really high-quality. It’s very soft, and incredibly warm. At first, I thought it might be a bit big, but after wearing it a few times, I realized it’s perfect over items like button-ups, or long-sleeved tops, that normally wouldn’t fit under a snug cardigan. The chunky knit will likely be a popular item for me again in winter! This style is sold out, but this cable sweater is another beautiful alpaca option.
(3) Pima turtleneck, Everlane. I can layer this under almost anything. It’s thin and works nicely under sweaters, tank tops, sleeveless dresses, long-sleeved tops, etc. It’s semi-sheer, so it can double as kind of a sexy top if you style it with a dark bra, tucked into high-waisted jeans with a chunky cardigan worn open. Size note: I sized down for a fitted look.
(4) Chopped hem 501’s, Levi’s. These are the jeans that I wish I had found at a thrift store, but couldn’t so I bought them new. It took me a long time to warm up to them, you may have remembered me talking about how unsure I was about them, but it turns out, I just needed more time. Time helped them soften up and, most importantly, time helped them feel like mine. I wear these jeans every chance I get, aka several times per week! And they do go with nearly everything. I sized down for a fitted look and chopped my own hem.
Least Worn
Man, I wish I didn’t have to create this category, but there’s always something. Thankfully, my list is short.
– For fall I scouted and then bought a gorgeous wool fedora from Yellow108, but I never wear it. I’ve worn it twice for the blog, and I think that is it! For some reason, I’m never drawn to this hat, I think the top might be too pointy?? It might feel slightly too 1980’s for me, I’m just not sure yet. I’m going to give it another season to see if I can warm up to it.
– My favorite oxfords have been collecting dust in my closet. Sadly, it’s just too rainy for this color and style of leather right now. If the leather were more sealed, it wouldn’t be an issue. But the softer leather combined with the light color on these Oliver Oxfords doesn’t jive too well with the rain. I’m excited to bring them back to the front of the rotation in spring though!
What are the takeaways?
Don’t be hasty! Clearly, I came around on some items and it behooves me to take my time when making decisions about my closet.
Keep listening to my instincts, even when they lead me to bolder grounds. The Wide Pants and Madelyn Coat are great examples of style-defining pieces that felt bold at first, but ultimately, comfortably “me.”
I’d love to hear from you – what worked this fall, and what didn’t?
I’ll be back later this week sharing what I bought for winter, and I’ll take a look at next season’s goals.
xo,
Andrea
I loved your fall–might be my favorite of your wardrobe seasons yet! Your outfits seem so cohesive without being redundant.
Ahh, thanks a bunch Lo, that means a lot! I am sure I was redundant if you saw me everyday though. ;) BTW- How are you liking that leather jacket from Zady?
Still loving it, especially since it’s pretty warm/heavy. I think it’s ideal for my fall/winter, and I’m excited to start layering it over more sweaters.
I think Amour Vert sells the same one. I’m keeping my eye on it. ;)
Ye, I agree with LO! I love it, too, especially your favorite outfit. Perfectly YOU! I had several hits and misses this fall. I had to pretty much overhaul my wardrobe with my weight gain, but found some real winners! My favorites have been my Paige skinny jeans, my Eileen Fischer long cardigan, and my Adidas Sam Smiths, all thrifted, and practically new. These have been worn time and time again, and are perfect for my lifestyle and I always feel very chic in them. Some misses has been the Textured Tee from Everlane that makes me look like I’m wearing a maternity top even though I bought a medium. My curvy body simply cannot do oversized and boxy. Another miss was suede Sam Edelaman oxfords that I thrifted, but they never quite worked right. I am hoping this spring will find me wearing them more with my outfits otherwise I will resell them. In other news I have learned to love my bag I bought from FashionABLE. At first I really didn’t like the size and stiff structure, but I am really enjoying it now, and I love the natural distressing that occurs from everyday use.
Those favorites sound super chic! Jealous of your Adidas! I had a pair of those in HS and I wish I still had them. I love to hear that you warmed up to your FashionABLE bag!
Heyyy…when you say you sized down with the Levi’s, do you mean you sized down from your regular jean size, or sized down from what the Levi’s size chart says? My regular jeans size is a full 3 sizes smaller than what the Levi’s size chart says my size should be…Thanks in advance for your help! <3
Hi Koyuki! So I normally wear a 28 in jeans (in brands like Paige), and I got a 27. I did not consult the size chart. But even the 27 has loosened up a touch. I hope that helps! Honestly, Levi’s are cut in massive bulk I imagine, so maybe try a couple of sizes? If you order from Levi’s online, you can return in person to regular Levi’s stores.
Thanks! Happy holidays. :)
I can’t pick what I love most about this post! Haha! Inspiring some great reflection of my own over here… :)
I honestly loved that hat on you but can see how you may not be digging it as much, it has little bit of a western flair to me (which is obviously why I’m attracted to it, haha!) but may or may not totally feel *you*. What size did you get? They are one of the few shops that actually carry XL hats! ( I have a very large head, haha.) And even though I love wearing the couple hats I own they are all too small and cut into my forehead. :( A goal of mine for next year was to potentially invest in one or two that *actually* fit — we’ll see I suppose. :)
I always love your reflections Laura, I do hope you’ll share more! ;)
As for the hat, I think you nailed the problem, it doesn’t fit me right. I got an M, which was surprisingly stiff. I’d tried on a softened L in a store and it was too big, so I got the M, but it’s so stiff, I can’t seem to get it very far down on my head. I’ve even had it stretched several times. I think I just need to sell it. Anyway, thanks for saying you love it. Good luck with finding hats that fit! It’s hard to do that online. ;(
Love this wrap up and I think it’s so awesome how cohesive and true your outfits are! It really seems as if you’ve found your style stride and it’s looking so good one you. You’ve inspired me to take a look back at my fall looks – definitely one thing I miss about the regular blogging is the introspection into my looks – so thanks for the reminder to do that!
Thanks girl! If you decide to share I’ll definitely read!!
These are my favorite types of posts to see! I enjoy seeing the process of just continually figuring out what one likes and what works. I love those sweaters!
Thanks Savannah! I love reading about others’ style process too, I always seem to learn something!
Love this post! Also have the Madelyn coat and love it (sleeves are more full length on me).
My favorite items for fall/winter include my Teva Dela Vina boots (the shorter style, not the bootie, the one that goes a little over the ankle). I work for an agricultural company and have worn these walking in the mud but they are also just cute boots with jeans. A little stiff with the first wear but soft by the second and waterproof, I will definitely also wear these quite a bit for travel. I also bought a long (above the knee) cardigan in a speckled charcoal from Macy’s on sale (Style & Co) from the petite department. Much of petite wear can border on matronly but occasionally I find a piece that looks more contemporary for a steal and is the right proportion for me at 5’1″. I’ve been wearing that sweater almost daily. I would like to be more sustainable but it is hard when petite sizing can make such a difference with certain types of items. My everlane vneck cashmere sweater in one size larger for added slouch. Too hot for Hawaii but worn almost daily during travel with skinny jeans and leggings.
What didn’t work – a CK petite packable puffer jacket. It was too flashy and too tight fitting on me. It also wasn’t made for moisture. I’m sticking to more functional simpler style brands from now on for travel outerwear. I’ve already sold that jacket on Poshmark. I also bought the Encircled Chrysallis Cardi (a convertible dress/scarf/wrap), was on the fence about it and kept it. I should’ve returned it. Many people love it but converting it was a bit too fussy for me.
Hi Tania!
So jealous your Madelyn coat sleeves come down longer on you. My arms are so long! Those Teva boots sound super practical. I have never really thought about trying to find petite sizes, you’re right, I rarely see them listen among ethical companies.
I always love the idea of convertible outfits in theory, but I always stop myself because they seem too fussy when you actually try to wear them.
Love your reflections, thanks for sharing!