Fall Trends - 2019 - Part 2

If you missed last Thursday’s post, I’ve started a short series on Fall 2019 Trends. Every season the runways are filled with with new colors and trends. This fall the trends include things we are familiar with like animal prints and metallic sheens to rebooted trends like patchwork, tiny bags and shoulder pads. I encourage you to pick and choose the ones that you feel most comfortable with and maybe go for one that pushes you a little outside your comfort zone.

The next trend I am featuring would, perhaps, be the one that would be a little outside my comfort zone, but one that I felt I could easily adapt to with pieces I already had in my closet.

Trend 3 - Romance Gone Goth

If you want to see the original looks from the runway click on this article by Who What Where titled These are the 9 Biggest Fall 2019 Trends, Period. Of course that is a matter of opinion. Ha, ha. I changed the name to Goth rather than Grunge, because if you do your research, Goth is head to toe black with lace, leather and more form fitting wear. Grunge is more about torn jeans, flannel shirts, Doc Martens, and while black is a common grunge color, other dark colors like maroon, forest green and indigo are also common.

My version is a lot less revealing and personifies me. My outfit is, also, not true Goth, because it has color. It is also not really Grunge either. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Do your research.

For this look I chose three pieces that I would term romantic. This short sleeve ruffled top was thrifted and is Loft brand. The sheer blouse that I put underneath was my way to add another fall trend, that of dark florals, as well as add, just a touch of color. This is a brand called Kensie. I also thought the wide belt and the cross choker added a touch of metal that is often associate with Goth outfits.

These Apt. 9, faux lace pants I’ve worn before on the blog, You can see them styled with a multi-print tunic, and with a shimmery taupe top. Lace is another fabric or pattern that we often associate with romance, so it seemed appropriate to use them for this Romance Gone Goth outfit.

My black, Seven Dials, combat boots seemed the perfect choice for this faux Goth look. True Goth would not have any brightly colored patches.

The bag is totally not Goth, but I thought it went nicely with the green in the floral under-top.

Trend 4 - Layering Knits

I think this is a fun one, although not for everyone. Most women our age are in the throes of menopause and the last thing you want to do is start wearing layers of heavy knits, but for those of you who are typically cold most of the time in the winter months, this trend is for you.

I love the way this outfit turned out in the flat lay and I may actually put this on when it gets colder and see how it looks. I am not a big leggings fan, but this just looks so fun, I may have to do it…yes, getting outside my comfort zone again.

The sweater was a clearance find at Christopher and Banks. I love the lace up detail on the lower sides. This sweater has an open front with no closures and falls right about mid to lower thigh. It is a medium weight, so good for pairing over this thrifted over-sized Merona sweat shirt.

Isn’t Mr. Bear, just the cutest guy ever? He’s styling that cable knit sweater and I’m sure he’s heading right into his cozy hole to sleep for a good long while. He looks so happy. Believe me, I’d be happy too, if I knew when winter was on its way, I could go into a cozy hole and just sleep until spring arrived. Ha, ha.

These leggings are Lu La Roe and my daughter gave them to me. I have been waiting on the perfect outfit to pair these with and I think this just may be it. Because I opted for these leggings I decided to wear a recently thrifted pair of boots, high lighting the lighter yellows and tans in the leggings and sweatshirt. These boots are a brand called Rock & Candy by Zigi. While this is a brand I had never heard of before, it appears that they are available at places like Nordstrom Rack, Famous Footwear and Shoe Carnival.

Since the outfit already has a lot going on I went for a simple green clutch.

I added the scarf as an after thought as a way to tie the whole outfit together.

What do you think of these two fall trends? Would you do Romance Gone Goth, or Layering Knits? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments.

I hope your week is off to a great start. Thursday, I’ll give you another peek at two more Fall 2019 trends.

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Holiday Outfit - Dressy - Pants

There may be an occasion during the holidays where you want to get dressed up. Maybe you are going to see a stage play such as, A Christmas Carol, or you may be going to a holiday party at the office that is a little more upscale. A great way to get dressed up using pieces you already have in your closet, is to go for a monochrome look. 

Monochrome is choosing one color scheme for your whole outfit. Black or navy is a a great choice since this darker color always looks classy and can easily be taken up a notch with the right accessories. The inspiration for this outfit came from a Chico's catalog that I got last year before the holidays. 

For my outfit I chose a pair of Daisy Fuentes black pants from Kohl's. Here is a pair from H&M. My sleeveless top is from Christopher and Banks. I think the drape neckline on this top is part of what makes it look more dressy. Here is a long sleeve tee version from JC Penney. 

The jacket was a thrift store find. It is very similar to the Chico's inspired outfit, which featured a sheer, mid-thigh over jacket. This one I found, has no label in it, so I don't know what brand it is. 

To keep the look more formal I chose my accessories for their classic dressy vibe. The faux pearls and the real freshwater pearls mingle in varying lengths against the black backdrop of my blouse. I also had the pearl bracelet with the gold and faux rhinestone cross, which seemed the perfect accompanying piece. 

The strands of pearls and beads are not exactly the same color, but it adds interest to the outfit. I grabbed my pewter clutch to complete the look. 

Instead of regular heels I went for the heeled ankle boots. When you are wearing longer slacks, a heeled boot looks perfectly dressy. 

The beauty of a monochrome look is that is elongates you. It makes you look taller, classy and put together. 

If you have a more dressy party or event to go to and don't want to spend a fortune on a dress you'll only wear once in a while, try the following suggestions.

1. Start with a dark skirt or pair of pants. Navy or black work best for a dressy occasion, but look for something that you have other pieces in of the same color.

2. Find a blouse, light weight sweater or other top that says dressed up. Fabrics do a lot to make an outfit look dressier. Look for fabrics that are silky, flowy or drape well. 

3. You don't have to wear a jacket like I did, but having some sort of over piece adds warmth and interest. A waterfall cardi, a button up tunic worn as a jacket or even a moto jacket can all dress an outfit up.

4. Wear heels if you are able. Heels make us walk with more confidence and stand up taller. If you can't wear heels, then choose a pair of flats with a pointier toe or made of a material like velvet. Velvet dresses anything up.

5. Add the perfect accessories. Silver and gold are alway a good choice to wear with a monochrome outfit, but pearls or iridescent beads in solid colors can add a touch of class. Do this for you bag choice as well. A clutch with bling always says upscale. 

I hope you enjoyed this outfit. Do you like to dress in monochrome? Do you have a go to outfit or clothing piece that just makes you feel like a million bucks when you wear it? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.