Animal prints — Fashion — Stylin' Granny Mama

Today’s outfit pictures were actually taken a month ago. I was going to do an Instagram post where I copied someone else’s style. Unfortunately, I never got around to making that post, so I thought, why not use it for this week’s Fashion post on the blog.

I rarely get dressed up anymore, and this outfit was only put together for the IG challenge that I was going to do. I never actually wore this anywhere. However, if I had a reason to dress up and look fancy this would definitely work. Here’s the original inspiration. Zilla is a beautiful Instagram gal who posts from Australia. I love her classic, chic style. This is the outfit I came up with to mimic her style and still stay true to myself.

I decided to use a 3/4 sleeve black cardigan for my top that I have posted on the blog before. This has been in my closet for a number of years and still gets occasional wear. I typically use it as a topper rather than an actual top, but I wanted something that would look classy and still cover my muffin top, and was a tad bit warmer for the changing season. This is Croft & Barrow brand and was originally from Kohl’s. Here is a similar version from Kohl’s. There is also this version, and this one.

Style Tip: If you are ever looking for a specific piece and don’t know where to look just go to your browser and type in what clothing item you want to search for and it will bring up numerous options that you can then navigate to for specifics on store, sizing and pricing. Easy, peasy.

I got this fully lined skirt this past summer while thrifting and I think it was the perfect alternative to polka dots for this outfit. I had been looking for a long pleated skirt and when I found this print in a neutral and white color I knew I could use it all year round. I hope to do a future post on this skirt with knee high boots, and a comfy, oversized grandpa cardigan or a pullover sweater in a similar neutral color or in a dark brown. Check back for that. Here is a solid neutral from Walmart, a berry color from Kohl’s that would be pretty for the upcoming holiday season, a floral print from Nordstrom Rack, and this gorgeous plus size version from Woman Within.

I decided to keep my feet more neutral to elongate the lower half of my body and match the print of the skirt. I have had these Sonoma suede, block heeled booties for years. Sorry for the crummy pics. Ha, ha. You can see how I styled them for another fall outfit here.

Style Tip: If you can find, or afford good leather or suede boots, shoes or bags they are worth the investment. They last forever, and wear well, especially if you use suede spray or keep your leather polished. Clean them as best you can after they have been out in the elements and they will keep giving back for a lifetime.

In keeping with Zilla’s copy of the original outfit, I layered a couple of my pearl and faux pearl necklaces, and added a faux pearl and gold layered bracelet.

To dress things up just a smidge more I opted for my grayish black sparkly clutch. I always think sparkles snazz things up a little more, and for some reason, to me a clutch is more dressy than a hobo bag.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you think I did a good job taking inspiration from Zilla’s post, but still kept it my own? Do you have pieces in your closet that you could do a similar look with? I always love to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments.

I have included some shopping links for you to look over. I hope you have a great week!

Hugs!

I think it is always fun to look at what is trending for the up coming seasons. As we look to fall, we will be seeing much that is familiar, thus patterns and pieces that you probably already have in your closet. Be prepared for a resurgence of animal prints, plaid, sherpa, faux fur, and leather. Silhouettes will revolve around skirts from narrow denim to fuller midi lengths and will also continue to feature wide leg jeans. However, the news is out, skinnies will be back in the not too distant future, so I hope, like me, you hung on to your narrow legged jeans.

Style Tip: It seems in this ever changing fashion scape it is good to keep a few things that are timeless and classic, like a good, straight leg trouser or jean. They are neither wide nor skinny and can be worn with anything, and dressed up or down.

In addition fall will bring wonderful, earthy tones such as dark green and various shades of brown. Pantone revealed both a New York Autumn/Winter Color Palette 2024/25, and a London Autumn/Winter Color Palette 2024/25. I am thinking about delving back into these color palettes, so if that is something you’d like me to do, please let me know.

Today’s outfit revolves around a few of the fall trends that I have in my closet including a structured military jacket, an animal print scarf, a full denim skirt, combat boots and a brown bag.

This look is crossing a bit into a Dark Academia look, which I have featured in a What I’ve Been Wearing post on the blog here. The more somber hues with the structure of the military jacket give it an interesting vibe.

My younger daughter gave me this Torrid military jacket a number of years ago for Christmas. It is not a piece I reach for often, but I keep it in my closet because it is so unique. The olive drab color is such a contrast against the dark black trim, and the fit and flare silhouette makes it additionally interesting. It is a heavy knit fabric akin to sweatshirt material, so very comfy and stretchy.

Style Tip: Military jacket vs. utility jacket, what is the difference? Usually, a military jacket is a cropped piece and will have decorative buttons on both sides of the front opening, and some sort of contrasting piping, ribbon or stitching that gives it a formal military vibe. A utility jacket is usually longer, has a drawstring, large pockets and often both a zipper and snaps or buttons, and is meant to be a casual or functional type jacket.

I thought this thrifted, Express, “honor” graphic tee was the perfect piece to go with the military look.

I found this LizSport, full, midi or tea length, denim skirt while thrifting last year, and it has been coming in handy. It is a lighter weight which is nice with it being such a full piece. If the fabric was thicker it would definitely be very heavy. It is a tad bit tight around my waist, but I am willing to put up with it. Ha, ha. The things we gals do for fashion!

I just added this thrifted scarf to my scarf pile, and yes it is a pile, but I do so love scarves! Since animal prints are back in force, I thought this blend of zebra and leopard a fun mix. I didn’t add any jewelry since there is already plenty going on in this outfit.

If you look up Fall Bags 2024 you’ll see bags in all shapes and sizes, but in one very distinct color, brown, or the hues and shades thereof. It also looks like most of the bags are leather or faux leather, rather than a soft fabric like this corduroy one of mine. Here are a few to look at, including a few small animal print ones.

Combat boots seem to be around to stay, so if you haven’t hopped on that trend wagon, it’s not too late to start. I love my combat boots. They are so comfortable, and my inserts fit it every pair I currently own. This pair is Joe Boxer brand. I find most of mine at thrift stores, but have gotten a few pairs on sale at Kohl’s.

So what do you think of these fall trends? Do you have any similar items in your closet? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or two below. I always love to hear from you.

I hope you enjoyed this post. All links included are affiliate links. If you click on a link, I might get a few cents. If you purchase something through one of the links I get a tiny commission. These are brought to you at no extra cost and are provided to give you inspiration and ideas as to where you can purchase similar pieces to those featured in the post. All opinions are my own.

Have a great week!