Shopping Our Closets: Fall Trends

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!

Fall Trends 2022 - My Take: Outfit 1

The next few weeks, I am going to show you my take on some of the Fall 2022 Trends that I talked about last week. I think it is one thing to see these styles on the tall, thin models on the run ways, but something quite different for those of us with real post menopausal bodies. There is always a small body of fashionistas that say wear whatever you want because it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, but the reality is most of us still care what other people think about how we look. That is precisely why I like to be more reasonable and realistic when it comes to what trends we might like and be able to pull off.

Today’s look combines three trends I talked about last week: a pair of baggy jeans, a white tank top and a bomber jacket.

Let’s start at the top. I have had this white tank top for years, and typically, I just wear it under things as an added layer in the cold weather, but it does have a tiny bit of embellishment around the neck line, so I thought it would be good for this post. The brand is St. John’s Bay, but I can’t remember if I bought it at JCPenny when it was brand new, or if I bought it second hand.

Next lets talk about jeans, and more specifically baggy jeans. I think jean trends are not realistic for all women. Baggy jeans don’t necessarily look good on every body. This pair of Sonoma mom jeans I found on the clearance rack at Kohl’s. I bought them because I wanted to try something with a higher waist. They are not truly “baggy”, but they are not fitted either. The biggest problem I have with baggier jeans is that they add volume to my lower half, and I have enough volume there already, thank you very much! Ha, ha.

This pair is ankle length, which I think makes my legs look shorter. They are also a straight leg rather than a flair or a skinny. The wash of a jean will also change how it makes you look. A darker wash is always better if you want a more slimming line on the bottom. I am going to try these with ankle boots when the temps get cooler to see how that works.

I didn’t bother with a belt, although my normal tendency would be to tuck the shirt and wear a belt. Most of the things I saw that captured this tank and jeans trend left the jeans without a belt.

I have several bomber jackets, but I chose this burgundy colored one for the quilting. Quilting or puffer style is another trend that seems to be popular for this fall season. Now you can find quilted phone cases, hats, vests, jackets, skirts and more. I thought the quilted bandana a rather unique piece I would definitely wear. If any of the pieces below, just click on the picture and it will take you to the retailer.

My bomber jacket was a thrift find. It is light weight, so for me it will serve more as a layering piece for inside, just like a sweater or blazer would. There was not brand tag in this one.

Style Tip: Think outside the box when it comes to layering pieces. Not every jacket you own has to be for outerwear. Light weight bombers, utility jackets, moto jackets and even sweater coats can be used as the top layer for a work outfit, or a lunch date. I even wear these sorts of layers at home to keep me extra cozy in the winter.

When it came to accessories for this outfit, I just threw a few things together. Since the look was ultra casual, I didn’t add any jewelry. I reached for a thrifted, tote bag with a little more structure. Work horse bags are trending right now, so I thought this one met the criteria. It is large enough that I can carry all the essentials plus notebooks, a sweater and whatever else I may need for the day.

Here are a few other fun bags to look at.

For shoes I chose my leopard print flats. I got these a number of years ago at Christopher and Banks. I really don’t love them, so they will be going into my “get rid of” pile. I think I like a toe that is slightly more pointed for a flat, or a loafer style. There’s something about a rounded toe, that I don’t think looks great on my feet.

Leopard print is trending once again, and most likely will always be the classic animal print seen on the runway, and in our closets.

I hope you enjoyed this outfit. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you own a bomber jacket? Do you wear it as outer wear or inside? Are you a fan of leopard print? I always love to hear from you, so leave me some lovin’! Of course you can also leave me a criticism. It is all part of being real with each other. I just like to hear from you!

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

Have a super day everyone!

Fall Trends for 2022

Once again, the season of fall is just around the corner and the fashion world always has its take on what is new and popular for the season. I am a firm believer that there is nothing new under the sun, whether it be a story plot, a difficulty or a fashion trend. Many of these trends you will already have in your closet. This post might introduce you to something new, or it might give you inspiration to dig out a particular piece and give it new life.

Baggy Jeans

I still love my skinny jeans, but baggy is in and because I love jeans in general I thought I would include this trend. Jeans are no longer just for the working man or woman on a ranch or construction site, now they are spot on for a casual day at home, a work day or even an dressy evening out.

Style Tip: If you want to dress up your jeans think fabrics and accessories. A silky top, heels and few statement pieces of jewelry will take your casual day outfit to night time glam outfit.

Basic White Tanks

I can get on board with this because just about everyone has a white tank top in their closet. This piece is perfect for late summer and early fall layering. Throw a blazer over your white tank and your ready for work, or add a cozy sweater for a casual lunch date look.

Style Tip: When looking for tank tops that are going to serve as actual tops and not just layering pieces choose fabrics that are a little thicker for less show through. Also, if you want more fitted look for ribbed knits; if you want less cling look for flowy fabrics in an a-line silhouettes.

Bomber Jackets

Bomber style jackets are back in force and they don’t just have vintage military vibes. They vary in color, prints and fabrics making them a piece that is accessible to everyone who wants a shorter coat for cool weather days.

Style Tip: Use a lighter weight bomber jacket like a sweater or blazer. Wear it over a blouse for work, or a tee for a casual date night look. Add accessories like metallic or sparkly jewelry, or soft scarves to make this menswear style completely feminine.

Oversized Button Ups:

Many of you already know, I love oversized button up shirts. I have shown you a few of my own over the last few years. I use them as jackets, under sweaters and vests and as tunics over skinny jeans with boots. Oversized is not for everyone, although I think most every body type can pull off an oversized button up by using it as a layering piece or a tunic, or even a short dress for those of you who are more petite. Don’t be afraid to try this trend, you might find you like it.

Style Tips: If you don’t like all that fabric especially if you are slight of frame, try belting the shirt or tying it at the waist. If you are a thrifter, be sure to shop for oversized button ups in the men’s section. That’s where I have found most of mine.

Cozy Coats:

Nothing beats the colder weather like a soft, cozy coat. Whether you like real or faux fur, real or faux shearling, soft wool blends or suede, a warm coat in a pretty color or with fun details can make a blue winter day seem a little less daunting.

Style Tip: When shopping for a coat, be sure you wear layers that you would normally wear under your jacket, or at least keep that in mind when you trying coats on. Sleeves that feel perfect with your polyester blouse may not be as roomy when you have on a chunky knit sweater. The same is true for being able to button or zip the coat. Think ahead to how you will most often wear the piece and what you will wear underneath.

Cargo Pants:

Cargo pants are a great alternative to jeans. I realize not every woman wants pockets on the side of her pants accentuating her thighs, but if you don’t mind those added details, cargos can be another way to a fun casual look. I especially like the jogger styles, because I think they look a little more slimming than the typical canvas or heavy cotton material.

Style Tip: When styling cargo pants try to balance out the extra pockets on your legs with a top with slight shoulder pads or or with pieces that are trim like a fitted tee, or a cropped jacket. Too much material on top begins to make the outfit look less classy and more unkempt.

Vests:

Vests, or in the fashion realm, fitted waistcoats are making a comeback, though I don’t know how much retailers are catching on with this one. Even at thrift stores it is hard to find vests, so hopefully you have a few in the dark recesses of your closet that you can pull out and give the light of day. I like vests for three reasons. The first is that the old fashion waistcoat really makes an outfit look polished and professional, whether you are wearing jeans or a pleather pencil skirt. A vest also adds a layer of warmth in the cooler weather. Finally, vests are a great way to draw in the waist and cover the bumps and bulges without wearing a full on corset (and yes, those are trending this fall as well, but I have chosen to leave those to the younger generation).

Style Tip: While vests look wonderful with trim button up shirts or more fitted sweaters try pairing a vest with an oversized button up for a fun artsy boho look. You can also wear a vest under a blazer for added interest and polish.

Maxi Skirts (and Dresses):

I’m not including any links for maxi dresses since I just showed you two from Closet52 a few weeks ago. Hem lengths really are an anything goes standard, but for the fall the longer, floor length styles are trending again. When it comes to styles these vary as well. One website talked about the Bohemian influence which would include tiered and prairie silhouettes, while another site said a-line and columns are in.

Style Tip: If you are petite you might struggle with finding a maxi skirt that is not too long. Try shopping for skirts that are tea length on other women. Tea length usually falls between the knee and the ankle which will probably be just about right for ladies that are 5’2” or shorter.

Leather (real or faux) jackets:

I have always loved leather jackets. I own a couple that are actual leather and the rest of my stock are fake. Fake leather today, looks just as good as the real thing, but varies from manufacturer to manufacturer as to how durable and long lasting the materials are. I recently went through my jackets and did put a few in the donate pile, mostly because they are more snug than I want these days. My style has also evolved over the last few years and I am more likely to reach for a utility jacket, a cozy sweater or a blazer when I want a light weight jacket or extra layer indoors. However, I still intend to hang onto a few of my more loved pieces.

Style Tip: When shopping for a real or faux leather jacket be sure to find pieces that are made of flexible, soft materials. The stiffer leather will become stiffer with age, unless regularly worn and tended to, and faux leather that is too cheap or stiff will tear away from the under layer.

Additional Trends worth mentioning:

Square Loafers:

Leopard Print:

Just a quick word here. Leopard print is always going to be around, so wear it, flaunt it, carry it and wrap yourself up in it. In addition sturdy tote bags are trending and very useful for work or even travel if you don’t want to pack too many suitcases. I also added the faux fur bag, since fur ( and faux fur) accessories are trending as well.

As always there are many more trends I would love to discuss, but these were the ones I felt we all could get on board with. Maybe you don’t like baggy jeans, but you do like square loafers. Maybe you are a fitted vest kind of girl, and absolutely don’t like oversized button ups. I hope you enjoyed hearing more about these fall trends.

All of the items listed are affiliate links. I get a small amount if you click on a link and a little bit more if you purchase through my site. I appreciate every click and even more appreciate your support for the blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these trends. How many of these do you have in your closet?

Next week I hope to show you my take on a few of these trends. Until then have a great week!