Color Play: Burgundy and Gray - Classic Fall Color Combo

Burgundy is one of many colors that I look forward to wearing in the fall and winter. These days there is no reason that we can’t wear those darker, richer colors all year round, but for me, I like the special feel of pulling out colors I haven’t seen for a while to embrace a new season.

This outfit was inspired, once again by an Instagram challenge where today’s prompt was Academia. I love the classic vibe of the full range of academia inspired clothing combinations. There is something cozy and chic about layering plaid blazers, knit vests and button down shirts with the university silhouettes of trousers, a-line or pleated skirts or nicer jeans in a variety of washes and colors. Obviously, in today’s society, the university campus is a rainbow of styles, colors and nationalities making it an interesting melting pot for both fashion and learning.

To build an academia inspired outfit, I typically start with my topper. Today’s choice was this beautiful gray, plaid blazer. This was a second hand find a number of years ago and is Talbot’s brand. It is a lovely, wool blend piece and fully lined. This one from Kohl’s is a brownish color; here is an oversized twill version from Old Navy; here is another brown piece from JCPenney; and here is a pretty one from Chadwick’s. Always check the second hand stores for blazers, especially if you are looking for something vintage.

If I look a bit peckish in these pictures it is because I just started an antibiotic yesterday for a sinus infection. Today I didn’t roll out of bed until almost 11. Yikes! You know I don’t feel well, when I stay in bed past 8 or 9. I think the stress and grief of this past year has definitely caught up with both my husband and I, so If we are still in bed at 11, so be it. Right now we are able to do that and we’ll take that as a sign that we need the extra rest. This too shall pass.

Once I chose the blazer I chose the vest. This knit piece is a men’s Docker’s brand. I just found this at the beginning of this month, when we were on our getaway with friends. I had been looking for a few more knit vests that were not bulky. I got this one and a creamy white one, both in the men’s section. Here is a blue vest from Kohl’s; a button down style from JCPenney; a plus size cable knit style from Woman Within; and a pretty gray from Lee. There is also this burgundy one from Oliver and Blake.

The button down shirt is an older thrift find and is Apostrophe brand. This is a nice, structured button down with a little stretch, which I like in a more fitted shirt. I really like how the vest and the shirt look like they were meant to be together. It is always fun when that happens. Here is one from JCPenney; a 3/4 sleeve one from Walmart; another version from Kohl’s; and a petite version from Macy’s.

I wasn’t sure what sort of pants to wear. At first I just had a pair of regular jeans, but then I remembered my thrifted, gray Gloria Vanderbilt jeans that I have had for years. Though I don’t use these a lot, they commonly get worn a few times a year. They are comfy and hold their shape well. Here is a pair from JCPenney; a pair from Lee; and a cute pair from Old Navy.

I knew I had a couple of burgundy colored bags so I grabbed this one out of my purse pile. This is a thrifted Libby Edelman piece. I will be throwing this one in the trash, even thought it is a cute piece. It is peeling all over, so it is time to go.

I chose silver for my jewelry. I have way too much jewelry and with not working anymore, I do try to put something on most days. I actually did wear this outfit today…once I got dressed. Ha, ha.

I also knew I wanted a more academic type shoe so I dug out this old pair from when I still worked at the bookstore. I love this pair of suede oxfords. They are a little snug, but like a good pair of leather gloves they seem to stretch and fit after you have them on for a bit. These are Naya brand and I got them at DSW. Here is a page from their website for black oxfords.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like the academia vibe? Do you own a plaid blazer? How do you wear it, or do you prefer to wear solid color blazers? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from each of you.

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I hope you have a great day!

Color Play: Burgundy with Olive Drab and Gold Accents

This will be my last outfit post focusing on the color burgundy. January is drawing to a close and while we have plenty of winter left on the calendar, I want to move on to a few other ideas here on my Fashion Page. Please feel free to message me or if you subscribe to send me an email if you think of something you would like me to cover in this space.

Today’s outfit started with this fun, corduroy puffer vest that I got from Maurice’s a few months ago. It is different cut and style for me, but I wanted to try it and think up different ways to style it. Right now it is rather stiff, but a few washings may help with that. It is a cropped length and a boxy fit.

I’ve had this Sonoma blouse from Kohl’s for many years. I love dark florals, so this piece is perfect for fall and winter, and of course you could wear it all year round, but I like to transition my wardrobe to lighter colors in the spring and summer. There are no longer fashion rules that say you can only wear certain colors at certain times of year, but we can still have your personal preferences.

These thrifted, Lee corduroy trousers are olive drab. They look gray, but when you compare them to a true gray you can easily see they have a green tone to them. I love cords in the winter and these are super comfy.

You know you have bought a good piece or pieces when you wear them over and over, as is the case with these Impo brand, suede, ankle boots. Do you have pieces in your wardrobe that you reach for again and again?

I thought gold was a good choice for my accessories and they really stand out against the background of burgundy. The gold necklace I purchased from a retail store which might have been Kohl’s or JCPenney. I don’t remember. The gold clutch/crossbody bag was a thrift find.

This outfit formula is very simple and anyone can put something similar together. Pick a pretty blouse, a complimentary pair of pants or a skirt, a coordinating vest and finish it off with shoes, jewelry and a bag. You will be ready for work, a lunch date with friends or even a casual date night with your significant other.

What do you like about this outfit? What would you change to make it your own?

I’ve including shopping links after each clothing piece for similar items. I try to use retailers that I would shop at and choose things at a little bit lower price point. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no cost.

Thank you for stopping by the blog. Have a fantastic day!