Shopping Our Closets: Casual Fall Look with Print Mixing

I am honestly trying to get back to regular posting, but 2026 has been kicking our butts. I have been struggling with my health symptoms as per usual, but yesterday I felt like I was getting a full blown sinus infection. The problem with these types of infections is that they simmer for weeks before actually turning into an actual infection. Unfortunately during that simmer time I feel extremely fatigued and unable to do anything extra. Yesterday, besides the pressure and pain in my head and face, I also had the congestion and the fatigue was overwhelming. I actually laid on the couch at one point in the afternoon and took a power nap just to get through the day. I started using colloidal silver in my neti pot yesterday morning and today, I already am feeling a little better. Hopefully, the upward progress will continue.

For today’s post I am using an outfit I wore one day last week and thought to take pictures of. I was going to post last week, but we were just too busy, so I gave myself some leeway. When you are already stressed because of what life is bringing to the table, you certainly don’t need to add getting down on yourself for all the things you feel you are not doing.

Since my Autumn/Winter Pantone series is over I decided to get back to my regular monthly columns. Today we are shopping our closets for simple easy printed pieces that can be combined for a fun, casual and comfortable look that is perfect for watching the grandkids, running to get groceries, or just hanging out at home.

If you have been reluctant to get on the print mixing wagon, now is the time to try it out. Fall is perfect for layering, and fun fall prints like dark florals, rich plaids and holiday graphics are just waiting to be seen together. For this outfit I chose plaid and autumn leaves for a color clash that seems like it was made to go together.

Style Tip: When mixing prints try to pull similar colors from both pieces. Also, pairing a larger print with a smaller print usually makes a more eye pleasing mix.

For this look the first piece I chose was this fun leaf print tee that I thrifted at the end of the summer. This is a brand called Hybrid. I love the burgundy background color and the pretty red, gold and light brown leaves. It is a light weight, stretchy knit so perfect for layering under other pieces. Even though the front tuck seems to be on again, off again I still use it to help disguise my love handles. I lost those pesky things when I lost weight. Unfortunately, I have gained it all back so they thought it necessary to return. Ha, ha. Here are a few long sleeve fall tee options from Cabelas, Kohl’s, and Talbots.

Once I chose the long sleeve tee I remembered this yellow and burgundy, SO plaid that I thrifted a few years ago. I was so tickled that these two pieces when together so well. Here are some options from Kohl’s, Land’s End, JCPenney, Old Navy, Walmart, and Amazon.

As you can see in the above picture there are light blue stripes in the shirt, thus my reason for choosing light wash jeans, and light blue accessories. My jeans were a sale purchase at Maurice’s a few years ago. These are a great in between seasons jean as they are lighter weight, and quite comfortable due to the stretch factor. These pics are a bit washed out due to the bright sunshine. Usually the best light for my phone is deeper shade. Check out some of Maurice’s jeans.

You’ve seen these Converse sneakers plenty of times since I got them on sale at DSW. The light blue is a great color for spring, summer and into fall, but I will put them away once the temps decide to be more fall like. Boots are my norm for the cooler weather. Here are some Converse sneakers from DSW.

My bag was a thrift find. I like the distressed, almost denim look to the material. Cross body bags are my bag of choice since I like to have my hands free when I am out and about. Here are a number of blue crossbody bags also from DSW.

My jewelry was blend of pieces. The leaf necklace I purchased up north at an art gallery a few years ago. The bracelets are pieces I have collected over the years mostly clearance purchases.

If you are interested in a leaf necklace or pendant for fall here are some beautiful options from Etsy.

What do you think of this outfit? Would you be able to put something together like this by shopping your closet? I’d love to hear your thoughts so leave me some love in the comments.

Shopping links are included for you to enjoy. These are brought to you at no additional cost and I do not receive any money through these sites.

Have a great week.

Thinking About Fall - Transitional Style - Tank Top

Before I get into the Pantone color series for Autumn/Winter 2021, I wanted to look at a few options for taking your summer pieces into fall. It seems like common sense to add layers as the weather begins to cool, at least for those of us in the northern part of the country. Even in warmer states, and countries, there are always those rainy days, or cooler evenings where having a layer or two makes a person more comfortable. The question I have to ask myself is why bother transitioning? Why not just change out our summer wardrobes for those fall pieces in deep burgundies and rusty oranges?

I think there are several reasons we need to transition from summer into fall. First of all, even those of us who love fall and enjoy the cooler weather, hate to see summer come to an end. The end of summer means shorter days, and the loss of the freedom and fun we associate with summer. Being able to run around without heavy coats, mittens and scarves is something most of us love being able to do. Summer also means vacations and beach days for many. It is hard to say goodbye to these wonderfully long, lazy days.

Another reason is that transitioning our wardrobes to fall slowly, allows us to extend the life of those summer pieces we love. The tank tops, shorts, light weight dresses and kimonos are still usable as the weather cools if we remember how much fun layering can be. I have already seen many bloggers and Instagram gals showing off these types of outfits.

Today’s focus is on tank tops. This could be a simple ribbed tank, or something like this thrifted Christopher & Banks shell, that is more structured and workwear appropriate. Since I am not working, I am showing you a casual look that can easily be taken from summer into fall with three simple changes.

My daughter hired an assistant and has started training her behind the camera. They asked if we could do pictures in the studio, to give her some practice, not only with outfit photos, but with indoor shots. I love outdoor photos because there are so many possibilities, but there is something to be said for studio photos, especially when the weather is hot, humid and buggy! We just used the wall as a backdrop, but it you follow Rebecca Trumbull Photography, you know she has all sorts of backdrop colors for headshots and puppy pictures.

This outfit is easy, peasy. A pair of thrifted Merona boyfriend ankle jeans, a tank top, shoes, bag and a little jewelry. Except for the bag and jewelry, everything in this outfit is thrifted.

I chose this tank top for a few reasons. The first is, I have been trying to use pieces that I haven’t used in a while in my closet. I actually started keeping track of what I have worn. For my hanging pieces, I turn the hangers backwards after I wash and hang them back up. For my tees, I have started turning the ones I used neck line out, rather than fold out. It might seem silly, but it does help to see what I have been wearing and encourages me to choose other pieces.

For this easy summer look, I kept my jewelry light and simple.

I wanted to chose a bag that could make the transition to fall, so this bright yellow tote was perfect.

My sneakers are thrifted Converse. I washed them in the washer, but they need a little TLC to make them look pristine, which I haven’t done yet.

In order to make an outfit like this ready for the cooler weather and changes that fall bring with it, you only need to do three simple things.

1 - Swap out light, breezy jewelry for jewelry that is bold and chunky.

2 - Add a jacket, sweater or other topper.

Utility jackets are often my fall and spring go to’s for light layers. This Sonoma piece with its beautiful embroidered embellishments goes perfectly with the leafy print of the tank. Being that it is tan, rather than a darker olive or brown, also gives me that slow transition into the darker, richer colors of fall.

3 - Swap out sneakers for ankle boots.

These are my Sonoma suede heeled booties. They are a regular part of my fall, winter and spring wardrobe.

Let’s take a look at the outfits side by side.

You can see that in the summer look I rolled the pants up and in the fall look I left them full length. I love ankle pants for this transition time, because they allow me to show off the ankle boots, and they are still not as warm as full length pants.

The other detail I changed was doing the front tuck on the top, to show off the belt and give the outfit a less casual vibe.

How would you transition a tank top into fall? Do you have tank tops that you love to wear all year round? What do you think of this outfits?

I’ve included a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no extra cost. If you click on a shopping link, I get a few cents. I appreciate all your clicks and all your comments.

Have a great Wednesday!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.