It’s the first official day of fall and I’ve got a playlist for you!
Go on and have a listen to Feel Good Fall. It’s got a nostalgic, happy vibe with a mix of artists like Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer, Ray LaMontagne, The Civil Wars, Lord Huron, Nickel Creek, Alexi Murdoch, She and Him, and Vampire Weekend.
Now, let’s talk about this outfit.
I started styling this outfit — jeans, cami, and open toe booties — and suddenly, I was at a loss.
My original plan was to add my knit vest on top and be done. But then I realized it would essentially be exactly the same as yesterday’s outfit, just with a different pair of jeans.
And … I’m really having fun trying to create completely different looks each day. So instead, I reached for a blanket scarf.
Technically it’s an accessory. And accessories can flow in and out of this challenge.
But even still. The scarf makes the outfit, so I had this lingering question: Is it a cheat?
And I decided something, right then and there:
I want to banish the word “cheat” from capsules and fun wardrobe challenges forever. “Cheat” adds this weird element of guilt to something that’s meant to be lighthearted and fascinating.
So I’m calling it: There’s no such thing as a “cheat” in the world of Unfancy — just creative solutions.
So this scarf is my creative solution. See what I did there? :)
Styling notes: (just one today)
Statement scarf / I have to tell you. Giant blanket scarves like this one can be … cumbersome. In fact, I’m going to stop calling it a blanket scarf and just call it a blanket. Because that’s what it is — you’re essentially wearing a blanket you grabbed off your sofa on the way out the door. It gets in the way sometimes. It slides off. It needs readjusting. But on the flip side, it can fold down into a small square when you don’t need it. And it sure makes for a great outfit.
I’d give this outfit a solid B. The drawbacks are the same as you’ve seen before — the delicate silk shirt and the not-great-for-walking-long-distance heels. But since I’d mostly just wear this outfit to an evening hang out (that, for me, doesn’t involve much walking) those drawbacks aren’t too bad. Overall, the outfit is my style, it’s got that functional warm layer I can add in chilly AC or remove if I’m outside in the heat, and those loose jeans and that swingy tank mean there’s no squeezing around the stomach area — AKA it’s super comfortable.
The #unfancyremix tag is growing more and more and there’s a whole lot of remix inspiration to be found there. Want to join? It’s never too late, just hop on in. You can find all the details to get started here.
Okay, your turn! Have you ever tried a blanket (scarf)? Doing anything small to celebrate this first day of fall? What’s your favorite music to listen to once fall hits? Got any fall playlists to share? I would love it if you’d share the link with us in the comments.
See you tomorrow for outfit number four!
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Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Silk cami by J.Crew | similar (made responsibly)
02 | Jeans by Rag and Bone (made in USA) / similar by Paige (on sale + made in USA)
04 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar (made responsibly)
05 | Scarf by Wilfred (Color note: Peniche) | similar (under $30)
06 | Necklace in Yellow Raw Diamond by Julia Szendrei (handmade in USA)
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xo,
Love this and the blanket scarf is perfect!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
http://www.fashionnotfear.wordpress.com
Hi Caroline!
I’ve been reading your blog-as well as Classy Yet Trendy-and a few others-since I went on vacation this summer. I was just desperate to figure out why I could never find anything to wear and have TONS of clothes (mostly second hand items (adorable and name brand) from Goodwill and second hand shops because I try not to contribute to the culture of materialism)
Turns out, I had too many different styles going on and I was buying a ton of pieces because they were such a” GREAT second hand find” and fit beautifully, but that did not fit my style. I think I’m calling this Eclectic-sclerosis: a closet disease that you catch by buying in second hand stores too often!
I was also buying colors that had no theme and I was also in the midst of a style revolution and well, I just could never find a thing to wear. Getting dressed for work was a struggle and I was never happy with my outfits.
Anyway, your Blog (and a couple of others others) have changed my fashion life. I did the weedout and the paring down to four basic capsules with 37 items or less THE DAY I got home from vacation and I’m thrilled. I have redefined my style and I have a manageable closet of interchangeable items that I can’t wait to wear! My outfits have gone from C+ to A (in my opinion–and that’s all that matters, right?) and I can pick them in seconds.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Your willingness to live with a closet wide open ;) inspired me to make a radical change that has really worked. I also dig your style, which helped me redefine what I wanted mine to be.
Thanks again!
Holly
Oh Holly! I feel like you brilliantly stated what so many women go through. Eclectic-sclerosis too, haha! I’m so glad you are finding a method that works for you and makes you happy when you’re getting dressed! :) xo, Caroline
Haha, I had to laugh at eclectic-sclerosis! I love second hand or vintage finds but I generally mix with my outfits to make them more interesting. I have got a few great staples that I bought from charity shops (goodwill?) like a vintage denim skirt, a denim blazer, a charcoal American Vintage top, too though.
I think you have to apply the same rules (guidelines) as to any buying, so that you are choosing stuff that fits with your style, colour palette etc.
Love the blanket scarf! I have loads of scarves of different warmth and weights, but don’t usually wear them like this, Great to have a new idea to try.
I have a poncho that I love, but I have the same problems that you described, it won’t stop sliding around!
Thanks for the playlist! You listen to several artists I already love, and I’m excited to hear some new ones! Did you know She & Him have a new Christmas album coming out in October? I’m psyched.
Hi Caralee! Really?! I LOVE their old Christmas album, so I’m equally stoked to hear about this new one! Thanks for sharing. Yay for new music! :) xo, Caroline
Hi! Caralee and Caroline, I love ponchos and scarfs. I think they can be SO chic. However, that’s the problem with some of them, they slide!
On my blog there’s a video on the right that shows my Ponchos and Pashminas in action if you are interested.
Beautiful outfit, Caroline.
Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com
P.S. I’m officially jealous you are getting into Fall. It’s my favorite season!
Lovely post. I have to ask though do you wear a bra with the camisole? I’m always curious when I see people in pictures wearing tips like these I could never not wear without a bra but look as if they are. What do you wear instead?
Julieb, this is actually such a common question, that I wrote a whole post about it! http://www.un-fancy.com/beauty-confidence/creating-and-organizing-a-useful-panty-drawer/ :) xo, Caroline
Oh wow thank you for responding. Such a great post – don’t know how I missed it. I will definitely be checking out that bra.
My Very Moody Autumn Playlist: https://play.spotify.com/user/1220195689/playlist/42Ae9AtGTWUra8EwdTiOPs
I’m excited to listen to your since it seems a little more positive. Lol. As far as celebrating the first day of fall…it’s a beautiful rainy day here, so I’m cuddling in blankets and drinking loads of chai. It’s pretty perfect.
Sounds so cozy, Ladylyn! :) xo, Caroline
Barcelona by George Ezra, Let it Rain by Mat Kearny and my all time favorite: the whole Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness album. it’s pure autumn. ♥
also, this post came just in time because I purchased a blanket scarf at target last night and was totally having second thoughts but I feel totally inspired now!!
lottie
Barcelona is on my “Morning Coffee” playlist! I love it! :) I’m definitely checking out Andrew McMahon — that’s for the rec! :) xo, Caroline
He is amazing! His previous bands include Jacks Mannequin and Something Corporate. He is an incredible musician. Love your Playlist by the way!
LOVE the scarf – and the playlist! If I wasn’t on a strict spending budget I would go out and buy that scarf right now. Maybe I can justify it next month. I’m sure it could be a creative solution to something in my life!
These playlists fuel my days and fill me with energy and life! Thank you! Loving the outfit posts as well :)
You look gorgeous!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
I love the outfit! Etsy has shops that sell different kinds of shawl pins. They really help with keeping shawls and scarves in place.
Teri, thank you for suggesting that! Will have to look into it :) xo, Caroline
Awesome scarf! How do you style this? Just wrap it around like this?
Hey Marian, yes, I usually just wrap it around for ease of removal. Some people wear it belted for more of a vest look. And apparently, there are also shawl pins you can buy to keep the scarf in place. :) xo, Caroline
The outfit looks really cute in pictures.
Gotta say, I never understood the whole blanket “scarf” thing. It seems like the height of discomfort because you’d always have to be aware of it, thinking about where it is, if it’s going to drag the floor or catch on something or drop a corner into your soup.
On the other hand, I guess it would be really cozy to carry your favorite blanket around with you, to wrap up anytime, anywhere!
How do you carry your bag–over the blanket, or under it?
Hey Marisa! Yes, that’s the way I look at it – a favorite blanket to make me feel cozy all day :) I wear my bag wherever it falls comfortably, sometimes on my shoulder underneath and sometimes on my elbow where it doesn’t really interfere with the scarf at all. :) xo, Caroline
Big safety Pins judiciously placed can solve most of the problem of a blanket scarf. (Sorry if this appears in all caps, must be a browser incompatibility)
I’m loving the daily posts again. Just curious, since you mentioned this is the type of outfit that you would normally wear to an evening hang out, are you actually wearing it all day? I was thinking of trying this but I don’t think 10 items could currently get me through 10 days. I work in an office that is casual, but its still an office, and if I have any client facing meetings then I would need to be more dressed up. It’s also 85 degrees outside and freezing in my office. I generally go for camisoles and sweaters so every “top” would really be two pieces. While in reality, no one would probably notice, mentally I’m not sure I would actually follow through with wearing the same cardigan 4 times in 8 days…
Hey Gabby, that’s an understandable dilemma. Maybe if you kept a couple cardigans in the remix as an “accessory” instead of part of the outfits, it would help you look at it a little differently? Or just count every two-piece top as one. I guess it could be considered a “cheat”, but we all know how I feel about that word! The main idea behind working with such a limited wardrobe is to help you think outside the box and wear your clothes in ways you might not have thought of before. :) xo, Caroline
Love this! Looks cool, effortless and cozy!
For music I’m listening to Cat Power, The Highwaymen, Fleetwood Mac and looking forward to the new Warpaint.
I love what you have to say about cheats! I think there are multiple areas of our life where that word could do to be banished!
Stacia, I couldn’t agree more! :) xo, Caroline
I am ALL about blanket scarves — I have a black/tan alpaca wool one (found at a yard sale for $12 — woo!) and I wrap myself in it while I drive to work while my heater kicks in, then wrap the big ol’ thing around my neck over an oversized knit or denim jacket and high rise skinnies when I get to work… tends to give off a “Euro” vibe, which I love, and is cozy to boot.
Alyssa, I love that vibe too. Sounds so easy-chic :) xo, Caroline
i have a wool blanket wrap that i bought years ago, and it turned out to be one of my favorite pieces!! i definitely questioned the purchase at the time because i have a hard time spending money on clothes (except at the thrift store), but it’s so versatile and cozy, and the wool is a perfect temperature regulator. i’ve been looking for another one in more neutral tones and this one is absolutely perfect, thanks for posting!!
I just bought my first blanket scarf and I am a little unsure of how to style it.
Thanks!
I was going to wear a large shawl this morning, and was having the same internal “cheat” debate with myself! I came to the same conclusion as you, but it didn’t actually match my pants, so it was a moot point anyway. I do have a tip though on those giant blankets – belt it! You can do it multiple ways, but my favorite is to leave the back loose and put the belt over the front. Here’s my take on it from last fall:
http://laurasdailylookbook.blogspot.com/2015/02/bringing-blanket-to-work-2315.html
Hey Laura, great look. Thank you for sharing :) xo, Caroline
Inspired by your vest from yesterday’s post, I purchased a couple from Anthro (all on sale – score!) to try and see which I like best. It seems like a super simple way to jazz up an outfit plus add some layering!
I’m really trying to narrow down my wardrobe because it feels like I have so much stuff. Funny enough, I have already sent many bags to ThredUp for consignment but am still feeling overwhelmed by clothes. These posts are very helpful in trying to figure out what I want to keep… so thank you!
Ooooh another playlist. I love your music and play your lists at work daily. I can’t wait to listen to the Anthro Holiday one again.
Love the look, but blanket scarves are too heavy for me – menopause ;-)
I had a similar issue when I went to put on the outfit planned for this morning and found it to be too similar a to Day 1 to repeat already. It forced me to try something new and actually worked out really well! How fascinating!
Elizabeth, yes! Love it :) xo, Caroline
I love autumn music! Give Ben Howard a try- he’s my favorite. Specifically Old Pine, Promise and These Waters. Enjoy!
I’ve thought about joining in on the remix fun, but it would be rather tongue in cheek as a) I’m an RN and I essentially wear pj’s to work, and b) I have a 4 year old and a 5 month old waiting for me at home. I just change into real pj’s when I get home from work. :-P. So if anyone wants to see how I remix work and home pj’s, I’ll jump right in!
Haha Joy! Love it :) xo, Caroline
I have been enjoying your blog for a while now. It has helped me find an attainable and comfortable style again after getting back to regular clothes after having 3 babies in just over 3 years. Also, I am enjoying the daily outfit posts.
Thank you for posting. Your blog has inspired me to have a capsule wardrobe and I’ve never been happier with my clothes before. Its so nice to feel satisfied with what I own.
I love the blanket scarf as an item of clothing. I’ve belted my charcoal plaid one so it reads as a cardigan (That’s my go-to when I want to wear it but need it to stay in place) and tied it at the hip so it reads as a preppy twist on the wrap skirt.
One scarf that works as an accessory, layering top or a skirt: perfect item of clothing.
Hey Alexandra, how creative! Thanks for sharing :) xo, Caroline
I love the look of silk camis and how versatile they are! I’m still on the search for the perfect one that I can dress up and down! I absolutely love this white one you are wearing :)
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
Haha I agree about the ‘basically a blanket’ comment and agree it totally made the outfit. I have a gorgeous grey and antique white woollen cape that is HUGE and HEAVY but I love it too much to admit its hard work wearing it around plus I bought it from my favourite store for $30 down from $250!!!!! To be honest I think I might cut it up and make it into cushions (seriously I could make four out of it, it’s basically a woollen cloak).
Love the remix xx
Alicia
https://olivekisses.wordpress.com/
Until you mentioned that today’s outfit was nearly yesterday’s outfit but with different coloured jeans, I didn’t even notice! Isn’t it crazy how accessories can really change a look.
Thank you for the fantastic playlist! I read Un-Fancy every morning while i’m settling into work and I love having some new music to celebrate the coming weekend.
Thank you for the playlist! I love your blog.
I have never tried wearing a blanket scarf, but am in the midst of making a whole batch of them! I always sell lots of standard flannel and wool scarves in the fall/winter and this year my infinitely more fashionable friend said “you have GOT to make blanket scarves too!”
Super happy to have some styling ideas for a photo shoot once they’re ready! Thanks!
Also, fall playlist = perfection :)