Ooooh get ready. Every single outfit you’re about to see has some serious pattern to it. And playful proportions and shapes. Even some color! Though, don’t get too excited — it’s just the typical rust/terra cotta color you’ve seen from me before. But it’s saturated nonetheless! :)
Usually I lean on the casual side of holiday outfits, but this year I want to dress a little more special, while still keeping things relaxed and cozy.
As you’re reading, stay on the lookout for a few elements:
- Statement sleeves in the first outfit
- The sheer amount of plaid in the second
- Color and pattern in the third
Let’s jump right in!
Look 1
Nothing like a loose, short dress. This is my favorite kind of outfit to wear for a dinner out — it gives me plenty of room to eat without any constriction at the waist, but the shorter length of the dress adds a feeling of femininity and sensuality.
When hemlines are short, I like to balance it out with a high neck, long sleeves, and flat shoes. And since this fabric is a little sheer, I always make sure to wear a comfortable slip underneath.
Technically, this dress has a lot going on between the statement sleeves and pattern, but the subdued color palette and scale of the print makes it feel more “me”.
Dress by Doen (conscious, old) | same dress, different color, almost sold out (conscious) | similar (conscious) | similar under $80 | similar under $40
Shoes by St. Agni (conscious) | same shoe, darker tan (conscious) | similar (conscious) | similar under $90 | similar under $90
• • •
Look 2
I like playing with pattern, color, and shape, but I usually don’t prefer playing with all of them in one outfit. But for some reason this one works! And while it’s a little outside of my normal style, I feel surprisingly at home in it.
The color palette of this plaid jumpsuit is just muted just enough and feels deliciously fall-ish.
And the fit. It’s adjustable thanks to the tie in the back, which means this is another outfit that doesn’t constrict the waist/stomach area.
Put it all together and it’s quickly becoming one of my top picks for a Thanksgiving day outfit.
I styled it up a bit with a pair of neutral slide heels, and to me it’s a perfect outfit for when you want to wear something special without feeling overdressed. I opted to go jewelry-free on this one, but I could see some pretty gold hoop earrings looking nice with it.
Jumpsuit by Jean Franklin (conscious, gifted) | similar | similar under $80 | similar under $30
Tee by Madewell (old) | similar
Shoes by Nisolo (conscious, gifted) | similar | similar under $50
• • •
Look 3
Since I rarely get to play with a “third piece” in the heat of Texas summers, it’s a treat when things cool off and I get to style pants, a top, and that wonderful third piece (a jacket, vest, statement accessory, or other item that pulls an outfit together).
The long duster jacket is my new wardrobe crush. Yes, it makes for a cool look, but it also makes me feel comforted and safe, almost like wearing a blanket.
I particularly appreciate the way the bold rust jacket pulls out the rust tones in this floral top (which feels like it could be from Doen, but is a much more budget friendly option).
I styled this outfit up again with heeled slide sandals, but it could also look lovely with heeled, black sock booties.
And finally, I’ve got a whole post about comfortable jeans coming your way next week, but in the mean time, let me just say that these black, high rise jeans tick my boxes: straight leg, super high rise, plus a bit of stretch for comfort.
Top by H&M under $15 | similar | similar (conscious)
Linen jacket by Seaside Tones (conscious)
Jeans by Topshop under $80 | similar under $80 (conscious)
Shoes by Nordstrom Rack (old) | similar
• • •
And there you have it!
So tell me, are you in the mood to try a little pattern this fall? Do you usually like to dress more casual for fall holidays like Thanksgiving, or do you enjoy dressing up a bit?
And hey, since I’ve got a post all about jeans coming next week, feel free to ask any denim questions below and I’ll do my best to answer them in that post.
xo,
Love all three of these looks, especially the third one. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Cute! I would love tips for styling jeans for winter – i.e. without any ankle showing. I love the shorter, wider lengths that are so popular right now but I’m not sure how to practically wear them when the weather dips. Thanks!
Same! :)
This^^! It feels like nearly all of the conscious/sustainable/minimalist/capsule folks I follow live in warmer places given the non-stop ankle length and wide cropped styles I see with inches of bare ankles! I prefer ankle length in the summer but they’re not practical in the long cold winters where I live, or at least I haven’t figured out how how to style them aside from wearing knee high boots that don’t really flatter me. I’m struggling with this as I build a more thoughtful curated conscious wardrobe. Style Bee is one of the few that seems to live in a colder area but a lot of what she wears just doesn’t work for my curvier thicker body type. I know you live in a warmer place and have a totally different body type than mine, but I love your style and would relish a post exploring this!!!
Just love that you are embracing some patterns. And I love the rust and chocolate colors – so beautiful on you. My 70’s light heart just beats for all of it. I think you are really finding what clicks.
Also for those questions about the wide leg crops and ankle booties the answer is fleece lined tights.
Oh me too! I have a few pairs of cropped straight jeans and they just look awkward with my ankle booties. Maybe a thicker sock under to balance? And boots are a must for most of 3 seasons as I live in Canada. I’m about to put them away till spring… And just live in my skinny jeans that tuck into booties neatly!
Same here! As it can get really cold in Germany during the winter months, I struggle with pulling together a look that is stylish and warm at the same time!
These looks are all so cute! I love them on you! The dress is my personal fave. Embellished sleeves are so much fun!
http://www.poutineandprada.com
Love all of these outfits, especially the third one! A duster adds such a dramatic touch!
Glad to see you’re back in this space more frequently, Caroline.
Look three is right up my alley – and I’m utterly shocked that’s not a Doen top!
Such nice variety, love that all 3 outfits are completely different. BTW, you look prettier than ever. I don’t know what’s different, but you’ve never looked better, just gorgeous!
All three outfits look great on you. The fall colours suit you and your hair colour. I agree that it is important to think about how comfortable clothes feel to wear and not just what they look like ( especially when eating out). A question about jeans – I like jeans to fit snugly but also to feel comfortable. What is the best fabric composition for this?
Such a treat to see your choices! In Upstate New York, I start with 3 pieces and continue. The short dress with tights, etc. Still inspiring.
I love the Thanksgiving outfits you highlighted, especially the plaid jumpsuit. I was wondering if you had solutions to when demin jeans repeatedly slipped down? I just found your site a few days ago and I absolutely love it!
I wear a leopard print belt with my shirt half tucked in. …I’m also considering trying elastic waist jeans because of this problem—they’re getting more style-conscious.
Oh wow, I adore all three of these looks! Outfit #2 looks darling on you! <3
Love the duster! I guess my ad blocker wouldn’t let me get to the Seaside Tones website, but guess what, they’re on Etsy.com!
To the others who are asking about styling wide leg, cropped pants for winter, I’m looking at a linen wool blend also on Etsy and thinking about the right style of ankle booties and tights.
I have maybe a weird jeans question… some of my jeans get this metallic smell to them. This happened first with a Gap pair and now a secondhand J Crew pair so it is not a single brand’s fault. Both were dark wash. Have you ever experienced this? Do you know if this is due to maybe the hardware or the dark wash, maybe interacting with detergent, and how to avoid choosing pieces that will do that or prevent it happening in the wash?
Sorry for follow up comment, feel free to edit my original – I should have said my jeans are black, not just dark wash. Hope this helps! Really looking forward to your post!
I absolutely love this style great for the autumn!
That Etsy duster coat is to kill for! I love the cool and careless vibes of these duster coats. I wish our weather here is still warm enough for linen coats and loose dress!
Hint of Grey | http://www.hintofgrey.com
I agree with some of the previous posters. How do I do a short boot in the winter when socks are a necessity. The ankle jean works well with a tall boot, but the shorter boot is where it’s at right now. Even indoors, a bare ankle is too shivery. Also I did have to laugh at your Thanksgiving outfit. Our Thanksgiving is in October and the bare leg/no socks or tights would not work even then. It’s a great look but just not warm enough!
Sorry for the shouty caps, I can’t seem to turn them off.
Have you tried Everlane’s denim? Would you recommend it? I usually buy Madewell, but I’m looking for some that are a little bit cheaper and ethical.
I have and I love them! I share a full review of them here: http://www.un-fancy.com/outfits-fall/straight-leg-denim-under-90-plus-the-boots-to-wear-with-em/
I love this kimono top by SeaSideTones from your last look, and the color is beautiful. Ordered it immediately and currently it is one of beloved clothes in my wardrobe!