Monday Musings on Elevated Casual Style and Fall Colors
Happy Monday, ladies. I have a lot on my plate this week and many things on my mind. I mentioned that I arrived home after 4 months away from my wardrobe and hated everything I owned. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I donated even more bags over the weekend. I’ve seen lots of holiday gifts and decor in the stores of late, so get ready because stores are gearing up to start everything early.
REEXAMINING ELEVATED BUT NOT DRESSY
This week, I’m musing about ways to develop an elevated casual wardrobe with refined elements that aren’t fussy or formal-looking. I’ve never been a big fan of shabby elements or things that are too casual, but those things have crept into my closet, and I’m not happy to see them there. I am not a fan of preppy or traditional styling, so that leaves me wondering which elements I do need to add.
Over the last year, my lifestyle has changed. I’m now spending half my time living in a city and half my time in the suburbs. This changes my activities day to day, and opportunities to go out on the town. I don’t want to look too dressy or formal for everyday activities, but I do want to have an elevated look that’s casual and appropriate for my lifestyle.
I’ve been deep-diving on Pinterest and online fashion sources for some inspiration. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’m on the hunt and can share more as I continue.
FAMILY TIME
It was so great to see my youngest grandson this weekend. It’s been 4 months since we saw him last, and he’s really changed a lot! I was afraid he would have stranger danger, but he warmed right up to us and is the sweetest little guy! We’re picking up our older grandson from school tomorrow and can’t wait to see him. Grandchildren grow and change so fast! I plan to travel back and forth more frequently going forward with shorter stays in both homes.
FALL COLORS
I’ve spent a lot of time in the stores this week and am soaking up all the change in colors. This fall, I am seeing lots of rich browns, such as chocolate, mushroom, espresso, cocoa, etc. I don’t gravitate to brown and surprised myself by buying a brown sweater dress to wear with my new brown suede boots.
What I like about these rich brown hues is they’re softer on the complexion than black, and have a more relaxed vibe. I also love navy, but I think it can lean more towards a corporate feel if you’re not careful.
Burgundy also seems to be just about everywhere this fall, and I’m thinking it might be nice to combine the two colors together. In terms of burgundy, I have some boots and a bag– but no clothing. I’m on the lookout for a burgundy cardigan to add to my fall wardrobe.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
I’m spotting lots of tweed blazers this fall that combine burgundy and brown, which would make it an easy way to tie the two shades together. This J. Crew blazer combines burgundy, beiges, and brown for a versatile piece that will go with so many pieces. I layered it over this Talbots perfect turtleneck in burgundy, which will be a workhorse in any fall/winter wardrobe. The J. Crew wide-leg corduroy pants are a soft cotton blend that comes in 6 colors in reg, petite, and tall inseams. I added a woven vegan leather tote that’s lightweight and soft, some Blondo waterproof suede booties, a chunky gold chain bracelet, and two-tone hoop earrings.
Have you thought of combining burgundy with brown?
Looking forward to your posts on city casual dressing. That’s my style now too. Also interested in the Blondo waterproof suede booties that you linked. Will the suede survive a rain shower and still look good?
They say water proof so I suspect they will. Water resistant isn’t as durable.
I have always been a fan of warm browns. In fact, at one point, there was so much brown in my wardrobe that I completely stopped buying it. Now I’m down to one brown sweater, one pair of corduroy pants, and a pair of tall brown boots. Perhaps it’s time to carefully add a bit more back into my closet. I haven’t worn burgundy in years, but I’d like to try the idea of combining the two colours. I did my seasonal closet switch from spring/summer to fall/winter today and set aside more items to donate than I’ve bought in the past year, so it might be time for a bit of intentional shopping.
I love intentionally shopping. It’s such a smart way to add to your wardrobe.
A year ago, I had to give most of my wardrobe away as I changed sizes. Mind you I changed sizes not weight. Things just distributed around my middle! So you have been helping me for a long time in styling and color as we could be sisters in look and coloring. I’m ten years older but you really have helped me in choosing new clothes. I can’t afford yours but I have been lucky in substituting less expensive but similar looks by shopping sales at Kohls, JCP, Landsend and Nordstrom Rack. I love your style especially the casual clothes as that is my disabled retired life. I am looking forward to seeing your new ideas this year.
Thanks for being here Sydney. My shape is doing a fair amount of shifting lately too.
Love the fall colors and looks. Next time you purge your closet, mail the clothes to me. Ha! Ha!
I hope you have a great week.
LOL!
Burgundy and brown do seem great together. I spent all day yesterday working on my closet. I hate all my clothes too. I have four bags to give away. I have many shoes I just can’t wear anymore. Mostly sandals that don’t have enough cushioning. Since I partially dislocated my toe I’ve been wearing tennis shoes and that’s really not my style except for the gym and walking. I see shopping in my future!
Brown is a great color and I’m glad to see so many retailers embracing it this fall.
I love the idea of elevated casual and am looking forward to how you interpret that. I tend to lean more dressy casual in the fall and winter months and relaxed casual in the summer.
The burgundy leather bag is calling my name LOL.
I have combined burgundy and brown and do love the combination. I’m quite excited about the colors that are everywhere this fall since those are my colors. I usually didn’t wear brown around my face but have started to do so and am pleased with the results. Although I haven’t commented on your blog before, I do read it daily and love seeing the try on hauls. You’ve inspired me more than once. I’ve really enjoyed seeing your transition to living in Vancouver and your outdoor adventures.
I’m so glad you’ve joined the conversation, Nancy! I love reading of your experience with browns.
I am loving burgundy for this winter. I will be in Vancouver for Christmas this year and need some advice on keeping warm. Any suggestions on coats etc.
Many thanks.
Layers and plan on things that are water resistant, espoecially your booties. Send me an email and we can discuss further.
Right now, as a deep summer, I combine burgundy with dark gray. Warm tones just wash me out. I’d love to find cool toned dark brown shoes/boots, pants, purses but these are difficult to find!
I’m so happy for you to be enjoying your grandchildren again! That time together is so valuable.
I’m on the same hunt Kay, so I’ll let you know what I find.
Cool-toned browns and burgundies combine beautifully, as do warm-toned shades of both. I think undertones are probably the key to successful pairing. I use jewelry to help me figure out undertones — does the item look better with gold or silver jewelry? From there, it’s easier to choose the cool-toned (silver) or the warm-toned (gold).
That’s a great tactic for undertones.
I haven’t seen your older grandson in a while. If both you and he agree, I would love to see him and hear a little about how he is doing.
He’s old enough now that I don’t share his face on my blog or social platforms. He’s thriving and growing like a weed!!
That baby is adorable and cuddly! Lucky you, Nana. I love the browns and burgundies but find they make my fair skin with faded freckles look ruddy. I have to opt for blues and greys or taupes with cool blue undertones. Black on grey leopard is more flattering on me than the brown leopard. I can see wearing something burgundy like a belt, purse, or shoes with a taupe or black skirt, white blouse and a tweed blazer. I too don’t care for the destructed look. Classic looks are my vibe, love cashmere and silk and wool. Sandra
Thanks Sandra! He’s so sweet
Love the photo of you with your grandson!
I share your interest in how to dress what I call city casual. When I visit my daughter & grandchildren in DC I struggle with what to wear when we go out to parks, museums, libraries. My usual daily wear from back home looks sloppy but I don’t need or want to be overdressed. I look forward to seeing more suggestions from you.
I think it will be fun for us to explore this further.
I would love to know more about the things you cleared out of your closet!
I will share more as I go through it
Yes, I do combine burgundy with brown. I have a beautiful burgundy scarf my husband gave me and I like wearing it with light brown/vanilla/ecru tops. I’m interested in seeing what you add to your wardrobe now that you’re donating so much. I work from home, so I tend to be dressy on top, casual on the bottom. Any suggestions for that?
I’ll share more as my thoughts gel.
Burgundy has always been one of my very best color so I have collected it for years. And I’m adding while I can. As a dark winter the expresso brown is in my palette but doesn’t really match anything else. I surprised myself by thrifting some redwood brown Frye boots and a mahogany vintage Coach, but I don’t see myself wearing brown near my face (though In had very saturated dark brown hair that was obvs near my face!) I love wearing my cool burgundy with black, navy, gray, and dark denim.
That’s fascinating because theoretically, every color in your palette should coordinate with the others.
I often combine them because my best reds are brownish rather than bluish and my best browns are red-toned rather than yellow-toned !
Wonderful!
I have not combined brown and burgundy but will be shopping to consider the look. We will be looking to future posts on your wardrobe changes.
I like some browns, mainly beige or camel. But the deeper darker shades are showing up everywhere! I’m not certain about burgundy with deep chocolate brown, but its possible I guess.
Talbots Kate cardigan in burgundy is beautiful! ( if you haven’t found one).
Great post. I’m loving burgundy. I can totally relate to hating everything in my closet. I’m not doing well getting rid of things. I’ll keep you as my inspiration when I go back into my closet!