Heading out for a walk: t-shirt under sleeveless jumpsuit. Sneakers, Uniqlo hoodie. . . Those keys and that phone will slip into the jumpsuit’s handy pockets. Note that I had to carry a small folding umbrella (on the right). . . I think I even had to use it a bit. . .
Temperatures here have been gradually falling over the last couple of weeks, mostly sunny days with highs in the low 20s (C), sometimes hitting 25 in the early to mid-afternoon. The kind of late-summer, early-fall weather I always associate with my kids losing jackets or sweaters in the first weeks of school. That chill in the air as they head off in the morning giving them the excuse to wear their new, back-to-school gear. . . the heat of sunshine on the lunchtime playground pulling it off their back where it languishes on the ground by the “monkey bars” or at the side of the soccer field . . .
Took this photo in my motel room, late August. Local travel to visit girlfriends. . . short-sleeved T with favourite navy skirt (linen-cotton blend), light cashmere navy V-neck, sneakers.
I’ll have to check in with my kids and see if that phenomenon still prevails. Perhaps my grandchildren are more attentive, better organized, than their parents were at the same age. . . Judging by what they occasionally forget at our place, I suspect that’s not true. And I doubt it’s any more true of kids in our neighbourhood where I occasionally see a small sweater draped over a swing set at the local park, a pink hoodie set on a picnic table in the hopes its owner might return for it, a red jacket hooked over a gatepost by a thoughtful passer-by who spotted it on the sidewalk. . . .
Traveled light (local trip to visit girlfriends) and amused to realize everything but my shoes had a “French connection”: Skirt bought in Bordeaux, sweater in Paris, long-sleeved striped T ordered on-line from Paris shop, and I’m carrying a Longchamp bag bought in Paris years ago.
I’m pretty good about managing to get my sweaters home at the end of a day (although I wish I knew what I did with my old Gap jean jacket; did it somehow end up in the Thrift Store Donations bag in an overly enthusiastic purge?). Which is good, since it’s becoming pretty obvious that Sweater Weather is taking over, soon. We do generally get some warm, dry weeks, here on Canada’s West Coast, between now and mid-October, but it’s raining today, as it was yesterday, and next week’s daytime highs are forecast as mostly below 20. Cooler than room temperature. “Put a sweater on” weather. I may even pull my raincoat out. . . .
So it’s beyond time that I post these promised What I Wore photos representing the kind of transitional outfits I find pleasing and comfortable as Summer spills into Fall. Two weeks, ago, for example, when we took the ferry and drove along BC’s Sunshine Coast, the weather was “changeable,” so I opted for loose linen, layered. I hadn’t planned to hike up a fairly steep hillside in this jumpsuit, but despite a few tricky spots (clambering over tree roots; picking our way up rocky sections, careful to look for solid footing), the wide legs and slightly dropped crotch proved practical enough.
A panoramic view from the top of Pender Hill. . . taken by a late-60s woman wearing an indigo linen jumpsuit over a striped linen T 😉
And Paul and I were both amused at how many compliments I got, over our three-day getaway, each time I wore this OOTD. One young woman smiled broadly as she and her partner approached us on a forest path, and then as we moved away from each other, in opposite directions, she stopped, left her partner to come back and tell me emphatically how much she liked what I was wearing. . . and then went on to include my hair, the whole look. Apparently I had it “going on.” Well, I wasn’t going to argue! (insert Winking Emoji 😉
If you’re curious, you can also see that jumpsuit here, styled quite differently in summer heat in Zagreb.
Another panoramic view taken the next evening from a restaurant terrace about 30 kilometres away.
And this is the dress I wore to dinner at that restaurant with the fabulous view. For context, I should say that the restaurant is part of a “Wilderness Lodge,” that we walked there along the gravel shoulder of a narrow road and then along a dirt pathway, that the main (tourist) activities in the area are hiking, kayaking, fishing, and boating. . . But honestly, I’ve worn this to dinner in the city as well. So. . . .
This outfit you’ve seen already, in my Rentrée preview, just a slightly different angle and the book as accessory — I was heading out for a walk, stopping at the library along the way (Proximity to the local branch of the library is an unanticipated benefit of our condo location).
Cotton T; WIDE!-legged heavy linen pants (with capacious pockets); sneakers (again, of course)
I’m hoping I can keep a good proportion of my summer wardrobe in rotation for at least a few more weeks this way, adding a layer here and there, under or over, choosing longer-sleeved t-shirts instead of short-sleeved, instead of tanks. . . until a nip or two of frost calls for a more serious switch.
That frost is coming, though. And already the rain is calling for some footwear changes. And the footwear changes (plus the lower temperatures) will mean bare legs won’t look (or feel) right much longer. So I’ve started planning a bit, trying out a few possibilities. Not nearly as efficiently as my friend Sue (who has somehow, magically, made her Birkenstock-style sandals look great with leather pants and a casual windbreaker). Sue’s already begun her transition to her Fall wardrobe and I admire her disciplined approach.
Not enough to emulate it, apparently, but I did play around a bit the other day with photographing a few possibilities for Fall gear. Tried a new denim boiler-suit with and without a belt, for example. Experimented with a pair of fawn-coloured suede boots I bought five or six years ago to see if they’d work for the first few weeks of fall. Threw a few different sweaters over a dress or two to see what shape combinations I like. That’s another post, upcoming.
Meanwhile, I welcome your comments on seasonal wardrobe adjustments. And then there’s the whole question about whether or not we can “spare any bandwidth” (as the expression seems to be these days, symptomatic of the times in so many disturbing ways) to think or care about wardrobe. About how much we find some solace in that caring, if we indulge. About how reassuring is the rhythmic regularity of that seasonal change. Or not.
The seemingly superficial always connected to the bigger, supposedly deeper, supposedly more important questions. I had the joy of taking my almost teen-age granddaughter clothes-shopping yesterday; this juxtaposition is very much on my mind — that’s a whole other post, but quick take: I think it’s important to hold onto the joy. . . and we still have to get dressed. Anyway, that’s enough from me this Sunday morning. I hope you have a minute or two to leave a comment, but if not just wave me a wave. I’ll know 😉
xo,
f
We are not anywhere near Fall weather here in São João – a look at the 10-day forecast has highs consistently in the 23 – 24 degree range, with lows around 18 – 19. (Look at me, venturing into the Celsius!) I wore my beloved Eileen Fisher black tank dress out to dinner (we were outdoors) last night, but paired it with my Find Your Fade knit shawl that’s pretty sizable and can either go around my neck or around my shoulders as needed. So I suppose that’s dipping my toe into the Fall wardrobe – I haven’t had much call for knitwear over the last couple of months!
I love your “hiking” outfit – I can see why you received so many compliments on the trail. It’s very fresh and lively. And matching socks!
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Those temperatures are not so different from ours, except that we’re heading into the very low teens at night, even 11 and 12 degrees (Brava on the Celsius!).
I’m betting your shawl was admired when you wore it do dinner (I know there’s a solid knitting tradition in Portugal and a good-sized cohort of young knitters, contemporary designers and yarn producers).
Ha! The matching socks were completely accidental — they’re years and years old, a pair of very good running socks, reversible, one layer a fine merino.
Oh how perfectly you have expressed my need to order and reorder my wardrobe, Frances. To plan my seasonal closet, what to wear with what, and what to purchase to update a beloved pair of old trousers or an ancient jacket. And you make me feel not nearly as shallow as I somehow do amongst family and friends who don’t care as much as I do about clothes. And like this past year, when I can’t “spare the bandwidth” is when I most need to have an orderly closet. How reassuring in a crazy world are the seasonal rhythms. Even the sartorial ones. I’m thinking of fall apple picking in chunky sweaters. Actually a very specific grey chunky sweater. With…hmmm… maybe my black jeans and boots. I may as well think about that today, as sit and fret. Especially since Stu is away fishing and things have gone awry again at home in New Brunswick. xoxo
Ugh, I’m sorry for the awry-ness in New Brunswick! I hope it all gets sorted in the best possible way as soon as possible. Until then, hugs…
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Did you grow apples on the farm as well, Sue? I’m forming a mental image of you, fitted brown boots over tights, a pleated plaid skirt, short but not too, that chunky grey sweater (maybe a cable or two?) there’s a ladder. . . Oh no, whoops, that’s a Seventeen magazine, isn’t it? 😉
But seriously, I hope that your fall wardrobe inventory helps steady you and distract you as you cope with matters in NB. xoxo
“Sweater weather” – what a lovely, alliterative phrase! It seems like a million years away from us in California, where is 90 degrees F right now and a little smoky. I am refreshed just reading this post, and it brings me hope that I will soon(ish) be able to wear the one shirt I allowed myself to purchase in anticipation of more pleasant temperatures and fresh air.
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We’ve had a taste of that smoke-and-heat combo these last few summers, and I’m so relieved and grateful when our fall rains start up again. I hope you’ll get some of that before too long. 90F in September would be too much for me!
Loved your visual of the orphaned jackets and sweaters on the playground. I recall a time my brother came home without his shoes!
Love from the Bay Area Ca. 💕
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No shoes! Oh dear! You’d think those little bare feet might have noticed the concrete 😉
One of my younger sisters wore glasses very young, and hated them enough that they were often “forgotten.” Once, at a beach. A beach that was a 30-minute drive from home. . .
As always at this time of year, I’m dragging my feet when it comes to making the seasonal wardrobe switch and hoping for a few more days (or even weeks) of summer weather. In reality though, I find myself reaching for long sleeved tees and jeans more often than not as the mornings are getting chillier here in Alberta.
Since you mentioned your hair in this post, I must tell you that I’ve been admiring it ever since I first “met” you on Sue’s blog and then started following yours. I have a head of curls similar in length to yours and wonder if you have any tips or products that you recommend? Some days I love my hair, but there are others when it almost drives me bonkers!
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Yes, a few more weeks would be good — but you’re right, even here on the Coast, it’s the morning chill that’s undeniable, even if the day warms up later.
As for my hair — we curly-heads are always searching, aren’t we? We rarely had anything as luxurious as a de-tangling or conditioning product when I was growing up (occasionally, if Creme Rinse was on sale, a bottle might find its way to the bathroom shelves, but didn’t last long) . . . and as soon as I could afford my own, and better became available, I’ve appreciated every dollop of any product that made these curls more manageable.
For the last decade or so, my haircare is pretty simple: wash and condition with Aveda every third or so day, but I have to wet it each morning to undo the bedhead. Then I apply a small amount of a product called Curls Rock Amplifier (by Catwalk), then style and let air-dry. For me, styling when it was shorter was just scrunching curls into it and leaving it alone, “picking” some volume into it when dry but being careful not to touch it too much (because FRizz!). The last while, I’ve grown it a bit longer on top and have been giving it a loose part and then twisting ringlets into it when wet (after applying product). Again, most important is leaving it alone while it’s air-drying (if you’re really good with a hair dryer/diffuser, go for it. Doesn’t work for me, and I live in a climate where I can get away with air-drying — i.e. I’m not walking into freezing air half the year, as you might be). If you don’t have a wide-toothed hair pick, I recommend it as much more suited to most curls than a brush (I haven’t brushed my hair since my 20s! ;-).
Too Long, Didn’t Read? Here’s the Summary: Curls Rock Amplifier + Hair Pick + Style Wet and Air Dry
And Some Curly-Girl Solidarity 😉
Not too long at all! Thank you for taking the time to answer in detail. Sounds like we do pretty much the same thing using different products. I’m hopeless with a blow dryer/diffuser, so I totally agree that air drying is the way to go. Thankfully, having been retired for more than a decade, I seldom have to leave the house early on those cold wintery mornings. I think I might follow your example and let the top grow out a bit more as that’s the part that gives me the most grief. Twisting it into ringlets sounds like a great idea, but I’m not sure there’s enough length to do that with right now.
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You’re very welcome. I found the Curls Rock to be a game-changer, if you can get your hands on it.
Those views are really beautiful & how lovely to be able to visit that restaurant . I’m envious . Your wardrobe is very disciplined in that you have a certain style which suits you & your temperament ( arty academic ? ) You take risks but never ‘ over egg the pudding ‘ . No piling on fiddly accessories to spoil the lines . It wouldn’t suit everyone but you have your fabulous hair which is a major accessory in itself . There are women all over the blog world devoting themselves just to their appearance but that isn’t you . It’s just a very small part of your life . You are a great example of an intelligent , accomplished woman finding pleasure in what she wears . You even knit the loveliest little bears . I’m envious again !
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Thank you so much for this assessment of my style — honestly, I feel “seen” in the clarity of your description. I don’t think I could have articulated my style anywhere near this precisely, and it pleases me that what I’m loosely aiming at when I get dressed does get conveyed. I would never have thought of my wardrobe as “disciplined,” but now that you’ve described it so, I recognize my own “No, nevers” and “absolutely nots.” (and I love this expression, that I never “over egg the pudding”!)
Really thoughtful, kind words. Thank you again.
I love your linen pieces. You look so comfortable and stylish. Your own style. Love it!
Today will be a long day of husband’s medical appointments in downtown Los Angeles. It will be in the 80’s. I will leave my shorts at home and don a pair of white crop denims and my favorite Banana Republic crewneck tank. I bought the tank at least three seasons ago in four colors. A blue denim jacket and my rose gold Birkenstock’s will complete the outfit.
On our way home, we are stopping to have dinner with my 94 yr old mother at a favorite Japanese restaurant. Then, hopefully, without too much traffic, we will scoot back home. Praying for travel safety and good reports. 🤗
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That sounds like a potentially gruelling day, and I love the way you’ve planned to take advantage of its positive side, making the most of the trip to the city. I will be thinking of you, of those good reports, of your safety driving home, your enjoyment of dinner together, the three of you. xo
Thanks, Frances. Things went relatively well. Dinner was delicious! But it was a long day…ten hours from departure to return. Night. Night.
Authentic is an overused word, but there really isn’t a better descriptor that comes to mind when I see the photos of your various OOTD. They are authentically you. Casual, but intent. Natural and at ease. Someone who knows herself and is comfortable in her skin…with just enough edginess that lets the world know you are one very interesting woman. Someone with surprising depths.
it’s been too hot here to consider Autumn clothing. Today I was guilty of wearing white pants after labor day. I am always struck by the fresh and unique way you dress. I wish I could come up with my own version. I was wondering, are you someone who looks at your wardrobe and decides what gaps need to be filled or are you more someone who sees something you love and decides to make it work? I tend to be a planner but I think I get more complements from the clothing I purchased because I just had to have it.
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Such a good question, Darby! I have to admit that I’m not a very good planner when it comes to my wardrobe, although I’ve tried to be more thoughtful these last few years since retirement and thinking more than ever about slowing down my consumption. About 15, maybe 20 years ago, when I started to have a more generous budget which came at the expense of time, I found that I did better buying pieces I loved, that suited me, when I came across them. Searching out particular pieces to fill wardrobe gaps (especially when they were required for a particular occasion) was not often successful, especially given where I lived (small city, about 70,000 people, not great for shopping!). I buy less now, but I guess I still roughly follow that approach.
Love all of the outfits in this post, and am especially interested to know your sources — if you don’t mind sharing, of course! — for the long sleeved striped T and the “dinner dress”. I struggle with finding the perfect striped T’s and casual dresses that can be dressed up or down are on my radar these days.
And, how lovely to be close to a library. I love our local library, which is a bit too far for a walk along roads without sidewalks, but a super quick drive and on my way home from work.
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I don’t mind at all. I ordered the (Armor Lux) striped T from Crimson Cashmere in Paris (dangers of following @lindavwright on Instagram!) And the dress is by a Danish company (Two Danes); I bought it in a small boutique (Shabby Rabbit) in Victoria, BC, but that was Summer ’20 and this summer they weren’t carrying the line anymore.
You’re so right — living close to a library is a boon!
An almost teen-aged granddaughter? My god, we have been compatriots for a long time! I love your style, it is ineffably you. In these outfits I am particularly drawn to the pink and olive green, it feels so witty. I send you all my best wishes, which, as the days shorten, will then concentrate and deepen as do the colors. xoxox
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I know! Isn’t it crazy? And she’s taller than I am now. . .
Thanks especially for noticing that pink and olive green — I’ve been trying to wear the hoodie more and I do like that colour combo.
xoxo