I know it’s supposed to be fall, but is it really? 🍂🍁🦃

IT’S FALL, Y’ALL! That’s what they’re saying. Honestly, I haven’t been able to tell. It has NOT been sweater weather here in Texas. I know that some of you are elated because you can wear your sweaters, jackets, boots, coats, scarves, etc. Oh joy!

Feel free to share your thoughts and answers in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

The weather is doing its unpredictable thing, as usual.

I just read that, historically, our first day below 50°F falls around October 21st, and we usually see our first morning below 40°F by November 15th. Ha! That DID NOT happen. We’ve had a few cool mornings, but the afternoons are 80+ degrees. I handle this by wearing layers. Wearing a blazer, cardigan, or jacket of choice over a top with a cami under it usually does the trick for me on cool mornings. I can remove the blazer when it becomes too warm and put it back on if I plan to go out to dinner or run errands after work once the sun goes down. I can’t stand being cold so I keep at least two jackets in my car year-round–because options are essential! What’s your favorite layering trick for unpredictable weather? Do you have a go-to jacket or scarf that saves the day? 

Most people I know, women and men alike, enjoy fall/winter clothing over spring/summer clothing. Not me! Give me a pair of sandals a sundress or shorts and a tank top and I’m happy! I must be honest and admit to y’all that I have more fall/winter clothing than spring/summer. It’s ridiculous! When I’m not wearing my winter clothing, I store them in those jumbo storage bags that become flat when the air is sucked out of them with the vacuum hose. There’s something that I find soothing watching the air being sucked out. Is it just me? Can’t be. They are wonderful and I highly recommend them. Have you ever used them? If so, what’s your experience with them? We must store our clothing properly and these work very well and save tons of space. 

Enough about the weather. Let’s talk fashion. What will we wear while we’re out and about in this weather? A few weeks ago I went to the Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans and I wore an eyelet top, striped seersucker shorts, and espadrilles. Yep, it was that warm. I wish I could dress like that year-round. 

Um, what should I wear? Let’s talk trends. 👗👜

Circle skirts, leopard prints, Boho (one of my faves), statement midi dresses, crew neck sweaters, tailored suiting, oversized pants, suede sneakers, collarless jackets, and corduroy are also on trend for the fall/winter. Velvet, sequin, satin, feathers, and faux fur are popular as well. I saw a few plaid country coats on the runways and they were cool looking. Elegant draping is back and I’m here for it! Sheer pieces are still very popular. Tracksuit pants are also popular, interesting. I may have to get a pair. 

Scarf coats are another trend that I love for this fall/winter. They are functional and they look quite chic. Capes are back! I’m happy about that. What about you? I have a few capes in storage with my other winter clothing. I love it when I can pull my old pieces out of storage and place them back into rotation. That brings me joy. Leather jackets, barn coats, pea coats, long coats, and the almighty trench (classic and never out of style) coat are also on trend. The leather trench is my favorite of all the coats. I received one as a gift from my father when I was a senior in high school and it was faaabulous! You couldn’t tell me NOTHIN when I wore it. He was living in New York at the time and he had excellent taste. 

If you really want to be chic buy something that is LEATHER/FAUX LEATHER! It doesn't matter if it’s a dress, skirt, pants, leggings, jacket, or a top.

Boots, Bags, and Accessories

The right accessories can transform your outfit, while the wrong ones—or none at all—can leave it feeling blah, like unseasoned food. If you wear the wrong accessories, well, let’s just say, you’ve wasted your money on a great outfit because no one will notice it. The wrong accessories will stand out instead of the outfit. I agree that less is more most time. Our accessories (carried, worn, and shoes) should complement our outfits. 

When the weather changes I’ll look forward to wearing my boots and capes. Over-the-knee boots are on trend this fall/winter. I’m sure many of you, like myself, are thinking that you would wear them if they weren’t. I wear them EVERY year as soon as it’s cold enough and I don’t plan to stop because I consider them classic. Cowboy, over-the-knee, suede, riding, and leopard are some of the boot trends for this season. Are you over-the-knee boots or team booties? 

Loafers, kitten heels, mules, wedges, Mary Janes, ballet flats, pillbox hats, and box bags, are all popular at the moment. Any accessory in animal prints (leopard, snake, and zebra) is a must-have for the season. Go dig in that closet and find them. Try adding a bold animal print bag to elevate a simple outfit. Patent leather is also quite popular these days. They are my absolute faves! 

Color crush: Burgundy and Beyond

The most popular color at the moment is BURGUNDY. If you’re a shopper you have seen burgundy everywhere for months. I’m sure most of you already have burgundy in your wardrobe. Other trending colors are true brown, chocolate brown, blues, red, white, grays, and avocado green. Add one or a few of those colors to modernize your wardrobe especially if you like to stick with traditional pieces. Try this, pair chocolate brown with avocado green for a bold, earthy vibe, or mix burgundy and gray for a polished, timeless look. Do you plan to try any of these colors this season? Or are you sticking with your go-to favorites?

Make it stand outWhat’s your fave out of these choices and what other colors are you wearing these days? Have you purchased any new clothing or accessories yet, if so, what? 

Thanksgiving in Style

Thanksgiving is this week. It does show that it’s supposed to become a bit cooler, 74 degrees for Thanksgiving. We’ll see. 

If you’re wondering what to wear for Thanksgiving dinner in this warm weather, stick with breathable fabrics in festive fall colors like burgundy, brown, or avocado green. Pair a light maxi dress with booties or wide-leg pants with a fitted top to keep things chic and comfortable.

Sustainability

Yes, it’s cool to purchase new pieces, but I LOVE pulling my old clothing out of storage and wearing a pair of shoes, pants, a dress, or any of the old pieces that I’ve had for years. It feels like my birthday because I have forgotten all that I have. It also helps the environment when we use what we have.

Always remember to dress the way you want to be addressed—and whether it’s 84°F or 40°F, fall is what you make it. Choose quality, embrace the trends you love, and rock your unique style!