Making an Outfit

There is probably no doubt how I feel about Fall and it's colors.  After all, I am an Autumn and my personality traits fit right into that category almost perfectly.

I read recently about a woman's struggle to adjust her wardrobe for this season change, so I thought I would show you some examples of my philosophy.

I believe that a clothing item should not be purchased unless you can make at least three outfits out of it.

This great Target find jacket allows me to pull together several outfits using my favorite fall colors.

This copper sweater was the basis for these three outfits.

 

1.  Brown leggings and boots with a gorgeous scarf and copper earrings

2.  Print leggings with a silver necklace and brown sandals

3.  Black print pants with a brown jewel necklace and boots

A simple scoop-neck black tee was the single factor in these outfits.

1.  Worn with black jeans and a long cardigan and statement necklace

2.  Dressed up with a purple velvet jacket and simple jewelry and black shoes

3.  Worn with khaki pants and a blue jean jacket and boots

Let me encourage you to shop in your closet and see how many different outfits you can put together with only a few different items.

I am using this mix & match wardrobe plan for our upcoming extended road trip.  It will save on packing space while also organizing my outfit options.

I am planning my travel wardrobe around three basic color of pants - black, khaki, and blue jeans.  I will carry a variety of tops and accessories to mix and match with these for various known and unknown occasions.

I think I foresee a blog post of this later.  In the meantime, blogging time will be at a premium, but be assured you will have picture overload of the wedding and travels to follow.

Inspiration to Myself

With no Wednesday Hodgepodge today, I thought I would throw together a quick post on my own.

Disclaimer:

This is a selfish post because I am the one who needs inspiration for putting together outfits right now.  I have become very lackadaisical with my wardrobe of late.  I love seeing other women's ideas and combinations and thought why not post a few of mine from times past and I might add a few I like from others as well.

I hope you may get some ideas that will spur you to shop in your own closet as I need to do.

This is a fun outfit and is so comfortable.

This is just one look from a capsule I put together a couple years ago for a trip.  The brown-on-brown is so practical and can be altered in so many ways.

You can never go wrong with black and white stripes.  Change to a pair of white jeans or crops but since the top doesn't cover the derriere, forget the leggings.

For a dresser look, I love my gray suit.  The look is timeless and the ways to alter the look are unlimited.

This is just a classic look with white jeans and a simple tee.  Throw on a light weight jacket or cardigan and you're ready to go.  Don't forget a statement necklace with this simple look.

 My Stella top is one of my favorites.  It will go with any color jean or dress up slacks.  The hat was just for fun.

 And this is my look today.  It is fun and will go just about anywhere, which is why I love it.

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Now for some inspiration from some of my favorite bloggers on fashion for women my age.  No doubt they are a lot younger than I am, as are most people, but they have such an ageless style.

 I absolutely love this lady's sense of style.  Beth is one snazzy dresser but relate-able.  I think I can safely say I enjoy her blog the most simply because I would love to be able to wear everything she puts on.

Style At A Certain Age

Jennifer is perhaps closer to my age, but don't tell her I said that.  She is a very stylish and classic dresser.  I follow her on her blog as well as Instagram.

Chic at Any Age

I learned about Diana about fifteen years ago when she wrote one of her first e-books, "Wardrobe Magic".  She was my guru on wardrobe planning as I bought almost every e-book she put out.  I used her materials in my seminars which was an invaluable resource.  She is the most knowledgeable fashion consultant out there, as far as I'm concerned.
 
Fashion For Real Women

I follow Jennifer by email as well as following her blog.  She is a petite cutie who gives very down-to-earth fashion advice.

A Well Styled Life

I hope this gives you some good ideas and resources as you plan your spring/summer wardrobe.

My Travel Wardrobe Plan

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we have two major trips planned for late summer.

I also mentioned that I have been planning my travel wardrobe for these trips.

As we will be driving in our Avalon and not a big SUV, space is of the essence.  I must keep that in mind when doing my planning.

My goal is to get by with as few clothes as possible and yet have what I need.

The Plan!

1.  Make a Plan

Yep, that's the first step of the plan!  Make one!

1st Trip:

Where?  Breckenridge, Colorado

When?   August 1 - 10

Weather?  Range from 72 - 46 or lower

Culture/Level of Formality?  Casual

Activities?   Walking and driving scenic tours; evening concerts, spending time with family

2nd Trip:

Where?  A month-long trip involving stops in Alabama, South Carolina, Maryland, Ontario, Michigan and an extended stay in northern Indiana

When?  August 25 - Sept. 24

Weather?  Extremely varied!

Culture/Level of Formality?  Casual/Business Casual/Dress

Activities?  Visiting friends, touring D.C. area, wedding, boat tour of Niagara Falls, driving scenic tours, touring Henry Ford Museum and grounds, soccer and college football games, Pilates, church

2.  Decide on a Color Scheme

Plan clothing capsules!

This plan will give me 32+ DIFFERENT outfits!

Pants 

I based my color scheme around 4 pairs of pants:  Blue Jeans, Chocolate Brown, Khaki, Black stretch pants.  I have also added a couple pair of black leggings and a pair of white capris.

With these basic 4 pairs of pants I will have more than enough choices and alternatives for mixing and matching for both of the trips.  Needless to say, I won't be taking everything for the 1 week trip that I will take for the longer one.

Tops

I selected loose, long tunics of similar style that will mix and match with all the pants.  They are all solid color so I will have plenty of options for changing a look without tiring of a particular pattern.

Since all are knits, they will roll up and pack easily without wrinkling. 

 This brown-on-brown will be a basic outfit and can be worn so many different ways.

Dressn' Gawdy

  One option.

 For those cool mornings and evenings, I will add a light-weight cardi.
This flowing cardigan will go with all the tops and the blue jeans, brown and khaki pants.

 

 Each top can be easily mixed with any of the pants and are long enough to wear over leggings.

Coral - Soft Surroundings

Olive - Soft Surroundings

This sheer cinnamon cardi can add another layer when necessary and be left open or knotted.  It can be worn over all of the tops with different affects.

Soft Surroundings

 When something light is needed over the shoulders or around the neck for day or evening, scarves are a great option.

Dressn' Gawdy

  This multicolored cardi incorporates all the colors I will be wearing.

Dressn' Gawdy

 A red tunic will be fun to play with.  Can you see multiple-length strands of pearls, black wedge sandals and a bit of extra make-up for an evening on the town?

Tunic - Dressn' Gawdy

 I absolutely love this orange tunic.  The only jewelry required is a pair of dangling earrings and bracelets.
It looks amazing with the chocolate pants as well. With my short hair I will wear a heavier earring than shown here for balance.

Tunic - Dressn' Gawdy; Capris - Marshalls; Flats - Macy's

 This gauze tunic with intricate beading will take me from day

to evening.

Tunic - Soft Surroundings; Pants - Macy's

DON'T FORGET!

Don't buy an item unless it will go with at least 3 other items in your closet.

3.  Limit the Shoes and Accessories

Shoes 

I know it is tempting to take a separate pair of shoes for every outfit.  REFRAIN!

With the outfits I have shown, I will be taking a maximum of 4 pairs!

 Boots

Black Wedge Sandals

Brown Wedge Sandals
Vionic ortho Sandals

Accessories

 I will take a very small assortment of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and scarves, most of which are shown in pictures above.

4.  Plan for the Unexpected

Take a coat or jacket and rain apparel.

Have a plan for dressing up an outfit for a nice evening out.

5.  Don't take anything that is not necessary for a particular trip

 I will not be taking 32+ outfit options for a 1-week trip.

6.  Go in Confidence!

If you like to check off things in order not to forget anything, you may want to make a checklist.

There are plenty of choices online.

 

See how easy this is?  You have everything planned!

NO SURPRISES!

You have done your homework and can be confident you will look your best for every occasion.

I am joining Visible Monday  today.