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So we're officially in that weird time of year in the DC area where one day it's cold, one day it's hot, one day it's raining (and then the next day is raining) and it's humid and muggy and then the next day is perfection. What the heck is a person to wear? Really summery clothes feel wrong, but wool and cords sound like torture. Enter transitional styling.
I've had this L.L. Bean cotton cableknit sweater for almost as long as my 12-year-old daughter. It has been bleached and put in the dryer and still looks great. This is a size large; they still have the same sweater it's the color Sailcloth. It comes in 10 colors, regular, petite, and plus sizes, and is less than $50.
As I shared in my post about fall fashion trends for women over 40, sweaters, and especially cableknit and fisherman sweaters are on trend this season. But considering how old this sweater is (and it's not my first one from L.L. Bean), it's not like it's a trendy piece that will look dated this time next year. Since it's cotton, it's more of a transition piece than my wool sweaters; I've worn it with my black Universal Standard overalls, with jeans, with denim shorts, with wool trousers, and on this weird not hot/not cold day with my J. Crew Foundry Pants you've previously seen here.
I love these pants, and I hate chinos. They are not as stiff as chinos, and have a slight basketweave finish. I like how they're slouchy like linen pants but still have enough structure to wear into fall (and not bag out by lunchtime). These are the 14 regular; I have them cuffed twice. I also got these pants from J. Crew in Large Petite and wear them as much as these Foundry Pants. Who would have thought I'd become a chino gal?
The creams don't match exactly, my brown leathers don't match exactly, and this is okay. You'll see this fall a lot of similar but not exact colors mixed together and I don't think the difference is jarring in person. While I am not usually one to wear warm neutrals, this time of year I love all the creams, tans, camels, and browns with my leftover highlights and tan from the summer.
The belt is old from cabi (gift from the brand), the flats are from ALLY (read my ALLY flats review and find a promo code to save on an order). I really love these flats; they're not cheap but they are supportive and well-constructed. I don't like flats, but I like these! I went up half a size, chose the wide width, super happy with the fit.
The bag is no longer in my possession. This shoot was its first and last time I carried it; I came home and carefully packed it up and sent it back. I don't know what I was thinking buying an open weave bag. Actually, I do, I was thinking I have a pouch I thought would fit inside and I could just move the pouch from bag to bag this fall. And the pouch doesn't fit in this bag.
So I put my purse basics in it for the shoot and almost lost my keys during the session. It's also smaller than I thought it would be. But if I was the kind who could rock an open weave bag, this one smells amazing, looks great, and is beautifully constructed. It comes in three different colors and if you want more bag, this is the larger version.
The cigar ring is from this Etsy seller; FYI I usually wear a size 9 on my right ring finger and got an 11. It fits on my right ring finger but no other finger except my thumb. It may fit on one of my middle fingers this winter (fingers are a bit smaller in cold weather) but I wanted to give you the heads up in case you're considering buying it. I really like the finish and quality. I asked the Etsy seller if they do larger sizes and they do not.
The sunglasses are from ROKA, the earrings are Baublebar, the chain is from Rellery (gift from the brand last year), and the date necklace is from Etsy.
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Just ordered a similar but larger bag from Anthropologie, excited to try it. I think I need that sweater in a darker color. I just can’t wear light colors, it never fails that I spill or stain them somehow
I hear you, this sweater has been bleached and Bac-Outed and Shouted and Tide to Go-ed so many times!
Tips on how to tuck a sweater without it being all bulky around the waist? Thanks!
1 second this. Tips on tucking shirts also. I have no idea how to make them stay put.
I would love to see these tips as well! I tried to tuck a sweater this morning inspired by this post and it looked…not good.
Love the cozy but not sweltering look.
I triple love this outfit! I’m one who -does- wear warm neutrals, usually in deeper colors, but there is nothing more elegant than cream and caramel paired together. It suits you more than you realize. The first thing I thought when I saw it was what a gorgeous bag. The second thing I thought was, it has no lining! Function is first. Maybe a tan bucket bag would work.
I love the sweater! Thank you for the heads up as I am not a L. L. Bean shopper but I know the quality is amazing.
As always you look great and you rock! Cute bag but there is no way I could carry an open weave bag.
I know you said the bag is open weave but looks wise I love it! So different and unique! Too bad they didn’t make it with a lining inside.
I love this kind of column of color dressing, for me its easy and simple, yet looks pulled together and intentional. And good for you for realizing the bag would not work for you and sending it back…i find bags, like shoes, really need a good try on to insure that they actually work. Just holding my stuff isn’t enough, will i be able to get my sunglasses out quickly, will it bang on my side etc….