While I’m not the biggest fan of cold weather, I do love fall fashion and being able to wear my sweaters again has been bringing me a lot of joy. Much like how the t-shirt + jeans combo will forever be my spring/summer uniform, the sweater + jeans formula is my fall/winter equivalent. Finding new ways to feel stylish in that uniform while still feeling comfortable and myself is my style intention for the year.
I’ve been inhaling The Creative Pragmatist’s posts specifically these draft pages of Amy Smilovic’s book. Think I’ll have to purchase the book at some point this season but there’s actually so much you can learn just from reading the Substack as well. While my style words remain as Undone, Refined, and Contrast, having the “Chill, Modern, Classic” guidelines of The Creative Pragmatist has been the perfect added layer to planning my outfits this season.
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Vancouver has fully transitioned into that pre-winter fall weather where mornings are crispy but afternoons could still be sunny and somewhat warm. You’ll notice the layers start to pile up as we go through this week’s post but we’re starting off strong with my last warm weather outfit.
This Free People top has been an absolute anchor in my wardrobe this summer. Slouchy off shoulder top + jeans + shoes that show some skin has been the easiest summer uniform I’ve tried.
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As I’ve been going through my seasonal wardrobe purge, it’s also helped me pin point which items I love but don’t wear enough. I bought this The Frankie Shop blazer 5 or 6 years ago but it’s barely seen the light of day so I’ve been making it a point to style it more. The Blazer + Jeans + Simple Top + Loafers uniform is one of my favorites on others and I have no idea why I don’t wear it more. Especially when you have a great oversized fit in the blazer, it really creates an effortlessly chic feel even if everything is is basic.
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I’ve been doing a bit of a sweater overhaul this year and have finally sold every single one of my sweaters that contain synthetic materials. While I do understand why brands use small percentages of poly or elastane for specific cuts or fits, I didn’t love the way my sweaters fit me anymore so it was time for a change.
This Almina Concepts sweater is a new addition to my wardrobe this year and it really is the perfect slouchy v-neck. It’s that perfect in-between where it’s thin enough to wear under a blazer yet thick enough to keep you warm.
This outfit really is just a +1 layer version of the day before’s except I swapped out the cami for a t-shirt and the loafers for boots. This formula is definitely getting added to my fall uniform formulas.
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The sun came out on this day which to me always means “Tabi weather”, especially in autumn. Another staple from summer that I’m taking into autumn this year are these poplin culottes from Aritzia. I wore these quite a bit in Mexico City and didn’t think I’d be reaching for them in the fall but the elastic waist band and relaxed fabric makes them hard to let go of. I won’t be able to wear these into the winter but they’ve inspired me to look for a slightly longer pair that I can reach for all year long.
Culottes have definitely made a bit of a come back this year and while I can’t imagine myself purchasing more pairs, I do think they’re a “fun pant” that works well both in the “chill” and “classic” categories depending on the fabric and structure of the pant. I felt extremely comfortable in this outfit but I think adding the collared wool coat on top is what really pulls the outfit out of the comfy category and into something a little more refined.
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I never used to be much of a v-neck sweater girl but this Nothing Written sweater that I purchased last fall really changed that. This sweater is a little shorter and thicker than the Almina Concept one but still works well layered under a jacket and I do love the relaxed slouch.
I spent the day with my sister just enjoying the sunny weather and letting her practice driving in my car. I love these vintage Tom Ford era Gucci boots to death but they’re definitely not a 10,000 steps kind of boot so I try to wear them whenever I know I’ll be driving from one place to the next. I love how they took a chill sweater and very chill Stüssy denim to a more classic and refined place.
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Somewhere in my early 20s, I set a rule that “sweats don’t leave the house” and actually purged nearly my entire loungewear collection. Covid excused that rule for a while but I’m back to being fully committed to styling something even if I’m just running out for groceries or errands.
This was an errands day—I had to do some shopping for my mom, so I reached for an outfit formula I wore a couple of times this summer. The Line by K Zhade top fits the “fundamentals” creative pragmatist category to me by being one that pairs well with most of my bottoms while having a unique cut that doesn’t feel overly basic.
“Your basics should never be, well…basic. When they are, you feel basic too. Think about it this way: if your basics play it safe and look average, and the very point of a basic is to be worn a lot, then that means you’ll spend a lot of your life feeling pretty average.
A part of me sometimes regrets sizing up in my acne leather jacket but I do remember not loving the length of my usual size. So instead of ruminating over that choice, I’m aiming to style the oversized fit more this season.
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I wear this outfit formula so much that I’m seriously considering expanding my denim shirt collection. I saw this James Street one on Chloe Mihailovich a while back and have it saved in my wishlist. I actually cleared out my entire denim jacket collection earlier this year because I realized I didn’t love the fit of any of the jackets so I might have to hunt for a new one soon.
I spent some time with Mika on a patio this day after a long park walk. This is another easy formula that I reach for whenever I need to run out and don’t want to be in athleisure.
Some items I’m pining for
This week I’m adding a small section for paid subscribers of some items that I’ve been eyeing or are currently in my cart. Hope this adds a little inspiration for your autumn shopping.
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