Getting dressed for your day in a way that makes you feel confident and beautiful is one of the most important factors in helping you to show up your very best. And even if you are over 50 or, like me, over 60, you still have reason to keep putting your best foot forward. But you and I know that putting together a visually pleasing outfit is a little more complicated than just matching a top to a pair of pants. So today I’m sharing seven tips that will help you pull together looks you can feel confident in all fall.
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I have a sharp outfit to show you along the way today, but this blog post is about so much more than what I’m wearing. So if you’d like to shop the look (and I’m showing a different jacket with it below), just click through the links in the captions of the photos or the shopping widget at the bottom of the post.
#1 – Make easy-on-the-eyes color combinations.
When you’re putting your fall outfits together you may prefer to lean into some of the vibrant, saturated colors that are trending this fall or you may enjoy wearing neutrals. Either way I suggest you put together colors that look easy on the eyes.
What do we mean by “easy on the eyes?” Simply that the combination looks cohesive and not jarring. Sure, it’s fun to mix things up occasionally. So this is not a rule, but simply a suggestion that will help you create visually pleasing outfits consistently and easily. Bottom line, choose color combinations that help you (your face, specifically) be the star of the show, not the colors themselves.
#2 – Keep it simple sweetie.
Sometimes during the fall I get so excited to wear layers that I over complicate things. This is our reminder that the simple outfits are often the most impactful. Aim for an effortless vibe that indicates you put some effort into your appearance…but not too much work.
#3 – Mix textures in your outfit.
One of the ways to create outfits that have that effortless vibe but also look interesting is to mix textures in your outfit. And autumn makes that so easy. This year beautiful, interesting textures are showing up in all the new collections at your favorite stores.
The hottest fabric this fall, hands down, is suede. This beautiful suede jacket (c/o L.Cuppini) is an investment you could keep in your closet and wear frequently for years. It fits true to size (I’m wearing a medium for a generous fit) and is a beautiful, high quality jacket I can highly recommend. Oh, and check out this lovely suede trench coat from L.Cuppini, too. But of course you’ll find many faux suede options, too, this season. Other trending textures include corduroy, cashmere, tweed, boucle, velvet and leather. Aim to have at least two to three different textures in your outfit, especially if you are creating a monochromatic outfit.
#4 – Dress your body shape strategically.
The best outfits are always the ones that fit and flatter your body. Make sure you’re not wearing oversized clothes to “cover up,” but instead choose garments that graze your body or even hug your curves when appropriate.
Put together those well-fitted garments in an outfit that helps you create an hourglass shape. If you have an apple or oval shape (which is the largest category of women, by the way), a rectangle shape, a triangle or pear shape or an inverted triangle shape (where your shoulders are broader than your hips), then you’ll have to be a little more strategic in order to create a visual hourglass, but you can do it. The key is to create the appearance of shoulders and hips that are relatively the same width and a waistline that is visually smaller. Stick with me here at Dressed for My Day and at my YouTube channel and I will help you do that. You might also want to check out my blog posts in the Dressed for My Day…My Way style series HERE and in the main menu under BLOG then FASHION.
#5 – Create an outfit that gives you pleasing proportions.
The golden ratio of proportions is 1/3 to 2/3. For instance, when you see a beautiful landscape photograph, you’ll probably notice that one “portion” of the photo takes up 2/3 of the composition while the other 1/3 is noticeably different. In the same way, you want to put together your outfit so that, in a pants outfit (generally), you have one “block” in the top 1/3 of your body (from the neck to your waist) and the other portion of your outfit takes up the other 2/3 (from the visual waistline to the ground).
That’s why cropped length tops like this short-sleeve cardigan might be your friend, especially if you don’t like to tuck your shirt in. If your sweater or top is too long and you leave it untucked, you probably will not achieve those optimal 1/3 to 2/3 proportions. Of course there are other ways to create these pleasing proportions, too, but the main point is to keep that in mind as you aim to put together visually pleasing outfits this fall.
#6 – Keep all elements of your outfit in proportion to your physical frame.
While it’s smart to try to achieve that golden ratio with your outfit, that’s not the only consideration when it comes to proportions. You’ll also create more visually pleasing outfits when you keep other elements of your outfit in proportion to your physical frame.
For instance, I’m 5’8″ and rather large boned. So I gravitate to full length wide leg jeans and longer blazers that compliment my size. I also tend to carry medium to large handbags because they reflect my frame. If you are average height and weight, you probably can wear and carry a wider range of things. But if you are petite and small or if you, like me, take up a little more space, you will want to pay attention to these proportions for the best look.
#7 – Create a focal point and add interest in good measure.
Stick with me here at Dressed for My Day for more style tips on the regular. If you’re not an email subscriber, be sure to sign up at the end of this post so you get a notification each time I upload a new blog post or video. But for today I’ll wrap it up with one final tip.
You’ll create the most visually pleasing outfits when you try to have one focal point in your outfit rather than having too much going on. In both of the outfits I’ve shown today, the leopard print short-sleeve cardigan definitely grabs the eye. So, while I’ve added interest in other places, I’ve not worn anything else that would compete for that attention.
When you put a little effort into creating visually pleasing outfits it comes across as chic. If your outfit looks busy and over complicated then you end up with the “trying too hard” look. So create a focal point and then add interest with jewelry, accessories and varying textures, but always in good measure.
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Blessed for My Day
Where do you run when you need help? When big problems knock at my door or I begin to feel overwhelmed by multiple woes, I do indeed turn to the Lord. But I have to admit, when smaller difficulties arise I often lean into other resources for counsel, relief and assistance. That usually results in more frustration because those sources are not able to meet my needs in the way I want them to. My friends and family can lend a sympathetic ear and offer their perspective, but they are not all-knowing and they cannot fix my problems. Neither can the Internet, smart authors or experts, money, or any other resource meet my needs in the way the Lord can.
Even at 61, I’m continuing to learn the value of going to the Lord Almighty first with my problems and needs. In fact, when I turn to Him each morning to be my resource for all that I may need that day, it usually prevents “needs” from turning into “problems.” I encourage you to take time right now to invite the Lord into your day, to acknowledge your need for Him and to ask Him to provide all that you need to achieve His will for your life this day.
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
and rely on horses,
who trust in chariots because they are many
and in horsemen because they are very strong,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel
or consult the Lord!…
The Egyptians are man, and not God,
and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. ~ Isaiah 31:1,3a
It is surprising that you would wear a plated necklace with this otherwise very expensive outfit.
Hmm. Why is that? I generally do a combination of high and low dressing.
Hi Kay! Glad you got home safe from your wonderful celebrations for your mom!
Loving today’s darling outfits! Especially the leopard sweater and the suede jacket. What a great combination!
I too love mixing textures, especially in the fall! Thanks for all the hints at how to look stylish this season!
Thanks so much. And I’m glad you enjoyed the outfits and style tips.
Thank you Kay for BFMD. I really needed this reminder. Perfect timing.
You look great in your Fall outfit.
I’m so glad that ministered to you. Me, too!
Beautiful outfits! Love the suede coat and the animal print sweater. You look stunning!
Glad you had minimal damage from the storm. Thank you for the BFMD – that always is appreciated.
Easy to follow tips that can be applied to ANY outfit! Love it!
I’m so glad it was helpful. Thanks. 😊
I love your outfit and the suede jacket. This year’s emphasis on suede had me running to my storage wardrobe for my 15-year-old black suede Brighten handbag. Of course, I had given it away. Some styles are classic, and some materials are staples. I’ve regretted only a few things I didn’t keep: black dresses and genuine leather and suede anything. I’d love a post with any advice you have on what to keep. You are my wardrobe guru!
Ahh, yes. I think we all have a few similar regrets. It can be tricky figuring out when and if to let something go. 🤗
Me too! I had a couple of nice leather coats 25-30 years ago that I wish I hadn’t donated. But, then, I’m afraid I’d be once a hoarder. 😂
Sounds like you had a wonderful time with family and celebrating your mom’s birthday!
Loved your outfits today and other ideas!
Thinking of you with your eye procedure tomorrow! It will soon be behind you.
Thanks so much Michelle. 🥰
I need to remember to take the small things to the Lord too. Thank you for the fashion tips. Such a pretty suede jacket. I’m glad you’re feeling better to post today.
Love today’s outfits – perfect! Wishing you all the best with your eye procedure!
Thank you for your blog posts. I know you are tall and wear clothing that suits your height. You mention that if a person is petite they may want to dress differently, particularly with jean style and longer blazers. While I know you personally aren’t petite, I was wondering if you could include examples of what a petite person might want to do differently to better flatter themselves. I know there are petite influencers out there, but I really love how you break things down, are more “scientific” in determining style. As a petite person I sometimes struggle to figure out if I should even try to make certain styles work for me, or how to adapt them. I have gone through your style series worksheets and have found them helpful, but could use more examples.
Thanks for the kindness, Karen. I’m glad my content is helpful to you. And I will do my best to put together some blog posts/videos addressing the unique needs of petites.