Wednesday Outfit: Plaid for Fall

Apologies for the unexpected lack of content yesterday. If MAHA wants to do something productive with its new found power, I recommend studying why daycare viruses can put an adult out of commission for three days but barely slow my toddler down long enough to wipe her nose. A medical mystery to be sure.

But I digress. Fall is coming and with it plaids are making a comeback.

Found on Pinterest, this outfit blends a Mod 1960s vibe with country club chic. I adore it. The color palette is neutral, classic and perfect for work. Here’s how to recreate it.

The Skirt // Let’s star here because the skirt in the photo (from Boden) is really nice, BUT it is not the skirt I wanted to show. It’s just the closest option that was collage-friendly (blogger problems).

The skirt I wanted to show is this incredible J.McLaughlin pencil skirt. I love the hardware, the black trim, the sleek look. Perfection. I’m told it will be restocked. Other pencil skirt options include this Brooks Brothers skirt in a soft blue palette.

The Sweater // Ralph Lauren makes the best lightweight, non-wool turtleneck on the market. Some people say it’s too thin, but in a turtleneck, I want a thinner fabric or else it feels too heavy on my frame.  

Also, when buying a turtleneck, size up. I find that a little extra room is not a bad thing when it’s meant to hug the body. Especially in my perimenopausal era, I am happier with a little more room.

The Shoes // I spotted these Inez slingbacks weeks ago, and I have just been waiting for a reason to post them. They’re not too chunky. They’re a good heel height. And they work in most weather.

Not into the heel? This is also an outfit that would look perfect with a tall boot. You know I love my Loeffler Gias. For something more affordable, J.Crew has a nice style. For something under-$150, Naturalizer has a nice option.

The Bag // If you want a bag closer to the inspo photo, you want a vintage Coach Willis bag. You can find them different places — Postmark, Real Real, Thredup, etc. — but they are a classic. If you find one in rough condition, most cobblers can touch them up and give them new life. I’ve taken so many bags for repairing on the corners and handles, and it really is a wonder what they can do.

If vintage hunting isn’t for you, this DeMellier bag is nice. For something on the more affordable side, JW PEI has a chic option. Cambridge Satchel is a nice place to look for this style as well.

Accessories // I am not a chunky watch girl. So I skipped that piece, and instead chose these affordable and totally chic bangles from AE. Another good option? Ana Luisa makes a bracelet that looks like a watch strap, very mechanical, very chunky, equally chic.

Styling // I was surprise how much I liked the opaque ivory nail color with this outfit. It’s different, but neutral and appropriate for work. Orly makes a great nail polish that mixes the treatment in with the paint to heal broken nails. The Almond Milk shade is a nice pale neutral with latte tones.

For the hair, down is nice with a turtleneck. Up can look too stuffy. If you must wear it up, ponytail, not bun. And I would definitely add some contour to your jawline and cheekbones for sculpting.

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