Blazer Dresses and Non-Depressing Gray Outfits
And more of what I wore in October.
October is a weird time for outfits. It felt like every other weekend, I was dresssing up like someone else. I know that’s part of the fun but it can be a weird month for personal style! Am I overthinking it? Perhaps. But that’s what I do best.
Speaking of overthinking, I guess I’m cooking up another series on the newsletter! Because I feel an intense need to talk about some outfits I’ve worn up in the last month. And I feel like it’s been a hot minute since I’ve reflected on the clothes I’ve been physically wearing, as opposed to the philosophical, metaphysical meaning of style…
So welcome to fit anatomy…part 1! Let’s get into it…
Earth Tones
Lately, I’ve been taking colors that I’ve always loved wearing — green, blue, even purple — and throwing them in a muddy pond. I remember there was a time I was trying to make electric green and even kelly green become a staple in my wardrobe and it just wasn’t working (never say never, of course). But I’m learning that a dirty, pondwater green and a dusty, almost-gray purple are shades that work well with framing my wardrobe.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t throw in an electic yellow or pink to mix it up…keep reading to see what I mean…!
This outfit features two opposing philosophies: a pair of Aritzia shorts I spent almost two months debating on getting and a green kimono-style trench coat I bought on a whim at a bowling alley. Two can exist together in beautiful outfit harmony!!! And it shows that sometimes an impulse buy is your gut talking to you. But it takes time to decipher it.
I love this coat because it’s not really a coat, rather a robe that is tailored to look like a coat. So it’s structured like an overcoat, but flows like a kimono — making it quite magically go with literally everything.
The next outfit may only have a hint of earth tones, but I still think it reflects the colors of a mossy forest. I’ve been finding that navy blue — which is usually paired with colors like reds and whites to create a more prep-inspired look — actually meshes quite well with an earthy palette.
Speaking of earth tones, I think my affection for this palette is leading me to feel drawn towards brown shoes more than before. It’s a slight change from my usual go-to black, but it’s just different enough. Another example of brown and navy can be seen with the outfit below — where I wanted to go with a navy on navy moment. I could’ve easily paired the black jacket with black boots, but the knee high brown ones spoke to me.
Black on Black on Gray
How do you make an all black outfit interesting? Well, there’s a couple ways. But right now let’s focus on two elements: 1.) texture and 2.) the color black’s brooding cousin, gray.
First off, if you’re like me and don’t (always) want to look like a dark, shapeless, blob when wearing all black, I suggest mixing up your fabrics like I did below — a knitted sweater with a pair of velvet pants. Both black! But the contrast in texture makes it more interesting.
This sweater has served me well for over two years because of it’s dramatic — yet cozy — turtleneck. And these velvet pants were once in my Holiday-only collection but since then I’ve been pulling them out more and more.
Next let’s talk about GRAYS. I think when you want to look chic with an all-black outfit but you’re feeling like it’s just a bit too dark (but you’re not feeling like wearing color either), I think grays are an unsung hero. You can make the same argument for chocolate browns and navy blue.
Sometimes, the easiest silhouttes are the ones you wore in college. I came across this perfectly simple pair of straight leg gray jeans at the thrift and felt like they could be dressed up or just be extremely simple. This fuzzy vintage jacket and my lime green mary janes adds all the personality I need — so I allowed them to do the talking!
Blazers Forever!
I don’t think blazers will everrrr stop being a part of my personal style story. They’re part of my past, my present and my future. While I’ve been experimenting with more form-fitting ones lately, I pulled out some of my oversized ones this past October with no hesitation.
This below outfit went VERY well with my early-Fall bob chop I decided to do quite sporatically. I know I use this comparison all the time but I really DO feel like I stepped out of an autumnal 90s rom com. Or I look like casual Dana Scully. Either way….I look too cool for my own good.
Next: I’ve been trying to achieve the blazer dress look for far too long!! And I think what caused me to have my “AHA!” moment is the no pants trend going around right now. Because that’s the trick of it all. You don’t have to actually not wear any pants for these looks, you just have to find a mini skirt that peeks perfectly under the blazer/sweater/whatever.
still thinking about the outfit you wore to the case event & to coffee last weekend ❤️
I have a green coat just like this, you're right, it goes with everything!