Autumn Favourites Revisited

how to wear a poncho over 40

Autumn weekend basics:

Straight-cut trousers in a neutral colour, a simple long-sleeved top, a wool wrap. A bit of a déjà vu, huh? Yes, I have a habit of repeating myself, but only when it comes to outfits. And I don’t think it’s boring at all, quite the contrary. Having a ‘uniform’ or a formula for dressing makes life simpler and saves time: I know what flatters my body type, all I have to do is stick with the plan and I will always look stylish and elegant… 

how to wear Breton stripes over 40
trousers: Marks and Spencer / Breton top: Banana Republic / poncho: Marja Kurki /bag: Longchamp / shoes: Clarks

Seriously, fashion may change drastically from season to season, but I’m not going to suddenly grow taller, and my proportions are not going to change to accommodate every passing trend. Yes, in my fantasies I may be a tall amazon with perfect hair, but deep down I’m a realist: whether I like it or not, I’m short and curvy, and whatever I wear will need to work with that. 

poncho

And if you think I’m beginning to repeat myself when it comes to locations for my photo shoots, too, you might be right. Professor M and I have been checking out some summer restaurants (= only open between May and late September) before they close for the winter. 

Sirpalesaari

There are quite a few of these restaurants on some of the small islands just a very short boat trip away from the ‘mainland’… What, aren’t there any bridges? Well, most of these islands are really small, and there is often nothing else but the restaurant and a marina there…

Helsinki

The summer restaurants will all close by the end of September, and the islands will be inaccessible again. Autumn always brings a certain sense of urgency: you have to make the most of the sunshine and the scenery while you can. After all, in a month or so the weather will turn nasty, the sea will get stormy, and people will get morose and uncommunicative in anticipation of the grim, grey November…

how to wear Breton stripes

But now the sun is still shining, the sky is blue, the sea is calm, all’s well in the world…

Autumn is my favourite season, and I want it to last just a bit longer…

Do you have a ‘formula for dressing’?

Tiina

FOLLOW:

PS: for more PERSONAL STYLE posts, go to Style Files

Linking up with Patti for  Visible Monday

16 Comments

  1. Patti
    21 September 2014 / 9:52 pm

    I repeat outfits a lot too, and I don't mind a bit — it means we know what we like! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you look terrific.

    • Tiina L
      22 September 2014 / 10:48 am

      Thanks, Patti! Yes, repeating outfits can also simplify life, especially when travelling.

  2. Pam @ over50feeling40
    21 September 2014 / 10:33 pm

    The wrap is a beautiful touch…great color for you…and can change up many outfits! Have a great week!

    • Tiina L
      22 September 2014 / 10:41 am

      Thanks, Pam. Yes, I'm rediscovering red, I used to wear it a lot.

  3. Val S
    22 September 2014 / 12:38 am

    These islands and restaurants sound lovely! I love being on the water anyway, but this sounds like such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. And I love how you dress up your "uniform" with the bright and beautiful scarf.

    • Tiina L
      22 September 2014 / 10:44 am

      There are so many islands… They're tiny, and there's always a boat that takes you there, literally just a minute or two… I mean, most of these restaurants are just a stone's throw away from the 'mainland', and there's just the restaurant, nothing else…

  4. Jill James
    22 September 2014 / 9:17 am

    I too often repeat outfits, sometimes just changing an accessory, if it works for you and it certainly does, don`t change a thing. The colour of your wrap is lovely on you.Enjoy your islands and restaurants while the weather holds, keep sharing the beautiful scenes.

    • Tiina L
      22 September 2014 / 10:47 am

      Thanks, Jill. I am rediscovering my love for red, it used to be my signature colour. I think the weather is about to change: winter is just around the corner…

  5. Mrs C
    22 September 2014 / 2:43 pm

    I have my go-to look which I always turn to when nothing works, consist of a pair of button down or light weight slouchy sweater and my best jeans. Sometimes I think I will look/feel better in them even to a formal functions. But there are times that we have to oblige the dress code unfortunately.

    • Tiina L
      23 September 2014 / 6:45 am

      It's a bit like comfort food: there are times when we so need it. The same with our go-to outfits, sometimes we need the security they provide. I guess the trick is to find a balance between the dress code and personal favourites.

  6. Natalia Lialina
    23 September 2014 / 3:57 am

    Love your red wrap – gorgeous! The photos are great too, looks a bit like where we live. :)I think both approaches are fine – when you're busy, it does save time and energy to wear "uniforms". I sure did my share of that. When you feel creative and adventurous, it's fun to experiment and invent new looks. I am in that phase now. 🙂

    • Tiina L
      23 September 2014 / 6:49 am

      You're so right, 'uniforms' are for busy times, when you don't have the mental energy to come up with something new (or early mornings when you have to get to work and you're barely awake…) and style experiments require you to have your full creative energy at your disposal.

  7. Wendy Loubser
    23 September 2014 / 4:01 am

    Love your wrap. Don't we all repeat outfits? I sure do. My uniform had become jeans over the last year but I do miss dressing for an office, but that and the people interaction is all I miss. Enjoy the last of the summer.

    • Tiina L
      23 September 2014 / 6:54 am

      Thanks, Wendy. I seem to have my seasonal go-to outfits, and repeat them quite a lot also because autumn is short, and soon the weather will be too cold for my favourite outfits. Right now I'm lamenting the fact that the wrap will have to be retired till April…

  8. Jan Graham-McMillen
    23 September 2014 / 9:56 pm

    Awwwh. So pretty! Love your wrap, and how nice to be so chic in all your pieces! They fit and flatter and you look lovely. Enjoy the end of vacation season!

    • Tiina L
      24 September 2014 / 4:04 pm

      Thanks, Jan! Unfortunately, it's not vacation season anymore (that ended in July…), but autumn is still lovely, and I plan to make the most of the few sunny weekends we still have…

Leave a Reply