Colour-Coordinated Mixed Prints

over 40 smart casual

Transitional Dressing…

You know, how to wear some of your summer favourites in early autumn. The weather is still quite warm (or, in my opinion: just perfect, not too hot and not too cold…), but there might be showers, and the evenings are a bit cooler. Still, some summer clothes make the transition to cooler weather quite easily, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t continue to enjoy them just a bit longer.

So, these are some of my summer favourites. Yes, you’ve seen most of what I’m wearing here, sometimes more than once. (Seen before here: t-shirtskirt, shoes, sunglasses)

elegance revisited

I don’t have a huge wardrobe, so I repeat outfits quite a bit. I suppose most women do, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Very few people have the storage space or the money to keep buying new outfits all the time. Yes, even style bloggers… And as a blogger I find that it would be irresponsible of me to advocate a lifestyle that requires buying new clothes all the time. In fact, isn’t it my task as a blogger to mix and match my existing wardrobe, make the most of what I’ve got, and inspire you to do the same with your own limited but wonderful wardrobe? I say wonderful because I assume you have carefully selected each piece of clothing so that it fits seamlessly with everything else in your wardrobe and reflects your unique style.

pattern mixing

I’m wearing:

skirt: Hobbs / t-shirt: Custo Barcelona / cardigan: Banana Republic / 

sunglasses: Cutler and Gross / bag: Chanel / shoes; Clarks (old)

Tiina

Linking up with: 

Elegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleSydney Fashion HunterThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirGet Your Pretty OnHappiness at Mid-LifeA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and Grace 

30 Comments

  1. josep-maria badia
    1 September 2015 / 7:09 am

    Beautiful mix of prints. A brave and risky bet by combining these patterns. The multicolored skirt is cute, and the shirt is lovely. Gorgeous look.

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:36 am

      Thank you Josep-Maria!

  2. Jill James
    1 September 2015 / 9:44 am

    Firstly, I really like your mix of prints. Secondly , I am sure that we all mix and match new and old in our wardrobes. I am sure there are bloggers out there who would never repeat an outfit but to me this is not real life .

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:37 am

      Yes, that's what I like about blogs: they keep it real. It's real bodies, real budgets, clothes in real-life situations.

  3. Shybiker
    1 September 2015 / 11:51 am

    I agree that autumn weather is perfect. Just right. I admire women, like you, who can mix prints. I can't. It's in the Advanced Class and I haven't gotten there yet.

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:39 am

      Thanks. I don't often mix prints, actually. I'm more of a solids girl, anyway. I like my clothes very simple and with clean lines, bordering on minimalism.But this t-shirt just needed to be matched with this skirt…

  4. Patti
    1 September 2015 / 12:27 pm

    Great print mixing, Tiina, and a lovely look. I agree, showing how we recycle our clothing is an antidote for over-consumption. xox

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:40 am

      Thanks, Patti. I admire women who buy a lot of second-hand. I don't really do that myself, but I want all my purchases to be versatile and have longevity. I really hate fast fashion.

  5. Colour Queen
    1 September 2015 / 12:35 pm

    I love your pattern mixing! Your skirt is such fun. I think you must be very confident to mix prints like this, that's my next challenge! Thanks so much for linking up with THT linkup which I'm co-hosting. Can I remind you to follow the social media links? It would help us so much, we really appreciate it.

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:42 am

      Thanks! I'm not big on mixed prints, actually. I think this is a good example of a one-off: the colours match so incredibly well that I just had to try it.

  6. Petite Silver Vixen
    1 September 2015 / 8:14 pm

    If you just keep buying new outfits, there's no creativity. It just becomes an endless fashion show and I love seeing how people reuse reinvent outfits in their wardrobes and this time of year is perfect for mixing things to get more wear out of summer items. Good to see that fabulous t-shirt back!

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:44 am

      Well, for most of us it's a question of having a limited budget: we have to be creative and make the most of what we've bought. Which is exactly what makes blogs far more interesting than fashion mags…

  7. Suzanne Carillo
    1 September 2015 / 9:16 pm

    Oooh…love the polkadot skirt! I do have a wardrobe that is far too large. Guilty as charged. BUT I do try to buy secondhand often. (Yes I'm trying to justify having far too many pieces in my closet(s))bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 6:49 am

      I admire your secondhand finds, you really know what you're doing. As for me… well, it's partly a lifestyle issue: having two closets in two countries does complicate things a bit. I often find that whatever I want to wear in my other home, i.e. currently unvavailable. And that has made me want to simplify my wardrobe quite a bit. I seem to be living out of a suitcase even when I'm not travelling, with a sort of 20-piece, seasonal capsule wardrobe.

  8. No Fear of Fashion
    2 September 2015 / 7:35 am

    This is a great outfit. Very good mixing of patterns. I am notoriously bad at that.I love the skirt (already told you that) and I love the Custo shirt (such a nice brand) and the cardigan. Elegant and playful.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 2:07 pm

      Oh, I don't often mix prints, either…And I mainly wear solids, or Breton stripes, anyway. But these two pieces were just meant to be…

  9. beate grigutsch
    2 September 2015 / 8:58 am

    gorgeous outfit!it looks like the skirt and top are a set!! and very pretty shoes!but what i really love is your opinion – to only buy well chosen garments and mix&match them for new looks!!! for more then one season!chapeau! xxx

    • Tiina L
      2 September 2015 / 2:09 pm

      Thanks. Yes, I'd rather have fewer clothes but better quality. Of course, that means repeating outfits, but I don't see that as a problem. That's what we bloggers should do, after all, be creative, with limited resources.

  10. Connie
    3 September 2015 / 2:13 am

    I think it's great to mix prints. You look so chic. For so long everything had to be so matchy matchy. This is so cute for Fall.

    • Tiina L
      3 September 2015 / 4:25 pm

      Thanks, Connie. Actually, the colours on the top and the skirt are quite matchy-matchy, but the prints are different sizes. I just had to put them together, as if it was meant to be.

  11. Jessica Jannenga
    3 September 2015 / 2:39 pm

    Great color s and mix of prints! I am ready for fall and it can be tricky for in season, but you look great! I love the new layout too!Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesdayjess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      3 September 2015 / 4:27 pm

      Thanks, Jess! I'm so looking forward to autumn, it's my favourite season.

  12. Carrie
    3 September 2015 / 4:41 pm

    Pattern mixing is my jam. That cardi is so pretty and you even added some great color with your shoes! Such a stylish outfit!Carriecurlycraftymom.com

    • Tiina L
      4 September 2015 / 4:42 pm

      Thanks, Carrie!

  13. Annie B.
    4 September 2015 / 12:44 am

    these prints look so great together – I really like how the tee is a graphic that creates a print over the entire shirt. well done!

    • Tiina L
      4 September 2015 / 4:44 pm

      Thanks! I love Custo Barcelona shirts, but some of them are quite wild. Believe me, this is one of the most sedated prints this brand has, most of their t-shirt a way too busy and colourful for my liking.

  14. Nicole Mölders
    4 September 2015 / 3:54 am

    This OOTD is quite unusual, but it is very interesting and works. I love it. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World CStyle. I hope to see you again next week

    • Tiina L
      4 September 2015 / 4:45 pm

      Thanks, Nicole.

  15. Alice Warren
    4 September 2015 / 5:29 am

    Great mix of colors and patterns. I agree that it's important to use what's in your closet and not about always shopping. Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happpinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      4 September 2015 / 4:45 pm

      Thanks, Alice.

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