Not ready to give up summer yet…

pattern mixing over 40

Summer is over…

Actually, when it comes to style, autumn is my favourite season, for two reasons. First, it’s not too hot, I can finally feel comfortable. And second, it’s still warm enough to wear nice clothes (instead of hiding under layers of wool and a heavy winter coat, that is).

However, before I unearth my autumn staples (trench coats, tights, pencil skirts, scarves, jeans etc) I plan to squeeze every bit of life out of my summer clothes. Why, you may ask. Shouldn’t I be dying to get my hands on new season styles?

Of course I look forward to wearing new styles and new outfits. Or the old, time-tested favourites. But not before the temperature drops so low that I can’t go around without socks and a coat anymore. Until then I will hang on to my summery outfits for dear life (with a jacket or a poncho added for extra warmth), only relinquishing them, one piece at a time, when I start freezing my butt off.

You see, where I’m from, winter lasts way too long for my liking. And it will be a good 7-8 months before I can even consider wearing a breezy summer dress again. So, enjoy it while you can, that’s the idea…

autumn maxi dress

Everything I’m wearing here, you’ve seen on the blog before. Many times, in fact. For example, this is the third time I’m featuring the dress (see the first outfit with this dress HERE, and the second one HERE), and the second time I’m wearing the necklace (you’ve seen it HERE before). And the jacket and the bag… well, I’ve featured them in so many blog posts that I’ve lost count.

The truth is, I don’t have a huge wardrobe. And I don’t want to have  huge wardrobe, either. I’m completely against buying new clothes all the time, and I try to limit my consumption of fast fashion.

There are ethical concerns, too: indulging in cheap, disposable clothes weighs heavily on my conscience… I mean, if a t-shirt costs 5 euros (or pounds / dollars / insert your choice of currency here), how much can the people making fast fashion earn? And when clothes are that cheap, we don’t appreciate them, either, and just discard them after a few washes. Not exactly environmentally friendly…

I haven’t abandoned fast fashion completely, though. Yes, I admit: I allow myself an occasional quick fix in well-known fast fashion emporiums. What can I say? I’m not perfect. That being said, I treat my fast fashion purchases as if they they were classic pieces meant to last. Thus, I favour natural fibres and classic cuts, and stretch the lifespan of a trendy item until it’s practically considered vintage (in fast fashion terms, that is). Mostly, though, I prefer good quality clothes that stand the test of time. And because I expect to wear all of my clothes for several years, I’m willing to pay a reasonable price for them.

However, since I have limited funds, I have to plan my purchases carefully and make sure I get maximum wear out of everything I buy. This means that I only buy new clothes if can wear them with something I already have in my wardrobe. And of course I should be able to mix and match everything at will, allowing me to come up with endless combinations and outfits with just a few pieces. As a result, I may not have a huge wardrobe, but it’s one hell of a capsule wardrobe…

pattern mixing

pattern mixing over 50

Outfit details:

Jacket: Gerry Weber (old) / dress: Boden / bag: Furla / shoes: Clarks / 

sunglasses: Michael Kors / necklace: Poola Kataryna
location: Holland Park, London

Are you looking forward to wearing autumn styles?

Or are you clinging onto your summer outfits?

Tiina
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PS: Have you seen the latest DILETTANTE ARTIST post yet?

Linking up with: 

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly 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 GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en RoseFashionably Employed,The Fabulous JourneyLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleSheela WritesShelbee on the Edge

28 Comments

  1. No Fear of Fashion
    15 September 2016 / 5:36 am

    You are so right. In everything you said. And this outfit combination is very good. Elegant, interesting and fun. IMHOGreetje

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:27 pm

      Thanks, Greetje! This stripy jacket goes with practically anything in my wardrobe.

  2. Nancy's Fashion Style
    15 September 2016 / 6:05 am

    I also like tostay away from socks, tights and leggings as long as possible! But this week it is still 30 degrees here, so all I am wearing is my swimsuit!😁 That s a very nice dress and a beautiful necklace!

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:29 pm

      Oh, it's just a matter of time, the leaves are turning, and the mornings are crisp.

  3. josep-maria badia
    15 September 2016 / 6:47 am

    I really like this dress, the pattern is cute.

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:29 pm

      Thanks, Josep-Maria!

  4. Suzanne Carillo
    15 September 2016 / 2:14 pm

    I also avoid fast fashion fixes, but like you, sometimes I fail. Overall though I shop 98% thrift or vintage and can feel good about that, even if my wardrobe is very large and certainly cannot be considered a capsule wardrobe by any means. Love the bold necklace.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:32 pm

      I think we need to cut ourselves some slack here, it's so exhausting trying to be perfect all the time 😉

  5. Natalia Lialina
    15 September 2016 / 5:42 pm

    This is such a fun outfit! The jacket is fantastic, and I like this oversized flowers necklace. I also love Fall the best in terms of fashion (and not just fashion) – I just love the warm colors and layers. Our Fall is nice and long here, so it's pretty perfect for my preferences. Summer is the most challenging fashion season to me – too hot to wear layers, and cool colors are not my best. I bought many new Summer outfits this year to finally learn to be okay with summer fashion. 🙂 It did not become my favorite fashion period, but I'm moving the right direction. I will definitely mix some of my summer clothes with layers while I can. I see some women already wear tall boots here, and I know I am not that eager to wear mine just yet. 🙂

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:35 pm

      Thanks, Natalia.I find summer quite challenging, too: I don't like hot weather, and I want to protect my skin from the sun. But I love the cool colours!Yes, I understand why you want to postpone wearing boots just a bit still. I totally agree, and there will be plenty of time to wear boots (and other winter gear), months and months…

  6. Ruth Maldonado
    15 September 2016 / 9:08 pm

    Cute mix of patterns! I like Fall but it's because we do get all our Seasons here! I understand I wouldn't look forward to cool weather if it was going to last so long!http://www.mylittlenest.org

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:37 pm

      Thanks, Ruth! I also love autumn, it's my favourite season. In fact, I'd be happy with a long autumn and just skip winter altogether.

  7. Shybiker
    16 September 2016 / 12:27 am

    There's a lot to be said for a capsule wardrobe. And Fall is a good time for creative fashion.

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:38 pm

      A capsule wardrobe is practical, especially if you travel a lot. That being said, I never set out to getting a capsule wardrobe; it just sort of happened…

  8. Nicole Mölders
    16 September 2016 / 3:52 am

    Thanks for linking up to the Top of the World Style linkup party.

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:38 pm

      Thanks, Nicole!

  9. Mummabstylish
    16 September 2016 / 12:08 pm

    Loving this dress the pattern is cute. I'm also holding onto my summer outfits, as the weather has only just changed I hopeful I can still wear them for a while yet! Great to link up with you. x Jacquiwww.mummabstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:39 pm

      Thanks! Yes, warmer weather means winter is still a while away…

  10. Kristin Kohler
    16 September 2016 / 5:15 pm

    Mixing prints like a pro! The striped jacket with the flower necklace is awesome.-Kristincountdowntofridayblog.com

    • Tiina L
      16 September 2016 / 5:40 pm

      Thanks, Kristin!

  11. Elegance and Mommyhood
    16 September 2016 / 8:23 pm

    I love what you wrote, not just what you wore here. Good points about fast fashion and loving your wardrobe. In my current post I shared how I am on a shopping ban all month and hopefully will continue next month, too. Love the floral maxi and striped jacket together. Winter is very long here too so let's keep it summery.Welcome by and join my new Thursday Moda linkup this week. =) Share your awesome style with my readers. Thanks, Ada.http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/09/thursday-moda-29-fall-florals-and-jewel.html

    • Tiina L
      19 September 2016 / 3:26 pm

      Thanks, Ada. I think a shopping ban would be good for me, too. Or think I should at least organise my closets before going shopping…

  12. Dawn Lucy - Fashion Should Be Fun
    16 September 2016 / 8:26 pm

    You master pattern mixer you! Thanks so much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday! Have a fierce and fabulous weekend!OXOXDawn Lucyhttps://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      19 September 2016 / 3:27 pm

      Thanks you. Pattern mixing is actually a bit of a new thing for me, but I'm having fun with it.

  13. Jill James
    19 September 2016 / 9:11 am

    Totally agree Tiina about getting the maximum wear from our clothes and buying better quality over quantity.I really don't blame you for one minute hanging on to last of Summer for as long as possible as your Winters are so long , enjoy while you can.

    • Tiina L
      19 September 2016 / 3:30 pm

      Oh yes, I'm already dreading winter. It always seems to drag on forever, and I'm not a fan of cold weather.Quality is really the number one concern for me; I rather spend a bit more money on good quality and buy less clothes.

  14. Shelbee On The Edge
    20 September 2016 / 4:56 pm

    I am sort of stuck in the transition to fall as well. I am ready to be done with sandals though but mostly because I don;t want to put the effort into another pedicure! I am loving your outfit. The seersucker with the floral is absolutely fabulous!Thanks for linking up with me On the Edge! I hope to see you again this week. Have a fantastic day!Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      22 September 2016 / 4:39 pm

      It's a bit sad summer is over, although autumn is my favourite season. I guess I'm just trying keep winter at arms length for as long as possible…

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