The first day of fall always feels like a reset button, with the air a bit crisper and the days a bit shorter. This season, instead of leaning on a fallback plan of safe outfits, I’ll be guided by comfort, confidence, and creativity.
My style has never been about chasing every trend but about creating outfits that feel both familiar and fresh. For me, that means leaning into textures and patterns, layering for interest, and keeping a balance of polish and ease. A key step is looking at what’s already in my wardrobe, deciding which favorites deserve another season, and what new pieces might add the spark I am looking for.
I often wonder if I’m simply following the lead of the latest trends or if I’m shaping my own path through them. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Of course, I enjoy keeping an eye on what’s new each season, but I rarely feel the urge to buy into every passing look. Instead, I pick and choose, adapting trends in ways that feel authentic to me and leaving behind the ones that don’t fit my sense of comfort, confidence, and creativity.
What I have come to realize is that being a follower or a determiner of trends is not an all-or-nothing choice. There are moments when I happily borrow from what is trending because it sparks inspiration, and then others when I find myself stepping ahead by reimagining a look in my own way. The balance lies in knowing when to let fashion guide me and when to trust my instincts to lead. Both paths matter, but authenticity matters the most.
Comfort, confidence, and creativity are the guideposts I return to most often when it comes to style. Comfort means I can move through my day with ease, whether that’s in a soft knit, a pair of broken-in jeans, or footwear that doesn’t leave me wishing I had stayed home. Confidence comes from the outfits that let me stand a little taller and feel more like myself, no matter the occasion. And creativity is the spark that makes getting dressed fun, whether it’s mixing prints, playing with color, or giving a subtle nod to a trend while still making it my own.
Each of these qualities feeds into the others, creating a cycle that shapes how I approach style. When I am comfortable, confidence follows more easily, and when I feel confident, I have the freedom to be more creative. Together, they form a foundation that makes fashion more than just about clothes and turns it into a daily practice of self-expression. Of course, how I feel in my clothes is only part of the story, since style also carries the weight of how others perceive me.
Style reflects not just my inner sense of self, but it also makes an impression on those around me. An outfit can whisper or shout on my behalf. Some days I want my outfit to blend quietly into the background, and other days I want it to make a statement before I even say a word. I cannot control every impression, but I have learned that when I dress in a way that reflects comfort, confidence, and creativity, people tend to see me as I hope to be seen.
As for today’s outfit, it’s a perfect example of how I define my style. A jean jacket is a trusted staple in my book, and I was thrilled to find this black denim beauty in a thrift store not too long ago. My patterned skirt, with its autumnal hues, is also a thrift store find made many years ago, which adds a creative spark. The belt and necklace are pre-loved pieces too, while my western-styled boots (a retail purchase) ground it all with confidence. It’s not about chasing trends but about pulling together pieces that make me feel both comfortable and authentic.
This fall, I’m moving forward with a stronger sense of what feels true to me. No fallback plan needed when comfort, confidence, and creativity are sure to keep me happy and stylish. Do you have a fallback plan for making your fashion choices? What three words are guiding your style this season?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program, where I earn a small commission for each click at no additional cost to you.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Featured from the last link-up, Camel And Barrel, was submitted by Gail, who you’ll find over at Is This Mutton?. Since the topic of my last post was on barrel-style jeans, her choice of wearing this same silhouette struck a chord with me. And what a wonderful tale she shares about attending a cosmetic company event as well.
10 Comments
I love the way you’ve defined your style. I had thought by the ripe old age of almost 68 (shocking to me to see those numbers), I would know my style. But, it changes with the whims of my brain, my day, my mood. There are days I reach for my sweats and tees. There are other days I decide to wear all the colors in one go! I think my go-to in this season of my life is color and pattern. I’ve always loved florals, but now, I’m looking at bolder colors and more unusual shapes, including my beloved florals. Thanks for the link up…I’ll have to wait until tomorrow as my laptop just doesn’t show the link button. I think it’s a security measure my son has installed on it.
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I’ve chosen 5 style adjectives to guide my fashion choices… classy, casual, comfortable, confident, and authentic. If an outfit ticks those 5 boxes, I know it works for me.
I love your outfit. That skirt is fabulous and looks great with the belt, boots, and jacket.
This outfit is fall perfection! I love this combo and wear it often too, but I don’t add a belt very often and I really like that addition! Lovely!
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Love your philosophy for shaping your wardrobe, and this look! The autumnal colors are perfect for the beginning of fall. Your style just happens to be right on trend right now, as western wear is big this season. Thanks for sharing and hosting the link up. Hope you have a good week!
Thanks for the feature! Enjoyed reading about your style philosophy. I’m with you on outfits that whisper, and outfits that shout. Sometimes a trend works (barrel jeans), other times the shops are filled with colors and styles that don’t work for me, so I lean into my own personal preferences. Your outfit looks great.
The not so fashion conscious person here. While still working, I usually wore comfy but traditional office style clothing and either a dress or skirt and top, never pants. Well now that I am retired and at home with the grandkids things changed dramatically, so it’s comfy and relaxed.
Thank you for the party, Reena, Enjoy autumn/fall and the new week
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That is a fabulous fall skirt!
I love the gorgeous fall colors in that skirt! You look fabulous!
Very smart, yet also relaxed!