This fall, instead of defaulting to ‘sweater weather’, I’m rolling up the sleeves of my argyle cardigan, both literally and metaphorically. Sleeves, leaves, and pet peeves feel like the perfect way to capture where I am this season.
Sleeves, because layering is the joy of fall style. Leaves, not so much the ones that change color (there aren’t many of those where I live), but the habits and rules I’m happy to leave behind. And pet peeves? Well, shopping season is in full swing, and I’ve got a few I just can’t overlook.
When I talk about sleeves, I mean more than just practicality. A relatively new addition to the closet is my classic argyle-patterned cardigan, and it’s sure to become a favorite for the season. There’s something about argyle that feels both nostalgic and current, a pattern that nods to tradition while still working with modern pieces. I’ve been waiting for the temps to dip a little, but I imagine wearing it so many ways. I’ve already worn it layered casually over a tee, and I can see it buttoned as a top or draped across my shoulders for that effortless, preppy touch. It’s proof that sometimes a single new piece can breathe life into old standbys and make the familiar feel exciting again.
Rolling up my sleeves, quite literally, changes the entire feel of this cardigan. A simple cuff at the wrist makes room for a bracelet stack or gives the outfit an air of ease. But it’s also a metaphor for the season, about being ready to adjust, to take on what’s ahead, and to not get too precious about perfection. Fall has a way of reminding me that style is less about strict rules and more about making things work in the moment. With this new cardigan, I feel both prepared and inspired, sleeves rolled up and all.
Where I live, fall doesn’t bring the dramatic shift of fiery reds and golden yellows in the trees, so I think of leaves less as scenery and more as symbols of release. Just as trees let go of what they no longer need, I’ve been focusing on what’s worth leaving behind in my own style journey. First on that list are the unsolicited opinions of non-experts, because there’s always someone ready to say what you should or shouldn’t wear, especially on social media. Online critiques are bad enough, but heaven forbid that someone should say it to my face. I’ve learned that confidence in my own choices matters more than outside commentary.
I’m also happy to shed the weight of outdated fashion rules, the ones that insist on no white after Labor Day or advise against mixing patterns and textures. Fashion thrives on experimentation, and clinging to rules that no longer make sense just feels stifling. And perhaps the most liberating leaf to drop is the guilt of past purchases, the “what was I thinking?” items still hanging in the back of the closet. By letting them go, physically and mentally, I make more room for pieces I truly love and will actually wear. Like the trees, I’m better off when I shed what doesn’t serve me anymore.
Of course, no season is complete without a few frustrations, and fall shopping brings mine right to the surface. At the top of the list is what I call The Great Item Shuffle. That moment when a shopper decides against buying something and leaves it wherever they happen to be: a blouse hanging among purses, a handbag tucked between cereal boxes, or a pair of shoes abandoned in the toy section. It creates instant clutter, and I have to fight the urge to return items to their rightful places, as if I’d suddenly been hired to join the store’s clean-up crew.
Next, there are the Purse Parkers, those who leave their handbags perched in the child seat of the cart as if it’s the safest spot in the store. The problem is, it’s also the easiest target. One distracted glance at a smartphone or a stretched reach for an item on the top shelf, and that purse could disappear before they’d even notice. I’ve been tempted more than once to say something, to gently point out the risk, but I usually bite my tongue. It amazes me how people will clutch their bags tightly while walking down the street, yet treat them like forgotten gym bags once they’re inside a store.
And lastly, there are the Cart Leaners, who turn every aisle into a crawl as they sprawl over their carts, seemingly convinced the handlebar is their only defense against gravity. Put all three pet peeves together and you’ve got a trifecta of annoyances that can test anyone’s patience. Small irritations, yes, but once noticed, they stick with you like a crunchy leaf underfoot; harmless in the grand scheme, yet impossible to ignore once you’ve heard the sound.
Fall is a time for trading the old for the new, rolling up my sleeves to welcome new layers, letting certain “leaves” fall away, and trying not to let shopping pet peeves clutter up the aisles of my mind. Style, like the season itself, is about adjusting to what comes your way and choosing what’s worth keeping. I’ll know it’s truly getting cold once I start hunting for my gloves. Until then, my cardigan, a bit of patience, and the freedom to leave behind what no longer fits will do just fine.
Now I’d love to know, what fashion “leaves” are you ready to shed, and what shopping quirks make your personal list of eye-rolls?
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. The featured post from last week’s link-up, Colors Of Fall, was contributed by Mireille, who you’ll find over at Chez Mireille.
18 Comments
I love your pet peeves! The worst has to be the sprawlers; to that I’d add the people who stand across the aisle to view items( particularly bad around hair colouring products for some reason) and those who feel the need to phone someone to get a decision on their purchases – I always feel like joining in!
Haha, the sprawlers really do test my patience too! And you’re so right, the aisle-blockers and decision-by-phone shoppers deserve their own category. Maybe next time I’ll recruit you to help me expand the list! Thanks for stopping by.
I agree with you on the leaving behind old fashion rules as well as the people who tell us what and what not to wear. I’ve been seeing lots of posts starting out with “What to Wear After 50…” I know that helps with SEO, but it bugs me because I feel more free to wear what I want now at almost 68 than I ever did. I have also been letting go of things that no longer bring me joy (and, I hated that book). A couple of my shopping pet peeves are when one person takes up the entire aisle by standing right in the middle, or the absolute worst is a couple who feel this overwhelming need to shop shoulder to shoulder, again taking up the entire aisle! And, they know you’re back there so they walk more slowly!
Thanks for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Oh absolutely! Those “What to Wear After 50” posts drive me a little crazy too. I’m with you on feeling more freedom now than ever. And I had to laugh at your pet peeves, because I’ve definitely been stuck behind those aisle-hogging couples. You nailed it!
Layers, yay! One of the reasons I welcome the cooler months. Cute Argyll cardi. Rolling up the sleeves changes the vibe totally. Thanks for the link-up
Thank you! I’m right there with you, layers are one of the best parts of cooler weather. And yes, just rolling up the sleeves makes such a difference in the look. I’m glad you joined the link-up!
I love your cardigan and yes to rolling up the sleeves! Thanks so much for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Rolling up the sleeves really does give it a whole new vibe, doesn’t it? I’m so glad you stopped by and joined the link-up!
Your store pet peeves made me smile, and I have been guilty once or twice of leaving something where it shouldn’t be (I have gotten much better and it seldom happens nowadays). Apart from the cooling temperatures, one of the things I like about fall is being able to spend more time outdoors comfortably and I have been working really hard about being consistent with either walking or biking after dinner: it is so pleasant then! I also enjoy pulling out things that I put away for the hot months and it feels like shopping favorites. I get very inspired! I love how pulling up sleeves is a simple way to change the vibe of a top. I typically cuff most of my jackets that are long sleeves nowadays unless it is cold, cold.
Thanks for the feature, Rena!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
You’re so welcome, and thank you for sharing such a lovely note! I had to smile at your confession, I think we’ve all been guilty of the “item shuffle” once or twice. Your evening walks and bike rides sound wonderful, and I completely agree, pulling old favorites back out each fall really does feel like shopping your own closet. And yes, cuffed sleeves can totally change the look, I do the same as well!
Thank you for the party, Reena,
I am not a fashion type of person. I wear what I feel fits me, and as I am retired and at home with our grandkids, I wear comfy clothing.
My entries this week #18+19+20
Please join SSPS & HIH https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
Thank you for stopping by and joining the party! Comfort is such an important part of style, and it sounds like you’ve found what works best for your days with the grandkids, that’s fashion in its truest sense.
I always get nervous about my purse which is why I get crossbody ones normally so I never park it in the cart! I love your cardigan! It’s so pretty! I like to cuff a lot of things, tooThey look better that way most times.
We’re in total agreement. A crossbody really is the safest way to go—no “purse parking” worries that way. And cuffing can totally change the look of a piece, can’t it? Sometimes it’s the little tweaks that make the biggest difference.
I’m about to begin switching my closet from summer to fall/winter and I’m determined to do a better job of purging those items that I don’t actually wear, especially the “what was I thinking?” purchases. I’ve been hanging onto some of them for much too long.
I can absolutely relate. I’ve had my share of “what was I thinking?” pieces too! Purging can feel tough at first, but it’s so freeing once you clear space for the things you actually love to wear.
This print mix is perfection! Love your argyle cardigan!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you so much! Argyle feels like such a fun twist for fall, and I couldn’t resist pairing it with a little print mix.