Dressing for the Transitional Fashion Season Between Late Summer and Early Fall

+ What’s Next for dimples on my WHAT?

No-Buy July (and August) is over and the warm weather of summer is about to give way to cooler temps and falling leaves. But as we enter this transitional fashion season I’ve been doing a little shopping and a bit of styling and a whole lot of planning for what’s next for my closet and the blog.

I’m styling a new, lace blouse from Madewell with items I shopped from my closet. Grab yourself a cup of cider and slice of pumpkin bread and let’s chat about closets, clothes, Jesus, and joggers. It all goes together, I promise!

Madewell Lace Blouse & Twill Joggers  ||  Fashion for women over 40   ||  Plus-size fashion for midlife women  ||  Gray hair transitions

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Let’s Add Four More (Fashion) Seasons to the Calendar

Summer’s winding down and with it, summer style is slowly melding into cooler weather outfits for fall. I think in fashion there should officially be another season that happens four times every year, the Transitional Fashion Season. It’s that little bit of time between each season when we’re trying to stretch the previous season’s clothes into the next one.

Out of all the transitional fashion seasons, summer to fall is my favorite!

I love dressing for the season between summer and fall because all it really requires is a basic pair of pants, a top and a sweater or jacket to throw on in the morning and again in the evening. It’s pretty much my uniform. I also love the addition of lightweight but cozy fabrics and clothes that cover more of the fleshy bits. 😉 And oh yeah, all the heart-eyes for BOOTIES!


Jesus, Blogging & Clothes

I mentioned in a previous post that I’ve been praying for God to lead me in the direction He wants me to go, not just with the blog, but with my life.

In life, there are things we want to do, things we have to do, things we get to do, and others we’re called to do. But in this age of social media and information overload (a.k.a. reading and hearing about all. the. things) it’s easy to get our direction all jumbled up. We get overloaded by constantly comparing ourselves to highlight reels and success-stories and new and better ways to do EVERYTHING.

I’ve been so very inconsistent with blogging from the very beginning. But, with this change of season of both life and weather, I’m trying to be more disciplined and make more time each week for blogging and writing. I figure since I’ve been praying about it, if I write more and write about the things that are on my heart and mind, I’ll likely see some answers to those prayers flesh out on the page.


Blogging About Right Now and Comfy Clothes

And right now, I’ve been thinking lots about clothes. More precisely, I’ve been thinking about getting a handle on the number of clothes I have and actually wear, the over “consumption” of clothes, the organization of clothes, and the inordinate amount of time most of us spend thinking about clothes! Sheesh.

So to that end, I’ve been doing a lot of work in my heart, mind, and closet as well as on the blog to share with you my journey and some lessons and tips I’ve learned along the way. I’m pretty excited about it!

Fall Blog Preview

No-Buy July Follow-up

If you followed my No-Buy July post and wondered how it went, what I learned, and what the benefits of a No-Buy season are, my next post will lay it all out for you. Hint, I’m not crying about it. 😉 And if you want to get a handle on your own wardrobe, I will encourage you with tips for starting the process, with or without a shopping fast.

A Strategic Plan

Following that, we’ll continue that discussion by talking very specifically about my plan to shop for clothes more strategically and what I’ll be buying. I’m even going to share what my clothing budget is. I know! I just had to use the “B-word”. 😉

Back In the Closet

Closet Organization  ||  My Cedar Palace  ||  Closet Craft Closet Designers

And then, if that weren’t enough to be excited about, I’m going back to the place this entire journey began – MY CLOSET. If you follow me on social media you may have seen me get emotional while cleaning out my closet. But it was actually a good day because it showed me I was ready to make a few changes in this area. The work hasn’t been easy, but it’s been eye-opening.

I’ll be sharing some really good organizational tips to implement for not only a more organized closet but a closet that will almost purge itself. BOOM! My system will help you switch from transitional fashion season straight into the next with less headache. You won’t want to miss it.

Also, look for posts about boots, athleisure for the “fluffy & 50+” animal prints, everyday fashion, a potential “Funny Girl” series, as well as more inspirational posts.


Speaking of Clothes – My First Post-Shopping Fast Purchase

Madewell Lace Blouse & Twill Joggers  ||  Fashion for women over 40   ||  Plus-size fashion for midlife women  ||  Gray hair transitions
Blouse wearing || Tank-Bra wearing XXL || Joggers (old) similar || Shoes (old) similar || Earrings

The Top

Now, back to this beautiful Madewell blouse. This was one of my first purchases after No-Buy July was over. I saw it on another blogger and kept thinking about it. It was pretty, feminine and had these flutter sleeves that won’t squeeze my arms like a sausage casing. I also like that it’s a piece that will go with most bottoms in my wardrobe.

A jean jacket is a great transitional fashion season item whether it’s summer to fall or winter to spring. I added this denim jacket when I went into an air-conditioned diner for lunch.

Madewell Lace Blouse & Twill Joggers  ||  Tank-bra by Knix 
 ||  Fashion for women over 40   ||  Plus-size fashion for midlife women  ||  Gray hair transitions
Bra-Tanktop wearing XXL (Not sponsored or gifted, I’m simply sharing a GOOD THING!)
Underpinnings

Because this top is lace with no lining, I added this tank-bra top from Knix by Knixwear underneath. Ladies, this top gives my girls plenty of support! It’s perfect for the cooler weather but since I’m in that certain “sweaty season” of life it’s too hot to wear in the summer. I’m wearing an XXL and my bra size is 40D.

Fluffy Girl Fit Tip: When buying a bra-top or a fitted/shaping/compression tank top, we fluffy girls have to keep our hip measurement in mind because the bottom will roll up. It’s annoying! Although I generally avoid them, this bra-top is just loose enough at the bottom that it only slides up a little but doesn’t roll at all.

For the rest of my outfit, I shopped the closet.


Madewell Lace Blouse & Twill Joggers  ||  Fashion for women over 40   ||  Plus-size fashion for midlife women  ||  Gray hair transitions

Pants

I love these lightweight joggers (old), they’re perfect for this transitional fashion season. They are a couple of years old from Gap but I wear them a lot. It just proves, if you buy things you love and are nearly timeless, you can wear them for years to come.

Madewell Lace Blouse & Twill Joggers  ||  Fashion for women over 40   ||  Plus-size fashion for midlife women  ||  Gray hair transitions

Shoes

Sadly, this may have been the last outing for these shoes. I wore this to have lunch with Mr. Dimples and felt one of the straps coming loose from the base. They have already been repaired at least twice and re-heeled once. Whaaaa! The Hubs is going to bring a super strong epoxy home from work, but I might need to arrange a memorial service anyway. I once thought of doing that for a pair of underwear and even called to invite The Mister, but that’s a story for another day. 😉

*Espadrilles and booties are both perfectly appropriate for the fall transitional season.


Please Join Me (don’t make me beg)

Are you needing some inspiration in your personal style, to purge or organize your closet, or to cut your shopping habit down to a manageable size? If you’re not already a subscriber, I’ll hope you’ll subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss one of the upcoming posts.


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I’d also love to know what other topics you would like to see covered (with my special spin on it of course). Workwear, gift guides, favorites, parenting adult children, more recipes, pet peeves, more underwear stories…?

Until next time stay comfy, cute & confident,

Paula


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19 Comments

  1. Anne
    /

    This is great! Tomorrow is my day to get out the rest of my fall clothes. I’m getting rid of everything I don’t love! But I’m also realizing I don’t have a lot that I do love and I have quite a few things that need another piece to make an outfit. So…. I need to shop but don’t want any more mistakes! I’m fluffier than you and 60+

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      Hey Anne,
      I recently heard it said that mistakes are just lessons, so move forward without the worry of buying something “wrong”. Like, I would never have known I hated the way a biased cut skirt felt on if I hadn’t bought one because it looks “okay” but then spent many annoying hours fidgeting with the weird feeling thinking, “Is it backward?”; “Is it sideways?” 😉 Anyway, I’m glad you’re excited about what’s coming too. Not only do I get to share something with you, but you will be helping me stay accountable and on track with my plan.
      Hugs,
      Paula

  2. Rhonda Boyum
    /

    Great post! Purging my closet was on my To Do List today but thinking maybe I should put it off until your next posts comes out. I could sure use all the tips!
    Have a sunshine day! 😊

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      If you have time, go ahead and do a bit of purging. It’s always nice to make some room, but my methods will work regardless.
      See you next week!
      Paula

  3. Linda
    /

    I just went through about 50 tops trying to find the one I wanted to wear and then gave up and wore something else. My closet has to be purged! At least 80% of it needs to go. I rarely wear them but feel guilty that I spent money on them and now want to get rid of them. I look forward to some inspiration.

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      I’m a fan of Marie Kondo (The Konmarie Method) – and although some of her advice is a little out there she tells people with this “guilt” to hold the item you need to get rid of and thank it for it service or the “lessons it has taught you” (Thank you for showing me this fabric is like an x-ray machine for cellulite or Thanks for solidifying to me that I hate elastic in my shirt sleeves) 😉and then let it go.
      I’m so excited to be a part of liberating some space in your closet!
      Hugs,
      Paula

  4. jodie filogomo
    /

    It’s always so sad when a pair of shoes are biting the dust…I feel your pain Paula!!!
    XOOX
    Jodie

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      Especially those we wear all. the. time and can’t replace!

  5. Audrey Pappas
    /

    Love the post, love the top, love reading your writing and following you on IG! I *need* to read the Memorial for Underwear story. I’m sure your telling of it will be uproarious. Thanks for doing what you do, Paula!

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      I’ll have to do a post about it. Maybe I can do a once a month “Funny” post. I’ve got a few stories up my skirt, I’m mean sleeve 😅

  6. Loryl
    /

    I love all your posts t! And your closet is to die for, so organized!! Can’t wait for more tips.
    I did a mini purge this summer and gave stuff away to a friend and Goodwill. She just wore one of my castoffs today and the color looks so much better on her. She even got compliments 🥰

  7. I did a mini purge this morning. I am not quite ready to put all of my summer things away yet, I have a trip to Fl. next week. I look forward to your purging tips.

  8. Robin
    /

    I recently did some purging (not nearly enough) and gave 2 large garbage bags and a laundry basket full of clothes to a former colleague. I’ve retired from teaching and don’t need the amount of teacher-y clothes that I have. Now if I could only get a handle on my shoe addiction.
    I look forward to seeing posts about athleisure for the fluffy and 50+ (That’s me!). To be honest, I look forward to all your blog posts. If they are more frequent that is awesome, but if not I will enjoy them just the same. You do you!

  9. /

    I enjoyed reading this post and look forward to the next season of your blog. I tried no-buy July and failed, but did not buy a thing in August. All because I had been concentrating on my Son’s Reno project. Closet purge is a monthly thing at my house and we do wear summer clothes all year long, but there are too many off the shoulder tops in my house. Shooze is my weakness and lately I have noticed that some heels are too high for me, so I found a family member that I can pass them on to. Enjoy Fall my dear. . .

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      That’s great Neti! Claim every victory no matter how small!

  10. Donna Mallard
    /

    Helloooo! I’m totally new to your blog and am crediting Jodie Filigomo with the nudge in your direction! I think I’m going to like it here!! LOL!! I’m 63, been “fluffy” all my life (in spite of doing every diet known to woman), and am now just trying to keep it healthy and find some energy to enjoy this “last third” of my life!

    Love your idea of a “clothes season between seasons”, and am totally behind a movement, should you begin one! My go-to’s right now are Fall colors in lightweight fabrics, with a bit of 3/4 length sleeves. LOVE my denim jacket for morning and evening work commutes here in eastern PA. Your blouse is adorable and I’d totally do espadrilles if I could find flat soled ones (higher heel days are long over for this girl!). And I totally NEED a closet re-do!! Bring on the suggestions!!

    Looking forward to more smiles from your blog and life, Paula! Thanks for the welcome!
    Donna

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      Welcome Donna!!! Funny you should say “last third of life”. I was just thinking about how we call this midlife, when in reality most of us are past the halfway point. 😀 I’m a fellow “every diet know to woman” traveler too. I’m off that highway and learning to EMBRACE me because life is too short to fret about it.

      Hugs,
      Paula

  11. JANICE
    /

    I love your style. I don’t wear plus size but I am just a shorter version of you……since I am only 4ft 7 in tall and according to my doctor 30 pounds overweight that makes me plenty PLUS.

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      Thanks so much Janice. Oddly enough, most of the same style principals that apply to plus size or curvy women apply to petite women. It’s all about the right proportions to help lengthen our body. 😄

      Hugs,
      Paula

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