Oh hey there Friday, didn’t see you creeping up on us but it’s great to have you here! I hope you’ve all had a good week. Before we jump into today’s post I’ve got to quickly say that your response to Wednesday’s post really blew me away. I poured a lot of myself into that one and was very anxious about ‘putting it out there’ but your thoughtful insights, positive feedback and consideration on the topic of ‘gifted goods’ was equally heartfelt and genuine and it seriously gave me all the good feels. I just want to say thank you for being here, in any capacity, I hope you know that it means so much to me.

Now let’s briefly talk about this cute Fall outfit! 

In an effort to keep things (relatively) brief today I’m sort of combining the Style and Fit details with my initial thoughts and outfit items. Next outfit we’ll switch back to the usual format.

So the first thing that comes to mind about this look is that I feel truly at home in it. It’s ridiculously comfy, yet still feels sophisticated, with a touch of artsiness thrown in. I feel like it encompasses all the right elements to make it feel chic and timeless but not too stuffy. I’ve totally worn this for a day in the studio, out for a coffee mtg, to dinner, you name it, it works. If the weather was a bit colder I’d start with a fitted turtleneck base for extra coziness.

Overall I’m really liking the simple colour palette in this look. An all black base is so easy to freshen up with a bit of denim, a few interesting accessories and a soft white hat. It feels very clean but approachable at the same time. I think my favourite detail though is how how the ivory beanie brings out the white beads in the necklace. Super subtle but impactful nonetheless.

OUTFIT ITEMS + STYLE DETAILS

1 | LIGHTWEIGHT DENIM COAT | This denim duster (as I call it) has been such a wildcard closet hero for me this Fall. I knew I loved it immediately but I wasn’t quite sure how it would handle the weather. Turns out it is ideal for this warm Autumn we’ve been lucky enough to have this year. It’s somehow the perfect weight to throw over just about anything without being a ‘coat’ but structured enough that it feels more polished than a ‘sweater’. The 3/4 length sleeves are perfect for letting the layer underneath peek out and the length is just right without becoming cumbersome or clingy around the legs. Unexpected light layers like this coat (also worn this way) and my flax duster vest have been immensely useful this season. I’m trying to make note that sometimes the odd, unconventional item can fill a gap you didn’t know was there!

2 | SLEEVELESS SHIFT | I opted to toss my coat over an old sleeveless shift dress that I picked up about 4 years ago from ASOS and it’s been one of my go-to comfy dresses forever. I know, it hasn’t graced the blog much (sometimes that happens with faves that are always in rotation) but it’s a really great wardrobe workhorse. It’s similar to my Sotela swing dress (seen here) but instead has a high neck, no sleeves, a straight hem and is made from a heavier jersey blend (and not responsibly). It’s one of very few fast fashion finds still holding it’s place in my closet. Similar to the Sotela version, it’s highly flattering, easy to care for and perfect for the days after a little too much wine and pasta.

3 | 100 DEN | I finally found truly opaque tights that are made responsibly {insert praise hands}. I have bought way too many pairs of ‘opaque’ tights that were okay, but I just don’t love when any skin shows through. IDK It just seems too 80’s to me. This pair is 100 den (which is seriously dense) and allllmost zero skin tone shows through at all (even when I bend a knee) plus they’re actually quite warm and comfortable around the waistline. I already wish I’d ordered two pairs but I figure I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. Based on the reviews it seems like they resist runs very well too (but these haven’t met an excited corgi claw yet).  

Links to all items below.

4 | MINI SCULPTURE | You know I love a good minimal statement accessory, and this is just that. Somehow, even though it’s bold, it goes with so many things and the lightweight materials make it easy to forget you’re wearing one at all. Don’t underestimate the power of a well chosen accessory!

Sidenote: I remember when this necklace arrived in the mail, I was SO excited and immediately showed it off to Dave when he got home, who said, ‘Cool! What is it?’ HA! Boys…

5 | CREME DE LA TÊTE | I’ll toot my own horn for a minute here and say that I’ve become somewhat of a beanie (aka toque in Canada) connoisseur. After having spent undergrad trekking to and from class all frigid winter long to becoming a feisty corgi mama who must face whatever weather is out there, I’ve come to rely heavily on this accessory when the temps get low. A few key factors that make this one great are:

1. FIBRE – This one is made of the softest alpaca wool. It is SO warm, not itchy, and one of the most sustainable animal fibres out there.
2. FIT – This one fits my head very well. Sometimes beanies can stick up too much and I don’t love that look. This one fits just right and you can fold the bottom to adjust accordingly.
3. COVERAGE – I don’t understand why people wear hats that don’t cover their ears. In combination with my hair this one keeps my ears nice and cozy even in the harshest winds.
4. RESPONSIBLY MADE – This one is handknit in Peru by expert female knitters. A process that supports ancient traditions, empowers women and supports the community.

6 | FAILSAFE FINISHING TOUCHES | In my humble (albeit forthcoming) opinion, this bag seems to make every outfit its paired with just a little more cool. It’s such a unique shape and the perfect slim but functional size. It’s going on 1 year since I bought it last small business saturday and it’s as good as new. I was worried the matte black might be a bit weird with my new semi-gloss boots but I think they actually work very well together. Both are an updated take on the classics and seriously make getting dressed easier than ever.

Links to all items below.

That’s about it for today friends! Thanks for tuning in and have a wonderful weekend!

Classic Beanie c/o Bare Knitwear (linked to this seasons version) | This one in charcoal and this one in camel are also on my wishlist.

Sleeveless Shift Dress n/a from ASOS | Linked to similar made responsibly. Check out this one by Sotela (has 3/4 sleeves) and this boiled wool option from Eileen Fisher.

Denim Notch Coat by Ali Golden c/o Akin & Co. | I’m wearing the XS/S (I’m 5’7 and 125 lbs for reference). More colours available here  and get $20 OFF when you sign up.

100 Den Tights by American Apparel | I’m wearing the M/L (worried the XS/S would have been too short/tight in the waist.)

Thora Boot by Rachel Comey | Take your normal size. Get $20 OFF when you sign up here.

Eloise Bag by The Stowe | Made in Montreal!

Chok-A-Blok Necklace c/o Maslo Jewelry | Love it in White and in Nude too! Not to mention the new Currant + Peat collection!

This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee!