Happy Day After Halloween, my friends. Halloween passed almost unnoticed here what with all the baseball hysteria. Last night was game six of the World Series, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in the final for the first time in years. Hubby is caught up in baseball fever. I mean, as much as he is ever affected by sports fever of any kind. He may love sports, but he doesn’t get too caught up in the emotion. Except when it’s Olympic hockey. Then all bets are off. And even I come down with the patriotic hockey fever that can wash over Canadians from time to time. But baseball doesn’t do it for me. Besides, I’m too overwhelmed by jacket fever these days. And trying to wear all my jackets before the fall jacket window closes. Which could be any day now.
Oh my, I dreamed of my fall clothes the entire last week of our trip. I’m always like this when we are away for several weeks. Longing for my other clothes, the ones I didn’t pack, and totally sick of the ones I did pack. It happens every trip. As I said to Hubby during the long shemozzle that was our trip home from Porto, “I can’t wait to get home; visions of fall outfits are dancing in my head.”
Like the outfit above. Shortly after we arrived home, I attended a breakfast with former colleagues, and I thought I’d wear this outfit. It had been beautiful on the weekend, sunny and warm-ish. But Monday morning dawned sunny and very cool. Too cool for bare ankles and mesh flats. And too cool for a blazer with only a silk blouse underneath.
So I opted for socks and my old black Cole Haan Chelsea boots, my faded Levi’s 511 jeans, and my black merino crew-neck sweater from Uniqlo with a light-weight black turtleneck underneath. I love faded denim with black. And on top I opted for my dark green, tweed Max Mara blazer and a soft wooly lilac scarf. So despite not being the outfit I’d planned, I was warm, comfortable, and felt like a million bucks. I think it was the combination of dark green jacket and soft lilac scarf. I was tweedy and wooly all at once. Ha. You’ll have to imagine what the outfit looked like as I didn’t take a photo.
And since then, I’ve been sorting through old outfit photos to see what combinations I might want to repeat. Like the two above. Bootcut jeans with a pair of Paul Green cowboy-style ankle boots, on the left, a cropped, khaki, long-sleeved tee from Everlane, the camel blazer from Adrienne Vittadini I bought in Montreal in 1991 (I think), and a scarf I bought at Chatsworth in 2017. I’m not sure I could still get away with tucking the tee shirt in, but I do like the overall look, especially with the brown belt.
That outfit inspired the one on the right where I changed up the bootcut jeans for straight-leg ones, added my Paul Green loafers, and the suede Moto jacket from M&S that I won in 2016 in a contest on Alyson Walsh’s blog That’s Not my Age.
Both photos are from the fall of 2020. You can find them on my blog here and here. I’m kind of amazed that I still want to wear some of the outfits I dreamed up five years ago.
We have definitely turned the corner, weather-wise, into mid-fall now, with late fall probably arriving any day. So the fall jacket window will be closing soon. Socks are now de rigueur. As are scarves. But I might get away with the outfit on the left above, if I wear something a bit heavier that a short-sleeved tee shirt under the blazer. I simply adore that green tweed Max Mara blazer. And I love it with the dark green sweater, the pop of white tee showing through, the faded jeans, and the brown bag. That outfit is definitely me. Or the me I hope I am now. Casual, comfortable, not fussy, but still pulled together.
The outfit on the right is pre-Covid. It’s from a February 2020 post. I was inspired by a YouTube video on Emma Hill’s channel where she reviewed her blazer collection. And the sight of a black double-breasted jacket she owned had me digging through my storage closet because I was sure I still had an old double-breasted Max Mara jacket from the late nineties. And I did. Yah. I’d wear that outfit today with straight-leg Levi’s instead of the skinny jeans. And maybe not with the cream hat. I have a similar hat in grey… I could try that. The all black outfit needs a pop of non-black somewhere.
It’s odd to see photos of myself before I let my hair go white. And even odder to think that I’ve been happily white-haired for over five years now, especially when I remember how I angsted soooo hard about my hair at the beginning of the pandemic.
These two photos above are to remind me to wear the soft green Everlane polo sweater on the left, that wearing black with camel looks good with my white hair, and that I need a new pair of black jeans. But not in the immediate future. My spending for 2025 has shamefully swamped my Rule of Five intentions. I am cut off until 2026.
If I can squeeze it in before the snow flies, I may wear the outfit above. But I’d have to wear tights under those light-weight Max Mara pants. The Uniqlo cashmere turtleneck and jean jacket would be warm enough. Maybe.
This outfit below is what I tried to wear on Friday to run errands. The high temperature for the day was going to be +10 C. So I wore a light wool COS turtleneck, the Uniqlo burgundy sweatshirt I bought for our trip, my ancient Alfred Sung houndstooth blazer, a burgundy scarf from Nordstrom, my old Marc Jacobs bag, my new Levi’s ribcage wide-leg jeans, and my new Adidas burgundy Spezial sneakers.
I have to say a word about the Uniqlo sweatshirt and the Adidas sneakers that I bought for the trip and wore on repeat for four weeks. Unlike the other pieces I packed, I did not grow tired of either of these. I love the colour of the sweatshirt. It’s just the right shade of burgundy, with cool undertones instead of warm. It’s just the right weight, not too bulky under light jackets. And it’s just the right length. I guess it was a Goldilocks purchase. Ju-ust right. Ha. The sneakers are so much more comfortable than my Vejas, and even better than my old Stan Smiths which I wore faithfully for seven years. Plus I love the colour.
But mother nature had other plans for me as far as outfits go. When I was ready to leave the house the rain was lashing down. And not wanting to ruin my wool jacket, nor to have to wield an umbrella when I’d be carrying bags of shopping, I changed the blazer for my Moncler navy raincoat with the hood. Much more practical.
So that’s it for me today, my friends. I was hoping to write more about our trip. But, like mother nature, my brain had other plans for me this week. I have to write about what’s on my mind. And, since we’ve been home, that’s been fall fashion. I turned my closet the other day. Hubby went off golfing and I spent several happy hours sorting, folding, rearranging, and rehanging my seasonal wardrobes.
Spring and summer clothes were folded and went into storage drawers, or into garment bags to be hung in the storage closet… otherwise known as Hubby’s closet. Ha. And fall and winter things were brought out. This included sweaters, jackets, pants, tops, scarves, bags, shoes, and boots. Snow boots and really heavy sweaters are still in storage for a bit longer. Hopefully. And my ski wear for longer still.
This morning, Hubby came in and asked me, as he usually does, what I was writing about. “Fall jackets,” I replied. “Like my fall jacket?” he asked. “No dear,” I smiled, “not like your jacket.” “Are you sure?” he asked, and then adopted the pose below.
So I took his picture. How could I not? Note the hand on the hip and the coquettishly bent leg. I must say, he does worry me sometimes. Ha.
I’m looking at that old Gortex jacket of his as I write this. Bought at least fifteen years ago as a rain jacket for travel, then relegated to golf, then canoeing, it’s now good only for the dirtiest gardening jobs. I’m thinking I know what I’ll buy him for Christmas. If not before.
What are you wearing this fall for jackets, my friends? Do you have several beloved blazers you’re trying to wear before the fall jacket window closes? When, for those of us who live in northern climes, the snow will fly and down coats will become the staple outerwear until spring.
P.S. A lot of my clothes shown in this post are years old, and as a result no longer available. I have included links below to clothing items I own, really like, would recommend, and which are still available. The links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I will earn a commission which helps to pay for my blog expenses. If you’d rather not make a purchase and want to support the blog, you can always buy me a coffee. 🙂
The links:
Uniqlo sweatshirt (out of stock at the moment), Uniqlo merino crew-neck sweater, Uniqlo 100% cashmere turtleneck.
COS navy, merino wool turtleneck. By far the best layering piece I own.
Levi’s 511 straight, slim, men’s jeans; Levi’s ribcage, wide-leg jeans. Levi’s Canada link here.
Frame straight-leg jeans, Frame boot-cut jeans. Here is a Canadian retailer which sells Frame jeans.
Adidas Spezial sneakers. I like the brown as much as the burgundy. Canadian link here.
You can find deals on good blazers by shopping second-hand. Like these Max Mara jackets here, here or here.
I also found my Frame green silk shirt second-hand here on The Real Real, and on this page on eBay.
38 thoughts on “The Fall Jacket Window”
I do the same thing when I travel, think about the stuff I have at home. I also ponder the light jacket window. I am not alone. LOL. Love your thinking and your writing. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Mary.
Up until three days ago, it was just a lightweight sweater in Washington state. Cool in mornings and late afternoon, but definitely sweater only from noon to four. Now would be perfect for blazers, but the rain is frightful. So….sweater and raincoat. I always seam to miss the blazer time, too. I have tried and true blazers that I still love. I did buy a burgundy sweater blazer last month and like it a lot. When my Covid hair went white, I said goodbye to beige, camel, and browns. I kept a burgundy tweed, two navy, and two black blazers.
I said good-bye to beige and camel too, except I find I can wear my camel blazer with a black turtleneck and my grey and black animal print scarf. I was so relieved. 🙂
Wonderful outfit photos,Sue (and S.,as well :)). I love jacket/blazer time so,so much and utterly miss them,especially my old,old chocolate leather jacket or the grey blazer with all black outfit.I was thinking the other day about blazers,maybe I could wear them for coffee with friends, with merino or cashmere turtleneck and shawl, later in November,if I could park my car near the venue? And I didn’t wear my brown Adidas Spezial enough….
I’m in Vienna for a month, but decided to pack a longer light down burgundy jacket (the best buy,I wear it so much at home and for travel for years) and a camel MM coat-it was not a bad decision,I’m cozy and not too warm,but to have a blazer or two would be nice (although impractical,I could wear them only once or twice)
Dottoressa
I have blazers sitting in the wardrobe. It is either unseasonably warm and they are not practical as a mid weight cardigan would suffice or it’s raining sideways. So far ideal fall weather has been reduced to two non contiguous weeks. I have been making myself dress ‘up’ for the grocery run, taking trash bins to the street and going to the post office/drug store. Retirement has relegated me to very limited social events so I’m focusing on each day as an event! I refuse at this moment to part with any more of my well lived/loved extended family , i.e., my clothing. I am working at wearing every last bit! I also am being savage about not adding to it.
Ha. Me too, Kat. I’m wearing an “outfit” everywhere… to the grocery store, the drug store, the doctor’s office.
I intended to get the brown Spezials but couldn’t find any. They were out of stock everywhere. And now I think that for me burgundy was the better option. They go with so many of my sweaters and jackets. Hope you are enjoying your time in Vienna, Dotoressa. Are you staying with your son?
Burgundy are beautuful,but,as you said,brown were better option for me and give more combinations with my wardrobe. It is so frustrating,when one can’t find what one wants. I had only one wish for shopping this fall and the only number that’s sold is mine
Yes,I’m staying with my son and DIL. Thank you,it is wonderful
D.
I am in France right now admiring all the Adidas colours. At 110 euros they are actually cheaper at Browns at home, although I could justify as a “souvenir”, right? Are the Spezials comfortable for much walking?
I wore my Spezials everywhere except hiking when we were travelling. I found them really comfortable, and light even with my orthotics in them. And we did a fair amount of city walking, especially in San Sebastian.
Like you , we usually have a small jacket window here in the UK but it’s very mild & sunny right now so the serious coats have not come out yet . I joined friends for afternoon tea in town yesterday to celebrate a 90th birthday of one of them . She’s by far the oldest of our gang & just about the fittest . I was the only one not wearing a dress but that was OK . I wore baggy navy cord trousers with a lightweight pale green jumper & a dark navy wool ‘ donkey jacket ‘ ( you might have to google that ? ) bought from the Margaret Howell discount shop about 15 years ago . It was abit like a uniform so I added dark brown boots & bag plus a little dark green triangular scarf in cashmere . I’m liking those little scarves rather than jewellry just now . There was a serious downpour as we left for home but my good jacket coped with that with the help of my brolly . It’s getting hard to find 100% wool these days . Stuart’s jacket is rather a mess – has he been attacked by a bear ?
That sounds like a chic and comfy outfit, Wendy. I love navy and light green. Especially with a green cashmere triangle scarf. I’m just about to start knitting myself one. I haven’t seen them anywhere here.
Stu laughed about the bear comment. He’s never been attacked by one, but he was treed by a bear on a canoeing portage a few years ago. The jacket was attacked by a branch he was crawling under. Don’t ask me why he was crawling under a branch. Ha.
If it isn’t too traumatic for Stu , I’d like to hear more about this bear episode sometime . Perhaps a post ‘ Hazards in the Wilderness ‘ ?
Your husband is like mine! He’ll wear the bejeezus out of outer wear and jeans and still come up with ‘there’s a few more years in this’ at least Stuart demotes his coats as they wear!
I managed to get my hubby to buy a decent coat at Costco ( a great buy) and he even took it out right away to have his tailor alter the sleeves. At my behest because in a month when he needs it the sleeves would still be too long.
I have a waterproof down coat that can be warmed up with a long down vest or my cashmere hoodies. I have a feeling Eastern Ontario is going to have a very wet, cold winter lots of rain less snow! Ugh
I am really cutting back on any clothing purchases and moving towards thrifting here and there. Honestly my closet is stuffed so I can start there. I believe we will be pulling in the purse strings over the next few years, wait for that budget to fall on Tuesday. It won’t be pretty and there will be necessary economies needed to cut the umbilical cord to the south.
I am hoping that we don’t get a wet and non-snowy winter, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Skiing is becoming an almost outdated sport. As in “remember the winters when we could ski?”
I think that Canadians will have to tighten their belts as well. Hopefully we are up for some short term pain to deal with the “situation.” Ha.
Those are all great outfits- I love your collection of Max Mara jackets! I have some favorite blazers of my own (including some MM) but they are all shorter and more fitted and I am afraid they will look out of style in the sea of longer, looser jackets on offer now. But I might wear them anyway – I just don’t want to look like one of those older ladies who never update their wardrobes .
Also, love the pic of your husband!
Fitted jackets with wide-leg jeans or dress pants is a great look, Judi. You wouldn’t look outdated at all.
I loved your comment about missing your clothes the last week of your trip. We were gone for 3 weeks, cruising to Toyoko, and oh my gosh…even with careful planning of a capsule, I was missing the rest of my closet! Fall outfits dancing in my head and journal. Thanks for sharing!
I liked what I packed… but, boy I missed my “real” clothes. I was so glad I’d packed my short, blouson Uniqlo windbreaker. It helped to make some outfits look more current.
You look lovely in your various outfits.
I wear jackets most days but that’s because I’m cold in my office! That said, I always like a nice tweed blazer or a corduroy one (a 70s vibe for me!). I’m also playing with different knits and knit layers this season, as I suppose we all do in the autumn in cooler climes.
Hope you have a chance to wear some of these outfits still this season, if slightly modified.
I’ll admit that I admire a guy like Stu. My best friend is like that. He still has clothes from decades before and rarely buys anything, even though he can afford to look decent. I often shake my head at the things he wears, including an old Gore tex jacket that has seen better days. Some people are just not visual in that way though (at least for me, clothes are both a textural and a visual imperative in terms of daily pleasure and happiness).
Me too, Steph. It’s all about the textures and the proportions and the feel of clothes. But Stu is happy to be comfortable and tidy and clean… well, most of the time… but obviously NOT in the photo I took of him. Ha.
I laughed out loud at your husband’s picture. The pose is great. My husband has old jackets like that and he loves them.
He has at last admitted that it is time to retire that jacket. He has repaired it a few times after I refused to sew up any more holes. Ha.
En Provence ,il fait parfois 20 degrès dans l’après midi ! Et je n’ai porté de veste qu’une seule fois …
Je possède un placard dédiée aux vestes de toutes sortes ….que j’ai peu l’occasion de porter .
Le temps a l’air de se rafraichir .Le jardin est encore bien fleuri …
Mais l’air commence à sentir la fumée des cheminées,les feuilles jaunissent…
Il va être temps de changer de garde robe.
Comme vous je redécouvre les trésors oubliés de mes placards.C’est un plaisir toujours renouvelé de les associer ,les assortir avec des éléments nouveaux.
Bonne semaine!!
Haha!! I’m buying you a coffee today because Hubby is so cute in his fall jacket!! I’m holding off on turning my closet until we come back from a first-experience- for-us cruise to warmer climates next week!
Thanks for the coffee, Nancy. You will have a blast on your cruise. Your last gasp of warmth until spring. 🙂
Love your outfits. I have several jackets which I have not worn since retirement but I might need to dig them out to use for more casual looks.
Needless to say we are heading towards summer although with the rain, gales and snow we’ve had in the last couple of weeks you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. I haven’t been brave enough to turn over my wardrobe yet but as we are heading towards Queensland and Western Australia for Xmas and New Year so I might need to dig out some summer clothes soon.
Enjoy the last of your jacket days.
Ah, Queensland, I remember the heat and humidity well. Where in Western Australia are you headed? We pretty much circumnavigated the state in 2008. Loved it all.
Heading to Perth to have Xmas with our one of our daughters and her family. We haven’t seen them in nearly six years due to Covid and then health issues. We actually lived there for nearly four years and travelled around a lot of the state in our homemade camper van. The innocence of youth! We have been back a couple of times as we still have friends there and my husband’s brother now lives there as well.
Outfits are flattering! Writing from Houston, Texas area. We are just pulling out light jackets, blazers, vests, and light sweaters for the mornings but must shed them most afternoons. Fall goes all the way to Christmas here. Loving pulling out my seasonal fall wear. I also miss my wardrobe when I travel. Beloved friends waiting in storage for their turn to shine. 😊
How lovely to have an extended fall. But I think I might miss snow at Christmas.
I have foregone jackets for a while now, splitting between a lightweight mac and my winter wool coat. The weather here in Sussex is warmer than I am used to, but now have switched to the wool coat full-time. Having only a capsule wardrobe at present, I find it extremely freeing to just have a few things to choose from. I suspect some of the clothing currently in storage may soon depart.
Is that the winter wool coat you made for yourself Annie? I think I remember your sewing one a couple of years ago? Or am I dreaming that?
No, you are not imagining it. I did indeed make it two years ago. Has proved to be cosy and well admired when out and about.
I see you clocked a pair of mesh MaryJanes. I’ve had my eye on some red suede Vionic ones (love their arch supports) but they’re not available in Canada. Waiting until I go to Florida (oops! Don’t tell anyone!) to order them. I did spring for a yummy pair of mustard-coloured Reiker boots that make me feel like Dorothy dancing down the yellow brick road. I don’t buy much these days and when I do it’s something I’m absolutely crazy about.
Yes, I bought the Mary Janes a year or so ago. They are Stuart Weitzman… the only ones that were narrow enough for my feet.
Loved this post! I’m a huge fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and honestly, Toronto Blue Jays Jackets are my favorite — they’re sporty, stylish, and perfect for showing a little team pride in every season.
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