Outfits Not Just Clothes

October is quite a stylish month if I do say so myself. Not only do we finally get the fall chill (at least here in the Mid-Atlantic region) that allows for layers, textures, prints, etc. It's also tinged (or fully dunked depending on your Spooky Season sensibilities) with macabre vibes that make for intriguing outfits. Here I've leaned into a witchy color palette of purples and blacks.  blazer-DVF(available here and here via Poshmark ), shirt- Wildfang , pants-Everyone & Everybody(other options here via ThredUp ), sunnies-Versace(more options here and here ), bag-Zac Posen, shoes-Nordstrom (more options here ) While the color combos feel witchy (usually associated with a feminine aesthetic) the pieces themselves (blazer, button-down, trousers, and oxfords) are more masculine, or to get off the binary, androgynous in tone to create an interesting contrast.

 I recently discovered a new outfitting technique called Sandwiching where you match a top to a bottom as "slices of bread" with a contrasting middle "meat" piece. I've interpreted it here as a call back to the old timey practice of a lady matching her handbag to her shoes with this dress as the "meat & cheese".  dress-Gap(similar here ), sunnies- DIFF Eyewear , boots- Vince Camuto via Nordstrom(similar here ), necklace -Panacea via Nordstrom bag- Melie Bianco The boots and bag combo give this semi-romantic dress a bit of an unexpected edge. That's the power of accessories, they can breath a new 'tude into a simple dress. The pearl jewelry also creates a subtle contrast. You can read more about the sandwich technique in my write-up here . 

 Seems like each year for my birthday I treat myself to some dressing room self care at  Anthropologie trying on random pieces, some of which are just for fun, other's for serious consideration.  How I started... t-shirt- Amazon , jeans- Universal Standard , sneakers- H&M some sale items, more sweatshirts  here  and similar khakis here First off, love this sweatshirt's vintage vibe, plus it's cozy, quirky, and on sale. These khakis serve as a good base, but are interesting in their "off the beaten path" silhouette. Solid casual 'fit.  mock-neck sweater here , and skirt here A bit of autumnal drama in this look. As the dressing room attendant said, "you'd be a fool to pass this up, the colors go great with your hair." I agree, love the green with my red. I already have a similar skirt and was going back n' forth on the sweater. Not loving the shape.  polo sweater here , and another khaki option here Another go-round with these khakis to t...

These red flats are the cherry on top (or is it bottom?) for this outfit. Red is trending this season and while it may seem outdated, I still do love a "pop of color" shoe to polish up a look.  What say you? Too gimmicky or right on point?  cardi-Gap(similar here ), top/pants-Boden(similar here and here ), flats- Chinese Laundry via Nordstrom With fall officially here and the brisk temperatures sweater weather has arrived! And what better sweater than a cardigan?! I wore this in a  post  from last month, and it's still a great transitional piece, especially paired with these linen trousers last seen  here .  What's your favorite sweater weather outfit? What's your favorite red piece for fall?