I accidentally took the summer off—how have you all been? Though unofficial and unplanned, it was exactly the break I needed to reset, recharge, and slow down a bit to enjoy life around me. Everything moves so fast these days—everyone’s busy doing something (myself included)—but this Gen X’er is determined to slow the roll and prioritize what really matters.
I say “try” because I don’t have all the answers to the busyness and constant distraction. But I do know that spending an afternoon reading on my porch, iced coffee tonic in hand, surrounded by my plants and flowers, makes me genuinely happy. So, why do we trade these simple joys for doom-scrolling, multitasking, or half-watching a movie while also catching up on work? I see it everywhere—even families sitting silently at a restaurant, each lost in their own phone.
A Style Reset
These little musings take me back to January 2024, when I set out to “slow roll” my approach to style with the mantra Buy Less, Style More (read more here). My goal was simple: to understand my own style better, cut out the noise, and resist the constant pull of influencers telling me I need more. A year and a half later, I’m happy to report—I’m still on that path.
Over the past few months, I’ve tried some new things with my wardrobe that I’ll be sharing here this season (slowly, of course). Think:
- Using ChatGPT as a personal stylist (eye-opening!)
- Beyond the 10-piece capsule wardrobe
- Cataloging your closet (I’ve been toying around with the Indyx app)
- Prints, colors, and how much is “enough”
- Closet chaos vs. wardrobe clarity
- Animal print (yes, still a thing—but showing up in fresh 90s-inspired ways)
- And whether trends like the Mob Boss vibe will actually have a fall moment
Fall Style I’m Loving
As for right now? Here’s what I’m loving: cowboy boots, riding boots (yes, they’re back), lug sole loafers, sleek, low-profile ‘70s-inspired sneakers (Back 70, Gola, Veja), and my new obsession: mule sneakers—the best of two favorites in one. Shades of wine, deep reds, browns, and jewel tones are everywhere. For a fresh perspective on FW 2025 color, check out the article “Farm to Table Closet” from The Molehill on Substack – along with horsebit details, barn jackets, quilted jackets, suede (obsessed with this car coat by TWP), and cozy cable knits that evoke a very vintage Ralph Lauren feel.
On My 2025 Fall List
- Back 70’s mule sneakers in suede
- Black horsebit mule loafers (to replace the pair I’ve worn into the ground—classic!)
- A couple of California-weight cashmere sweaters (cardigan + wide-neck sweatshirt style)
- A quilted jacket, perhaps a lady (great price on this one from Veronica Beard!), or barn style
- Maybe a suede shoulder bag if I find the right one
I’ll also be editing my denim drawer—storing the styles I haven’t worn in a year, and letting go of anything that never left the hanger last fall. This season, my approach is simple: curate my wardrobe around what I actually wear, my body, and how I live—not the fantasy life I sometimes am tempted to shop for.
Let’s Make Style Easier
So here’s to fall—slowing down, savoring the season, and making style choices that feel authentic, sustainable, and true to us. 🍂
As I continue to share my own wardrobe journey, I’d love to hear from you—what would be most helpful for you? More outfit ideas? Style tips and easy formulas to take the guesswork out of getting dressed? Curated shopping links to save you time? A “best of the blogosphere” roundup with inspiring style reads? Or maybe deeper dives into closet edits, capsule wardrobe building, and ways to shop your own closet before buying something new?
What would make your style journey feel easier, more fun, and more you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or message me directly—I can’t wait to hear from you!
I love the idea of a smaller more life relevant wardrobe. My clothes are organised by type, trousers, jackets, tops, skirts etc and then by colour. I store what’s not currently in season and regularly weed out anything that’s no longer fit to wear… my issue is there’s just too much of it!
It would help me to see how you incorporate clothes you’ve had for sometime with your current seasons additions, I’m particularly interested in smart casual ideas, I’ve retired and have a 4-year old granddaughter so my life and my needs have changed and I remain drawn to clothes which i no longer need.
Like you, Tina, I actually like a smaller, more workable wardrobe – but it has taken me years to get my “built up” wardrobe somewhat in order and downsized – and I still have too much. I like to organize the same way as you – it must be the retail person in me – ingrained from years ago. I think many of us are in the same boat as you, where our lifestyle has shifted a bit, we still own clothing we love – but not all of it works with our current lifestyle. Let me think on this idea, as I believe – and have heard – it is something many women of a certain age struggle with. Thanks for dropping me a line! xx
Glad to see you post and great to hear that you enjoyed a little downtime this summer. Wishing you all the best. 🙂
Hey Melissa! Thanks for stopping by and dropping a line! This summer was a busy one, so I needed to slow down and reprioritize some things in my life. Good to be back! xx
Hi Suzanne,
I would love to see more of your “What’s on my rail” blog and videos. I loved those! 🙏🏼
Hi Karen! Thank you for encouraging the videos. I am going to challenge myself to create more of those as I enjoy watching styling videos from other creators myself! This week I am launching a 3 part series on how to create outfits from what you own as well as how to introduce a new item into your closet with success. as part of the series I plan to create a video like the whats on my rail series – stay tuned!xx