Archive of ‘Style tips’ category

How to dress for a Brisbane Autumn

There aren’t many weeks left in Autumn, but I wanted to write (and remind myself) how to dress for a Brisbane autumn, because a few weeks ago I got caught by getting hot in the middle of the day and not being able to change my outfit because I’d worn a long sleeve top. During autumn and winter in Brisbane, the mornings are cool but by midday it’s warm and it’s important to dress in a way where the layers can be peeled off.

Unlike most cities in Australia, Brisbane can have a mild autumn and winter. Sometimes we will get 1 week of possibly windy cold weather and the jackets and thick knit jumpers come out, but usually the cold can be handled with the right selection of layers.

I thought I’d share some of the outfits I’ve worn in the last week to give you inspiration on how to dress for a Brisbane autumn so you don’t get caught out like I did. And if you live elsewhere in Australia, these outfits can be layered for extra warmth.

A tunic style dress always works in autumn because it can be layered over tights or leggings and skinny leg jeans. I like a 3/4 sleeve style, and if I need extra warmth, just add a jacket or cardigan.

Tunic Style Dress with tights and boots

Tunic Style Dress with tights and boots

I have a big selection of cardigans and I apologise for the quality of the photo, but you get the picture. I have a grey, red (as pictured), black and white cardigan that can be layered with different outfits depending on the colour combination I’m wearing that day.

Cardigan

Cardigan

A kimono is another layer that can add warmth during Autumn and it’s the type of layer that can stay on all day. To make a kimono warmer, add a long sleeve tee underneath, although if you do this, make sure it’s done in winter where the long sleeves won’t be too hot.

Kimono

Kimono

A cape is another favourite piece of mine that can be layered in winter. This is a maxi cape and if I wanted to make it warmer, I would wear a long sleeve tee underneath.

Cape

Cape

A thicker scarf is the perfect accessory during a Brisbane Autumn. I did find by lunchtime, I was warm enough to take it off, but don’t underestimate the scarf when out and about. It can be draped around your neck or you can turn it into a winter cape by using this tutorial here.

Scarf

Wear a thicker scarf during Autumn

How do you dress in Autumn? What clothes do you typically reach out for in Autumn?

I’m linking with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

 

How to modernise grandma fashion

Last week when I shared about my check shirt purchase from Millers, I didn’t share my second purchase which was this blanket cape. When I picked it up I asked my mum if it looked like something my grandma would wear. It has the potential to look old lady like depending on how it’s styled.

grandma style

Yesterday, the weather turned cool enough for me to wear my new blanket cape. To modernize my grandma fashion purchase, I teamed it with a navy stripe long sleeve tee.

If you ever want to modernize an outfit – add stripes . The pattern is universally classic and providing it has the same colours in the layered pieces, it won’t look dowdy. If you can’t add stripes, add a piece that is trending and you will find it will lift up the outfit.

Blanket capes are a big trend this season. They’re really just a winterized kimono. Most of the styles are in a plaid pattern. I haven’t seen many in different patterns like the one I purchased from Millers. That may be why I was attracted to it. And it’s promotional price of $18.

If you’re looking to purchase something for mum this Mother’s Day, a blanket cape may be the perfect gift because it’s one size fits all and can be used all through out winter. It may be a fad like the snuggy, but for me, I’m happy to wear my blanket cape to add interest and layers to my winter outfits.

Have you got a blanket cape yet? What do you think of this style of cape?

How to style khaki

I’ve been wearing khaki long before it became a trend. The colour has always suited my fair skin and dark red hair. The khaki dress that I’m wearing in the picture below was a $15 bargain from Rockmans a few years ago. It was bought when I was breastfeeding Magdalene and needed a button down dress for church.

The dress has proved to be quite versatile. I have scarves galore that suit it. On the weekend I wore it with a leopard print cape cinched in with a beige belt.

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How to style Khaki

Khaki looks great with other neutral brown based tones. It can also look classy with navy, purple and red. Pops of orange can work well with khaki too. More commonly this season I’ve seen khaki paired with black and grey. A neutral palette of black, white and khaki can look great for work and to dress it down change the black to a pair of jeans.

If you are looking to add khaki to your winter wardrobe this season, look for khaki anoraks and drapey pants. For dresses look for shirt dresses that can be layered over tees as a jacket or worn by themselves over black tights. I’ve found a selection online to help you.*

 

 

Is khaki a colour you’d consider adding to your wardrobe this season?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

*I will earn commission if you purchase any of the items but there will be no extra cost to you.

How to wear knitwear this winter

It’s important at the start of each season to do a wardrobe audit to see what pieces are missing from your wardrobe. Your knitwear collection is definitely the first place to start when you look at what you already own and whether you need some updates. Knitwear needs to still hold it’s shape, not have holes and be free from lint and fuzz.

Depending on where you live in Australia will depend on how many knits you have and the thickness of each knit. In Brisbane, the knits need to light weight so they can be layered over a tee or shirt.

As a mum, I find my go to outfits in winter are jeans and a knit. I have found some ways you can style a knit so it looks like a well put together ensemble. I’ve also found some great knits on the net that you can add to your wardrobe if you find you need to add a few more to your collection.

A knit can be layered as the top photos show, or they can be worn on their own like the bottom two photos. If you choose to wear a knit on it’s own, choose a colourful or well patterned knit that will work well against a neutral bottom like jeans.

Do you like to layer your knits, or wear them on their own? Do you have any favourite styles from the collage? I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

*I will earn commission if you purchase any of these items. They are affilitate links, but this doesn’t not add extra costs to you.

 

Autumn Looks Parisian Style

While I was pinning around on Pinterest, I came across this outfit and I loved it instantly. It’s the kind of outfit I can see myself wearing in Autumn and Winter. The accessories are so simple and I love the mix of patterns with the leopard print belt and stripe tee. The tan satchel matches well with the animal print belt and ballet flat shoes (not shown) It’s going to be one of my Autumn Looks Parisian Style. This is an easy outfit to put together.

There was a bit of interest in relation to stockists of the accessories in the picture when I shared it on Facebook, but it’s an overseas blogger. I decided to make a collage using Australian stockists to get the same look.

Do you like the outfit? Could you see yourself wearing something like this in Autumn?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

*Affiliate links which means I may get commission if you purchase these items.

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