Autumn Archives - Styled By BEC

Posts Tagged ‘Autumn’

Three Quarter Sleeve Tops – The Perfect Arm Length For A Warm Autumn 16

April 26, 2016 / Fashion / 17 Comments

Three quarter sleeve tops are my go to tops for Autumn and Winter.

The cooler weather in Brisbane tends to be quite mild so I find the length of a ¾ sleeve top just right for in between seasons.

I find that these tops tend to sell out quite quickly and will purchase a few different colours when I see them available.

Which is what I did a couple of weeks ago.

I should mention, our budget has been stretched these last couple of months with the knock on effect of paying some big bills at the beginning of the year and not getting money through to replenish the savings to keep us afloat.

There hasn’t been a lot of money spare to buy new clothes and so I’ve been creative with my well stocked wardrobe and did an edit recently on my Autumn Winter needs. ¾ sleeve tops were in short supply.

As I was shopping with my younger two girls to get groceries, I walked past Suzanne Grae and saw these off the shoulder ¾ sleeve tops and saw they were only $29.95. I tried on the red and loved it. I opted to go to the XL as the material is a little clingy.

I got plenty of comments when I wore it recently. Red has always been my colour and whether it’s in season or not, I love to wear it.

Depending on where you live in Australia, the three quarter sleeve top arm length may be perfect for you as the weather is still quite warm for Autumn. I also find these tops work well in Spring when the weather starts to warm up. The extra coverage also hides any dry elbows.

There aren’t many sizes left of this Bardot top from Suzanne Grae. I’ve put a selection of tops that are available online, but be quick to get these as they won’t last long. Already after putting this post together there is only 1 size left with the red and striped tops.

1. Surafina Geo Cream Pullover $69

2. Katies 3/4 Roll Sleeve Tunic $49.95

3. Suzanne Grae Fold Back Bardot Top $29.95

4. Freez Zippered Top $49

5. Atmos and Here Saint Moss Top $49.95

6. Millers Layering Basic 3/4 Sleeve Top $15

7. ASOS Pimkie Check Woven Top $40

8. Suzanne Grae Fold Back Bardot Top Stripe $29.95

Are you a fan of the three quarter sleeve?

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

5 Neck Accessories You Should Try This Autumn 2016

March 29, 2016 / Fashion / 27 Comments

The way I view fashion has started to change this year. I’ve always been attracted to bright and unusual patterns throughout all seasons of the year, but after taking an outfit photo consistently each day since Phoebe’s birth for #everydaystyle, I’ve noticed which outfits I feel happiest in and suit me really well. Wearing neutrals and classic outfits make me feel the most comfortable and stylish in. It means my winter wardrobe has been viewed in a new and different light.

Anyway, one classic outfit that I love is the simple white shirt, with skinny jeans and ankle boots. It’s the easiest trans-seasonal outfit to put together, and it’s a classic that everyone should own. But how do you make it your own without feeling like you blend in the crowd? Here’s where accessories come into play and I’m going to share 5 neck accessories you should adopt this season.

1. The Hair Tie Head Band. I bought my one and only headband hair tie from Behr & Co who no longer make these hair ties, but you can find them on Etsy or Top Knot Girl. You need to a buy a band that can be tied at the ends, not an infinity style headband. I wore mine as a neck tie on Easter Sunday with my white shirt. They way to tie it is to simply cross it over – as if you’re tying a shoe lace. Let the ends drape down casually.

2. The Neck Tie. My husband is overflowing with ties that he doesn’t always wear. If you want an edgy look, raid your partner’s wardrobe and tie it loosely around your neck. They same tying principle as the hair tie above.

3. The Scarf. One of my favourite ways to dress up a classic outfit. The best scarves to use are the soft, long length, drape type scarves. Wear it loosely, or tie it in a loose knot and leave the knot dangle near your chest.

4. Layered necklaces. It pays to have a good accessory collection to create this look – and make sure your layered necklaces don’t weigh a tonne because you will have a sore neck afterwards. Whether you choose delicate jewellery or bright beads, the bolder the better.

5. Bow Tie. This is a punk style look so it may not be for everyone, but this look is guaranteed to help you stand out from the crowd. The bow tie is usually kept for special occasions and rarely gets worn. You can change that by wearing it with a classic white shirt.

Which neckties will you be trying this Autumn?

How to Wear Layers When it’s Hot Outside

March 1, 2016 / Fashion / 8 Comments

The title of the post is such a paradox because layering clothes is best left for winter, yet here I’m sharing how to do it when it’s still hot outside. It can be argued that the only thing that should be layered when it still feels like summer is sunscreen. But I do believe you can effectively layer when it’s hot outside, without layering yourself in sweat. The key is to choose breathable layers as opposed to thick knits.

How to wear layers when it’s hot outside

For me, scarves are best left to be worn towards the end of Autumn, during Winter and the first half of Spring. The only way I’d layer a scarf in summer is by turning it into a cape (or vest) and layering this over swimmers or a singlet top. The moment a scarf is tied around my neck, I am dripping with sweat, so unless you spend most of your time in the air-con, don’t try to layer with a scarf in summer.

Vests are well worth the investment as they can add modesty to a spaghetti strap singlet. Vests are a trans-seasonal piece because they can be worn tied at the middle with no sleeves or layered over a long sleeve shirt in Winter. The possibilities are endless with vests. Don’t brush them off into the ‘too hot to trot’ pile.

Sleeveless duster jackets will definitely see you through all the seasons and they are a popular style to layer with this Autumn. To get more wear out of your duster, purchase a button down sleeveless dress instead that can be unbuttoned and worn as a duster. It can be teamed loose over a shorts and tee outfit or summer dress. This technique is effective in getting more cost per wear out of an item, and it also gives you versatile wear options.

Sheer tops and lace cardigans always require a cami underneath so these are the basics of post-summer layering. When choosing your cami or spaghetti strap singlet, choose a material that can breathe like bamboo or cotton.

Sassy Mae Longline Tank $59.00
Dotti Annika Fringe Lace Cardi $29.95 (on sale)
Birdsnest Breakthrough Kimono $50 (on sale)
Katies Sleeveless Soft Vest $59.95
ASOS Noisy Mae Petite Check Waistcoat $22 (on sale)
Katies Longline Vest $59.95
New Look Victoriana Lace Tee $34.95

The reason I love to wear layers is because it creates an interesting outfit. Layering when it’s hot outside can be done well, it just needs to be executed effectively with the right pieces and fabrics.

Do you avoid layering when it’s hot outside? What are your favourite trans-seasonal pieces?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How to dress for a Brisbane Autumn

May 5, 2015 / Style tips / 17 Comments

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

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

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

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

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.

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 style khaki

April 7, 2015 / Style tips / 27 Comments

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.

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.*