(ABOVE) A Black Short-Sleeve A-Line Dress is a perfect classic for transitioning into fall.
For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup Details Scroll to Bottom of Page
(NOTE: Some links that I provide in this post are affiliate links, which means if you follow that link and make a purchase I may possibly earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More information here.
August 29, 2024 / Video Post Notes
SUMMER-TO-FALL TRANSITIONING
Layers, Lighter Fabrics, Fall Colors
Oh, how I love all the classic fall fashions we begin seeing in stores at this time of year. It makes me so anxious to start wearing wool, cashmere, and deep, rich colors again. However, even though the calendar may show that fall is less than a month away, the temperature doesn’t reflect it, especially in the southern U.S.
That can make getting dressed a bit challenging–especially when we are told “no white after Labor Day,” which is just next week. What’s a girl to do?
Luckily for those of us living in southern resort towns like Naples, Florida, we can keep wearing summer fabrics, colors, and styles all through fall and winter and still be right in style. After all, designers devote entire collections to creating summer clothes–called Resort Wear–just for wearing in Florida during the winter.
However, not everyone who lives in a southern resort town wants to dress like it’s summer year-round, including me. Yes, I love having the choice to be able to do so, but I also appreciate being able to dress in colors and fabrics that reflect what is on the calendar, if not the thermometer.
So, when fall officially rolls around on Sunday, September 22, 2024, what is a good plan of action for those of us in Europe and North America who want to dress like it is fall even if the temperature disagrees?
The answer for me is layers, lighter fabrics, and fall colors. Two particular fabrics that I’ve found work well for me are silk and linen. Linen is lighter in weight and more sheer than, say, cotton poplin or oxford cloth, so it keeps me cool. Silk, even in more substantial weights, has the same cooling effect, and it feels luxurious against the skin.
No White After Labor Day?
Before I go any further, let me address the “no white after Labor Day” issue. By now I think most of us have been told that this is no longer a fashion rule. Even the Emily Post Institute says we can wear white all year. Does that mean I’ll wear my white cotton pants, skirts, and dresses up north during the winter? I don’t, because I like to switch to heavier fabrics like wool, cashmere, or thicker manmade fabrics. White wool or cashmere dresses, skirts, or trousers are definite choices for me in the winter. However, while the weather is still hot, I choose cotton and other lighter fabrics like linen to keep me cool.
White, Khaki, Brown, Blue and Black Shirts, Cardigan, Pants, and Dresses
In this post and video I show a White Linen Button-Up Shirt, Navy-Blue Silk Short-Sleeve Shirt and White Silk Short-Sleeve Shirt, along with a Striped Cotton Button-Up Shirt. These are classic pieces, so they can be worn all four seasons and year after year and still be in style.
Striped cotton button-up shirts look fabulous on their own in hot weather (I just roll up the sleeves), and just as fabulous paired with wool cardigans and tweed blazers come winter. Linen, of course, is perfect during hot weather, and when the temperature drops into the 60s, I switch out my linen for heavier fabrics like cotton poplin and oxford cloth. Silk, of course, works beautifully year-round; I just switch to my silk long-sleeve button-up shirts.
As for dresses, I am featuring two with short sleeves: a Cotton-Blend White Shirtdress and a Linen-Blend Black Shirt Dress. The black dress works beautifully through the fall simply because it is solid black. The white dress, when paired with brown or black accessories and a cardigan or blazer in a rich fall color, also looks lovely right through the fall. Both are in that timeless, flattering, and easy-to-fit A-line style that I love.
One cardigan I show in this post and will continue to wear up north and here in Florida all winter is this Camel Cardigan. It’s made of a lyocell-tencell blend and is luxuriously thick. It is in a classic cropped style and looks gorgeous with both dark and lighter-color neutrals. I love it so much I also bought it in ivory/natural, too.
The other cardigan I show is this Navy Wool Lady Jacket/Cardigan. Our restaurants are so chilly, I have been wearing it over my shoulders when walking from the car, and usually I just keep it on my shoulders in the restaurant. This style of cardigan is so timeless and feminine. I absolutely love how it dresses up jeans.
Regarding bottoms, I recommend two particular pairs of pants right now: Slim-Fit Stretch-Cotton Khaki Chinos, and Straight-Fit Stretch-Cotton White Pants. Khaki-color chinos are a classic staple that works well all year. They’re a perfect option to white or ecru jeans. The pair I show in this video are a slimmer fit, so they can be worn with bulky layers on top without making you look like Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster. (A general practice I usually follow, although there are some exceptions, is to pair wider-fit bottoms with slimmer-fit tops and slimmer-fit bottoms with wider-fit tops.)
Why the white pants now? Because we still have several more weeks of summer left, and also because these are a great classic-style shape and fit. Also, if you are planning a trip to Florida or some other warm-weather resort this winter, white pants are perfect for those chillier days. Southwest Florida can dip into the 50s during a winter day, so you might want to have a pair of classic white pants on your Florida resort-wear packing list.
Two (Actually Three) New Handbags
I’m showing two new handbags in this post. They each retail for $150 and are beautifully made; they truly are a great value. One is a summer and resort-wear Raffia and Cognac-Leather Crossbody Bag (with both short and long leather straps) and the other is a Navy-Canvas and Cognac-Leather Interchangeable-Bag Set (consisting of two bags and one long striped-web strap). I bought them both, and I love how the straps are interchangeable. The bag set is perfect through December, while the raffia bag works well for both summertime and warm-resort vacations.
Save On 18K Gold and Pearl Jewelry and Silk
Several silk or wool items in this post and video are from Goelia or LilySilk, and many items at these sites are now on sale. Plus, you can use my savings codes. At Goelia, simply type in JLJ15 at checkout for 15% off. At LilySilk, use JLJ20 for 20% off or JLJ25 for 25% off all purchases over $480 (*excludes discounted products). To ensure that you get the exact items I show, simply click on the item links I provide and then use one of my discount codes.
Also in this post and video I am featuring several new pearl jewelry pieces from Gingiberi. Pearls work well all year and are timeless jewelry items you can wear for decades and then pass on to your loved ones. To save 15% site wide, simply type in Janis15 at checkout. If for any reason you aren’t happy with your purchase, Gingiberi offers free 30-day returns in the United States and Great Britain. If you’d like to see more items I’ve featured from Gingiberi, see my blog post here.
Two New Products Sent To Me
In the last several months I received two products that I think are worth mentioning here. One is the Sleep&Glow Omnia Pillow. I have been using it since March 2024 and love it. I would not go back to a regular pillow after sleeping on this. I go into much more detail in my video, but if you are in need of a new pillow, you might want to look into it. Use savings code JANIS15 for $15 off pillows and blankets or JANIS10 for 10% off the rest of products.
The other item sent to me is a set of two Wet Hair Scalp-Massage Brushes. This set is currently only $6.99 on Amazon. I gave the grey one to my hubby and I kept the pastel-pink one and use it once or twice a week, when washing my hair. I wash my hair with just water three times a week (no shampoo), and using this brush in the shower leaves my scalp feeling clean and invigorated. (I massage my scalp using gentle-to-medium pressure and small circular motions). I also use it with shampoo, every several weeks.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and wishing you a wonderful remainder of the week.
For photographs of all of these items and the six outfits I created with them, please scroll down the page.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog.
~ Janis
Janis Lyn Johnson
Classic-Style Lover. Happily Married. Born in 1960. Fan of Understated, Timeless Fashion and Healthy Living.
Editor
JLJ Back To Classic
Previous Posts:
Timeless style: 10 Classic Summer Wardrobe Staples, Five Outfits, Pairing Navy and White With Red
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Vlog-Timeless Style: Louis Vuitton Bandouliere Malletage Speedy 25; Black Tee, Pink Pants; Brunch and Shopping David Yurman
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Jewelry: Five Cherished, Vintage Heirloom Pieces; And Six Classic New Pearl Finds
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Vlog/Timeless Style: Ferragamo Iconic Top-Handle Bag, Midi Shirtdress; Shopping Waterside, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Nine Elegant, Classic Spring, Summer Outfits
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Fendi White Mini Peekaboo, Ivory Cardigan, White Tee, White Wide-Leg Trousers
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Handbag Reveiw: Five-Year Review of the Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires, Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid Linen Blazer, White Polo Shirt, White Jeans
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Longchamp XS Leather Le Pliage Bag, Plum Shirtdress, Black Flats
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Celine Small Boston Bag With Triomphe Canvas, Black Faux-Leather Skirt, and White Button-Up Shirt OOTD
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Scenes From The Video
Outfit #1
Gold-Bridge Sunglasses, Tortoise
Striped Cotton Button-Up Shirt (more colors available)
100% Cotton Sweater (more colors available)
Leather and Fabric Stretch Belt, White, Brass Buckle
Stretch Cotton Pants, White (more colors available)
Bernardo Leather Ballet Flats, Luggage/Caramel
Raffia Crossbody Bag (with 2 leather straps)
Gingiberi 18k Gold, Diamonds, and Pearl Rainline Earrings (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold, Diamonds and Akoya Pearl Leaf Necklace (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Outfit #2
(ABOVE) On the left, I’m wearing the Navy Canvas and Brown Leather Interchangeable Crossbody Bag Set and the striped web strap that comes with it. On the right, I’m using the leather shoulder strap that comes with the Raffia Crossbody Bag that I show in Outfit #1 (which comes with two leather straps).
Gold-Bridge Sunglasses, Tortoise
Silk Button-Up Blouse, White (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Wool Lady Jacket/Cardigan, Navy (JLJ20 for 20% off or JLJ25 for 25% off all purchases over $480,*excludes discounted products)
Leather and Fabric Stretch Belt, Navy, Silver Buckle
Leather and Fabric Stretch Belt, Navy, Brass Buckle
Navy Canvas and Brown Leather Interchangeable Crossbody Bag Set (matches leather shoulder strap from Raffia Crossbody Bag)
Square-Toe Ballet Flats, Luggage/Caramel
Gingiberi 18k Gold, Diamonds, and Pearl Rainline Earrings (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold, Diamonds and Akoya Pearl Leaf Necklace (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Outfit #3
(ABOVE) I bought this Prada Tote in 2017, in the color Cammeo. A current bag similar to mine, also in the color Cameo, is this medium Prada Double Bag Tote. I think the color pairs well with light sand- or stone-colored pants like these.
Sunglasses, Rose Water (wide, med, narrow widths)
Linen Boyfriend Shirt (more colors, prints available)
Cashmere Polo Sweater, Light Pink
Stretch-Cotton Chinos, Stone
Leather Belt, Ivory (more colors available)
Prada Double-Bag Tote, Cammeo
Ally Forever Flats, Tenacious Tan Suede/Bossy Beige Leather (JANIS10 for 10% off, more colors available)
Gingiberi 18k Gold and Pearl Removable Drop Earrings (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold and Pearls Station Necklace (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold, Diamonds and Akoya Pearl Leaf Necklace (JLJ15 for 15% off)
Outfit #4
(ABOVE) This classic-fit Camel Cardigan is slightly cropped and is so luxuriously soft and thick. It is crafted with a touch of Tencel lyocell which, according to the brand, is an eco-friendly fiber produced from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed, certified forests—which means they are not ancient or endangered. See the photograph below for a better representation of the gorgeous camel color. My studio lights wash out and cool warm colors, unfortunately.
Black Sunglasses (set of 2)
Silk Top, Navy (now on sale; more colors available; JLJ20 for 20% off or JLJ25 for 25% off all purchases over $480;*excludes discounted products)
Cardigan, Camel
Stretch-Cotton Chinos, Stone
Adjustable Skinny Belt, Black, Brass Buckle
Prada Double-Bag Tote, Cammeo
Ally Forever Flats, Tenacious Tan Suede/Bossy Beige Leather (JANIS10 for 10% off, more colors available)
David Yurman 18k Gold, Pave-Diamond Earrings
(ABOVE) Here, I’m on my way to lunch after filming the above outfit. I walked all around a shopping area in the Ally Forever Flats, They are so very comfortable! I am wearing all of the same makeup and hair products with each outfit in this post; for those links, see the bottom of this page. (This all-natural lipstick makes my lips look and feel plumped and moisturized for hours.) My 18k Gold Pave Diamond earrings are from David Yurman. They are from the Albion Collection, and just recently stopped showing up on the David Yurman site (perhaps they are being discontinued?). For a similar pair, see these David Yurman 18k Gold Chatelaine Earrings.
Outfit #5
(ABOVE) I bought my Cole Haan Brown Leather Sandals and this Brown Woven-Leather Cole Haan Bag about 15 years ago when we had a Cole Haan boutique at Waterside Shops. For current Cole Haan bags and shoes, visit their online store here.
Sunglasses, Tortoise (narrow, medium, wide widths; more colors available)
Cotton-Blend Shirtdress, White (more white shirtdresses here, here, and here)
Cardigan, Chocolate
Louis Vuitton Trouville Bag (mine was purchased in 2006)
Leather Skinny Belt, Brown
Suede Kitten-Heel Slingback (JANIS10 for 10% off, more colors available; I just bought these!)
Suede Block-Heel Pumps, Brown
Gingiberi 18k Gold and Pearl Removable-Drop Earrings (Janis15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold and Pearls Station Necklace (Janis15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold, Diamonds and Akoya Pearl Leaf Necklace (Janis15 for 15% off)
Outfit #6
Sunglasses, Black (narrow, medium, wide widths; more colors available)
Linen-Blend Shirt Dress, Black (more black shirtdresses here and here)
Louis Vuitton Bandouliere Malletage Speedy 25
Gionvito Rossi 55mm Leather, Raffia Slingbacks, Tan
David Yurman 18k Gold, Pave-Diamond Earrings
My Makeup & Hair
(ABOVE & BELOW)) All of my makeup and hair products in this post are considered clean and rated low in toxicity at Environmental Working Group. For links to everything I used or wore to get my look above, please see below. (I used the same makeup and hair products throughout this post and video.)
Linen Boyfriend Shirt (more colors, prints available)
Gold-Bridge Sunglasses, Tortoise
Gingiberi 18K Gold and Natural Diamond Earrings (use code Janis15 for 15% off)
Gingiberi 18k Gold and Pearls Station Necklace (use code Janis15 for 15% off)
Mineral Fusion Powder Foundation, Warm 3
Gabriel Powder Blush, Willow (on bridge of nose, cheeks, chin, forehead; Gabriel, Amazon)
Gabriel Lipstick, Eve (Gabriel, Amazon)
Gold Dual-Ended Retractable Lip Brush (for lining and filling-in lips with lip color)
RMS Beauty Unpowder Powder (to set eyeshadow/liner; QVC, Amazon, Nordstrom)
Makeup Brushes/Sponge/Case (to apply my face, eye, and cheek makeup)
Pacifica Mascara, Black/Supernova
Set of Four Portable Eyelash Combs, Pink (to comb out mascara)
Vaseline Triple Purified, 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly (applied to cheeks and cheekbones as highlighter; Amazon, Target)
1-Ounce Glass Jars (set of 6, for storing Petroleum Jelly, Shea Butter, etc.; Amazon)
Organic Argal Oil (EWG-rated well/low toxicity/low allergies)
Hot Rollers (available in blue or coral)
Hair Styling Mousse (listed 2/low toxicity at EWG Build Your Own Report and listed 1/low toxicity at EWG Skin Deep)
Steamer For Clothes (I have used this steamer for years and swear by it!)
Omnia Sleep&Glow Pillow (JANIS15, $15 off pillows, blankets or JANIS10 for 10% off rest of products)
YouTube Video
(ABOVE) If you are seeing this message, then I have published the video and it should be appearing above. However, if for some reason the video isn’t appearing above–and you have refreshed your page and cleared your cache–you also can view the video at my JLJ Back To Classic Channel on YouTube.
Any advice for buying a purse when you must carry an epi pen and “puffer” with me at all times? I have so many purses that don’t accommodate them. Thank you, Meredith
Dear Meredith, this must be a challenge for you. I know what it’s like always carrying a puffer, but additionally adding in the epi pen must make it even more challenging. I will say that, for me, the first item that goes in any bag is the puffer, then I consider everything else. Most of the time, by not carrying certain other items I’m able to fit in the puffer. However, I do have some bags that won’t fit the puffer. In those instances, I do one of the following: I carry either my ivory/natural canvas bag or black canvas bag with me and put the puffer and any other extras in this canvas bag (salad dressing bottle in a zip pouch, umbrella and rain shoes if rain is forecast). If it is a date night (which is most often when I carry the smallest handbags that may not handle the puffer), my hubby usually carries my puffer in his blazer/jacket for me. I wish I had a better answer, but this is how I have handled it thus far. How have you handled it up to now?
Janis, I continue to be inspired by your blog…including your older posts. You have helped me see my existing clothing and jewelry in a new light.
In my younger years, I had felt reasonably confident in my taste. However, as I aged I found myself frustrated and confused about fashion and feeling I should dress more trendy. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the trends I would attempt to wear. Now, once again I trust my own classic taste. Thank you for this blog and the effort you put into it. I just wish I had found it sooner. 😊
Mary, I’m so glad you find my blog helpful, including my older posts. I completely understand, regarding feeling “I should dress more trendy”, and I’m so happy that you trust your own classic taste now. That’s wonderful. The more of us who do this, the more that brands will offer classic clothing. Thank you so much for supporting my blog–and for leaving your comment.
Hi. I did not see a link to the pillow from your video. I could use a new pillow. Thank you.
Susan, thank you for letting me know you are interested in the pillow I mentioned on YouTube. Here is the link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-7065742. I appreciate you visiting my blog! JANIS15, $15 off pillows, blankets or JANIS10 for 10% off rest of products
P.S. I appreciate you taking the time to ask for the link here at my blog. I totally forgot to include it here! ~ janis