An easy fall outfit with jeans and loafers
Menswear-inspired looks seem to be a fall perennial. I love them but find more literal interpretations (like tailored suiting) don’t suit me. I like to create combinations that allude to menswear, as with this jeans and loafers outfit.
bandana | sweater | bracelet | bracelet | jeans (similar) | loafers
Sizes: sweater XXS, jeans 26 (this style runs large), loafers 7.5
But I also like to balance masculine and feminine elements within an outfit. (e.g. the watch skews more masculine, the bracelet more feminine, etc.)
Even just a few weeks ago I really thought I’d be sticking with my lighter and medium wash jeans for fall. But lately the darker, non-distressed washes are feeling fresh again, so I’ve added a pair back into the rotation. These are no longer available, but here are some similar styles.
The loafers add polish and structure a casual look. They’re a borrowed-from-the-boys footwear style, but the patent leather finish and link detail on these add some yin to the yang. They run TTS and I can’t begin to tell you how comfortable they are!
Fall wardrobe essentials: this season’s best loafers
What are your favorite menswear-inspired styles?
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I love this look! This is flattering and easy to wear for so many occasions. I have ordered the loafers and can’t wait to try them. I also purchased the black patent loafers you had in your shoe post. I am wearing them on a Rocky Mountaineer train trip next week in Canada. Thank you for your great style advise.
Thanks, Sandy! The train trip sounds fun, enjoy!
I have just purchased a new pair of dark wash jeans and since I’m a petite ( 5’0”) usually have to hem even the short ankle versions of my jeans. But I’m loving the rolled up look on you and may sport them that way.
Thanks, Linda! I debated about getting these hemmed but have decided to keep the length for now to have more options.
Love the entire look…but really, really love the color of the sweater!!
Thanks, Pam! I think you could wear this color too…
So glad you are back to dark wash jeans again. I am not a fan of light wash, especially in fall and winter. I have been in Italy for the past month ( was actually in Venice while the Doce Gabbana fall show was on). I am seeing dresses everywhere. I brought three with me and have worn them almost constantly.
Hi Karen, thanks, it’s good to change things up periodically. It will be interesting to see whether dresses are still as prevalent once the weather cools down.
Susan, this is a wonderful look! I had been interested in that J Crew sweater, in that color, but was afraid it was too orange or had too much yellow undertone based on the online photos. How do you find the color in real life? Thank you!
I should add, that it looks great here!
Hi Andrea, thanks! The sweater doesn’t have a strong yellow undertone, but it is warm.
Susan, I do love the jeans and cashmere look on you…definitely my style for a casual day.
I am now nearly finished the BIG CLOSET EDIT ( your post in July was what got me going) and I have been diligent for the past while… plastic bins still peeking from beneath the bed which are the last ones to be done. Whew!
What a huge haul for charity… but long overdue. Still, some favourites purchased 15 years ago made it back into the closet. The lower half hasn’t changed too much… mostly above the hips!
Cashmere sweaters ,sadly , are part of a very large donation this week…we have SOS here…Society of Services…which has a well organized drive up with helpers …so definitely an easy thing to do.
I have sized out of my favourite Talbots and LLBean cashmere, unfortunately, since my bust is more robust! Darn!
But I went shopping and found replacements in local shops which make me happy…and during these times, them as well. I was sticking to basic colours that suit me and jazzing up with scarves, which also have been edited.
Only keeping ones that suit my face and personality, as per Red Leopard guidance.
Also nearly ready to pack for our driving holiday in southwest England… Airbnb cottages in Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Cornwall… and keeping in mind a raincoat, reversible with leopard print lining, comfortable but stylish footwear, and scarves.
A lovely hotel in London we are revisiting at the start of our trip , and a BnB on a Somerset farm as a treat towards the end of our month’s adventure. Not cooking our breakfasts for last three days!
I do hope you are off soon to France.We plan to visit Paris again in October of ‘22. Last time we were in Paris , we left the day before the fire of Notre Dame. Saw the horror from tv in Lyon with such sadness after being right there watching tourists taking selfies and lounging about the plaza. . Optimistic that much rebuilding has been accomplished. What a beautiful city! London and Paris are both amazing cities ,with completely different personalities. Must travel in my 70’s before the body looses it’s necessary energy and strength.
could you recommend that (or another) hotel in London? Looking for May 22. thanks!
Yes, but ‘full disclosure’ , Virginia, that I ‘totally treat’ myself once I discovered Red Carnation Hotels in London.
We have stayed at Milestones (2017) across from Kensington Palace and Hyde Park, then The Rubens (2019) across from the Royal Mews and close to Buckingham Palace( the Queens Gallery) and St James Park, but my favourite is The Montague on the Park ( 2017,2019…next week! ,and 2022) in Bloomsbury , close to the British Museum and Russell Square. Less pricey, but so lovely.
There is a theme here… always a different area of London and very close to a park and special attractions, and excellent window shopping. At Red Carnation, their attention to detail is amazing, and the bars are always excellent. Worth the money! And… I am worth it !!
I have stayed elsewhere, on previous visits to London, but either the food, non-functioning elevators, or quality of bedding is lacklustre and staff less than eager to please. Hope I have at least made you curious to explore their site.
Can’t believe it — I just love The Montague on the Park (and that part of London in general) and always try to stay there. I’ve not tried other Red Carnation properties, but your post makes me ponder it…..
I have a reservation at the Montague in November but not sure now that I’ll keep it since the trip that was to accompany those days in London has been canceled.
What a disappointment,Cinzia.
I know how much bother it was to have our trip cancelled …twice…
but my Scottish Auntie Anna always said “three times a charm”.
It was her bequest that helps me travel, and at times, travel well.
You may find that The Montague is the more affordable of the RCH … might make your eyes water to see some of the pricing for others…Milestones ,The Chesterfield, and 41.Have you found that ,as a returning guest you are offered a complimentary upgrade? That’s happened for me…and a lovely surprise.
A long weekend at The Acorn Inn , a gem in Evershot , Dorset, is on our itinerary and Sunday lunch at the Summer Lodge nearby will definitely be a treat. As we have self catering cottages, meals out are very welcome.
For those looking for an amazing Irish fantasy, their new property, Ashford Castle , is great if you have very deep pockets. Americans are a high percentage of their guests, since the strong ancestral ties to Ireland from those living on the Eastern seaboard of USA.
could you recommend that (or another) hotel in London? Looking for May 22. thanks!
Hi Susan, My style is very similar to yours and I have recently ordered 3 items that you featured on your blog & I absolutely love all 3 of them – plus they all fit. The AVR softest tee shirt, the Johnny Was hoodie from Neiman Markus & the Maeve plaid pants from Anthropologie . I don’t mind spending money on more expensive clothing if I love it & know I will wear it. Thank you for your recommendations & I will definitely continue to follow you for more!
You have a way with shoes and scarves. I love the detail of the little scarf. Sometimes a scarf that looks great when you look full view just doesn’t look good once it’s folded. These do. The orangey warm color of the shoes and bag look so fall. I have pulled out my darker jeans too. I don’t like Winter but I do love winter clothes. Boots, flannel shirts, jean jacket.
Oops, I thought I’d stumbled onto a man’s blog! 🙂 Love the wrist-watch.