Effortless Fall Outfits Start with 3 Key Style Words
Effortless style isn’t about chasing every new trend; it’s about knowing what works for you and using a few guiding principles to make getting dressed feel easy. This fall, I’m leaning into a fresh take on heritage prints with an argyle cardigan that perfectly captures my three personal style words: neat, cool, and quirky. Defining your own style words (or a simple “formula”) can be a game-changer when you’re curating a wardrobe that feels authentic and timeless.
In my earlier post about fall fashion “trends” that are actually timeless wardrobe staples, I wrote about the concept of “heritage dressing,” and how it seems to cycle back with some regularity. This fall “heritage” prints like plaid, houndstooth, and argyle are everywhere. Like plaid, argyle is one I’ve always loved the look of, but often find hard to wear. Either the colors are wrong for me, or the angularity of the print feels too sharp and dramatic.
So as soon I spotted this softer iteration of argyle in a cream and butter yellow cardigan, I added to my cart and waited (fingers crossed) for a markdown. I was finally rewarded last week when Vince launched their Friends & Family sale. (25% off with code FF25.)
The Argyle Cardigan That Nails the Formula
This cardigan nails all three of my Style Words: neat, cool, quirky. It’s a very lightweight knit, but opaque enough to wear without a base layer (so will be a season-spanning piece in our climate). The slight fray detail around the edges of the diamond patterns adds a fun twist on a classic. Runs true-to-size; I’m wearing size Small. And it’s also available in an olive/spruce combo, perfect for you Autumns!
Yes, it’s a splurge (even with 25% off), but when I find a Goldilocks piece like this one, it tends to be worth the investment. For budget-friendlier options, take a look at these:
Budget-friendly Argyle Cardigans
Why Style Words Make Getting Dressed Easier
Dressing with intention means understanding what we want to convey when we present ourselves in the world, and unlocking the elements or formulas to achieve it. While some people can achieve this intuitively, for others, having a formula or through line helps to quantify what works, and duplicate good results. (And it can be a mix of both.)
While knowing your Style Personality Profile is a good starting point, I find using style words helps hone even further. As I tell my style clients, one person’s “Classic” or “Gamine” may look very different than another person’s “Classic” or “Gamine.” Understanding your own personal “vibe” is key to really feeling at-home and effortless in your style.
My Three Style Words: Neat, Cool, Quirky
What’s important in choosing your style words is what they mean or evoke to you. Use them as a mantra when shopping, editing your wardrobe, or putting outfits together. Over the summer I was feeling a shift in my style, so I spent some time noodling and adjusting my style words. Here’s what I came up with…
“Neat” has moved up to the front of the line. That means nothing too slouchy, chunky, oversized or distressed. Set-in or raglan sleeves rather than drop-shoulder styles. Clean lines without a lot of fussy details. Balanced proportions. (When I do wear something more oversized, I apply Amy Smilovic’s “big, slim, skin” formula to keep the overall look from swallowing me.)
“Cool” is a bit harder to describe, but to me it’s shorthand for a modern, relaxed vibe. Cool avoids anything too stiff, fussy, frilly, overdone, contrived. Color, yes, but not too much at once.
“Quirky” can mean whimsical, playful, a little weird, some frisson or tension, something that doesn’t quite “go.” This is the element that makes me feel like me. When it’s missing, my outfits feel flat.
Keeping these three style words in mind helps me to avoid being swayed by trends or pieces that don’t work for me, and to put outfits together that feel balanced. Whether you use the three style words, or some other style formula, doing a bit of legwork is key to achieving effortless style over 50, or at any age.
I’d love to know, do you use style words or another formula to guide your wardrobe? Share your favorites in the comments! And if you enjoyed this article, be sure to sign up for my newsletter for updates and exclusive content!
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Ha I also just purchased an argyle cardi. Something has also shifted for me and I’m feeling my preppier roots. For years I loved a bit of a gothy, rocker edge, but has it started to feel costume-y. Some recent trips to NYC have inspired me towards a modern, streamlined, classic, old money, Carolyn Besette type of style – but in my dark winter palette, which is what makes it me. No frills, no ruffles, no embellishments, simple jewelry. I haven’t quite hit on my three exact words. Modern is always one of them. Classic feels too staid. Old money is not quite right but it’s close. It’s also often too dressed up for my lifestyle. I’ve used sporty before…it’s a work in progress. But there has definitely been a change as I approach 60 next year.
Something has shifted for me as well. I appreciate your comments, and I will also turn 60 next year!
Kudos to you Susan for making ‘quirky’ one of your personal style words and making it work. Often I see women of a certain age dressing with that idea in mind only to come up looking costume-y or just weird. I really think it has so much to do with attitude and the overall look. Women who do quirky well seem to be able to pull the whole look together. Hairstyle, jewelry, accessories etc. My friends who do ‘quirky’ well are often those who did ‘boho’ and sort of evolved. One always wore flowing tops and skirts but has found that as she aged that look was not for her. She kept the jewelry, and went for a pixie cut and a more jeans and barrel style pants with ankle boots. Looks great and her evolved style is working for this season of her life!
Hi Susan: I really love that Argyle Vince sweater (in the greens for Autumns) but it’s just too pricey. What I’d love is a plaid or houndstooth jacket (straight out of the Scottish Highlands!) but I haven’t found one that I absolutely love yet. I love your three personal style words–and I’m taking ‘cool’ for myself too because I like your definition (modern, relaxed, nothing fussy). I like relaxed, not too exaggerated. I have to be careful with jewelry: too much feels fussy. Not sure if ‘understated’ is a style word but I think of that word frequently for myself–I like neutrals; no patterns (except checks or stripes); monochromatic or at least colors in all the same value. And I think ‘gamine’ for me is mostly about proportions and possibly a hint of quirkiness somewhere (shoes are a good bet or maybe one large piece of jewelry). So you can see that I’m still searching for those words!
You might have luck with British, Scottish, or Irish retailers for the plaid. My style is very casual, so I like New England brands like Orvis, LLBean, etc. I got a gorgeous plaid jacket from the Vermont Flannel Company on sale last spring.
Joe brown, a UK company I have just come across. fabulous “plaid” stuff definitely with a highland look to some of their items.
Love this post! I’m now trying to figure out my own style words. “Neat, Sporty …….”. I adore a flowing blouse, but, sadly they just don’t work for me. And I need to stop loading myself down with waaaaay too much jewelry. I have tons of beads, but time to donate them.
Thanks for all your great advice, Susan! Now … let’s see about that third word.
Yes, I do use style words – classic, color, ladylike, and sophisticated/refined. They keep me from impulse buys that aren’t a good idea. To me ladylike is fitted as opposed to oversized. As you mentioned a set in sleeve. As much as I can I stick to cotton, linen, silk and stay away from polyester. Love wool, but makes me itch. Love the sweater on you. So fits your style.
Oh my goodness I love that sweater! But oh my goodness – the price! Maybe early Christmas shopping for my husband? I am a HOC Spring, Natural Gamine, so it really speaks to me.
On another note, you recently mentioned using gold nail polish on silver buttons/snaps. Does it eventually chip? Have you tried a gold sharpie? I just found a great piece with silver snaps. And if it’s nail polish that’s your favorite, can you share which one you like? A Quick Look in Target yesterday only showed me sparkles and high shine.
Thank you!
Hi Cathy, thanks! The gold nail polish I use is this one: https://bit.ly/4mqnf3l I have not found that it chips, even during washing. (I’ve been told pretty much any metallic nail polish will work.)
I like these 3 words for my style: classic, modern and cohesive.
I really like the sweater. I’ve always seemed to use one word for dressing and it’s simply classic. But I like the word neat!
Wondering where the jeans are from in picture above? Link for jeans is not correct.
Hi Barb, here’s the correct link for the jeans: https://bit.ly/4pzBR3n I’ve updated the post, thanks!
What is it with jewelry for us these days?! I share with many of you the feeling that jewelry (other than stud earrings, a watch, and perhaps a bracelet) just looks unflattering. I’ve collected lovely pieces over the years, but just can’t seem to wear them comfortably anymore. Susan, I’d like to see you weigh in on this subject someday.
I’ve been feeling the same way! I would love Susan’s thoughts as well.
Thank you Susan,
I really appreciate your posts, you write beautifully & look lovely.
I like casual, comfy, pretty.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks very much, Deb!
I too love that sweater on you, better on you than the website I think. Not for me but it does look fabulous. Bought an Argyle sweater last year in hot pink, black and grey and while the colours were fabulous, the drop shoulder killed it for me. I bought a black and white houndstooth vest this year, yet to wear it but hopefully soon. You have inspired me to have another look for Argyle.