Fall weather was made for for boots and a sweater…
It’s finally feeling like fall, and I’m SO ready for it. Today I’m sharing a comfortable, casual sweater and boots outfit that’s perfect for lovely fall days.
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. All ideas and opinions are my own. No items were gifted.
Fall sweater and boots outfit
When fall arrives in our corner of Southern California, it’s almost as if someone flipped a switch. One day summer’s heat is still hanging on, and the next there’s a cool crispness in the air and the light feels completely different. I love this change of season, and the change of wardrobe that comes with it.
Details: I’m wearing size Small in this cashmere henley sweater, and 28 in the jeans. Both are on the cropped side, so are petite-friendly (I’m 5’1″, short-waisted). I’ve cuffed the sleeves on the sweater. The lipstick color is #440 “Arthur,” a warm red.
This soft sweater has a relaxed but not bulky fit, and set-in sleeves. I can wear on its own, as an outer layer over a tee or shirt, or underneath a coat. And you know how I am about a Breton stripe…😍 The slightly bootcut “step hem” on the jeans is shorter in front, the better to highlight the boots.
More casual striped sweaters…
A fall re-boot
The last few seasons, it’s been all about the chunky, lug-sole, and combat boots. Those styles are fun, but it’s nice to see more variety this fall. Ankle boots are my go-to footwear during the cooler months, and I’ve been on the lookout for a style with some visual “heft,” but that’s refined enough for a smart casual look.
I like the square toe on these, which is a nod to 90’s minimal style. They remind me of something Caroline Bessette Kennedy might have worn. They run about 1/2 size large, so the 7 was a better fit than my usual 7½. They’re available in 4 colors. But I know this shape isn’t everyone’s cup of Oolong, so have shown a few more options below.
These styles have a walkable heel, but can dress up enough to go out to dinner…
Nordstrom has a great selection of sweaters, boots and other fall styles, in a range of prices and sizes. They offer free delivery and returns, always.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Just wanted to say how much I love your hair! The natural silver gray is quite becoming on you.
Thanks very much!
I just bought those boots last week, in black. Will you wear them with regular length jeans/pants, or just cropped ones?
Yes, I’d wear them with my regular leg pants too (for me, that’s ankle length).
LOVE your hair! Wish my darker bits would hurry and turn grey (now that I’ve embraced the look! ha!). That “flip of the weather switch” is nice, but here in North Carolina, the switch keeps flipping up/down/up/down … not especially conducive to figuring out what to wear!
Thanks very much, Lee Ann.
I’m currently experiencing a desire for boots that are a bit more polished and not so chunky, as well, Sue. Although I still love my Stuart Weitzman lug-soled ankle boots. Bought back in 2016 before the chunky trend took hold, I’ve never regretted spending a bit more for these boots. They have been just chunky enough to work with the trend, but narrow enough for my narrow foot. Boots can be a hard fit. At least for me. And I shudder when I think of the narrow-toed boots I suffered wearing when I was still working. Never again. Well, maybe never. Ha. I did resurrect a pair of old Prada ankle boots with a pointed toe and a small heel that I bought back in the early aughts. I couldn’t bear to part with them, and now I think they might fill that “more refined” gap. I love it when my closet gives up a treasure that ensures I don’t have to spend money!
Those Prada boots are probably current again! I had a pair of Stuart Weitzman kitten heel boots with a longer square toe that I bought in 2003 and wore to death. They finally were just too far gone to have refurbished, so I let them go a few years ago. Wish I had them back!!
I like that you’re wearing frayed jeans with this look. I’ve developed a fondness for them myself, after initial misgivings.
Thanks! I like them too, feels like just the right amount of distressing.
I have a boot report. I caught the Aquatalia sale and bought the Geanna boot in black suede (with the zipper on the outside of the boot which is a little awkward to zip up and down) and I can report that like any great Italian made footwear, this boot forms to your foot after about half an hour and I walked all day in them. The heel is a perfect height to protect your back and it is chunky enough for maximum stability. The boots come with the usual dust bag and it has a suede sponge also. The price was a ridiculous $178. I needed weatherproof boots for my trip to Europe (Paris, Alsace and Germany) for the Christmas markets for the month of December. These will be perfect and can be used for dress up as well.
Sounds like a wonderful trip – is it a barge trip or cruise? I’d love to do something similar!
Neither. I am flying to Paris for a week to stay with an old friend who has an apartment on the Seine on Ile St. Louis and just wander around the French markets and then my daughter is meeting me and we will go on a Christmas Market roadtrip through Burgundy, Alsace, and up into Germany on the Fairytale Route (Brothers Grimm) and then to her home in northern Germany for Christmas!
I love the Breton sweater Susan! I have your same silver hair and warm complexion but am supposed to be that Vibrant Autumn. This sweater wouldn’t really be as good for me I imagine. What do you think?
Hi Sally, the base color is a creamy ivory, so works for warm seasons. You could always use a scarf to add more vibrant color near your face.
Susan, I love your hair. It really is beautiful. I have a question for you. It looks like your hair is on the cool side now. Do you think your season has changed from warm to cool?
Hi Nancy, thanks and no, my palette hasn’t changed. I’ll be talking about this in more detail next week. 😉
Love your hair and lipstick. Let my hair go silver white several years ago. I am a winter and black suits me very well. Would never look back! Cheers and thanks for your hard work on the blog. We do appreciate you.
These photos are all lovely. The light is glorious, and your hair – the color really suits you. Isn’t it lovely not to have to think about appointments? And spend money on them? I found that my hair feels MUCH softer and healthier since I stopped coloring it. Those boots are DELICIOUS! I just want to eat that burnt caramel colour.