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How to Nail High and Low Fall Fashion Over 50

Many of us aren not interested in blowing all of our money on clothes, so a balance of high and low fashion is essential. Don’t be afraid to mix the cheap with the chic. Spend your money on things that will last. No outfit is complete without accessories. One luxury or vintage item will elevate an outfit. Let’s talk about How to Nail High and Low Fall Fashion Over 50

How to nail high and low fall fashion over 50

I know all of you like a bargain, so I thought I would stop in at our local H&M (not expecting much) in San Luis. I was oh so pleasantly surprised. I purchased five items for a grand total of $152.00 and I like every single one of them. The leopard dress below was $24.99. The key is to style it with more expensive accessories so the overall look is more luxe . The dress is sold out online so I have linked a similar one. This dress is very similar and available if you are a large-4XL. I also found one on ebay here. Check your local stores because mine had several.

H&M-leopard-dress-gigi-pip-hat-gentle souls boots

This leopard maxi dress is a keeper. I have a really hard time with dresses because I am long-waisted. This dress did look like a nightgown on me without a belt, but I know many of you can pull off that look. I styled it with a wide belt (I have had for years) a new Gigi Pip hat, and my comfy Emma Gentle Souls boots.

H&M-leopard-dress-&-moto-jacket

I think the moto jacket (very old) and my combat boots give it an edgy factor for fun. The moto jacket gave the dress a waist. It could also be worn with a jean jacket and brown boots. I am wearing a Small in the dress. I probably could have worn an XS but I didn’t want it to be too tight in the boobs and shoulders.

H&M-leopard-dress-j-crew-cashmere-wrap-

Here I am wearing the dress with the J Crew Pashmina (30% off) J Crew is having a 50% off selected Fall Women’s Styles and 30% off your purchase so it is a good time to grab those things you have had your eye on.

H&M-quilted-jacket-&-jeans

I love anything quilted (I purchased an XS) and I love this jacket! I am wearing it with wide-leg crops from Banana (sold out similar linked below) (you can find several on Ebay here) and my combat boots. FYI I found out after I got home that the quilted jacket is supposedly for men? I am wearing a turtleneck I got on sale at Banana underneath. This jacket was the most expensive item that I purchased at $59.99.

H&M-quilted-jacket-&-lysee-leggings

I am pairing the jacket with those fabulous Lysee faux leather leggings and my short Emma booties, with a scarf I have had for many years. Remember Lysee is offering 20% off to my readers on all their products. Use code CINDY20 on checkout.

H&M-Vest-&-turtleneck-with-Lysee-leggings

This was the second most expensive item from H&M at $49.99. It is well-made and has a hood! I paired it with one of their turtlenecks (also very nice and $9.99 can you believe it? the black and white is sold out but the leopard is available), and the Lysee faux leather leggings and my combat boots. I am wearing an XS.

H&AM-puffer-vest-leopard-ganni-shirt

I am wearing the puffer vest with “really old” pants from Zara, a Gannie tunic that I purchased last year and my Emma booties. I have listed a similar less expensive version in the shop the post at the bottom of the post.

H&M-Sweater-lysee-leggings-leopard-bag

The last item I purchased from H&M was this recycled polyester mix oversized v-neck. It is $24.99 and comes in several colors. I ordered the black I like it so much. I am not a polyester fan but when it is recycled it takes on a much more interesting feel and look. I am wearing a Small. I paired it with leggings, boots, a turtleneck and a purse that my daughter bought me years ago. You can find similar totes on Ebay here.

H&M-Sweater-gigi-pip-hat-lysee-leggings

I am wearing the comfy sweater with a Gigi Pip hat, Lysee faux leather leggings, an old scarf, and a turtleneck.

br-blazer-&-jeans-&-artemis-slipperws

For this post, I purchase two of what I would consider more luxe items. This Banana Republic blazer is wonderful. It has a longer leaner fit which suits my long torso and smallish waist. It is beautifully made and can be worn with multiple items in my closet. I am wearing it with a denim shirt from J Crew and Artemis slippers (which you have seen many times before). For fun, I am wearing four vintage pins down the front of the shirt to change it up a bit. I really love this look because the focus is on the accessories.I purchased this and the turtleneck on their 40% friends and family sale.

br-blazer-lysee-leggings

This look would be more traditional looking without the hat. I am wearing my bed stu boots, faux leather leggings, and old Peruvian Connection scarf and a turtleneck. The Gigi Pip hat is the icing on the cake.

anthro-sweater-&-jeans

I saw this cashmere sweater in the Anthro catalog and fell in love with it. Fortunately, they had it in the store. When I spotted it, it was love at first sight. It is buttery soft and comes in several colors and patterns. I am tempted to buy another. I also paired it with a suede midi skirt that I inherited from my sister but forgot to take a picture. I will include it in my IG reel.

SHOP THE POST

How to Nail High and Low Fall Fashion Over 50

Splurge on items you will wear for years with multiple items. Don’t be afraid to spend money on accessories that you can pair with things that are more budget-friendly. Pair less expensive items with luxe items. No one knows you are wearing H&M if you mix it with more elegant items and accessories. If you love an item that you will wear for years think Cost Per Wear (that we talked about in my post How to Refresh Your Closet by Buying Very Little).

fall fashion over 50

Thanks for reading How to Nail High and Low Fall Fashion Over 50. I am sorry it was so long. I was afraid if I waited the items would be sold out. Let’s pop over and visit my stylish blogging friends to see what they are sharing.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patti says

    Another inspiring post Cindy, thank you. I must comment that your fan base runs far and wide. I live in Pittsburgh, PA and was at my local Home Goods when a lovely woman came up to me and asked “do you follow Cindy Hattersley?” she recognized my outfit of the J Crew leopard sweater blazer paired with my denim shirt, broach and black leggings that you posted last year and one that I wear quite often in the cooler weather.
    I am delighted to share this with you along with my appreciation for your styling inspiration.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Oh my gosh Patti I am so honored. Thank you so much for sharing that, It means the world to me. I can’t say enough about you, my readers. You are what makes this blog enjoyable for all.

  2. CIMMIES says

    Recently I copied your brooch trick on chambray shirt upturned collar. Looked good. Lots of ‘wow’ comments. Now I may have to sort out a trio of old brooches… I do the transition in reverse here in Southern Hemisphere.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi

      That makes me so happy! We have an upcoming post on accessories where I will share some of my other favorite looks.

  3. Karen B. says

    Hi Cindy,
    This is a practice I’ve used for years. I find so many good-looking things at the “bargain” stores and when mixed with more expensive shoes and purses it works. You selected some great items, and our H&M is usually well stocked. Thank you for sharing the details on each of your fabulous outfits.
    Karen B.

  4. Shari says

    Cindy, reading your post peeked my interest so I took myself to the H&M here in Los Angeles. Low and behold, there was the leopard print dress on sale for $6.99 Needless to say, it was a steal. I too will be pairing it with a black belt and a black cardigan, black boots, and my black fedora. Thank you for the find and for the inspiration. I had not been to H&M for years, but I’m now sold.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Shari

      I am so happy to hear that. I bought a pair of jeans there a couple of years ago and had not been back. I guess we need to keep our eyes open.

  5. sHARI says

    Cindy, reading your post peeked my interest so I took myself to the H&M here in Los Angeles. Low and behold, there was the leopard print dress on sale for $6.99 Needless to say, it was a steal. I too will be pairing it with a black belt and a black cardigan, black boots, and my black fedora. Thank you for the find and for the inspiration. I had not been to H&M for years, but I’m now sold.

  6. Elizabeth@pineconeandacorns says

    Cindy, you look amazing in that dress! And everything else. Off to check out the links because I have been eying that sweater in a different color way.

    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Elizabeth

  7. Tamera beardsley says

    Such wonderful styling darling! You really found some gems at H and M! Loving the blazer and I am absolutely smitten with the three broaches down the shirt front! I will definitely be remembering that styling idea!

    Thank you again for including me in this Fall Fashion post my dear!

  8. LA CONTESSA says

    LOVE SEEING YOU IN A MAXI DRESS!
    GO LEOPARD I HAVE ONE THAT IS TOO BIG……………it will be hitting the OUT OF CLOSET BAG SOON!
    XXX

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Eliz

      I finally found one that works I think. It definitely needed the belt on my figure anyway

  9. Roberta says

    You look fabulous in each assemble! I love your style. I’ve looked and looked at the Artemis site many times and bookmarked or saved various styles as a favorite but haven’t made a purchase yet because can’t decide if they fit true to size. How would you describe the fit after owning yours for so long. I just love the way Artemis dresses up a pair of jeans and how unique each pair are.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Roberta

      I have found the “slippers” which are my favorite run true to size. I think the smoking shoes run a tad small but they do stretch out. The Artemis peeps are very good about answering questions

  10. foreverandus says

    Hi I’m someone who has somewhat wide feet and high arch and leg issues. Any suggestions on boots and shoes and I’m in my late 50’s. Thank you

  11. dianne says

    ha. just bought the same sweater at H&M SLO…. I honestly have sweaters and leggings I have purchased at H&M in Europe and other cities for years. Inexpensive so if they don’t last, no worry, but often time I keep sweats for years. Love all of your finds and , as always, you look gorgeous!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Diane

      I really like the sweater. I had a sweater very similar from a more upscale retailer that was much more expensive and did not last.

  12. Kathy Perdue says

    Always so chic and fashionable Cindy! Thumbs up on all the outfits. Especially love the belted dress on you.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kathy

      That dress is outside my wheelhouse (well practically all dresses are for that matter), but I really like it!

  13. Susan B. says

    That leopard print dress is such a great find! Great styling as always. I also really like that Anthro sweater, am going to check it out. Thanks for putting together this linkup!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Susan

      You look fabulous in leopard! That anthro sweater is a winner and their is a gold pattern that might hit your color pallet

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Janet

      CPW is very important to remember. In my closet expensive jeans would make the cut, but I have never found an expensive pair that I really like! The BR blazer is a perfect example.

  14. Annie Diamond says

    Cindy! You look fantastic in every item! I love the idea of mixing high and low, and no one does it better than you! I might pop into an H&M here in France !

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Annie’

      I was surprised at the quality of the items I featured. You might need that vest this winter!!

  15. Penelope says

    You look fabulous and your styling is always spot on. That said, I really hesitate to buy such cheap fashion as I do not want to contribute to the proliferation of sweatshops and unethical practices around the world. We have the power of the purse to make a better world through our selections. That said, buying vintage/ used is a great strategy and you do regularly propose that.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Penelope

      I agree with every point you have made. I just try to support all women who read this blog. There are some who can’t afford more expensive items. I was pleased that the sweater was at least recycled polyester. Baby steps…

  16. Gayle Miller says

    Re: Quilted jacket
    Perhaps it is unisex. It appears to close in the usual way for women, right over left. They show a man wearing it, probably to be inclusive. Imo.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Gayle

      That is what I thought too, but interestingly enough I couldn’t find it on the website until I looked up the number and it is definitely in the men’s section.

  17. Lynn says

    Love this post! Wondering how tall you are for size reference. The recycled poly sweater, do you think it runs large? I’m 5’2, 122 lbs.

  18. Mary Ann Pickett says

    You look amazing…love all the animal prints. Kim and I have the Anthro cashmere sweater from last year and it’s one of my favorite things in my closet. So chic in neutral…boy am I tempted.
    Thanks for organizing this!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Mary Ann

      What color sweater do you have? They certainly have many options. I must have missed it last year. I just loved the pattern of this one.

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