In the Northeast, October and November are somewhat erratic weather-wise. One day it can be 70 degrees, the next almost freezing. That’s why I look for creative ways of layering to extend the wear of a favorite summer dress and still stay warm!

It was actually quite warm on the day we shot this post, in fact it was so warm that I left this cute faux fur bolero behind on a wrought iron fence! Oh well — it was fun while it lasted. As you can see, I’m still going with bare legs, though I think this dress would look equally chic with opaque black tights. Or, I’d forgo the tights and swap out the Mary Janes for a pair of over-the-knee black boots.

Wearing black and blue together used to be a fashion faux pas, but now it’s one of my favorite color combinations. So layering a long-sleeved black tee under this blue denim dress was a simple step to take. And how cute is this dress? It’s from the LoveShackFancy collaboration with The Gap. LoveShackFancy is all about being inspired by the strength of femininity and a vintage aesthetic that transcends trends. This dress is definitely all that and more. I plan to keep it in wardrobe rotation until it gets really cold, then I’ll break it out again for sunny vacays and spring/summer 2024. I could even see this dress unbuttoned and worn as a duster over a tank and shorts or jeans.

As mentioned above, this sumptuous faux fur bolero is now in some stranger’s closet (hope they love it!), but I am already on the hunt for its replacement. It’s another perfect layering piece. In fact, I wore it over my sleeveless gown at my son’s wedding in October. Again, this jacket would work equally well dressed down with a top and jeans.

The mesh shoe trend seemingly came out of nowhere, and while fashion editors consider it super chic, it’s also controversial — and demands a good pedicure. Designer brands like Bottega Veneta have their versions that cost (literally) thousands of dollars, but these Mary Janes were an affordable spin. They’re very comfy, too. As I’ve been doing lately, I shopped my closet for the earrings and beaded bag that complete this look.

I’d love to hear your layering tips. And if you’re going to give mesh shoes a moment. Let me know!

On another note, I entered myself in New Beauty magazine’s Fab Over 40 contest. I’m currently in the Top Ten. This week, it narrows down to the Final Five. If you can give me a vote (or two) I’d so appreciate it! Thank you in advance!! To vote, click on this link: https://votefab40.com/2023/mary-paula-allegaert

Dress: (LoveShackFancy x The Gap, lots of sizes, and 50% off at checkout!)

Jacket: (old) Similar here, here and here (under $42).

Tee: (Uniqlo HeatTech) I have these in almost every color, from sleeveless to long sleeve.

Shoes: (Zara, under $50) Love these, too.

Bag: (old, Staud) Similar here and more affordable here.

Earrings: (old, Lele Sadoughi) This year’s version here, amazing under $10 dupes here.

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Photography by Kristin Moore-Gantz @artdirectthis. Street art by rubin415.