Changing Leaves, Changing Fabrics

Special thanks to Virginia Dare Dress Company for sponsoring this post

My Outfit

Virginia Dare Dress Company Dress | Sézane Boots

Now that we’re a few days into November, we’re fully immersed in autumn. The mornings are crisp, the days are short and the leaves have gone from green to a gorgeous array of red, yellow and orange.

I use the changing leaves as a signal to switch out the fabrics in my wardrobe—embracing the new season by putting away the linens and lightweight cottons, in favor of cozier fabrics.

Away go the summer dresses, shorts and tanks, and out come the flannel pajamas, cozy sweaters and warm coats.

I usually set aside a few hours to move things around—we’ve got underbed storage where we keep swimwear, sandals and shorts during the winter months. For dresses and tops, I take time to move the linens and lightweight cottons towards the back, while options with thicker fabrics and longer cuts come forward.

You could view it as a chore, but I view it as a chance to get excited about pieces I’ve been longing to bring out or new pieces that I’ve yet to wear. This Emma dress from Virginia Dare Dress Company is one of the latter!

It features all the things I love in a dress: a full skirt, sleeves, a bit of stretch—and of course, pockets! And the thicker Ponte fabric means that I’ve got the edge on any cold or windy weather that comes my way.

And can I just say that I love a dress that’s on the longer side? Not only does it make it twirlable, it adds a bit of elegance too, whether paired with boots, heels or flats. The crewneck top and the fitted sleeves keep it casual enough for every day of the week.

I wore this Emma dress earlier in the week to check out the latest iteration of one of my favorite (faux) floral displays in London. Each season, The Ivy Chelsea Garden enlists a florist to create a stunning display which surrounds their front door and windows. Earlier this year, for the Chelsea Flower Show, the facade was covered in white and yellow blooms.

Much like the leaves in the park opposite, their facade changes colors with the fall months too. It’s a stunning mix of autumnal leaves, deep red poppies and blooms in all shades of orange.

I’ve taken the cue from the changing leaves to switch things around in my closet. And of course this dress, already a firm favorite, is front and center in my wardrobe.

Until next time,

Brenda