Easy fall outfits and how to slow down time

By Elle

Fall is the perfect season for styling outfits. The cooler temperatures allow you to play with different textures and weights, and layering offers the chance to create a variety of no-hassle looks.

This year, fall has me thinking less about chunky sweaters and cozy leggings and more about aging. I feel obsessed lately with time and the way the naughty clock is ticking my life away. Now it’s clear to me what it means to have a mid-life crisis — and to create a bucket list, which I haven’t done because I don’t have the time.

I’m trying to engage boredom and embrace quiet moments. I’m trying to quiet my mind. I’m trying to shake up the routine and predictable moments, like occasionally driving a different route to and from work — woo hoo, I know. Instead of checking my phone when I have a minute of down time, I pay attention to my surroundings in an attempt to notice something new. Novelty, as it turns out, allows our brains to perceive time as moving more slowly. 

To expand our perception of time as we age, it’s important to seek out new experiences and “firsts.” These experiences don’t have to be as exotic as hiking in Machu Picchu. Take a cooking class, try snowshoeing or take a stab at making your own greeting cards. Take moments to simply notice the things around you. Lately I’ve been making a point of noticing and appreciating little things: the intricacy of spider webs, the sound of popping corn, the smell of a bonfire, ants scurrying across my path (resisting the urge to shout at them to slow down).

I’ve also been wishing for the super power of stopping time, at least long enough for me to read all the classic books, wash my windows and assemble four different looks just by changing an overlay and footwear, and adding a belt. Score– check that last one off the list!

I recently found this orange one-button poncho at Goodwill. Here’s another that’s really different and adorable, and some other poncho options from Macy’s.

Here I opened the poncho to reveal a floral blouse, added a belt and swapped footwear. I borrowed the open-toed boots from my friend and fellow blogger Amy. I rarely wear heels this high, but I have to say these were pretty comfortable. Here’s a similar pair.

I thrifted all the clothing items shown. Only the belt and shoes were bought new.

I ditched the poncho and belt and put on a sheer lace blouse for a more formal look. Here’s a similar unlined lace blouse.

Modest clothing is on trend for this fall, so dig out your maxi skirts!

I love these Arizona glitter-heel booties that I bought on clearance last year, and metallics are on trend for this fall. Here’s a similar pair.

If you’re interested in reading more about how the brain perceives time, check out this article that features David Eagleman, a well-known neuroscientist and best-selling author. You may be surprised at what you’ll discover.