Are you a fan of Talbots dresses?

Or do you think they are a bit too frumpy for your taste?

Do you think their mannequins are a bit “meh” instead of “I have to go try that whole look on right now!”.

I HEAR YOU!

As a practicing dermatologist, I shopped almost exclusively at a lovely Mark Shale store, which sadly closed as soon as I retired. Hmmm, maybe those two events were related; I digress.

I loved Mark Shale because I had a fabulous salesperson named Clara Newman. Two or three times per year, I would make an appointment with her, and she would help me figure out my necessary items for the upcoming fall-winter or spring-summer seasons. I would spend several hours with her, and she was terrific at helping me select items that would work with items I had already purchased in previous years.

Why am I telling you about a now-defunct women’s clothing store with a fantastic salesperson? My experience with that store taught me that the best way to have a wardrobe filled with beautiful outfits for all occasions is to have a carefully curated collection of items that work together to create fun and classic looks. This is what is meant by a capsule wardrobe.

Here is a recent post on a fall capsule wardrobe. In addition, you need someone to help you develop the different outfits for this capsule wardrobe. That’s (hopefully) where I come in. I LOVE to come up with multiple ways to wear various pieces of clothing. This post shows you what to wear if it’s still hot where you live, but you still want to look like fall. This post shows you five ways to wear a plaid blazer.

When I retired from my career as a dermatologist in 2019, I realized that I still wanted to help others look and feel better. I began Dr. Julie’s Fun Life blog to compile my advice on fashion, family meals, fun tablescapes, and more. Along the way, I have made friends with other Influencers and shared many moments with my delightful readers.

As each season begins, I scour my favorite stores and sites to find my favorite pieces that I hope you will love to have in your wardrobe. Today’s post is no exception. I was fortunate to attend the Talbots Fall Fashion Show at Old Orchard in Skokie, Illinois. The event was hosted by Barb Benesh, who is the delightful coordinator of these shows all over the country.

While at the show, I focused on looks for the holidays. During this period, I always have lunches, tea parties, and dinners with friends, to which I enjoy wearing pretty outfits. These four Talbots dresses were all effortless to wear and versatile. Let me show you how I came up with various ways to combine them. Please let me know in the comments below which ones YOU would wear. As always, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments.

Outfit #1 of the Simple Talbots Dresses for Fall 2024:

/ Dress / Pumps / Lady Jacket / Scarf / Purse / Earrings /

This burgundy knit dress was such a surprise “yes” for me. When I saw it in the catalog, I thought it looked dull and not very fun. Boy, was I ever wrong! I tried it on after the fashion show and couldn’t believe how soft and pretty it felt. This dress is a fit-and-flare style, which I find to be flattering on many body types as it tends to skim right over any trouble areas.

/ Dress / Pumps / Lady Jacket / Scarf / Purse / Earrings /

Remarkably, it is made from 100% Merino wool, which is usually an automatic “no” for me as most wool items are too itchy. Imagine my surprise when I tried it on, and it felt terrific. It was comfortable and not at all itchy. Wow! It was described as “pleated” on the website but is not. Instead, the dress’s skirt has multiple vertical lines of stitching. I don’t find most pleated skirts to be flattering. But this dress is another story altogether. The vertical seams allow for easy, flirty flow without any bulky pleats.

The dress has a gentle, not too-low v-neck that I believe is very flattering on women over 50. I love the three-quarter sleeves, as many readers are uncomfortable exposing their arms. This dress can be worn to work as quickly as it can go to weekend events. By the way, in addition to the lovely burgundy color, this dress also comes in black.

/ Dress / Pumps / Lady Jacket / Scarf / Purse / Earrings /

This dress can be worn with many other pieces, as I will show you in a blog later this week. In this outfit, I paired the classy burgundy Talbots dress with a reasonably priced Amazon lady jacket and an elegant Talbots scarf. The scarf has a pearls and chain motif inspired by Coco Channel.

Outfit #2 of the Simple Talbots Dresses for Fall 2024:

/ Dress / Pumps / Necklace / Earrings / Purse /

If you are looking for a special occasion dress this fall, consider this one from the wide assortment of Talbots dresses. I picked this navy long-sleeved dress. I liked it immediately because it is marketed as an easy travel dress. The fabric is lightweight, so the dress could be easily layered under a blazer for work. I would wear it with a pashmina if I were wearing it to a dressy dinner or as a wedding guest.

/ Dress / Pumps / Necklace / Earrings / Purse /

Again, it has a v-neckline, and the long sleeves have a pretty covered button with a loop closure (I didn’t need to unbutton it to put the dress on). The dress is fully lined, which is always smooth and forgiving of any issues, and the zipper is a lovely hidden one. Lastly, the dress has a generous wrap to the skirt. By that, I mean it has a rounded edge under part of the wrap, so when you sit, it still allows for great coverage.

/ Dress / Pumps / Necklace / Earrings / Purse /

I accessorized with a pretty single pearl on a gold chain necklace, “diamond” stud earrings, a gold watch, and a bangle. My nude sling-back Naturalizer pumps are comfortable and flattering for many outfits as they extend my 5’4″ legline. Lastly, my tan quilted chain bag is a fabulous buy and works well with the outfit.

Outfit #3 of the Simple Talbots Dresses for Fall 2024:

/ Dress / Pumps / Purse / Coatigan / Earrings / Bangle / Watch /

I love this textured tweed sweater dress! The knit is very forgiving, and the gold buttons dress up the piece in a lady-like way. I know some of you may not like the sleeveless arms, but I promise you it looks terrific with a black coatigan (these photos), a black blazer, or even a jean jacket.

/ Dress / Pumps / Purse / Coatigan / Earrings / Bangle / Watch /

This darling fourth dress of the simple Talbots dresses is 74% cotton, so it could be easily worn alone all year if you live in a warmer climate. For my colder fall/winter readers, it readily pairs with all the toppers listed above. The website describes the neck as a jewel neckline, but it is more of a crew. It is a pull-on style, and it will not wrinkle with packing.

I styled the third of the Talbots dresses in this outfit with a black Amazon coatigan. A coatigan is a beautiful year-round item for your wardrobe. It is a blend of a cardigan and a coat. It can be worn outside in warmer climates as a coat or as a cardigan in cooler areas. It is such a popular item that J Crew initially popularized. I purchased that one after much urging from my favorite bloggers. Unfortunately, I found it too itchy due to the wool content and had to return it. I was delighted when I saw this Amazon replacement. It is so soft and not a bit scratchy. Oh, and a much better price point. Win-win!

I wore my same Naturalizer pumps as in outfits #1 and #2 ( I told you they were versatile shoes), again with the gold watch and bangle, the “diamond” studs, and finally, a pretty tan leather handbag.

Outfit #4 of the Simple Talbots Dresses for Fall 2024:

/ Dress / Jacket / Shoes / Purse / Necklace / Earrings / Bangle / Watch /

This black sleeveless mock neck sweater dress is another terrific find. I was concerned that it might be too body-conscious. I don’t like knits to be too clingy. I decided to try it on, and I loved it so much that I was surprised. It is mostly viscose and is a ribbed knit reminiscent of the “poor boy knit” we wore in the 70’s. But, the fabric is forgiving yet structured. It’s a pullover, and this weekend, I wore it as a travel outfit, paired with a medium-wash jean jacket and leopard flats.

/ Dress / Jacket / Shoes / Purse / Necklace / Earrings / Bangle / Watch /

In the outfit I am showing you here, I paired the sleeveless dress with a simple long gold pendant and a terrific Talbots faux leather jacket. The jacket is buttery smooth and has gold snap closures that look like gold buttons. Leather (faux or real) is having a moment this fall and winter, and I am here for it! I love how it dressed up this dress, but it would look equally cool with these jeans or these black velvet pants for the holidays.

I am wearing a terrific black pebbled leather bag with beautiful gold hardware. I love pebbled hardware because it doesn’t show scuffs. This Amazon find is a wonderful value. Check it out. Again, the gold bangle, watch, and “diamond” stud earrings (think classic pieces to wear with EVERYTHING!). My shoes are black suede Maryjanes. Note how all my accessories are basic items that can be worn again and again with lots of different outfits.

Now, Can You Help Me?

If you were to pick the BEST of these four Talbots dresses, which one(s) would you pick? I have my thoughts, but I would be VERY INTERESTED in your impressions. Let me know below which dress(es) I should keep in my wardrobe. Think fit, style, versatility, color, etc. Let me know. Thank you.

Below, please see photos of the items in this post that are clickable. If you click on them, you will go right to that item’s website for more details.

Happy October Days!

XO,

Dr. Julie

PS Here are a few more fun posts you may have missed:

Styling a Midi Length Dress 5 Ways for Fall – Dr. Julie’s Fun Life

DIY Fall Leaf Garland – Dr. Julie’s Fun Life

Fall Wardrobe Essentials (What I Actually Bought and Have in My Closet) to Make Lots of Cute Fall Outfits! – Dr. Julie’s Fun Life

Long Sleeve Mother of the Groom Dresses and Lots of Wedding Tips… – Dr. Julie’s Fun Life

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