Fashionistas and clothes-wearing friends, thank you for visiting for this Ageless Style 10.2022: Dressing for Autumn Activities. It’s the third Thursday which means the Ageless Style gang is back together again. October’s theme – what would you wear to an autumn event. Whether it be taking the (grand)kids to a pumpkin patch, apple picking or a hayride. Outings to admire the changing leaves. Football games. Carnivals and wine fests.
I haven’t joined the Ageless Style ladies for their monthly series since July when the gals and I put together summer white looks. Really had fun with that prompt but shortly afterward, my mama took a turn for the worse. For weeks, getting dressed for the day became something I did on autopilot. Although once I began substitute teaching, picking out something to wear to school was a fun diversion.
Ageless Style Link Up
The Ageless Style linkup is hosted by a stylish group of fashion bloggers and me. Not sure how I fit in exactly. Maybe comic relief?? Just thankful these sweet fashionistas have extended me the grace to participate with them when LIFE allows.
Before we get to this month’s edition, hope you will check out some of my past Ageless Style posts – my favorite sweatshirts, here. Then there was this wrap look. And we kicked off the year sharing something in that particular shade of blue called periwinkle. See my French terry veri peri sweatshirt, here. Oh, and my summer white looks…I even came up with 2!!
Just a reminder: Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links which are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link provided I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
AGELESS STYLE 10.2022
Is there a seasonal (or other) activity you look forward to doing every year that your significant other or BFF or entire family just dreads? For PC and me, that would be the kind of annual (Covid, you know?) trek to La Union maze and pumpkin patch. To me what’s not to love: acres of corn, pumpkins, cotton, sunflowers; fun food like funnel cakes and hot dogs; pony rides and giant slides. I love the colors, the beautiful views of the Franklin Mountains from the pumpkin fields. The delight of my youngest grandgirls traipsing through the pumpkin patch to pick out their perfect squash.
But in PC’s defense, it is usually unseasonably hot at the pumpkin patch. And dry and dusty (this year we had a week of rain before our visit). There are lots of people. And it’s hot, dry and dusty. Lines for food. And lines to ride the rides. Lines to get on the trailers to go out to the fields where the pumpkins are growing. Plus, it’s hot, dry and dusty.
Lauren and her family always go with us to the pumpkin patch. Or maybe we go with them?? And last year, Brennyn and her family were in town in time to go. We had hoped to all go again this year but that week of rain fell during Brennyn’s visit and made it impossible.



We always try to take family pictures at the pumpkin patch. Another reason PC might be reluctant to go. He’s not real keen on taking photos or having photos taken. Oh, and it’s hot, dry and dusty.
Autumn 2021
Last year, and again this year, we were all in similar colors and tones. But in 2021, Lauren and I decided – for some reason – to wear dresses. We corrected that error in judgement this year. Remember, it’s hot, dry and dusty.






My pumpkin patch outfit last year featured a chambray shirtdress, Target squash-colored cardi and cowboy cowgirl boots from Cavender’s.
Autumn 2022
Anticipating those hot, dry and dusty conditions, Lauren and I chose to wore blue jeans this year. And wisely so. Although it was hot, dry or dusty, we were much more comfortable in jeans. So, yay for us.
One of the pieces on the shopping list for Alison Lumbatis’s Fall 2022 Capsule Wardrobe is a schoolboy sweater-blazer. For the capsule wardrobe, Alison styled an olive sweater-blazer but suggested that any neutral blazer or cardigan could be substituted for that item. Among the other options Alison shared was this soft-brushed oversized blazer from Old Navy. And that was what I purchased and then wore for the first time to the pumpkin patch.
I paired the blazer with a pumpkin-colored peasant top I bought at Target several years ago. And some curvy straight-leg jeans from Loft Outlet, also a few years old. Added my L’Artiste booties that PC gifted me a year ago Christmas. And an old beaded cross necklace I picked up at a craft fair somewhere, sometime.
I haven’t worn the top often and now I remember why. The fabric is a bit stiff and the peplum tends to blouse out right at my stomach. Kind of like a baby doll top. This grandma needs no poofing or bunching or blousing anywhere…but especially across my hips and stomach. Or breasts. Or thighs. Or nose.
Wearing the blazer seemed to hold the poufiness down a bit.
Somehow, so did slinging the blazer over my shoulder!!



And helping lil bit Cami Jean ride a rubber tire pony seemed to keep the blousiness at bay, too.
Other Worries
Was also a little worried about wearing my nice booties but they are very comfortable. And they held up beautifully to the abuse the pumpkin patch offered.
All in all, this outfit worked out perfectly for our annual (kinda – Covid) autumn outing. When we arrived, it was cool and overcast so I needed the blazer. But when the sun came out, it was a little too warm to wear it. As we headed home, though, the clouds were building again as the sun began to set. Have ordered a mock turtleneck top in ‘autumn glaze’ to try with this blazer instead of the top I am wearing here. Stay tuned, maybe I will share photos of it with the jacket to see which we like better.
Your Turn
Does your family have favorite activities you like to do every autumn? Do you have a ‘uniform’ or set outfit you wear for those activities? Are they photo ops for your family like our jaunt to the pumpkin patch is for us?
As we were moving in line toward the ticket booth, we met up with an extended family whose members were all wearing bright yellow tee shirts. Like neon yellow. They looked so cute. Not just that…that bright yellow was so easy to see that there wasn’t a chance of any of their family getting separated from the group.
Hope you will join me in visiting the blogs of my Ageless Style friends and then add a link to your latest style post below.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Cathy ~ My Side of 50
Blog / Instagram/ Pinterest / Facebook
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style
Blog / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook
Whatever you’re up to this season, I hope it brings you smiles. Thank you for stopping by to spend a few minutes of your day with me…in the pumpkin patch.
Hugs and kisses,
Hi Leslie – I loved all the Autumn colours on your family members and using the pumpkin patch as a backdrop. I agree that none of us need to wear clothes that plump us up even more than we already are – so maybe your next challenge is to find a new top in that colour that behaves itself better 😀
We used to always go to the pumpkin patch and now the kids feel too old for it, so sad. They do like to get apple cider though!
Apple cider is scrumptious so that’s a bonus. I love candied apples but never have them. Would probably pull out all of my dental work these days.
I love your outfit — that blazer is good looking!! Y’all took some great photos of the day.
Leslie, you’re a day early!! But I love your look and I see no problem with poofiness. It’s a fabulous shirt and those boots have me drooling. And how fun you got to spend this time with family,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, thank you, I just realized that myself. I am not ME. Don’t know when or if I am ever going to feel back to normal. Thank you for your kind words asnd for coming by. Wish I could undo the post and republish it tomorrow but I don’t think that is possible. Ugh!!
You look lovely and very in keeping with a pumpkin patch. Glad you were able to go.
Thank you. I love to go and could spend much time wandering around in the pumpkins taking pictures.
LOVE those booties!
I’m afraid I would be in PC’s corner if it’s hot! I don’t really mind dry and dusty, but hot stops me in my tracks! But, all of the activities sound like so much fun! I wish we could find something like that in our neck of the woods! And, that’s a wonderful idea to take family pictures then! Isn’t it funny how your poofy blouse lost its poof at certain times? Maybe, it was reading your mind!!!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Those colours really suit you! And perfect outfits for a visit to a pumpkin patch. Looks like you had a lot of fun!
Thank you, dear friend. We did have a fun time. I was sorry we didn’t get to go while Brennyn was here but it might have been for the best.
Hot, dry and dusty! Does make choosing an outftit more challenging. I messed up a pair of light colored booties last year at the corn maze. Lesson learned. I love the color of your blouse but like you, I have difficulties with some peplum top (I think I only have one in my closet) because of wear the line is usually. Love those booties! They are quite unique and cool.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille. The pumpkin-colored top landed in the purge pile. And I am in search of something with softer lines in that exact color. Wish me luck.
Hi there Leslie!
So happy to see you back and catch up on your news!
I enjoy seeing your pumpkin patch photos as they bring back memories of my younger kiddos and days gone by.
Rosemary
Thank you, Rosemary. We had a good time at the pumpkin patch and for once we didn’t burn absolutely to a crisp.
I love your outfit! And the color of that shirt is perfect.
Thank you so much. In search of another top the same color after realizing how this one sticks out so badly. Hope I can find that same exact color in something more flattering.
I love that top with the blazer. Your whole outfit is fabulous and want a fun time with your grands. Don’t you love Outfit Formulas?
Your outfit is perfect for fall – all the colors look great on you! And those cute girls are the sweetest. We don’t have too many pumpkin patches here – there is one but it’s so busy it’s kind of a nightmare to get into. Plus it is so darn hot. You will cherish these photos forever!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann. These babies are so precious to me as are my Ft. Worth babies. I know you feel the same way about your adorable grandniece.
It’s such a lovely fall outfit. I love the color of your top, and your straight leg jeans. I think straight leg jeans look so much nicer than skinny jeans. I can’t even imagine a “hot, dry, dusty” fall.
Soon as I wrote that post, the clouds rolled in, the temps dropped and down came the rain. Goodbye hot, dry and dusty!!
Thank you for the kind words. I love the color of the top, too, but the way the peplum part stuck out was so much more noticeable in
the photos for this post. It has gone by way of the dodo. Now I am in search of another top in the same color that doesn’t look
like a maternity top.
I actually looked at that exact blazer and love it! I didn’t end up getting it only because I was on a budget but seriously love that style and look, plus it’s perfect for fall/winter either as a lightweight coat if you live in warmer climates or as a blazer. I am so happy to have you back with us. Looks like a great family tradition with the littles. I always love a good pumpkin maze, but I think it’s the joy of the little ones that makes me love it.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Great pictures. It’s still too hot for blazers here, or even jeans. I’m still getting used to having tropical weather most of the year. We had a bit of cold (55 degree mornings for a couple of days), but by 11 it’s back into 70’s and then often over 80 by early afternoon. I really need layers that can be removed easily. I miss the cool weather where I can bundle into sweaters!
It’s good to catch up with you a bit with this blog post! I love seeing your beautiful family and you all enjoying a pumpkin patch! We love going to them as well. That burnt orange top is lovely on you!
I love your outfit! That is perfect for fall events. I also love that you take so many family photos when you go and that you included old photos in this post. Even if the dress was impractical for the hot, dry, dusty day it is also a fabulous look for fall.
As always, you look adorable, Leslie. I especially love the blazer and boots. Pumpkin patches make great photo backdrops, don’t they?
Is it warm hot and dusty there??? Sorry couldn’t help myself! To me that looks like a great day out! And I love your looks, fabulous boots too!
HI Leslie, Wanted to stop by to say I haven’t forgotten my friend bloggers! So many doc appts, so little time! Loved seeing your family in this post and it is a fun thing to do each Fall, visit a pumpkin patch. Love your pumpkin blouse! Looks great witht he denim and so aprapo! The design on the boots are so neat too! You look great in a blazer.. Im a bit of a blazer addict! I love the brown style of the blazer.
Have a great week!
jess xx
ww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Man, you almost convinced me to visit that pumpkin patch. But it might be a bit hot, dry and dusty!:) You don’t look any of those in your photos though. Such a cute outfit. I’m always impressed how your deep south girls embrace the season….even in your outfits. And even if its hot, dry and dusty!!:)
I think you’re definitely an autumn in seasonal analyse. Those colors really suit you. Pity we didn’t see the lovely blazer but I know it’s been warm everywhere (including here!). I guess the annual occasion the hubster is not keen on is Halloween. I buy sweets for the local kids and we take it in turns to deal with the trick and treaters. This time it was raining so we only had 3 visits. Lots of sweets left. Great to see you back.