We have had a really nice fall here in Central Indiana. The temperatures have been warm in the day and cool at night. It’s really cooled off the last couple of days, though. Did you catch the Northern Lights? My friend who lives out in the country texted me that night and told me to go outside. I could just barely see a touch of pink in the sky. I’d read the lights show up better on a phone so I took a few photos. They weren’t amazing, but I can now say I’ve seen them. Today, though, is the third Thursday of October which means it’s time for an Ageless Style challenge. This month, Jennifer selected Cozy October. In the past we have worn straw bags, stripes, jeans, splurges, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites! Today is also a Global Writing Challenge. I’ll have another post ready for that, and it’s all about schooldays!
Hygge…
I’m not sure when I first saw the word, hygge. I think one of my friends on Facebook mentioned it. But, I have been hooked on the idea ever since. For many, they think hygge is just a synonym for cozy. So not true!! Hygge is more a way of life. It’s creating not just a welcoming space but also learning to live in that.
“At its core, hygge is about creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that promotes relaxation, connection, and a sense of security. It’s often associated with the colder months when people seek to counteract the darkness and chill with cozy indoor activities. Hygge emphasizes slowing down, being present in the moment, and valuing the simple joys of life, like sharing a warm cup of tea, enjoying the company of loved ones by a fireplace, or snuggling up with a good book on a rainy day. Hygge is closely tied to the idea of mindful living, where people focus on the positive aspects of life, cherish relationships, and create environments that promote a sense of ease and contentment. It’s about finding pleasure in life’s ordinary moments and appreciating the beauty in simplicity. Whether it’s through soft lighting, comfortable textiles, meaningful decorations, or meaningful conversations, the goal of hygge is to cultivate an atmosphere of coziness and well-being that enriches one’s quality of life (source).”
Achieving hygge…
I think the article I linked to above sums hygge up so well. The article then goes on to give ten rules for achieving hygge. And, here’s the really wonderful thing…they’re all fairly achievable! I appreciate it when something is easy, broken down into steps I can understand, and can actually do! The only one I struggle with is the last one…creating my own little hyggekrog (cozy nook). At the Big House, I had several hyggekrogs. Here, I have yet to figure out where, exactly, the best place would be. I think of them as escape places…where I can escape from everything for just a little bit of time. Maybe, in time, I can convince Nigel to finish a small room up in the attic for a hyggekrog.
So, cozy…
I think cozy is a very simplified version of hygge and focuses on just the comfort aspect which could be attained through lighting, comfort, and shelter. Cozy is, basically, a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. It doesn’t even touch on togetherness, harmony, or gratitude. Not that that’s a bad thing. Cozy is what we all think of when we get to the fall months, whenever they might be in your part of the world. We think of soft, fluffy things, warming soups and drinks, and low lighting. OK, that’s what I think of…you may be completely different.
My Cozy October look…
Actually, this is a version of what I wore almost every day on my trip to Ireland and Scotland! I promise I will do a few more posts on my trip, but I feel like I’ve been playing catch up with the blog forever! I was cozy every day in this outfit! And, the wonderful thing about it was it washed like a dream and dried overnight! These are the Extra High Waisted CloudComfy Joggers. I bought them in Black Jack, grey, and Warm Taupe which is the color I’m wearing. The top is the CloudMotion Side Tie Tunic. I think the color I’m wearing is called Dusk Navy. I also bought it in Ondine, Royal Velvet, and Warm Taupe. I figured all the colors played well together. I took four scarves from Gudrun Sjödén and alternated them. I thought this new scarf (they call them shawls) brought both colors together well. I am definitely comfortable and relaxed in this look. It was chilly in Ireland, but I was never cold. So, maybe, this outfit also fits the definition of warmth!
The Lewk!
The only jewelry I wore to Ireland and Scotland was a single pair of studs. I would alternate them between my top and bottom holes because if I go too long, they get a bit touchy and want to grow shut (after all these years)! These earrings are years old. I think they’re really quite cool as they are two pieces and jangle a bit when I wear them. Each leave is separate from the other. These are my OnCloud sneakers. They were comfortable, but I decided to put my own orthotics in them, and gosh were they ever comfortable then! I thought the colors worked well with this outfit as well as every other one I wore on my recent trip! I would link to them, but I have absolutely no idea which ones they are!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I know this is a different look for me on the blog. And, honestly, I haven’t worn either of these pieces (in any color) since getting home from Ireland. Part of that is because it’s been warm here. Another reason is I did get a little tired of them because I wore this outfit (or a version of it) for 15 days straight! I hope you’re enjoying your weather, whatever it might be. I wonder, friends in the Southern Hemisphere, do you think about being cozy in October? Or, is there a different month when you focus on that? I am not sure I ever think of being cozy in the spring or summer. So, can we talk? Have you heard of hygge? How do you practice hygge? Do you have a hyggekrog? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
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Looking good Marsha!
Thank you so much, Rosie!
I like that outfit. It looks very comfortable to wear and I love the colourcombo.
Thanks so much, Mie! It is very comfortable. I liked the colors together, too. I have the top in the same color of the pants, but I haven’t worn them together yet.
Those scarves are beautiful! That sounds like such a wonderful travel outfit; definitely nice and cozy.
Thanks, Joanne! It was truly the perfect travel outfit as it was easy on, easy off and washed and dried quickly!
Always the teacher, Marsha! Thank you for educating me on what hygge really is! Makes sense that it is a way of life and not just a synonym of cozy. I do love fall – even if it’s still hot here, I imagine bonfires, warm drinks, twinkle lights, all the cozy things.
Your outfit is super cute and cozy, love the colors!
xo,
Kellyann
Hahaha!!! I can’t help it, Kellyann! Fall is my favorite season and can’t imagine having summer last as long as you do! I keep working toward hygge, but I have a way to go!
Thanks, Kellyann!
You look so good in these colors and I love your relaxed, cozy look. I have never heard of that word before, but now I’m sure I’ll be seeing it everywhere as that is how it usually goes
Thanks, Amy! I’m surprised you haven’t heard of hygge before. It’s been around for a few years now (here in the States anyway).
What a great cozy look: super comfy, but still looks so put together! I love it! It’s getting pretty cold here in the mornings so I am all about coziness right now!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I thought about going full on with some thick sweaters, but we’re not there yet!
What a great outfit formula for your trip – of course I love the addition of a scarf!
Thanks, Sally! I always think of you when I’m looking through my scarves! Just having those few options really did make getting dressed easier!
When you find what works, it makes all of the difference. I love that you added your orthotics…our feet need to feel good,
XOOX
jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I really liked these joggers and tops, but I had to put them on hold for a while after wearing them for so many days straight! I thought those shoes were comfortable before, but the orthotics made them so much better. I also wore wool socks which also added to the comfort (on my trip, not for this photo shoot).
Great outfit Marsha. The style, cut and colours really suit you. Yes, good to go with some comfortable shoes! Another pair in the bag is always a possibility ;-). xx
Thank you, Mary! I was able to make those three pairs of joggers and four or five tops (I also took some short sleeved tees) last for two weeks. I really like this color combination best! I did take a pair of sandals in case we had a more dressed up night, but we never did. I had two pairs of comfortable shoes because footwear is so important on a walking vacation!
Hi, Marsha – Great post with lots to say! When I looked up hygge for my blog post on the style, what I found was that cozy is the key word for both the clothes and the way of life. Your in-depth explanation of it covers every way that it can be interpreted and gives it many layers. Thanks for introducing the concept at the perfect time for us to get inspired by it – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thank you, Angie! I thought the article I shared made it seem so much easier. I like step by step kinds of things! It’s definitely the time to be thinking hygge!
You look so cute and cozy Marsha! I love the color combo of this outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much, Jill! I really like these colors together, and the scarf just brought them together nicely!
I learned a new word and a lot to think about. I do like having comfortable spaces in my home. I love early mornings, a candle burning,and time alone reading on my couch with a cozy blanket. Looking forward to reading more about your trip.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Thanks, Bo! I need to just write them! I had a wonderful room in our last house that was just mine, and I loved it. I could escape there and just enjoy the peace and quiet. I don’t have that in this much smaller house. Your early mornings sound wonderfully peaceful and hygge!
I love your cozy look Marsha! The color combo is really pretty and those sneakers are perfect with it!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I really do like these colors together, and the sneakers went so well with the joggers!
As soon as I walk in the door I wear a version of this outfit! And on swim meet weekends as well. Comfort is so important! It’s a part of self-care. I think the scarf addition is really cute. I like the colors you chose as well.
Thank you, Laura! I really do like these joggers and shirts, but I needed a break after wearing them for so long. I thought the scarf did a nice job of marrying the two colors together.
Hi Marsha, I wrote a post about ‘Hygge’ a few years ago but in relation to home furnishings. I hadn’t really thought of translating it to cozy fashion which is perfect for Autumn and Winter. As always you look lovely. Thanks for the inspiration x
Thank you so much, Sue! I’ll admit that’s what I usually think of, too. But, I just can’t seem to just write about clothes! Thank you for the compliments!
This outfit looks so cozy and comfy- which is really the name of the game as the weather starts to change. I love your hair, too, Marsha! So fun!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks so much, Ashley! It really is a comfy outfit. But, when it gets cold, I’ll have to add some layers!
What a clever traveler you are. I bet you were comfy and I know you were stylish. Sounds like you could get a month’s worth of outfits out of the various possible combinations of just those few pieces. Had to do a double take on the joggers as they ‘read’ pants to me. Great idea to use scarves to change up your looks. Very packable!!
I break all the rules and suggestions when I pack. I never adopt a color palette. Used to think to myself when I would pack for visiting Mom, that she might like to see me in blues and in pinks!! And oranges and reds. She didn’t care for me in yellow!! So, I would pack the whole rainbow. Often times pieces could only be worn for one outfit. Then I would get to Mom’s and wish I had more tee shirts and sweatpants. Mom’s eyes got so bad she couldn’t tell what I had on or if it was even me, sometimes. Bless her heart.
Your look is definitely cozy in my book. And the perfect traveling look.
Well, before you think I’m so clever…at first, we were going to go carry on only so I’d really pared down my packing. Then, my friend said she was going to check her bag. But, the only bag I had that could be checked was too big for the travel company. So, I bought a new one. That meant I also had more room. I took so many things I didn’t need. I blew up my Zuvi hairdryer so that became an unneeded item (I thought maybe it would work once we were home). I took lots of short sleeved tops and even a few short sleeved tops because everyone I asked said the weather could change in a blink of an eye. I only wore a short sleeved tee once. So, way too many other tops. I took a pair of sandals I never needed, too. If I’d just packed what I actually wore, I could have done the carry on only. But, then I wouldn’t have had room for the souvenirs I bought for everyone! The scarves really did help with changing out my looks. This is the first time I’ve ever packed like this. I think I liked it and may try it again if my youngest and I go to London in January.
Thanks, Leslie!
This is something I would wear for sure. Lol. I like to be all snuggly comfy. I love the whole idea of hygge! We really try to incorporate the values and lifestyle into our everyday!
Thanks, Erin! I am sure your home is just as cozy and hygge as can be! You and Billy do such a wonderful job of raising Wyatt while doing so many neat things.