7 #OOTDs for the Week: Pre-Fall Outfits That’ll Make You Swoon

1. Worn-Out Soles

One of the clearest indicators it's time to replace your footwear is worn-out soles. Take a look at the tread: is it smooth or uneven? If so, your shoes are no longer offering the same level of grip and stability as they did in the past.

The lack of traction can lead to discomfort with each step and slips, especially if you're walking over wet or slick surfaces. That's why any bald spots suggest they're no longer providing the support and safety you need.

2. Heel Breakdown

Since we naturally walk with heel-to-toe strides, the heel tends to be the first part of a shoe that shows signs of wear. With every single step you take, your heel absorbs a significant amount of your body weight and gradually breaks down the material.

Some wear is completely normal, but it becomes a problem when the heel starts to lose its shape or, again, the tread pattern is too worn. A broken-down heel isn't giving you any cushioning or support, so replacing your old pair is smart to prevent discomfort or potential foot problems.

3. Uneven Wear Pattern

Now, after taking a closer look at your footwear, you might notice the inside or outside of your sole is wearing down faster than the center. This may be due to walking pattern imbalances.

For instance, if your ankle rolls inward, it's known as pronation; meanwhile, rolling outwards is supination. Usually caused by muscle weakness, these imbalances put uneven pressure on your shoes, meaning one side of the sole wears out faster than the other.

Uneven wear is a sign you're no longer receiving balanced support and need to invest in a new pair of kicks.

4. Squeaking

If your shoes were silent when you got them, then randomly started squeaking or creaking, that's an indicator that the internal structure or sole is breaking down.

These sounds typically happen when the materials inside the shoe no longer fit together properly, or the cushioning has deteriorated. Apart from the sound just being annoying, persistent squeaking suggests you probably need a replacement.

5. Odors

We put our shoes through the ringer on a daily basis. Not only do they encounter outside elements like mud, rain, and snow, but they also deal with our own sweat inside. If your footwear has lingering odors that don't go away even after cleaning, it's a red flag that they've simply absorbed too much moisture or bacteria.

Shoes can trap sweat, dirt, and moisture, creating an environment that's perfect for bacteria to thrive. And after a while, odor-fighting products might not even work against stubborn smells. Take that as your sign to find a new pair.

6. Decreased Athletic Performance

When it specifically comes to athletic shoes, you'll notice a drop in performance. Your sneakers might've once been bouncy and very cushioned, giving you a literal spring in your step.

Then, over time, you may notice that they start to feel flat or less responsive. The energy return decreases, and you no longer feel the same level of comfort from the cushioning. This means your sneakers are no longer suited for high-impact activities, and replacing them is crucial to preventing any possible injuries.

7. Workouts Are Painful

Have you ever experienced a sharp stabbing pain in your arch or heel while exercising? Your shoes' lack of support is probably the culprit.

This type of pain is usually associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can be exacerbated by worn-out footwear. For your next pair, make sure you pick out shoes with proper arch support and cushioning for a pain-free workout.

8. You've Hit Your Mileage Limit

Lastly, it's important to track how much wear your shoes have experienced, even if they still feel comfortable. That's because most walking shoes are designed to last around 500 miles, which equates to about six months of use (depending on how active you are).

If you haven't been keeping track of your mileage, that's okay. This metric is roughly equivalent to walking about 30 minutes a day or three to four hours per week. If this sounds like your routine, you can aim to get new shoes every six months for the best support and comfort.

1. Flare Jeans + Sneakers

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Vintage Flare Jeans

This is one outfit combo I wholeheartedly believe should be worn separately: flare jeans + sneakers.

New Balance 530 Sneakers

Pairing flare jeans with sneakers (especially more technical or athletic styles) truly ruins the whole ‘fit. While flare jeans are definitely more retro, sneakers have a modern feel that easily clashes. Plus, you don’t want to add more bulkiness at your ankles and make your look, well, look sloppy.

We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

Instead, save your flare jeans to wear with heels or tall boots, and rock your fave walking sneaks with trendier jean styles like mom jeans or barrel jeans.

2. Socks + Sandals

Doublesoul Bekah High Socks

If you know, you know. Socks and sandals can be super cool, but only really when you’re kickin’ it at the campsite. Otherwise, it can make your outfit look conflicting, because while sandals are meant to be breathable, socks add an unnecessary layer of bulk that fully defeats their purpose.

3. Denim + Denim

Mother The Loop De Loop Denim Jacket

Hear me out: denim on denim can definitely be done in a very stylish way. I love rocking a Canadian tux every once in a while, but only when I know for sure that the washes of denim I’m wearing are matching!

BDG Shelly Boxy Denim Chore Jacket

If the shades of denim you’re wearing don’t match or complement each other, your ‘fit can really lack balance, and people won't be able to tell whether you’re wearing it confidently or ironically.

4. Turtlenecks + Shorts

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Turtleneck Sweater

This “weird” outfit combo is weather confusion at its finest. While turtlenecks give off a cozy, cold-weather vibe, shorts scream summertime. This extreme contrast can make your look very bare-bones and generally odd.

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Shorts

If you really want to wear these pieces together, opt for a lightweight turtleneck top to wear with tailored shorts for warmer weather – the less-bulky layers will make more sense together. Plus, you’ll be more polished.

5. Tights + Jorts

A New Day Viney Floral Tights

This throwback look has not aged well – though we used to see a ton of people wearing tights or leggings underneath their jean shorts in the early 2010s, it just looks tacky nowadays.

We The Free Tippi Denim Shorts

The combo can often look outdated and overly layered, as if you couldn't commit to wearing just shorts or just tights. It’s just confusing – opt to wear one or the other!

6. Flip Flops + Cargo Pants

Shade & Shore Palmer Square Toe Flip Flops

It’s giving Justice and Limited Too vibes… but those stores are in our past for a reason! Flip flops and cargo pants also boast a sense of confusion because while flip flops are inherently laidback and beachy, cargo pants are bulky and often made to be more functional (something flip flops are totally not).

Abercrombie & Fitch Baggy Cargo Pull-On Pants

Since cargo pants take up more room on your silhouette, they can also highlight an obvious imbalance if you’re wearing low-profile flip flops.

1. Airspun Loose Powder

I remember this loose powder being one of the very first makeup products I ever tried after seeing it in my mom's makeup kit. It's super nostalgic for many other beauty fans – and no wonder, because it first launched in 1935!

Formulated to have a "cloudlike softness" to it, this powder is ideal for setting foundation and concealer so your base stays in place.

“I used Coty Airspun loose powder for years," one Redditor wrote about it. "I don't use powder anymore, but I still take a fond look at it in the makeup aisle. The packaging is so retro and pretty. It always made me feel very 1950's movie star.”

I will say that the main disconnect between this "old school" makeup product and today's beauty trends is that more and more brands tend to lean toward dewy, natural finishes rather than fully matte ones – this powder definitely delivers on the latter.

2. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

This mascara launched in 1990 and it was quick to become a favorite amongst beauty fans looking for long, full lashes. Claiming to give lashes the appearance of 5 times their natural thickness, this formula goes on super easy, thanks to the streamlined wand design.

This mascara has proved itself a mainstay in many makeup bags, and since its launch, L'Oreal's launched several different colors to play with. I myself am especially fond of the blue and purple mascaras if I just want to get a little playful with my makeup!

"I have tried other mascaras in the past but I find this one is the best for me. I have been using it for years," one reviewer wrote on Amazon. "I now find it difficult to to buy at the drug stores so I order it through Amazon. It goes on easily, dries quickly and does not flake. I wear the burgundy because I have green eyes."

3. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

You probably recognized this one super quick. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is renowned since it's said to be universally flattering and totally nails the natural look! Though it first hit the market in 1989, it's had an undeniable resurgence in the past couple years, further proving its iconic status.

“My grandmother took me to a Clinique counter when I was 13 and bought me a lipstick and some eyeshadow. I used them until they were gone," one Redditor reminisced. "The only Clinique item I've used since then is Black Honey, which is in my bathroom today.”

4. Benetint Liquid Lip & Cheek Stain

This beloved Benefit product hit shelves back in 1976, though it wasn't originally intended for use on the lips and cheeks. 👀 Benefit revealed that it was actually formulated for exotic dancers to use on their nipples to make them stand out!

Since its introduction, it's been a great pick to reach for to add a natural flush to the cheeks and make the lips a bit bolder. Benefit's launched several different shades over the years to join the OG "rose" one.

5. Max Factor Panstik Foundation

This "old school" makeup product was one of the first foundations that came in a convenient stick form. It launched in 1947, but you can still find it today! This creamy product is noticeably full-coverage and leaves a silky-matte finish once it's applied. A little truly goes a long way.

“I grew up in the 90s and remember using the Max Factor Panstik makeup. I can still remember the scent," one Redditor wrote. "It was a really great product for its time and I used it like a concealer.”

“I have this! What I like about it is it’s quick to apply when I don’t have the energy for liquid concealers," another Reddit user said. "The colour range isn’t impressive though.”

6. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Hitting the market back in 1957, it didn't take long for the Lustrous Lipstick from Revlon to become a cult classic. Many shades that the company developed in the latter half of the 20th century are still around today – several makeup fans on Reddit mentioned shades like Cherries In The Snow, Toast Of New York, Wine With Everything, Fire And Ice, and Sandalwood Beige are still their absolute favorites!

"Fire And Ice is one of my favourite lipsticks. It’s a wonderful bright corally red/pink..." one Redditor said. "It dates from the 50s. It’s quite nice to think I’m wearing the same colour as girls who were listening to Elvis.”

7. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

This might just be the most old school of all the "old school" makeup products mentioned here. This rosy skin salve was introduced way back in 1838 to heal dry, cracked skin in need of hydration – lips, face, hands, and body included. It's crafted the same way it was back in the 1800's, with rose extract to calm irritation, and lanolin, cotton seed, and jojoba oil to moisturize. The company also sells lavender, mint, and vanilla varieties in addition to the OG rose.

"I've been using C.O. Bigelow lavender salve for years and still love it. I rub it into my cuticles in the winter, spread the excess around my hands and top it with a layer of hand cream to seal it in," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "It works great to keep my skin from drying out and cracking and the lavender scent smells natural and not fake."

"Love this product! Worth every penny," another Amazon user said. "Use it on my lips, face and hands. Softens and is non greasy. My all time favorite product in my beauty stash!"