Now that it is officially fall, and it's getting colder, I figured it was time to share my favorite things that are trending this fall - and that will make sure your closet has everything that you'll need to be stylish in the coming colder months. Most of these pieces are staples and will last the test of fashion time. Here's a quick guide to the post:
1.) Military Jacket: This is the number one piece that you need for your fall wardrobe. It can be girly or edgy, and everything in between - so it is adaptable for everyone's style! It is also usually lightweight so it can be useful in the transition months but can also be thrown on top of a thick sweater. There are some styles that are more Parka-ish and a heavier material, you can even find some with fur hoods on them. So look through a lot and find the style that you like. I got mind from Nordstrom's B.P. department last year and I absolutely love it. (P.S. If you had to pick one of these from the list to buy, get a military jacket. You'll be glad you did.) See how I styled mine in this post!
2.) Fur Vest: I have been searching for the perfect fur vest for a while, and I have found some great ones. But the one in the picture below is my favorite, but by the time I got around to purchasing it, it was sold out! So I am keeping an eye on it until it (fingers crossed) restocked. But anyways, faux fur vests are a way to spice up your wardrobe and keep yourself looking chic in the coming cold months. So look into getting one, wether you want to invest in an expensive one, or get a shorter lasting cheaper one - I have links to both!
3.) Puffer Vest: This is one my favorites. The puffer vest is an awesome piece that keeps you warm and is also beautifully preppy - but can also be edgy like the camo one I've linked. You can also belt it and give it a different look. They come in so many styles from so many different stores, but the ones that I have found are the best quality are from J.Crew Factory.
4.) Leather Jacket: This is an obvious must for the fall and winter months. Leather jackets are sexy and warm. And they can also be paired with many different types of outfits. I bought both of my brown ones at the Nordstrom Sale last year and this year, and I love love love them. One is a darker brown and the other is a cognac. I have been wearing the lighter cognac since it has only been chilly the past few weeks, but when winter is in full swing I see myself pulling out the dark brown Via Spiga more often. Like the fur vests, this piece can be an investment piece. My cognac jacket was $40 while my dark espresso one was more around the $150 range. So I expect the darker one to last me much longer than the cheaper one - you can absolutely tell a difference in the material and how it was constructed between the price points, so I would suggest (as I always will) to try to find your more expensive pieces in the store so you can make sure that what you are investing in is worth it and you will actually wear it.
5.) Gingham Shirt: An essential because of it's versatility. This print can be worn as a casual or more formal piece. Here I paired my gingham shirt dress with leggings for a casual everyday outfit. Gingham is a classic, but kind of fell through the fashion cracks for a few years and is really just resurfacing as a staple for your wardrobe.
6.) Plaid + Buffalo Check Button Up: You can never have enough plaid, buffalo, and flannel shirts. Period. So grab the cute ones before they sell out, which they do incredibly fast! I am currently pining for this red buffalo check drop waist dress at Old Navy, but I couldn't find it in the store when I was there so I got an awesome slouchy sweater (but it would be a great Christmas present *cough cough*).
7.) Chambray Top: Not much to say about this one. Chambray is one of the most versatile fabrics out there. And there are multiple colors and styles that they come in, but all of them have a comfortable and sophisticated look to them. Find one that you can fall back on and include in your outfit rotation! See how I styled my chambray top in this post!
8.) Slouchy Sweater: This past year, I have really tried to transition out of my high school style (which was atrocious) and into a more sophisticated and age appropriate wardrobe that reflects my personality. And in that process, I got rid of ALOT of my clothes. Actually, almost everything but the basic staples of a wardrobe. And so as fall began to roll around last week, I found my sweater collection, well, non-existent. So I am on the constant lookout for great slouchy sweaters. And you should be too! Slouchy sweaters can be comfy and casual AND chic! So you get the best of both worlds.
9.) Pea Coat: The Pea Coat is one of my favorite things about winter. Last Christmas my parents got me the queen of all pea coats from J.Crew - a white coat, with dark navy ribbing and black leather buttons. And it was on sale for half off so woot woot! I wear my pea coats almost constantly as I do with my boots. BUT pea coats can be an investment. And in my opinion, you can tell the difference between a well made coat and one from Wal-Mart. As well you should! But making that investment might be a matter of timing, so I will keep you updated when nice ones go on sale so you can "pounce".
10.) Aztec Sweater/Poncho: This piece is a new found love for me. The Aztec Sweater. It is a piece that can be a great show stopper in your wardrobe, but is also something that is wearable every day. Not everyone has this kind of a piece in their closet, so you will definitely stand out! I love edgy things and this poncho is one that catches my eye - and hopefully is something that you can add to your closet to mix things up!
11.) Riding Boots: Boots will always be a staple of winter. I actually struggle to NOT wear boots every single day when it's cold out. But it's good to have a few different styles of boots in your closet. I have a pair of riding boots, thigh high highs, heeled boots, and of course short cowboy boots. But the bad thing is - they're all BROWN! So I am searching for a good pair of black riding boots, and I'm thinking a quilted look would be great. - See how I styled these awesome riding boots in this post!
12.) Rain Boots: A good pair of rain boots is great - wether you are using them for fashion or practical reasons. In the South, you may use them once for the snow, but those that live in the colder parts of the world, you should look into a good pair of Hunters that will last you a long time and hold up to harsher conditions. I have been pining for a pair of red Hunters for so long. And one day, they will be mine. (Update: I got them for christmas *insert cheesing smily face emoticon*)
13.) Cheetah Print Shoes: The great Jenna Lyons says, "As far as I'm concerned, leopard is a neutral." #truth #nothingelsetoknow
14.) Neutral Bootie: First off, I am in loveee with these booties. (They would be another great Christmas present *ehemm*). The beauty of a neutral bootie is that it can go with everything. From casual to formal, a bootie is the way to go.
15.) L.L. Bean Duck Boots: I. Love. These. Boots. They're preppy and practical and perfect. From doing outdoor activities to running errands, these are boots that will be your go-to boot throughout the cold season. And not to mention that they are a great price for the amount of time that they will last for you - as in years. They are a little pricey (about $100, but I'm a college student), but like I said, they last SO long. LL Bean is great about making products to last. So keep your eye on the ones you want, and when they go on sale, make the investment. You won't regret it!
16.) Jeggings: n. jeg·gings (/ˈjeÉ¡iNGz/)- tight-fitting stretch pants for women, styled to resemble a pair of denim jeans. So in case you were wondering, jeggings are just really stretchy jeans that are tapered all the way down to your ankles. And this makes it perfect to pair them with your ankle boots (see this post on how to style your ankle boots). But for fall, these babies are a life saver, because you can throw them on and look super stylish. So if you don't have some (or maybe you just need some different colors, like me), go grab a pair!
17.) Leather Leggings: Pleather (or faux leather) is so trendy this fall and looks super chic. Most people think they might not be able to pull this trend off - but bear with me. Full leather leggings are not for every one, I get that. But you can incorporate leather into your leggings. My favorite is a pair that is half pleather (on the outside of your leg) and a stretchy material on the inner half. This style of leather leggings can work on any body type because it does not stick to every inch of your leg and breaks up the slicky and clingy look that the leather creates.
18.) Colored Jeans: Every girl needs a few pair of colored jeans in their closet. It breaks up the monotony of regular denim (which I have a tendency to wear more often than not) and you can still keep your legs warm. I have linked several colors down below, so make sure to check them all out. Old Navy and Gap have a great tall and long sizes for you long legged women like me!
19.) Plaid Scarf: Plain and simple - you need a plaid scarf to pair with a neutral outfit. I am constantly watching What Not To Wear, and keeping up with Stacey and Clinton, and they are always talking about having "outfit formulas" that you can fall back on. This would constitute as a formula --> Skinny jean + Neutral blouse + Plaid scarf + Neutral Bootie = Instant Casual Chic "go-run-errands" Outfit. Work on your formulas and figure out what looks good on you. My advise is to write them down, so that when you have an "off day," you have something that you know looks good on you and that you are comfortable in. (And the last scarf on the top row is just awesomeee - Target version is $17!)
Middle Row: 5 • 6 • 7 • 8
Bottom Row: 9 • 10 • 11 • 12
(Other Cuties): 1 • 2 • 3 • 4
20.) Nude + Dark Nail Polish: It's fall and it's time to break out those deep red, plum, navy, and nude nail polishes to "polish" off your look! (haha, see what I did there;) These three are my current favorites. The "Every Month is Oktoberfest" looks almost pinkish here, but in reality it is a very deep purple (it looks black from far away) with an iridescent red to it. So I would suggest going to an Ulta, Sephora, or Target to pick out your polishes so that you can see what they look like in person. But you absolutely need to get some dark hues & nude colored polishes! A good nude color will go a long way.
21.) Deep Red Lips: No explanation needed. Every beautiful one of you should have a red color that works for you. And it's different for everyone. So do some research, and then go to a department store like Nordstrom, or Dillard's and they will direct you to some colors and will help you find the right one - then you can see if there are any cheaper options. Just be careful about going too cheap. The difference between a $20 stick and a $5 stick is incredible and you will definitely be able to see the difference.
Rouge Dior lipstick in "rialto" | Guerlain KissKiss lip color in "cherry pink" | Dior fluid stick in "trompe l'oell" (PC: SC&P)
