I didn’t want to do a Fall post in fear that I wouldn’t be able to control the urge to throw on my over the knee boots in 83 degree weather but alas, I couldn’t help myself. Urges are to be fulfilled anyway.
So – instead of dictating exactly what you should place in your Fall wardrobe come September, I’ve instead resolved to ease you into it by pronouncing 5 items you need to (NEED to) have. After all, the newsstands have set forth their Fall issues, stores have delegated their Summer wear to the *shudder* back, and fashionistas have set up their countdowns.
These select items should makeup the base of your wardrobe and because they’re common Fal/Autumn staples they in high demand. Make sure you pick them up before you’re forced to dig around for them out of a Size 5 & 11 only bin.
The Boot
You are straight up lying if you claim to not need boots until Winter. You’re not Santa Clause. Suit up early.
Donald J Pilner Danti Boot/$350/Nordstrom.com
The right amount of bad ass and feminine. Skinny jeans and oversized sweaters, airy layered dresses and grandpa cardigans are perfect pairings.
Valentino Rockstud Rain Boot/$450/Nordstrom.com
Hunters are by far acceptable means for foot protection during downpours, but why not take it up a notch? I like these because you won’t look like crossdressing lumberjack on your way into work or dinner. So verstatile.
Loeffler Randall Ella Stacked Hell Bootie/$395/loefflerrandall.com
A short bootie is classic for skinny pants, stockings, and dresses. Insanely versatile and I like that you get some height by still keeping it casual.
Alexander Wang Sigrid Tall Boots/$1150/shopbop.com
If you plan to invest in a long lasting staple piece this Fall, ensure it’s a tall boot. They’ve been going strong for years now and I can’t see the trend fading anytime soon. They’re sexy, easy to wear, timeless, and still protect you from the elements. Whether it’s a tall riding boot, an over the knee stacked heel, or thigh high stiletto boots – make the purchase.
The Coat
Coats are essential for the colder months. Duh. Actually, not duh, because sometimes I layer like a homeless person and end up running out of body. Besides that, they’re perfect toppers and can really act as a legitimate accessory to an otherwise simple outfit.
Topshop Faux Leopard print coat/$178/topshop.com
Animal print is still pretty active this season – in small, stylish doses of course. I have a sleek little number from Zara, like the one below. Pair it with leather pants and some red booties and you’re a freaking runway model. I like to think so.
Sunday Best Ovid Vest/$120/artizia.com
Oh yasss. My love for layering has climaxed. (Sorry for the visuals). I just purchased this oversized hooded faux vest. I have a couple others that I worked into pretty much every single outfit last year so I am definitely stocking up on my choices this time around. I love the hood and the oversized style of this one. I’m practically drooling right now. If it was real I’d be crying and punching myself in the face for the mere thought of wanting it.
http://aritzia.com/en/ovid-vest/52672.html?dwvar_52672_color=5586#cgid=new-jackets&start=2
Zara Wool Coat/$129/zara.com
I like the relaxed style of this one. Eveyone should own at least 1 structured coat but this piece is great when you want to be a little more low key and less buttoned up.
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/coats/wool-coat-c269183p2038026.html
Burberry Oversize Pea Coat/$1250/burberry.com
Again, if you’re looking to invest your funds, Burberry is prime for coats with longevity and timeless style. Instead of going for the traditional check trappings, opt for a more muted shade that’ll last you the next 5-10 years. The collar on this one is leather underneath. Swoon.
Leather
The thought of leather right now, as I sit underneath my ceiling fan with a pitcher of ice water, with a sheen of sweat coating my body – makes me want to strangle myself. The thought of leather come Fall? Makes me want to sell my soul.
Madewell Leather Tour Vest/$395/madewell.com
Oh yes this is the one. If doling out for a leather jacket seems too daunting for you or if you’re rather ease into the trend (where have you been for the last couple years??) then a vest is the perfect choice. It’s easy to style, easy to wear with pretty much everything, are so flattering on just about any silhouette. I am definitely making the purchase.
Anine Bing Stretch Leather Biker Pants/$799/shopbop.com
Another splurge idea – Anine Bing. She’s like the Jennifer Lopez of Leather. Her pieces will pretty much last a lifetime. There’s tons of more affordable versions as well…
http://www.shopbop.com/stretch-leather-skinny-pants-anine/vp/v=1/1521820672.htm?fm=search-shopbysize
Astr Faux Leather Pleat Front Skirt/$60/nordstrom.com
Astr clothing is one of my favorite Nordstrom exclusives. Their pieces are on par with Topshop if you’re trying to get an idea…oh, and they’re affordable. Like insanely affordable. So you can buy 4 or 5 skirts at once, not 1 a month. I love this burnt orange-y camel shade for Fall. The pleats are a must too, very schoolgirl but still wearable if you’ve been out of school for 10 plus years…
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/astr-faux-leather-pleat-front-skirt/3804848?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=64&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A
Muubaa Saon Midi Skirt/$325/revolveclothing.com
The midi skirt is huge this upcoming season. I’m a mini maven so I find this style a little harder for me to get into, as it’s a bit more buttoned up and rigid in comparison, but a zippered style like this one is the perfect transition piece. Subtle yet sexy. I can dig it.
http://www.revolveclothing.com/muubaa-saon-midi-skirt-in-black/dp/MUUB-WQ9/
MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux leather leggings/$100/Nordstrom.com
These are the epitome of essential. You have so many styles and designers to choose from, there is no way you should be without a pair of faux leather leggings this Fall. Forget Fall, I’ve been wearing them all Summer. What’s a little sweat droplet?
The Statement Sweatshirt
Yeah, this is still happening. Much to my wardrobe pleasure. I can live in these all season. Embellished, graphic, printed, whatever. Done deal.
Can we say this is what started it all? The iconic Kenzo prints are imitated everywhere/$317/matchesfashion.com
country=USA¤cy=USD&indcurrency=USD&mkwid=gku212n0&vzwty=cgid:8052942657%7Ctsid:15858%7Ccid:182624577%7Clid:36466622934%7Cnw:g%7Ccrid:48024990297%7Crnd:82617698593114
Madewell Jardin sweatshirt/$70/madewell.com
French is the new English, according to statement sweatshirts. I say Espanol would look cuter but that’s just me…
MOTHER The Square Sweatshirt/$145/shopbop.com
I like the graphic sweatshirts better than anything. Cheeky.
http://www.shopbop.com/square-sweatshirt-mother/vp/v=1/1515596386.htm?fm=search-shopbysize
Benedita Crystal Sweatshirt/$210/revolveclothing.com
Embellished collars are great for classing up a cas outfit. I find that this makes a bigger statement than the typical Vegas style mini for nights out. Um, and those matching shorts? Dying.
http://www.revolveclothing.com/benedita-crystal-sweatshirt-in-light-grey/dp/BENE-WK3/
Embellished shorts:
http://www.revolveclothing.com/benedita-crystal-sweatshort-in-dark-grey/dp/BENE-WF1/
Sorry I’m Bad sweatshirt/$40/zara.com
I’d wear something like this with leather leggings or skinnes. With heels. Always with heels. Otherwise you look like a hipster teen who didn’t think twice thought about their outfit 13 times before leaving the house.
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/t-shirts/trf/sweatshirt-with-text-design-c498036p2182529.html
Beaded sweatshirt/$60/zara.com
This is so 80’s. I have to have it. I should probably dig thorough boxes of my Mom’s old sweatshirts first though. Save me $60…
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/t-shirts/trf/beaded-sweatshirt-c498036p2032593.html
Wildfox Couture x Revolve Letterman V Neck Sweater/$110/revolveclothing.com
How can I leave out my absolutely favorite brand for cheeky sweatshirts? (Baggy Beach Jumpers to be exact) These are by far the softest, most vintage feeling materials I have ever worn. A must.
The Handbag
A tote-able, daytime bag is an absolute must for Fall. Sure a clutch will do on dinner outings or nights out, but a larger more structured, easy to carry day bag is necessary for pretty much everything else.
Zac Zac Posen Eartha Soft Top Handle Bag/$500/revolveclothing.com
I love the combination of structure and femininity on this bag. It’s a day bag yet you can transition it to evening as well…
http://www.revolveclothing.com/zac-zac-posen-eartha-soft-top-handle-bag-in-black/dp/ZZAC-WY6/
Alexander Wang Rockie Small Crossbody Satchel/$825/nordstrom.com
This bag makes each and every single one of my lists. The size is enviable, it’s large enough to hold your basics, and it’s a nice neutral shade so that it goes with everything. Oh, and the pebbled leather and the iconic studs make it stand out from the rest.
Saint Laurent Suede Moujik Medium Bag/2650/forwardforward.com
This season’s most coveted bag. The military look is so chic. Definitely a good investment piece as the colors are neutral and elegant enough for years to come.
Six Eleven Mini Mc Duffle Bag/$375/aritzia.com
Six Eleven, Aritzia’s new custom bag line is just in time for Fall. Premium leather, an exposed zipper and a chic structure…
http://aritzia.com/en/mini-mc-duffle-bag/53056.html?dwvar_53056_color=1274#start=8
That’s it. For now. I need to stop before I leave the house in a blanket.
xo