Fall is the season for the basic girl: PSLs, skinny jeans and sweaters will be the uniform for most girls age 13-forever (?!), and I can’t wait. Because – you heard it here first – when it comes to fall, I’m a {slightly} basic gal. One thing that might set me apart is … I hate pumpkin. Pumpkin patch? Okay. Pumpkin spice? No way.
So for me, fall is less about the coffee and way more about the weather and the style {it doesn’t hurt that I love a scarf and vest combo as much as the next girl!}. The season flies by, so every September I look forward to breaking out my favorite fall pieces and taking a few shopping trips to revamp my wardrobe, too.
The temps dropped fast in Chicago – literally 20 degrees overnight – so my wardrobe needed a shotgun transition {more to come on that}. Luckily, I can’t get enough of the new styles we’re seeing this fall. For the first time in a longtime, I love everything I’m seeing in stores: jackets, dresses, patterns, textures, you name it. It’s kind of like what’s happening with the radio right now. How is it that I can’t get enough of pretty much every Top 40 hit {make me feel better about this & tell me I’m not alone}?! So, whether you are a basic girl that throws on a vest, boots & leggings and declares fall their favorite season, or someone that enjoys styling outfits with classic fall pieces and a few new trends, there is something for everyone.
Since fall fashion is my jam, I’ve rounded up my five favorite trends, my styling tips and where to snag these pieces for under $100 – basic and bold gals rejoice! Check back in later this week* to see how I’m styling some of these trends and transitioning my wardrobe, so I’m fall-ready.
Happy shopping!
xAlex
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Leopard
In high school, cheetah flats were the easiest way to rebel against my Catholic school uniform, and I still love them today. This season, I’m trading in my flats for heels to spice up an LBD for a night out with friends. I love to mix-and-match patterns, so you’ll find me in a striped tee, jeans and a leopard clutch for a casual Saturday afternoon now until November {once it gets colder I’ll add a vest – naturally}. I’m hoping to snag this dress on sale since there are deals going on at J. Crew until Friday. I can’t wait to wear it with flats right now and booties, tights & a blazer when it gets a little chillier.
Bold & Bright Lips
I feel like every make-up brand ever is showcasing at least one of these colors in their fall lineup. My usual go-to color for fall is MAC’s Rebel, so I’m looking forward to trying something new. I think any of these colors would easily dress up your 9-5 attire for drinks after work or add the perfect fall statement to an otherwise “barely there” face.
Everyday Sneakers
If I’m running a quick errand in the summer, you’ll find me in Birkenstocks; in the winter, you’ll find me in Uggs; and in spring and fall, I’m in sneakers. Now, I’m not talking Asics and flare jeans, which for some reason is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about jeans and gym shoes, but more like casual and comfortable sneakers that go with everything in your closet. Since I take the L to work, I throw on Vans for my walk to-and-from the office. I’m giving this pair honorable mention, because these babies kept me blister-free and comfortable for my entire San Francisco trip {I’m talking 30 plus miles!}. FYI … they look perfect with this casual Gap dress! My gold New Balances are my favorite for a casual Friday look after a long week in heels. And lastly, the holy grail of comfy shoes that I’ve been on the hunt for what feels like forever, the Nike Roshe. I can’t wait to snag this pair to wear with skinnies and a sweater or a graphic tee and leggings.
Velvet
Velvet is everywhere this fall, and I’ve got a mad crush. Mostly, because it’s one of the coziest fabrics ever, but also because as comfy as it is, you still look completely put together when you wear it. Basically it’s terrycloth’s much more stylish older sister. Since chokers are all over the place, I’m really trying to embrace the trend, but without fail they make me feel like a dog. I think I am going to give this velvet one a try, since it’s delicate and subtle – I think it will look fab with an off-the-shoulder top. If you’re really into the trend, this velvet dress in on-point on so many levels. Throw on a pair of strappy heels, and just like that – outfit complete. This dress is also perfect for the holiday season, so this is going to be my stylish way of getting more bang for my buck. I’m also a huge fan of chunky, midi heels this season {& every season}, and I think these heels will perfectly dress-up a casual outfit with jeans or add a little pizazz my office attire.
Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets are everywhere this fall, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a color and pattern that matches your style. A few years back when bomber jackets started gaining popularity, I felt like Pink Lady every time I wore my black-and-white floral jacket with anything but jeans. The style has definitely evolved since 2000-something, and I’m loving everything in-stores, especially the different patterns and textures. While shopping this season, I’ve found multiple styles with a drawstring waist – like this one from the Target Who What Wear line, which I’ve worn like 10 times since I’ve bought it – that I think would be flattering on most body types. Give yourself options and buy a bomber with a thick elastic waistband or a drawstring – that way, you can easily throw it on with jeans or zip it up / tie it off if you’re wearing a dress to give your waist extra definition. This season, I’ve been wearing my jackets on the weekends, instead of a jean jacket and in the office, instead of a blazer.
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