So I may have jumped the gun on my minimagpie holiday styling post, but no one can argue with prepping the wardrobe for fall, which is just around the corner. PSL season OMAGAHHHH. (Only I hate PSLs.) I am, however, excited for that distinctive autumnal smell, the bite of cold in the air, the crunch of leaves beneath the foot, the warmth of a sweater, the delight of drinking something warm while taking a stroll around the neighborhood.
Fall Fashion Pick No. 1: The Mohair Sweater
I have to tell you that as I think about my fall wardrobe, I’m in large part inspired by the gorgeous retro-leaning pieces in Ganni’s collection — namely this stunning mohair sweater ($475), also seen on the bombshell above.
And you can get the look for less (though without that gorgeous fluffy mohair texture) with this steal from TopShop ($65).
Fall Fashion Pick No. 2: The Tod’s Driving Shoe / Moccasin
The Outnet has a great collection of Tod’s driving shoes / loafers on sale, and they are the PERFECT timeless piece and an ideal pick for fall. (In fact, they probably should have been listed in my wardrobe basics post…) I especially love the green suede (on sale for $255).
Fall Fashion Pick No. 3: The Wool Coat
Stop the presses: Outnet has THE MOST EPICALLY ELEGANT COAT on sale for $163 (down from $380!) The question is: do we go with timeless navy or slightly-more-edgy army green? (If you’re leaning towards the latter, you may also be a fan of the utility jacket, of which I sang many praises earlier this month.) LOVE the glossy gold buttons and the tie waist! So elegant and Katherine Hepburn-esque!
Fall Fashion Pick No. 4: The Rib Knit Sweater
Speaking of gleaming gold buttons, I’m loving the look of these slim-fit, button-embellished rib-knit sweaters from Petit Bateau, especially the merlot-colored one with those sporty cuffs (on sale for $65), though the navy is equally compelling. (Also love this striped variation, or this similar J. Crew style.)
Fall Fashion Pick No. 4: The Fit + Flare Dress
This gray dress ($78) is endlessly versatile — appropriate for work with smart flats, or for an evening cocktail party with some enorma-studs and pumps.
Fall Fashion Pick No. 5: The Statement Blouse
These have been all.over.the.place for the last season, but the frilled statement blouse is a great pick for fall — and I’m now eyeballing this striped J. Crew lovely ($78). I love the cerulean blue color and the trim cuffs. This sleeveless, bow-front Banana find ($68) is also a great pick for transition-to-fall styling — I could see it layered under a blazer — or this asymmetrical Loft style ($59 — I love that masculine cuff!)
Fall Fashion Pick No. 6: The Structured Leather Tote
I’ve mentioned it before, but this structured Cuyana tote ($195) is THE perfect falltime addition. Just as chic for toting books to class (are any of you lovely readers students?!) as it is schlepping essentials to work or heading to music class with your toddler. Also — a far more fetching price than the very similar-looking cult-classic Mansur Gavriel tote ($585). (And, monogrammable!)
Fall Fashion Pick No. 7: The Suede Kitten Heel Slingback
OMG OMG OMG. Are you tired of hearing me rave about Ganni yet? I’m just smitten with their (generally) well-priced pieces, and these stunning suede kitten slingbacks ($235) are no exception. They remind me of those Row bow-topped mules everyone has been dying over, but in a less trendy shape! I feel as though I’d wear them with EVERYTHING from jeans and a tee to a party frock (like this, which I also love!)
Fall Fashion Pick No. 8: The Statement Evening Top
In a similar vein: everyone needs a seasonally-appropriate statement top for date nights or after-work drinks, and I’m pining after this Cinq a Sept ruffly number (on sale for $172), which I’d consider wearing with either black skinnies or distressed denim for a high-contrast look. (Get the look for less with this splashy black statement top, $75, or this embellished-sleeve style, $51.)
Fall Fashion Pick No. 9: The Colorblocked Cape
I’m a big fan of The Cape — I think I lived in them during the better part of my pregnancy! — but this fall will be no different. Love this affordable find ($60) from TopShop, which will go with pretty much anything and everything in your wardrobe. Not a cape, but I also like this oversized check scarf ($29)!
Fall Fashion Pick No. 10: The Casual Coat
Mama mia, there are a lot of options for your everyday/weekend coat, and I covered a lot of bases in my ode to the utility jacket and my love song to the trench, but if you’re still on the hunt, consider a piece that defies conventions, like this utility-trench hybrid, on sale for $69! Love the tie-waist and the hood. Alternately, take a peek at this trench-cape hybrid ($168). So high-end looking!
I’m totally ready for fall, cozy sweaters, jeans, boots, etc. are my ideal wardrobe. I had to have that gray sweater dress, perfect work wardrobe staple! Great find! I’ll let you know how it fits. A pair of Tod’s loafers is also at the top of my wish list, you are on point as usual!
That gray sweater dress will look SO chic on you, Jen! Such a flattering shape. Love it. Also, Tod’s are THE best — not sure if you read the comments, but M. Gemi has a similar style for less, too!
I love all these picks! Good gracious, I wish we had fall in LA. I miss it so much 🙁 I mean, I guess technically we *do* have fall, but it just feels like summer part 2 (and in some cases it’s even hotter than summer part 1).
Sounds like a trip east or north is in order? Or, just rest assured that those of us in cooler climes will be SUPERRRR envious of you come January, when cold weather starts to feel old…but will continue for the next three months straight. (It snowed on May 30 last year…)
I’m sure not empty! Just different — and quiet can be very fulfilling, too! Thanks for reading, Colleen! xo
My goodness, that Ganni sweater is perfection! Love love love, but I have a sweater problem so won’t be bringing it home quite yet. I need to pare down my collection first. Speaking of sweaters, have you heard of Demylee? I believe the designer got her start at Gap and later Tory Burch, and then set out on her own. Her sweaters are fairly reasonably priced — the cotton ones start at around $160 — and I have amassed quite the collection (!)
I also love the Petit Bateau sweater you featured — I always forget about Petit Bateau, but SWORE by their cotton camisoles and tee-shirts in childhood, all the way up to high school and college.
I know I KNOW. I reallyyyy want/need that Ganni fluffy lovely. I have heard of Demylee, but never purchased any of their pieces!! I will look into this for fall. Thanks for the tip. xoxo