My 5 Style Essentials for Fall

It's back to school time and I know we're all either in the midst of end of summer blues, or excitement towards the coming season. It doesn't matter where you are on that spectrum (whether you've already baked something with pumpkin as a key ingredient or you're optimistically buying another bottle of self tanner), I know you didn't click on this post because you revel in everything that comes with a long blog post introduction. You want to know that facts. You want a simple, approachable, realistic and classically stylish list of pieces to pick up in your last few days of freedom before those leaves begin to fall. So, here it is.

1. A Long Cardigan

Did I know I needed a knee length cashmere cardigan before I spotted this gorgeous Equipment piece on the sale rack at Nordstrom? Surprisingly, no. The fashion dominated years of my life have been filled with strictly your average pullover knitwear. I think this has something to do with a phase I went through in my pre-teens when I was obsessed with those thin cotton button-up cardigans from American Apparel that I would prefer not to re-visit. No matter, I have had a change of heart and am now a very late to the game advocate for those cozy cardis that scream "chic upper class mom".

 

2. Never Want to Take Them Off Jeans 

This could go without saying for some of you, but I have a new mantra when it comes to denim. It needs to make me feel comfortable, powerful and perfectly hugged in all the right places. I need to never want to take a pair of jeans off. Gone are the days of waste zippers being my mortal enemies. Where did I go to find said perfect jeans? Well, I was feeling terribly original and shopped for my dream pair at Levi's of course. Stay tuned for the winter edition of my style essentials and I'll let you know if I've taken them off yet (it's not likely). 

3. The Girliest of Ruffled Skirts

This is a piece I've been hunting for recently, and when I say hunting, I want you to picture a cartoon drawing of a business woman who's stuck on a deserted island with a dirty ripped pant suit, holding a spear with a skirt on the end of it. I thought I had found "the one" on my trip to Portland, but my love of a primary coloured a-line competitor won that day. I'm glad it did though, because the one I've ended up with is much more versatile than the silk, mustard piece I turned down. The reason I'm putting this piece on the list is because it's ideal transitional wear, and contrasts perfectly with the chunky boots, knitwear and sweatshirts of the coming season.

4.  Your Perfect Roll Neck

With fashion month in our midst I've begun thinking about what I will realistically wear when I attend one day. Strutting down the fashion celebrity filled streets, getting caught casually strolling into a highly anticipated show seems to be the norm for every fashion insider. My best guess (from what I've seen in vlogs and fashion documentaries) is that this is not actually the case. In real time, everything is much more rushed, and though all we see from the outside is beautiful people dressed in head-to-toe labels and wild new trends, I think the more realistic wardrobe options for zooming from show to show are classic understated looks. Whether you are sprinting from one exclusive event to the next, or one side of campus to the other, nothing will serve you better in the coming chill than a perfectly chunky but equally flattering roll neck knit. Wear it with jeans or dress it up with flowing midi skirt. This sweater will quickly become your best friend.

5. Leather Ankle Boots that Go With Everything

When I say everything, I truly mean it. Find a pair of boots with an elongating heel that's still comfortable enough for at least 8 hour wear. With that shape of boot you'll be set for everything from professional straight leg jean looks to flirty days with your new ruffled skirt. 

Thanks for reading.

- Emily