PAST SEASON FAVORITES + NEW PURCHASES FOR FALL

The other week, I switched my closet from summer to fall and felt so excited to pull out some of my older favorites to re-wear again. While I always love adding new pieces to my wardrobe, it’s important for me to appreciate what I already have and not fall into the trap of needed all new things each season. Then last week I noticed a post from Meghan of Wit & Whimsy (a blog I always love reading) sharing what she was buying for Fall plus the pieces already in her closet that she was excited to break out again. I loved the idea so much that I knew I wanted to do a similar post. Below – the pieces that I’ll be re-wearing from season’s past (and how you can get the look) along with what I’ve bought for Fall so far.

WHAT I’VE BOUGHT FOR FALL:

  • The striped sweater shown above that is truly just perfect. It has a boxy, slightly cropped fit (I sized down to a XS) and a great weight to it. I like it with a pair of high waisted jeans and loafers.
  • I actually bought this chocolate croc bucket bag way back in summer because I’d been looking for a classic brown bag for ages and this one went on sale. It’s back to full price, but honestly for the quality and timelessness – I think it’s worth it.
  • I’ve been thinking about buying this cardigan for TWO YEARS now. And I finally bit the bullet. It’s so luxe in person and because you can wear it frontwards or backwards I really think the styling options will be endless. Thinking of doing an IGTV styling video showing 5 ways to wear it?
  • Oppositely, this crewneck sweatshirt (I’m calling the color “pumpkin spice”) was an impulse buy, but it’s already proving to be a fall staple. And it’s on sale for less than $30.

WHAT I’LL BE WEARING FROM MY CLOSET:

  • This suede jacket was another higher price point item that I saved up for 4-5 years ago and based on how many times I’ve worn it – the cost per wear is pennies now. It looks effortless thrown on with everything from jeans and a tee to a pretty dress. This year’s version is still a close match.
  • These cropped wide leg jeans were a new addition last Fall and I love the way they’re slightly more polished than my regular denim. As an added bonus they serve to nicely show off a cute pair of shoes. This pair from the same brand looks like a very close match.
The Steele Maiden - 3 Must Have Coats for Fall Travel
  • A lightweight rain jacket and rain boots always come in handy. I love how this bright yellow one has a sort of classic fisherman feel. And you can’t go wrong with Hunter Boots.
  • I reach for this classic leather saddle bag all the time in the fall. It’s big enough to hold all of your essentials plus a book (which for me is actually essential) but doesn’t look bulky. This one is an almost identical match.
The Steele Maiden Fall Style - Talbots Silk Scarf Plaid Blazer
  • A classic plaid blazer is an absolute staple in my fall wardrobe. I got this maybe 2 years ago and I still wear it on average once a week this time of year. This and this are both similar options.
The Steele Maiden: Fall Floral Maxi with Old Navy
  • This floral midi dress is 2-3 years old at this point but I always find myself excited to wear it again. This could be dressed up with heels or layered with a sweater and boots for the weekend. This option looks to be a very similar version.
  • This pink corduroy blazer was an unexpected standout of my fall wardrobe last year. It’s definitely going to be a repeat offender in Zoom calls again this year. The brand is offering a really similar version this season here.

SHOP NEW + PAST SEASON FALL FAVORITES:

BROWN CROC ACCESSORIES FOR FALL

There’s something infinitely chic to me about brown croc print accessories – and I’m seeing them pop up everywhere this fall. I sadly don’t think I’m going to have all that many occasions to get dressed up this season, but even a bag like this one (a bit of a higher price point but I love it and know that I’ll be carrying it for years to come) dresses up a simple pair of jeans and sweater in a way that feels sophisticated and effortless. Below – my favorites that I’ve spotted around the internet.

10 Brown Croc Accessories for Fall:

SUMMER TO FALL STYLE

In my mind it’s somewhere around June 15th. But in reality, this is the last weekend of August. This time of year always feels a little bittersweet to me, but perhaps never more so than this year. I mean, I never even made it to the beach.. how can summer be over?! And the looming uncertainty of what’s to come this winter has me shivering on a 90 degree day.

But, on the other hand – I truly love the feeling of fall and September always feels like a fresh start. So I’m trying my best to give in to the time warp that is 2020 and just lean into the excitement I feel over the change of seasons.

As it were – this outfit has a bit of a foot in each season. A floaty summer dress. A new bag that is sure to be a fall staple. In a couple of months time, I’ll pair this same dress with a cozy, oversized sweater and leather riding boots.

Until then – I’ll be doing my damnedest to soak up every last moment of summer. I hope you do the same.

SHOP THE STORY:

AN EARLY FALL WISHLIST

I’m never one to wish away summer, but every year around mid-August I start to get the craving for Fall styles. Something about the promise of a new season, no? Below, the styles I have my eye on, that can be worn now and right on into fall.

SHOP MY EARLY FALL PICKS:

  • This ‘Pretty Woman’-esque dress is calling my name and is on major sale right now (just $50!). No further explanation necessary.
  • I don’t have much occasion lately for statement earrings but these classic gold link earrings are perfect for instantly adding a touch of polish to your look. They’d be great for Zoom calls.
  • A timely vote t-shirt – all proceeds go to the ACLU.
  • I’ve been swooning over domed and signet rings lately to offset my daintier everyday pieces. This one is super affordable and can be engraved while this one is a bit pricier (around $200) but feels like a forever piece. And don’t get me started on this ‘croissant’ ring!
  • This plaid tie front blouse feels a little bit 1970s cool, a little bit British schoolgirl. Aka – my sweet spot.
  • I don’t see the need for face masks going away any time soon. I desperately need a couple more in my rotation and like these transitional floral prints.
  • The silk slip skirt is a trend that I didn’t immediately think was for me – but last year I picked up a black version and loved how versatile it was. I’d style this rust-hued one with a simple tee shirt now or a chunky sweater later.
  • I’ll be honest, my heels haven’t seen the light of day in quite some time. And I don’t know if fall is going to change that. Instead – I’m looking for cute flats for walking around town. These leopard sneakers are fun and these pretty gold ballet flats feel like they’re just begging to be taken to Paris someday.
  • Blame it on Taylor Swift’s ‘Cardigan‘ but all I want is a cozy knit sweater with a vintage feel. I think I’d wear this navy anchor version for years to come.
  • I, for one, am still not over headbands. This plaid one would look just as cute with a bathing suit as it would with a fall blazer.
  • If you’re in the market for a new purse this fall – might I suggest this classic option, in an impossibly chic ‘cappuccino‘ hue. I have a few bags from this brand and the quality and wearability far exceeds the cost.
  • If you’re not in the market for a new purse, one of my favorite ways to dress up an existing bag is by tying a fun scarf to the handle. The print on this one looks convincingly vintage and adds a nice pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.

BEST OF: LITTLE WHITE DRESSES

While I’m not above a fun statement piece (this printed denim jacket for instance), I’m much more focused on building my “forever wardrobe” these days. And a little white dress is an absolute staple piece to me for summer. I already have a slightly fitted, sleeveless lace white dress that I love – but I’ve been looking for a cleaner, more structured version for awhile now and finally found it. This exact dress is sold-out now, but this one is a dead ringer at a great price.

As long as I don’t stain it – because in full disclosure I ate french fries after we took these pictures and was fairly nervous the entire time – I’ll be wearing and loving this little number for years to come. It’s a blank canvas and could be worn simply for a weekend day date or dressed up for a special occasion.

Below – a few more of my favorites little white dresses – from lightweight linen to structured denim to romantic lace.

SHOP LITTLE WHITE DRESSES:

SHOP THE ACCESSORIES: