First of Fall Favorites
Who: Me (duh)
What: Early Fall favorites feat. sweaters, tees, booties, scarves and earrings
When: October
Here’s the short version of my favorite fall items I’ve gotten (so far) this season:
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Plush-Knit Long-Line Open-Front Sweater - Old Navy
Size: S | My choice: White/ Gray Marl
Price: $39.99
Silk Bandana Scarf - Abercrombie & Fitch
My choice: Green
Price: $26.60 (I got mine on an earlier clearance for $14.99)
Loraine Microsuede Western Sock Booties - Target (Universal Thread)
Size: 7 | My choice: Cognac
Price: $37.99
Oversized Tortoise Shell Studs with Taupe Fringe - Beth Ladd Collections
Price: $22 (Be careful these sell out quick!)
Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater/ Foldover Turtleneck Top - Forever 21
Sizes: M/ S | My choice: Taupe/ Black
Price: $17.90 (sweater) / $9.90 (top)
Luxe Crew Neck Tee - Old Navy (recommended by Helen at Style Inherited)
Size: XS | My choice: White
Price: $19.99
Pictured: Forever 21 Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater
Pictured: Old Navy Long-Line Open-Front Sweater, Universal Thread Loraine Western Sock Booties, Beth Ladd Collections Oversized Tortoise Shell Studs with Taupe Fringe
Pictured: Forever 21 Foldover Turtleneck Top, Universal Thread Loraine Microsuede Western Sock Booties
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Here’s the long version:
It’s FINALLY fall in northern Virginia. I’ve been longing for crisp weather since I’ve sweat my way through summer. Even still it didn’t prevent me from updating my fall wardrobe. Fall is my favorite season to dress for. There’s nothing better than cozy sweaters and a good pair of denim. I don’t usually plan my wardrobe updates in a way that I research trends and buy in advance. I’m also not the kind of person who has particular items in mind, I just kind of go with the flow when it comes to shopping.
However, I do love basics and foundational pieces that work in many different ways. Some of these basic pieces I’ve picked up this season are the (#3) Loraine Microsuede Western Sock Booties, (#5 pt. 1) Foldover Turtleneck Top and (#6) Luxe Crew Neck Tee.
These booties were very cost-friendly and I’ve been on the lookout for a new bootie. I wear them to death so my pair from last year have bit the dust. I love the sock part because it prevents the top of the boot from stretching out over time. I hate when my ankle bootie stretch to the point that you can see my socks (eye roll emoji). I worried they wouldn’t last long being suede, but so far they seem to be holding up nicely. I got a size 7 and they fit perfectly fine but not with thick socks.
The turtleneck is just a standard item, nay necessity, for cold weather. It’s perfect for layering. I’ve paired it with a cropped leather jacket and under chunky cardigans. The one I linked above is a cheap option from Forever 21 that worked for my purposes since I don’t plan to wear it very often. It’s a standard material, fitted (size small) and comfortable. (If nothing else, it doubles nicely as a Steve Jobs Halloween costume.)
The luxe crew tee was recommended from Helen at Style Inherited and I am so glad I bought one. I plan to stock up on these shirts. True to her rec, it is so soft and perfect for layering. I’m a huge fan of a plain white tee. I got an XS because it’s a little long and it still fits nicely after a wash and dry.
One could argue the long open-front sweater (#1) is also a basic but I find it more of a statement piece in the way this particular one looks. Since it’s plush material it has a slightly more elegant look that makes it stand out. I love this sweater because it feels like cashmere but I paid for polyester.
The ribbed turtleneck (#5 pt. 2) was a risk purchase since I happened to find it online at Forever 21. I usually don’t buy clothes online from places like Forever 21 because you can really never tell what quality the item will be until you feel it or wear it. But since I didn’t have six hours to spend in the dumpster fire that is Forever 21, I was online shopping. Some things I have from there have lasted forever and others fall apart. This sweater wasn’t costly, so I took the risk. For all intents and purposes, this does the job. It has a nice look but you can tell when you wear it that it cost $19. I’ll likely invest in a higher-quality turtleneck but I liked this camel color and figured, why not. (FYI I purchased a size medium because, for some reason, every sweater made in 2017-18 has to be cropped and I don’t like chunky sweaters to be too small.)
The accessories I listed here are definitely statement pieces. The silk green scarf (#2) is a beautiful shade of green (a Kelly green?) that pops just enough but isn’t too bright that it works for the colder seasons. I’m particularly excited to wear it closer to the Christmas season. My Beth Ladd Collection tortoise earrings (#4) are gorgeous and affordable. I love that these earrings are bold but are light to wear and high quality in their make and design. I’ve paired them with neutral solids to make them stand out.
I’ve worn these items so many times already and they have proved their worth. Since these are both basic and statement pieces, they allow me use them in many different fits. When it comes to repurposing pieces, I’m always mixing it up. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe this season, I recommend finding a nice balance of basic pieces and statement pieces that complement your current wardrobe.