Though the air outside is still hot and humid here in upstate New York, change is on its way. Fall is nearing, and with it cooler air, colorful leaves, golden afternoons, and my absolute favorite fashion season.
It's nearly time for sweaters and walks in the woods, different kinds of shoes that you wouldn't expect with socks (until your feet are freezing in your favorite pair of summer sandals, and those knit socks you bought last winter are just sitting there, waiting...), flannels and bonfires, and all sorts of autumn layering to keep you warm or cool depending on the time of day. Almost anything goes! You can wear your summer and winter clothes all in the same outfit.
If you're a little overwhelmed by all the options and looking for ideas for the upcoming fashion season, I've put together some of what I'll be wearing once the leaves turn.
Pictured - Blouse: Forever 21 found in a thrift shop, Shorts: H&M, Sandals: T. J. Maxx
I was thrilled to find this fabulously girly blouse in a Salvation Army store and have been contemplating ways to wear it ever since. Autumn, right between the crazy boho patterns of summer and the clean lines of winter, feels like the perfect time for its subtle but ornate embroidery. Of course, a top as flouncy as this calls for simpler bottoms to balance it out, so I've been planning to wear it with these less feminine high-rise patch-pocket shorts. And, finally, these shoes have all the casualness of strappy sandals lent a more polished air by their pointed closed-toe endings.
Pictured - Sweater: H&M, Jeans: H&M, Heels: T. J. Maxx
It's a rare thing to see me in heels, but this outfit is actually one I'm pretty excited to wear. These are the first heels I've owned in years, and they won this honor by being uniquely comfortable and easy to wear. Chunky heels are very in right now and provide plenty of stability, which my ankles appreciate. As for the jeans, these too were an exciting find. I've been looking for the perfect boyfriend-style jeans for ages, due to their "I'm not even trying to look this awesome" vibe. Of course, fall is the perfect time for wearing destroyed denim, considering the fact that it's too warm for summer and too cool for winter, yet perfect for the in-between season. And this sweater, of course, is my favorite part of this outfit, because SWEATERS. So warm, so soft, so comfy, enough said.
Pictured: Backpack: Spitalfields Market in London, Overalls: vintage, Sweater: H&M, Sandals: Birkenstock
Of course, for this one I had to include a backpack, considering fall is the start of the new school year! Even if you're not a student, I definitely recommend owning a nice backpack in place of a purse. This leather backpack has been my go-to bag for the last three years, considering how much it carries and the convenience of swinging it onto my back when I'm out and about.
In similar gradeschool-style spirit, the overalls are vintage and once belonged to my mother. I'm glad she kept them until now, as they've become a staple in my wardrobe. There's something empowering about wearing overalls, because I feel fashion-forward and yet capable of climbing a tree without damaging my sweater, if the situation arises. The sweater takes this outfit conveniently from summer into fall, and can be worn over a tank top in case it becomes necessary to shed a layer later in the day. And, finally, Birkenstocks are the perfect fall shoes for many reasons! They can be worn with socks or alone, and are perfect for those warm fall afternoons when you're exploring and need to kick them easily off to go wading in a creek.
