New England’s September has been an awkward amalgamation of hot, sticky August and October’s brisk autumn and accordingly, I’m sitting outside in my Levi cut-offs and sipping a pumpkin spice latte. Your wardrobe is probably seriously confused because it’s too hot for sweaters and too cool for comfy tees, and you don’t know what to wear on your feet so you slide out in Birks and hope no one judges you. Although the warm weather was well-deserved after the Boston snow-pocalypse of 2k15, it’s time to look toward colder months ahead and break out the much-anticipated fall wardrobe.
Every girl knows that fall is amazing because your hair stops frizzing, you can start wearing your favorite fuzzy jackets, and it becomes marginally socially acceptable to wear oversized flannel and cover your face with the enormous balls of yarn we call scarves. Every girl also knows that you have to revamp your wardrobe once the leaves turn yellow because yes, you really will die if you don’t buy those beautiful leather booties in your online shopping cart.
It is important to note however, that not every seasonal overhaul needs to be as financially damaging as that pair of $200 stilettos you never broke in and can’t stand up in. There is hope yet—a store with with amazing coats and perfectly distressed denim where pretty much everything costs less than $30? It’s real. It’s called Primark.
Here are a few of my fall favorites (all of which I’ve already purchased and worn way too often).
The first is distressed denim. I have a friend that constantly brags about his organic knee rips, something about moving a dresser back in high school, but really, I’m partial to my perfectly and stylistically pre-ripped denim from Primark. Whatever floats your boat though, Charlie. Primark’s denim line starts at $7. No, I didn’t forget a digit there; yes, basic denim for $7. They carry super soft jeggings—pockets and no pockets—along with every type of distressed denim imaginable in the realm of fashion trends. There are knee slits in every color, super-distressed skinny jeans, girlfriend- and boyfriend-cut ripped jeans...They have it all. My favorites this season are the “Black Ripped-and-Repaired Skinny Jeans” which offer a whole lot of effortless style for a mere $20.
Second must-have is a giant cozy knit sweater. I know you already have a million of these, but trust me, you need a million more. If I could recommend one thing and one thing only from Primark, it would be their sweaters. I bought three the first time I visited the store and it was still 85 degrees out. They’re soft, great quality, and you can get amazing variety at such an incredible cost. My favorite so far is their “Black Gray Ribbed Knit Sweater,” which is thick and warm and compliments every outfit for just $16. Throw it over a soft white tee and your new jeans and you’re good to go.
Your summer-to-fall transformation would not be complete without a new pair of booties, and I’ve found the perfect pair. They’re black (to match everything else I own that is also black), pointed-toe to scare the boys away, and they have an awesome block heel that makes them super easy to walk in. Primark’s “Black PU Loaferboot” is only $24 and is a must-have staple. I’m going to go ahead and argue that you could rock these booties all year round because their classic silhouette fits seamlessly with jeans, skinny or otherwise, or tights under a skirt or dress. Whatever the case, it’s pretty obvious that you need them because they’re only $24. Are you really going to deny yourself the simple pleasures in life? I didn’t think so.
Just for good measure, here are some more fall necessities that I’m currently eyeing.
The “Red Brown Aztec Blanket Cape” caught my attention as soon as I walked in the door, and I’m now kicking myself because I didn’t buy it. It’s gorgeous, fun, high-quality, and amazing value at just $29.
You can never have too many flannels. And because of that, you and I both need Primark’s “Black Longline Check Shirt” priced at just $15. I’d probably buy it in a large because I buy all my clothes baggy even though I’m 5’1,” and I bet I would try to wear it every day until my roommates stole it to wear themselves. The black and white color scheme and pattern are perfectly classic while its long lines keep it perfectly on trend.
So now you have pants, a top, intimidating booties, a chunky sweater and a blanket cape. What’s missing? A “Red Oversized Check Scarf” obviously. At $7, this scarf is a steal. It’s also way larger than the picture shows, think more ‘blanket’ than just ‘oversized’. It’s soft, warm, and adorable and I want it in every color.
You might be able to squeeze a few more days out of your cut-offs and gladiators, but soon enough the leaves will turn gold, the nights will cool, and you’ll stay awake at night thinking of the perfect fall layer mash-up. This is easy for me because as I mentioned previously, all of my clothes are black, but for you pattern mixers and color-risk takers, I applaud you. Even if you’re more Elle Woods than Wednesday Addams, more Gigi than Cara, more Carrie than Charlotte, you’ll be sure to find your essential fall basics at Primark, pumpkin spice not included.



























