Just to clarify, fall and winter are my favorite seasons. The outfit choices are endless! With jackets and hats and scarves, an outfit can go from boring to brilliant. Trying to remain fashionable while on a college student budget and class at 8 a.m. is nearly impossible, but it can be done. Nobody wants to be the girl known for showing up to class in her pajamas! Just because class is early doesn't mean you can't be trendy. Here's a list of my top 10 fall basics to build your wardrobe for the upcoming season!
1. PIKO Shirts
I repeat, PIKO SHIRTS! These shirts are perfect for layering in the fall and winter, and they are awesome in the summer and spring, too! They are lightweight and have the perfect fit. The arms are tight while the rest of the shirt flows. They are also just long enough to qualify as a tunic. Pair these with leggings for a comfy movie night in, or with a leather jacket and skinnies to go out. You'll look effortlessly chic!
Bonus: They make PIKO dresses! They are the same as the shirts, but long enough to wear as a dress. They can go from boho to glam with just a few accessory changes.
2. Booties
My shoe of choice no matter the season, but even more so in the colder weather! They compliment any outfit whether it's a dress, leggings or skinnies. They don't go all the way up your leg, so they add the perfect punch without making too much of a statement. I personally love brown leather booties. They are just hipster enough for you to wear them to that concert you've been dying to see, but also the perfect amount of sass to pair with a dress and tights for recruitment!
3. The Perfect Pair of Distressed Skinnies
I cannot emphasize this enough. If you find the perfect pair of distressed skinnies, you will wear them year-round. With booties in fall, tall boots in winter, jacks in spring and cuffed with cute gladiator sandals in summer. The main quality to look for in your perfect pair is the fit. You want them to be tight and hug your legs like skinnies do, but don't get them so tight that when you sit down or stand up, your skin is bulging out of the holes! My last tip is PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not go overboard with the distress. A few holes and rips can go a long way ladies!
4. Leather Jacket
The outfit finisher. Not only is it great for the colder days, it's easy to take off in class and looks effortlessly cool draped over your shoulder as the day warms up! I LOVE camel colored leather jackets with a worn-in look. They keep you effortless and cool while also being comfy! No one wants to wear stiff jackets!
5. Oversized Plaid Scarves
Need I say more? They are the warmest and cutest accessory for fall. Not only do they make those chilly morning walks to class a little more bearable, they make you seem put together, especially if you can tie it in a cute way! I promise you will not regret stockpiling different plaids because they will instantly make any outfit chic!
6. Leather Leggings
I know these sound scary. Leather doesn't stretch well and forget sitting in class for an hour! But leather leggings have cotton on the inside so they stretch. They give you enough of a rebel look that nobody will question where you're going or what you're doing, but you still feel comfy and casual! Pair them with an oversized white tee, booties, and a cardigan, and I guarantee you will be the chicest and comfiest girl in class!
7. Army Green Vest
Well, really, army green anything. This color has been trending for years now, and the faux military look is taking off! Army green looks awesome in the fall with all of the leaves changing, so you can nail the perfect selfie! Plus, it's part of that grungy chic look that has taken over. If you think that you just can't pull off grunge, pair it with a PIKO dress and some cute flats, and you will look super cute.
8. Knee Socks
Whether they are thick wool or dainty with lace on the top, knee socks are the go-to accessory for boots in the fall. They add the perfect amount of personality to any outfit and perfectly peek out of your boots. They look great with tights, leggings, or bare legs. So go out and grab them while you can because, when fall comes around, they will be SOLD OUT.
9. Bean Boots
Yes, I know they are on back order for the rest of our lives, but they are worth every last penny! Not only are they super comfy and perfect for those snow days (you know, the three inches Charlotte gets every January), but they are trendy and look great with vests and flannels.
10. Your Everyday Flannel
This means a flannel that can be worn with distressed jeans to be grunge, leggings for comfort, or a cute skirt and jacks to be preppy. Typically, I gravitate toward a red-based flannel for fall, but there are plenty of options to fit any color palette.
BONUS: Every picture/item in this article is available at a boutique in Charlotte, so now you have no excuse not to look FAB this fall!
