Part of my Grown-Lady Shopping Rules is making a list of the pieces I’d like to add to my wardrobe each season. I scour style blogs, magazines, Pinterest, and my favorite retailers’ websites and catalogues for inspiration, and try to pick pieces that will play well with what’s already in my closet. My seasonal wish lists are a mix of classic investment pieces, quality basics, and one or two budget-friendly trend items to keep things fresh.
For fall and winter, I’m all about cozy layers, easy relaxed fits, draped silhouettes, and rich earth tones with a few pops of print.
Completer Pieces
In search of: boyfriend cardigans and drape-front sweaters that are long enough to wear with leggings, and a cool throw-it-over-anything suede jacket. (This one is faux suede and under $60 at H&M!)
Bags
I started a tradition of buying 1-2 quality leather bags per year: something fun and colorful in the spring/summer, and a classic neutral carryall in the fall.
Madewell totes are a classic fall staple, and I can’t get enough chic leather backpacks. This one is a pretty good dupe for the Everlane Petra that’s been on my wish list since last year, for less than half the price.
Tops
Gimme all the wrap-front blouses and super-soft layering tees and camisoles, please and thanks.
I need another denim shirt like I need a hole in the head, but this popover style feels modern and easy. Trends I’m loving this season are cold-shoulders (perfect for bipolar Florida winters) and lace-up sweaters.
Shoes
I’m kind of obsessed with suede Mary Janes making a comeback; I love them paired with cropped straight jeans and a cozy sweater.
These leather ankle wrap flats are a budget-friendly version of the $675 Aquazzura ‘Christy’ flats that are all over the blogosphere this year, and I think they’re perfect to wear with skinnies or leggings and a boyfriend sweater. (Which is my fall/winter uniform #goals.)
The other two are fall staples: a fresh pair of suede or leather booties and comfy flats.
Bottoms & Dresses
I usually need to replace my favorite black skinnies around this time each year, and I’m loving a high-waist straight jean right now. I have a great pair from LOFT but I’m seriously considering a splurge on this vintage Madewell style.
My closet is always lacking in day dresses, so I’m on the hunt for easy styles that I can wear under the completer pieces above. My girlfriend swears by Splendid’s tank dresses: they’re a simple basic that are cute alone with leather flip flops in the summer, or with ankle booties and oversized cardigans or leather jackets in the fall.
If I did a fall/winter capsule wardrobe, it would probably look exactly like this lineup. I’d throw in a few more layering tees and camis, and call it a day. You can create so many cute outfits from these pieces, especially when you add scarves and accessories into the mix.
What’s on your wardrobe wish list this season?
(Featured image via Pinterest)
In the latest installment of Things I’m Too Old For Now: I can’t get away with wearing my beloved leather flip flops and flimsy ballet flats to work anymore. We have concrete floors throughout the flower shop, and after long days on my feet, my arches are shot. I know the lack of support is terrible for my legs and back, but up until recently, my desire for cute outfits was greater than my respect for ergonomics.
