It was almost 90 degrees in parts of Northern Cal today, and yet last week I had my fireplace on and wore jackets! Fall clothes are especially my thing. I cannot wait for sweaters, scarves and boots, and to prep I cleared out my closet last week. For the first time ever, I stored my summer clothing to make more space and I highly recommend trying it. It’s easy to see my fall faves and to shop what I already own. I organized by color on some shelves..
I was all ready to kill it with my jackets, boots and wraps, then California decides to have a late Summer. Shakespeare actually refers to something called Halloween Summer, meaning the warm time when late October gives way to November. Clothing drawbacks aside, it’s a magical time that makes you want to get outside and capture some of those rays while you still can. It feels like a last chance at summer which I love, but what to wear? I can’t possibly wear boots or a sweater. I’d die by lunchtime on these kind of days at my age, I’m already warm.
So today I did this…Black denim and a plaid blouse-with leather sandals.
This blouse is an Anthro one from years back, still in the closet. For fall, my go-to will be these black Cali Denim from Madewell. I’m in love with the fabric of these jeans and the high waist works with all the shorter boxier tops, and with longer blouses you can try a half-tuck like I’m doing here. To me, they hold you in without feeling tight. I also like the baby flare and ankle length with my slides, sandals and mules. Another similar cute pair is these Everlane Cheeky Straight Jeans in Washed Black.
It’s warm enough that I will probably wear these Everlane sandals another few weeks off and on. In black leather, they feel more back-to-schoolish, if you will, and have been nice with the black denim and my other fall closet staple- grey jeans.
I’m loving the return of black and grey and that almost 90’s monochromatic look to fashion. The grey and black jeans work with so much. I bought this Paige pair for my London trip and they’ve been perfect for now. I paired them with a Grayson white button-up and the same sandals again on a warm day in Pebble Beach.
Something about these Paige brand Transcend denim jeans helps hold their shape better than regular denim and make them very comfortable. They don’t get baggy. They also do the grey Transcend denim in this style as well.
When you aren’t ready for boots, but it’s too cool for sandals, mules are the perfect transitional shoe. I’ve had my eye out for a good suede pair, including these from Jenni Kayne, but at The Rack the other day I found these below that looked good and felt well made for the cost.
Sometimes I can’t wait to wear my new sweaters. If it’s too hot, use it as a accessory! I bought this camo sweater back in August, but I wrapped it loosely around my waist. I also have on the shoulders in the photo above. I love the blue in this sweater which makes it kind of different and it’s also very soft. Sometimes I just have my sweater tucked in my bag, hanging out a bit for color. The if the weather changes, or your out for the evening, your set!
If you can’t do a full jacket try a sweater jacket with shorter sleeves. This Anthro sweater jacket was a find thanks to a meet up with my blogger pals, Mary Ann and Cindy last week at Stanford. (Photos on my Instagram. )
It’s bell sleeves and soft material made me like it right away. It’s also the perfect transition piece for California fall days and evenings. You can let longer sleeves peek out for a different look. Most of all, it’s just super cute on everyone- who tried it. Below I wore it with some of the same pieces for dinner out.
The top is also an Anthro top I bought more than a year ago, but they still carry, now with flutter sleeves. It’s a nice gold/silver tone that everyone comments on and is a fun piece to have in the closet for evenings and when you’re feeling festive.
My earrings are my Ippolita Jet Set earrings I bought at her show last year. I don’t own a lot of earrings, but these dress up anything and can work day or night. I pretty much wear these or my small diamond studs now. I’m trying to simplify and got rid of a lot in the last year with the two moves. It feels good to have less and just a few nice pieces that look good with most everything.
Lastly, Anthro brought back the most worn item I’ve ever owned. I originally bought the Colette Silk Cami, in a deep green version years ago for under a jacket at the holidays. Since then, it’s become something I love to sleep in and it feels amazing against your skin, under sweaters or blouses. I often regretted not buying others and then this year they brought it back in taupe, opaque white and black. I am tempted to get more than one color.
If you buy this, I promise it will be a wardrobe staple and for $68 it more than pays for itself. I am usually a 6-8 and bought a size medium which is very flattering the way it skims the body. It’s the perfect thing under a small cardigan or jacket when it is autumn! I just wear a regular bra with pretty straps with it and let them show if I remove a jacket or cardigan.
Two other very ‘fall’ items that popped up on my feed today and would work now…
Loving this plaid popover at Madewell, reminds me of my Anthro top I keep bringing out each fall, and you could dress this up with boots and a skirt beautifully.
How sweet is this Sydney Lace Blouse for any fall gatherings? I am a sucker for these autumnal colors. I noticed they paired this with black jeans also.
Looks like black jeans are big for fall!
I’ve really missed doing fashion posts with all the house stuff. This is how I’ve felt the last few months…
Coming soon I’ll have a beauty post and more fashion..
Hoping you all are able to find a few minutes each day to bask in this late fall warmth!
Kim
