It’s that fun time of the month where I get to collaborate with my talented pal Cindy Hattersley and talk fashion. Since it’s September- it’s time for our fall wish lists!
I’ve thought the past month about what I want to add to the closet for the cooler months. I want more pants, a few jackets ( already bought two and a trench), a pair of ballet flats and something in a fuchsia pink!
I made my seasonal inspiration board…
I saved some looks in my outfit folder on my phone that I hope to try and recreate this fall. You can do this too. Start saving outfits you see that you like- either by screenshot on your phone, Pinterest, or by tearing the out of magazines.
Take these ideas and see what you can create with what you already own! This is a great way to discover what you may be missing or already own! Maybe you need a wider jean, or a cool sneaker- or an updated small bag. Write down what you need and keep those outfit ideas handy to replicate and have some fun this fall…
The vibe this fall is ‘quiet luxury’ and you’ll be hearing more of it- probably too much. I try not to read a lot into these trends, but this is sort of a good one, as it’s about wearing things that look luxe, but without labels and logos. It’s the equalizer if you will, after years of just too much tacky logos and designer bags. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice piece, but wear it with things that have a quieter elegance to them- soft sweaters, nice fabrics, and classics. Juliet and I are going to do a post on this later in the month..
Some looks that are inspiring my outfit ideas from Pinterest…
I also follow @sita_lombera and @Indiaweber and her mom @lindavwright on Instagram..SO many great outfit ideas!
These are the things that made it on my own radar and wishlist and it might be helpful…
The year of the pant
I feel like you’re going to see more pants than ever before. If there is one thing you need to update your closet, make to a pair of slacks or fuller pants. After years of denim and leggings, the longer, fuller pant looks fresh.
I especially like the ones with pleats and pockets. These look great with a vest or sleeveless top..
J. Crew a look in a light khaki left, ….and Madewell has these easy crepe slacks with the baggier look but fitted waist in a brown, grey or black and highly rated.
Jeans
Of course every year I like to add one new pair of jeans. I’m looking for something different than what I already have. These Rails Cargo Jeans are slouchy cute and comfy. (They say to size down.) I am also liking the Easy Easy jean from AYR..
And this is a fun wider jean by KUT -and this longer with a higher waist from KUT which looks great cuffed..
The matching suit
I love the matching suit look.. and especially in pretty colors. . I also LOVE the look of a jacket with nothing under it, a very 90’s look for evenings.
This is a pretty blue suit jacket and matching pant here.
I love this in tan wool blend at J Crew.. jacket here and pant here. There are light pink, navy and black options as well.
Other Jackets
There is nothing like a houndstooth jacket for the fall collegiate vibe. Last year I tried this Alex Mill houndstooth jacket on in store and it’s gorgeous!
I buy myself one nice jacket or coat every year. and I am considering this.. This is one jacket your will have for years and it’s even prettier in person. They also have it here.
I also like this from Reformation below, and this one by Madewell right.
Dressy Track Pants
These are a chic look and an option for those who don’t want to give up their comfort pants.. Track pants lend casual chic air to sweaters and blazers. I especially love that look!
Reiss has a great pair here in black and navy. I really like it with the blazer.. Hot UK brand Me+Em also has a lovely track pant right..
The longer dress
There are more and more of these longer shirt type dresses. They look so good with booties, sneakers and layered with the blazers or a cropped sweater on top.
I want to add another Rails dress to my closet and I am trying to decide between these two..
The Keegan Dress in an ikat pattern would be great for a short cardi or pullover or The Tyra which is a long sleeves faux wrap dress..cute with boots.
Longer Skirts
Skirts may be the most versatile piece of your closet, super for travel, and you can dress it up or down and these comfy pull on skirts and long denim skirts are both fresh looks..
This long drawstring skirt from my favorite retailer Rails is one I am going to buy before it is gone. I adore how they styled it with a big pullover and tennis shoes, but imagine with a blazer and boots or loafers!
I also like this longer denim skirt.. Reviews say it’s longer than it looks and I would wear this with sweaters and sneakers..
I also a fan of this chino skirt ( on sale) and the pull -on pleated skirts from J. Crew. So classic with a blazer or a sweater.
Invest in a nice sweater or two..
Every year I add at least one nice cashmere sweater in a heavy knit to my closet. I now have a little collection.
These Vince boiled cashmere sweaters (below left), are eternally best sellers and are extra luxe and heavy. I have black ( may be my favorite item of clothing) and tan and I wear them nonstop in winter as they are like a soft blanket. I also like the new J. Crew classic cashmere in shorter shrunken length for the higher waisted pants. They aren’t super cropped, but not as long as the traditional. I would size up in it… Everlane has a shorter cashmere cardi that is on my wish list..
The Lady Jacket- aka Chanel style
I love these little jackets. Lady jackets are a riff on the Chanel jacket and J. Crew has an ever expanding collection of them. These little guys are great over a t-shirt with long chains, or a dress, or by themselves as a top!
J. Crew has a cute version for fall in leather. How fun is this with the tulle skirt? Tulle skirt options here.
I bought this Nic + Zoe jacket last week. I actually looked at last year and it’s also a best seller..Love the fringe touches and it will go great over dresses and with jeans and t’s.
I love the French brand B&Sh and they have nice quality pieces. Two darling jackets by them- a longer one..(shown in yellow also in cream and black) and a shorter version..
Trenches …
The cropped trench is so good for our mild winters. The short one is fun and if you don’t have one like this at Madewell. I also shared last week I bought this classic trench at J Crew Factory, (shown center also in black) …and a shorter trench in oversize style also on sale at J. Crew..
Ballet flats
I love that ballet flats are coming back in. The new versions with a squared toe like these from Madewell are a classic that will update your basics..
Hobo handbags
Hobo shoulder style bags are also back and I love the shapes and I’d like a bag with some color.
Anthro has one in a woven look I like ..and Claire V. has a oxblood version in leather that’s pretty… and for totes this J. McLaughlin blue suede is gorgeous.
I could go on, but these are the things I’ve been thinking of. I hope you have found some inspiration and ideas for your fall outfits.
If you missed last month’s style post, I shared linen pieces to boost your wardrobe.
Let’s pop over to Cindy’s now. I’m sure she will have more fall ideas and cool pieces..
Thanks for stopping by!
Kim
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I Knew you would have some items that would tempt me! I love KUT jeans. The price is good ,and they fit my body. I need to order one of those Vince sweaters. It does get chillier here in the winter than it did in Monterey County. I am having a hard time with the lady jackets. I wasn’t really on board the first time around, but I do love them on others. That black Nic and Zoe is really good, not too many buttons and baubles! Great post as always.
Cindy I have good luck with KUT jeans and people are always asking what brand they are..So I think they look as good as the pricier ones.
You need to treat yourself to one of the Vince sweaters! Or ask for one for Christmas. I think Max bought me one. They pay for themselves in wear.
I am loving the Nic jacket.. Just right for California. Loved your post too. xx
LOVE your picks!! I’ve been browsing Kut from the Kloth jeans and love the Sienna ones you shared! Their jeans are just so comfy that I wish I had more pairs. Of course I love the sweaters, the blazers, everything .. fall is the best! Can I move somewhere where it’s fall all the time?!
OXOX
Dawn
Dawn, You can find a lot of the KUT ones at the Rack online too! Agree they have many good styles. I know I am looking forward to cool weather clothes too! xo
Thank you Kim for such an exciting post! Love everything you mentioned especially the jackets!! So beautiful and textured. Love this season most of all.
Thanks Francesca! I know I am a jacket girl too. xo
Hi—always love your fashion posts! I’m a big skirt wearer—I just dress them up or down. I find them super comfy and cool here in Florida. I love the lady jacket, ballet flats, pleated and denim skirts and cozy oversize sweaters!! So many good ideas!
Thank you Carol! I know skirts are becoming something I want more as they always feel cool and like you said versatile! xx
Kim! I want everything and now I’m even more excited for fall. First of all I adore your inspiration board. I really need to do this. I’m totally on board with the trouser trend … and the baggier the better. And roomier jeans … KUT always seem to work for me. And yes to track pants, those EM + ME are so good. Your lady jacket selections are awesome … I’m definitely going to add one to my closet. Love a good trench, and houndstooth jacket … and, well, I love everything and better get busy because the weather has taken a turn. And I’m not complaining. Thanks for the ideas (Jim curses you) … off to see what Cindy has her eye on! xo
Yay for baggier right?? Gosh I can never go back to skinny pants again. I need a lady jacket too.. I know I love those track pants!
Hope we get more cool weather! It’s giving fall vibes. xo
Terrific post, love your board idea. Looking for wider jeans and a new trench is in my future. Love the the pretty plaid jackets and all your great ideas. Happy fall!
Thank you! I had fun with that.. You can’t go wrong with either of those..and the plaids! xx
I’ve really enjoyed reading this Kim and as usual, I love everything you’ve mentioned. You have such great taste and style! So much inspiration … and temptation 😂
Our Summer has been so inconsistent this year that it’s been hard to figure out what to wear some days. Thank goodness for layers! It seems as though it’s been too hot or simply wet and miserable.
Consequently this year I’m particularly looking forward to sunny, cool Autumn days wearing boots, scarves, cosy sweaters etc I love this time of year!
Hope you’re having a great week!
Rosemary xxx
Thanks, Rosemary! I know I feel the same. We’ve had such a warm summer… I can’t wait where some jackets and things when I’m not sweltering! Here’s hoping we get some boot and sweater weather soon. xo
I want to know more about the fuschia!!! I’m tackier than you and opted for a small quilted nylon bag in that color and I love using it! It really is a popular color right now, but to make it sophisticated it really needs to be an accent only as you can kind of glimpse you’ve shown on your board. Anyway- I think fall fashion is my favorite. I like layers!
Nicole that sounds cute! I love punctuating an outfit with a bright accessory. I know I should’ve included some fuchsia here. I ran out of time, but I’m looking!!
I love fall fashion and layers.
I obviously don’t know you, but I am imagining a scarf (any variety) in that color would be just the right pop! I don’t know if I would feel like myself in a clothing item in that color, but love it for an accessory! Thanks and have fun!
Agree! I used to have a big fuchsia scarf…I need another. Thanks for the idea Nicole! x
Great post Kim! I really need to go through my closet before we move out for the remodel. I told myself I will only buy clothes from Banana Republic this season because I get rewards from their Gap Mastercard and putting some house stuff on there the points are adding up quick. I doubt there is much I need anyway lol. Hoping my husband can find something there for a wedding we have to attend in November. I really like their clothing since they revamped the brand, so much better quality than before.
Enjoying the cooler weather sooo much. I get to resume my walks starting tomorrow, I haven’t been in a week because of the humidity. Doing cardio inside just isn’t the same.
Have a great weekend.
Linda
Hi Linda! Hey, that’s really great because Banana Republic has some gorgeous pieces right now. You can look for your husband there too.. I’m so glad they went back to their classics and the quality of the pieces are excellent!
Yay for walking again ! I know I’ve been walking every night after dinner a mile and a half and really enjoying it but now it’s getting darker every night.. I need a flashlight and reflective clothes! Hope you have a great weekend too!
Hi Kim,
Love your blog! I need the black clogs shown with the Rails Kegan dress, but they’re not for sale on their site. Any ideas?
Also, my mom is English and I LOVE ordering from Marks and Spencer: https://www.marksandspencer.com/us/ It’s an easy way to get some great priced UK inspiration 🙂
xoxo Kara
Hi Kara! Let me see if I can figure out where they are from. Thank you I’ll check out M&S!! Sometimes I forget about them.
Kim,
I love your wish list! I have heard of KUT jeans but do not own any, I think I might have to add a pair to my wish list. The Vince sweaters are gorgeous! I have lots of cashmere sweaters, maybe too many which I discovered after my closet cleanup this week.
I am not a hobo bag person, I love cross body or a “handbag.”
Have a great night, see you tomorrow!
xo
Elizabeth , you have to check out those jeans they somehow fit better than a lot of other brands! Also, I would like that they have a good price point. I was thinking these hobos could be worn crossbody, but depends on the strap and if they can be adjusted! Good for you for cleaning out the closet !
Hello Kim! Thanks for all of this great inspiration. There are so many great pieces this fall, I feel like I need a closet overhaul! My goal is less, but better. I think you are spot on with jackets and new denim. I’ve been feeling like my denim collection has been in need of a major revamp, so these are some great styles to check out. I too have been scouring jackets. I just picked up a trench and faux leather moto jacket that I look forward to styling. I’d love to find a lady jacket – but like Cindy, I have a tough time with those. But the Nic and Zoe one you linked could be a good option for me so I am going to check it out. Did you buy Navy or black?
Thanks for the fall inspo, now if the weather would just give us a little fall we could get to styling 🙂
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Thanks so much Suzanne! Less, but better pieces is what I am always working towards too. I agree if we start with denim and add a few jackets we can kind of give all we already own a fresh look! I bought the black jacket. It’s just the right weight for California and pretty versatile I think!
I know I’m read for fall cool too! xo