Fall weather is all about layering and mixing and matching. Try being creative this year, and we have a way of doing so without breaking the bank. Here are our picks that will be appropriate for work and play, and will give you an endless number of outfit options. Below, are the pieces, and we’ll give you pairing ideas as well.
Piece 1: A Great Cobalt Blue Sweater
This cable crewneck from J. Crew is an absolute wardrobe essential. Confession from the editor: I own it and am wearing it as I type with a pencil skirt and tights. But, I’ve also paired it with a pair of jeans, and on top of a button down white blouse with cigarette leggings, giving me three very different looks. It’s $88 at J. Crew.
Piece 2: Fitted Blue Jeans
Jeans are the perfect staple item to build an outfit off of. The key here is to splurge on a nice pair that has a great fit and wash and will last you several seasons. My go-to jean is J. Brand’s 811 close cut skinny jean. It’s got a sleek fit that is good for daytime, with a ballet flat, or at night paired with high heels.
A nice silk button down shirt is super versatile. I love Equipment’s button downs, pictured above. This one could be paired with your pair of J. Brand jeans, or you can put your sweater over it for a preppy layered look and then pair it with jeans. I also wear mine with a pencil skirt with or without a sweater, or under a blazer.
Piece 4: A Wool Pencil Skirt
A pencil skirt is a great way to instantly add a level of sophistication to any outfit. Opt for a black or camel colored pencil skirt, like this wool one from J. Crew. You can then pair it with a sweater, a silk button down, or both.
Piece 5: A fitted Flannel Shirt
This is the ultimate weekend piece this year. We love flannel shirts from Rails, pictured above. The prints are super colorful, but more importantly, the shirts are tailored at the waist to give you a shape. The one above is on sale for $62, link above.