Planning the Fall Wardrobe
August…it’s always been that time of year that has been ingrained into so many of us…the start of a new wardrobe. For most of us, this instinctual feeling that it’s time to buy a new wardrobe hits us around this time of year every single year because this is what we did in our youths. We planned how we would make ourselves over for the year to come starting in August when we would hit the mall with our moms or our girlfriends and buy our school clothes for the year.
The bug hits us every single August…it’s time to make ourselves over and prepare for the fall wardrobe. Why do you think Vogue’s “September Issue” is the most important issue of the year for the magazine? Because it taps into that feeling that it’s time to shop for our new wardrobe…just like we did when we were kids.
For me, I start planning my wardrobe in August. I look to see what I have already and integrate some new key ‘trendy’ pieces into the mix. I decide how to wear the things I have already in a different way, and how to accessorize the look to be current.
For instance, one of the major trends this fall are LOAFERS. That is, loafers in varying heights. Since I’m starting to go through my closet to take a look around, I discovered I had a pair of black Cole Haan loafers in heels. Ends up I have them in copper too. That means I don’t have to buy the trend this fall. I apparently already owned a couple of pairs that I picked up last year on severe discount at Lord & Taylor (oddly enough, I forgot I even had these shoes).
Another major trend for the fall are exotics and everything leather. As far as color goes, burgundy and jewel tones are the big eye catchers. Burgundy always looks amazing in the fall months, especially when paired with browns. The jewel tones…I can’t wait to dive into. It allows for some of the summer colors to head into the fall months. I’m a tad bit in love with blues and greens in jewel tones, so I plan on stocking up on a few items in those colors.
Now, I want to put a cautionary warning up for ladies that love fashion, but don’t think the latest trends are for them (because of their body type). Like most women, I have plenty of flaws that I will not show. Sure, I like short dresses, but I can’t show my legs. I can’t wear tight leggings underneath, so I wear pants. I don’t show my arms so it either has to be long sleeves or something I can put a cardigan over.
The purpose of adding fall items to your wardrobe is to add pieces that help you feel confident in your own skin. Don’t just buy something because it’s the trend. Buy it because you look and feel amazing in it. Make sure it compliments who you are, not what you think someone else will like.
The next question…where to go and what to buy!?!?!
I’ve been perusing magazines, catalogs, websites, and stores. Here’s where I plan on going and what I’m planning on buying.
1. The FALL Bag.
I think every woman needs their “IT” fall bag that compliments them. One bag that has caught my eye that will be heading into my purse wardrobe comes from Lauren Ralph Lauren.
(Retail $348). This may be a little on the expensive side, but I look at it as an investment bag…like a wealthy woman owns an Hermes bag. I usually don’t buy Lauren Ralph Lauren, but this satchel is the perfect shape and size for me. It’s a nice color that will complement any fall wardrobe.
I also have a little obsession with ‘exotic’ handbags…as in…I hate snakes, alligators and crocodiles…unless they come in the form of a handbag.
I’m a little obsessed with this bag right now:
{Kate Spade, $278} What I’m not so obsessed about is that it’s a clutch. I’m also not too wild about the price tag for a clutch. But what’s good about the ‘exotic’ search at Bloomingdales, I found another clutch for $59.
{Sorial Clutch, $59}
Although, I was looking at ASOS this AM and I think this peach one will be added to my collection. This thing is huge. It can fit your keys, lipstick, money, and phone in it.
{ASOS, $34.06}
All in all, if the price is right, a clutch it is…until I can find a green handbag!
But if you really want to know what I bought already for the fall wardrobe purse collection…I bought this:
{Tory Burch Tote – Jaden, $225}. Why? Because I didn’t own anything Tory Burch yet and I’ve been wanting a Tory Burch bag for some time. This was what I added to the collection.
I also got the coveted Yves Saint Laurent bag I’ve been waiting forever to purchase…
After finishing Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables,” the extra $50 bonus (because I read a classic) put me at my goal. It also helped that this bag was on sale at 53% off. That means I saved $877 on it…enough to actually afford this bag, a Tory Burch bag…and the other bags you see above. Although…I think I’m passing on the Kate Spade clutch. I’ll be looking for something similar…just not in the clutch form. Actually, this may be the answer.
Another bag that every busy gal should have is this new Moonstruck Shoulder Bag from Anthropologie ($198).
I really love the neutral color…and the fact that it’s so big! Maybe I should have bought this bag and not the Tory…hmmm.
2. Colour Me Fall. I have a confession…I’m a little obsessed with ombre right now. I actually plan on adding it to the fall wardrobe.
{Young, Fabulous & Broke, $286}.
{Young, Fabulous & Broke, $118}
Cute, eh?
Another fave for the fall are jewel tones.
I won’t lie…I love this look. It’s not for me, but I’m sure some 20-something chica can rock this look.
{Aqua, $288}. Personally, I love the color. I’ll be looking for that color this fall. I already have a sweater in that color, but could always use a few more items in that color (shoes, anybody?). See those booties…those are also essential for this fall. Definitely a godsend that booties are in for those of us that have big calves and no tall boots that work for us.
Sweater dresses are in every fall. You should already own a few. Although, what hasn’t been available are sweater dresses that don’t cling to your body. That’s why I like this dress. Also, because it is in burgundy, I’m definitely picking this up. It’s flattering in so many different ways…and hides all the problem spots. {Madison Marcus, $238}
What I love about this trend is that sea tones are also being incorporated into the fall color scheme. Take for instance this look put together by Nordstrom. This is how you can wear the color into the fall months.
Another trend for the fall happens to be LACE. The red lace dress mixed with fall essentials like a denim jacket, floral cardigan and boots are one of the bigger fall trends. You can find this look here.
But don’t worry if this look doesn’t suit you…just remember the COLOR and LACE factor when you’re out shopping. You may find a cute top in a color you like made of lace. If you look good in it and it’s in your price range, go ahead and buy it. But keep in mind that the lace look seems to come and go. It’s out more than it is in. Also, when it comes to lace, buy something more qualitative. I usually stay away from lace that will pill, bunch up or just look gawd awful after the first wash or trip to the dry cleaners. I find that the daintier lace tends to survive.
Luckily, this fall I don’t have to buy a lace top. I bought several lace items in Dublin, Ireland a few years ago. Just glad to see it’s finally “IN.”
3. SHOES. Ah, shoes. You either love them or hate that they hurt you. Like I said earlier…loafers and booties are the trend this fall…but so are menswear shoes, flat boots, and moto boots.
These boots look like a lot of fun…
{Sam Edelman, $240} It reminds me a lot of one of my friends. She’d approve of all of the pointy spikes and studs. I like the exotic skins. They would look awesome in that teal green I love so much.
{Tory Burch, $325} Don’t forget that jewel tones can even adorn the feet.
For those more on a budget, I’ll let you in on a secret…Shoe Dazzle currently has all of the fall trends right now for $39.95 each.
The strap around the ankle…that’s a fall trend (also comes in black with neon yellow).
For those who prefer flats, Shoe Dazzle has them too!
Jewel tone heels in so many colors…they have that too!
Why, yes…they have moto boots, too. {They also have the jewelry and bags pictured}.
If you’re not a member of ShoeDazzle already…I’m not joking when I say each item is $39.95. One of my favorite things about the site…you don’t have to skip months. They got rid of that because customers hated that. You can just shop at your leisure and not worry about finding $39.95 charges on your card because you forgot to skip a month.
4. Where to Shop. Well, as you can see, I’m most likely hitting up Bloomingdales and Nordstrom (for the ombre) for my fall wardrobe. But the fact that Shoe Dazzle has all of the trends for shoes…they’ll be getting my dollar. Although…I really do like those Sam Edelman moto boots.
Target is also a great place to pick up a few basic trendy pieces for the fall. J Crew and Anthropologie both have so many styles I love this fall. Lord & Taylor will have all the great styles on super discount with a coupon.
Macy’s can be overwhelming (at least the 34th Street one and their website). So I’ll stick to Bloomies and Saks for the more qualitative pieces.
Ann Taylor and LOFT are favorites of mine for work, especially since their sale sections can be pretty amazing. Right now, New York & Company is having their annual Buy One Pants, Get One Free. That’s a sale I love to hit up, because it’s hard to find a retailer that has pants that fit the way you want them to fit.
Online, try ASOS and Warehouse for awesome styles at prices you’ll love (check their clearance section for the best deals).
For those who want trendy items that won’t last the season and you’re okay with chucking the item after the season (such a waste, but to each their own), try H&M and Forever 21 (keep in mind that return policies at Forever 21 are the worst on the planet, so proceed to buy with caution, most items you cannot return. Returns…you only receive a credit, no money back).
For those fashion divas who love a good deal, Daffy’s on the NorthEast coast is going out of business. All stores will be gone by October.
Also, hit up Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. I love all of those stores!
Loehmann’s is also online. You can try your hand at navigating their site for deals.
For amazing designer deals, go to TheOutnet.com, sign up for emails (free). It will allow you to shop their clearance sales when they hit. Those clearance sales on designer duds can go up to 80% off. I’ve bought so many couture designer items at amazing prices thanks to those clearance sales. Also, check out their parent site, Net-A-Porter.com. Their clearance sales are just as amazing. Sign up for their email list so you’ll be alerted when those sales happen.
You can also try the sample sale sites like Gilt.com, RueLaLa and all of the many others out there.
Of course, you’ll need some baubles to go along with that. Try Bauble Bar and Little Black Bag. Both sites are my go to place for ALL of my jewelry needs.
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The key to planning your fall wardrobe is to do your research first. Take a look around at magazines, websites and store fronts to get a feel for the looks you want to wear this fall. Also, take a look at what other women are wearing. That item you just LOVED, it may be a great idea for something you could add to your wardrobe.
For those worried about how you’re going to afford a new wardrobe, start with what you have. Sometimes you only need one or two pieces and that’s it. Just add one thing that you’ll love and can use again and again over the years.
For those who see way too many things to incorporate in and not enough cash in the bank, start being a little more frugal in your daily life. That will free up some cash. Right now, I’ve been taking all of my meals into work, eating out only once a week. For me, that’s a savings between $10-$40 a day.
We all have our latte factor…find it and cut it out. You could wind up with an extra $400 a month (saved) to put towards your fall wardrobe.
For those who can’t cook…honey, you’re a human being. There’s no excuse for that. Start learning how to cook. It’s a life skill like doing dishes and doing the laundry. It took me years to figure out how to cook. One day, it just clicked…like learning how to do math. It took me a long time to figure it out, and then one day I had that “AHA!” moment and then it all came together. It takes practice, practice, practice.
If the stovetop frightens you…microwave or crock pot it. There are zillions of recipes out there for the crock pot. You can figure it out.
I ordered over $400 worth of groceries last month. That will last me for the next 6 months. That’s like living on only $66 a month for food. For an extra $20-$60, I can buy fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, along with eggs and milk each month. Still…that’s about $100-$120/month. Before, eating out all of the time cost between $400-$1000 a month. See where I found extra money for a new wardrobe (not to mention the home remodel)?
We all have our latte factors. There are numerous ways you can save enough money in one month to put towards some new items for your fall wardrobe.
Keep in mind that we’re not all millionaires that can replace their entire wardrobe every season. Each season is meant to add to what we already have…and to revisit what we have already. Hey, if I hadn’t started looking through the fall wardrobe, I would have bought a pair of loafer heels…not realizing I own two pairs already that I got on super sale at Lord & Taylor…WITH A COUPON!
That’s the key…look at what you have FIRST…before you even go shopping. You may even find a few items you forgot you had. After that, make a list of what you would like to add to your wardrobe (and what you need like new pants, stockings, etc.).
If you only want to buy a piece or two, I always say…let it be from the accessories. A new bag or belt or scarf will do the trick. Best bet…a new coat! Just make sure that what you’re buying is something qualitative to add to your wardrobe for years to come…not just for the season. Some of my best qualitative finds came from a thrift store. I still have coats I found for $7 in my closet…as well as a Burberry trench I picked up in a bag sale for $25 (i.e. fill the bag with whatever you find for $25).
There are numerous ways you can build your fall wardrobe around today’s trends. Hey, even a few DIY projects could change the color of what you already have into this season’s color, or change the look of something you already have into something completely new that you will love. Just take a look at Pinterest…they have plenty of ways to upcycle even the basic of things like your husband’s old t-shirt into a stunning new blouse for you using little to no sewing skills.
Right now, I have plans churning in my head to create some ombre clothes and to upcycle that Burberry trench to add some lace in a few places…maybe even a pleat. It’s all about working with what you have to fit into this seasons trends…and that person you want to be going into this new season. That’s what I always loved about the new school year every fall…you can always redefine yourself into a new person.
