10 Fall Fashion Essentials

Put away your sandals and summer clothes because it's officially fall! Styles are always changing and I know it can be expensive to keep up with the latest trends, so I'm going to help you build your fall wardrobe without steering you into bankruptcy. Some fall trends never go out of style and others are inevitably going to be faux pas by next fall. As a recent college grad, I understand shopping on a budget (although, I usually choose to give up other expenses for fashion, but I don't expect you to).

I have to start with the most classic fall essential:

1. Leather Boots

Leather boots, short, tall, and in-between, are always in style. They go with every outfit, keep you warm, they're comfortable, and if you splurge for the good leather, they'll last you for years! I'd opt for a knee-high boot because you can wear them well into winter whereas if you opt for booties you'll be ditching them for snow boots come December. I know leather boots sound generic, but there are so many colors and styles out there so you can still express yourself with a trendy classic!

For affordable Riding Boots check out:
Target
DSW
Nordstrom
Lace-up/Combat Boots:
Urban Outfitters
Nasty Gal
Booties:
Macy's
Gilt
ASOS

2. Gray

I know you're probably thinking "Gray? Isn't gray always in?", but I'm talking gray from head to toe. As someone who has studied the basics of drawing, which encompasses drawing a gray scale with various media, I can tell you first hand there are literally 50 shades of gray. Mix gray with your winter whites and blacks or just wear it from hat to heel.

Check out:
Polyvore
Banana Republic




Proenza Schoeler


3. Knit Sweaters

Fashionable and comfortable just became friends. I'm not saying it's time to ditch your button-up blouses (because they work great under a crew neck knit), but it's definitely time to pull a comfy sweater over your head and go to work (it doesn't even have to be casual Friday). This is a trend that you can definitely buy a plethora of because if you look in the right places, they're really affordable. So go buy some knit sweaters in every color and rock them with a pencil skirt, skinny jeans, or any bottom, really.

Check out:
Shoptiques
ZARA
Theyskens' Theory

4. Leather

Way back in the early 2000s pleather was in, then it was way out, but it's back in again. Well, leather, that is. Don't get some cheap leather knock-offs - go for the real leather because likelihood is that it will look significantly better and stay in style a lot longer than those cheap pleather leggings you got at Forever 21. I know leather isn't forgiving so if you're finding that leather pants or a leather-accented top isn't allowing you to breathe, then invest in a leather jacket or a leather circle skirt.

Check out:
Gilt: Bold Leather
ASOS
Michael Kors


5. Leopard

Leopard print is back! I think at this point it can be considered a classic. There are so many ways to incorporate leopard into your fall wardrobe - dresses; skirts; tops; shoes; purses; scarves. For those of you that like to be a little more subtle, try adding some leopard ballet flats or a leopard scarf into your wardrobe. For the bold and brave, there's nothing wrong with all over leopard.

Check out:
Gilt: Leopard Accessories
Polyvore

Jean Paul Gaultier



6. Jewel Tones

The fashion industry wants you to feel like royalty this fall. Emerald and sapphire tones will glam up your wardrobe even if you incorporate them with your nail polish (check out Essie's fall colors!).

Check out:
HauteLook
Shoptiques





Reed Krakoff


7. Menswear

I know I said in my last post that we don't want to create a boyish figure, but I promise you won't look like a boy if you use menswear as your inspiration this fall. Freshen up your look with fabrics, angles, square shoulders, necklines, and ties inspired by mens' suits, but made for women!

Check out:
ZARA
Michael Stars



Ralph Lauren



8. Patterns, Patterns, and More Patterns

From classics like houndstooth, plaid, and pinstripes to repetitive abstract prints, patterns are in. Go geometric or girly floral, artsy or subtle. Wear a patterned blouse with some simple bottoms or even mix and match patterns (just try and keep to the same color scheme).

Check out:
J. Crew
Gilt




Marc by Marc Jacobs


9. Peplum

Don't put away your peplum just yet - it's still in and even fresher than ever. Try leather peplum, gray peplum, or even extreme flared peplum. The most important thing about peplum is to make sure it hits you at the smallest point of your waist, otherwise it could make you look bigger than you actually are.

Check out:
Bluefly
Macy's



Prabal Gurung

10. Statement Outerwear

Go ahead and put your pea coats in the back of the closet for next year, because outwear is hot this season! Find a coat that fits your personality - bright and bold, fluffy and warm, military chic, etc. It'll make a statement when it's too cold out to show off your outfit underneath.

Check out:
Ann Taylor
Ideeli




BCBG Max Azria