Outfits Not Just Clothes

coat-Costco(similar here ), sweater-Mango(similar here ), trousers-Landsend(similar here ), belt-Gap(similar here ), boots-L.L. Bean(similar here ), watch-Wenger(similar here ) Or is it red? Either way, this comfy chunky knit is giving me all the autumnal realness I crave as Halloween approaches. These cropped pants, hooded trench, and rugged boots also speak to the season, and while I kept the rest of this OOTD fairly muted in tone, to let this on-trend statement sweater be the center of attention, if you look at the detail shots you can see a hint of orange in the plaid of the trousers.  Not so muted after all, eh? 

blazer-Target(similarish here ), shirt-Anthropologie(similarish here ), cords-Gap(similar here ), boots- L.L. Bean , necklace-Gifted(similar here via Etsy ) You can't go wrong with plaid for fall, to make it even better I'm mixing up the plaids with this patchwork shirt and cotton blazer. I love the combination of rugged and preppy styles happening in this outfit. Really, it's 75% rugged with the boots, cords, and a casual button-down tunic. The blazer brings in a preppy-collegiate aesthetic and gives the overall silhouette some shape with a pop of red in the flipped collar.

dress/wrap-eShakti(similar here and here ), necklace-J.Crew(more necklaces here  and here ), watch-Michael Kors(similar here ), sandals-Target(similar here ) One of the most often touted pieces of advice on how to transition summertime frocks into fall is by utilizing black layers, like this knit bolero. This black wrap is doing the work of bringing this medallion-printed midi dress into the fall season by providing coverage and accentuating the silhouette, for a more fitted look.  Obviously, heavier fabrics, along with autumnal colors and patterns are a huge part of fall dressing, but I'm also a big fan of tailored outfits for this season. A leaner fit provides a contrast and signals an end to the flowy, breezy pieces of summer.  Normally, I'd recommend finishing this outfit with a boot or closed-toe flat, but I wanted to give these simple sandals one last hurrah before storing them away over the winter. Summer shoes are a wrap! 🎬 

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), pants-Gap(similar here ), shirt- H&M , vest-Vintage(similar here from Patrick James ), scarf/sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here and here ), boots-Forever 21(similar here ) In celebration of the turn toward cooler weather I decided to play around with some layers and menswear in this in OOTD! There's only one piece of actual menswear--this 70's vintage vest (that is reversible!!!!) I "borrowed" from my Dad 20-odd years ago. The shirt and blazer are classic autumn staples, and when paired with simple cropped pants, rugged boots, and a designer scarf, not only does this look have an androgynous feel, but it's also giving off some major English Country Side--it's not too late to catch that Downton Abbey movie, eh?