Alright! It’s time to stash away your coral nail polishes, high-waisted cutoff Levi’s, and oh-so-cute Ray-Bans. It’s sad, but true…summer is long gone (if you couldn’t already tell by the 30° temperature drop). Here is a simple guide to my five essentials for every fall wardrobe:
1) Boots. Boots. Boots. I can’t say there is a shortage of them on campus! If you haven’t already, invest in a pair of black combats and—voilà—you have the perfect fall shoe. Consider the Steve Madden Troppa in black leather, or the Deena & Ozzy version for a cheaper alternative. My Troppa’s are definitely tearing at the seams…I just can’t get enough (and not to mention they are a perfect match for absolutely any outfit!).
2) I am a firm believer that colder weather should not restrict your outfit choice to the age-old pants-and-a-sweater combo. You should always be on the lookout for the perfect long-sleeved, weather-appropriate dress. Pair Free People’s Rose Garden Dress or MinkPink’s Faithful Dress with your combats for a polished look.
3) Now, can we please take a moment to cherish the return of the anorak? My coveted Urban Outfitters jacket circa 2010 has been collecting dust in the back of my closet ever since I brought it home from the store, but it will make a reappearance this season! The military-esque anorak complements the toughness of the combat boots to play back the femininity of the lacy dress to pull the look together. My favorites are the First Lietenant Army Green Military Jacket from Lulu’s, Tobi’s Ensleeved Contrast Jacket, or their Safari Cargo Jacket.
4) If anything comes to mind at the approach of fall, it’s the quintessential “back-to-school” season. Inevitably, one of my favorite fall essentials is a sturdy leather or canvas backpack that’s roomy enough for a couple of schoolbooks and a Smartwater. Check out NastyGal’s Shine on Backpack or the Tile Print Backpack With Leather Trim from ASOS.
5) Finish off your new wardrobe with a dark polish—definitely a fall staple. One of my old trusties is the classic OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, or if I’m feeling more adventurous, Midnight Cami by Essie. The first is a deepened eggplant color and the second is a shimmery navy—both great alternatives for a your average black polish.
It’s sad to wave summer goodbye, but say hello to a new, reinvigorated wardrobe!