This week I’ve had fun styling fall-transition outfits. While the phrase ‘transition’ certainly makes me groan because it’s so overused, it’s hard to pick a better one that describes how I want to dress right now. I’m bored with my summer clothes, we’ve had lots of cool mornings and even some cool days. This… transitional weather means it’s a fun time to play around with styling summer and fall items together. (See yesterday’s outfit as a prime example!)
Because I have fall on my mind, and at least one of you asked, I’m going to share what’s on my fall wish list right now. It’s short but sweet, and hopefully, it will have a big impact on my style and the items already in my closet. And maybe it will get your creative wheels turning too!
1 – Lug Boots (preferably pull-on)
This is certainly a case of trickle-down designer influence for me. I love the Bottega Veneta Lug Chelsea Boots, and the way they look with skirts, cropped pants, and baggy jeans. I believe the BV boot may be the one that started this big, chunky boot trend, and now there are several similar styles on the market spanning many price ranges. A few that have caught my eye:
>> The Doris Boot from Grenson. I love how the sole got an update for some extra edge. This company makes their high-end boots in England. This pair looks like a perfect marriage of style AND function. However, the shaft may be a bit high for what I want, and they are definitely on the pricey side.
>> Emi Lug Combat Boot from Freda Salvador. These have been on my wishlist all summer. I have a feeling they are the kind of boot that you can wear with absolutely any outfit and they will look good. But, I am stuck on the lace-up part, I want a great boot that is easy to take on and off. I am hoping the brand will include a chelsea style in their fall boot release in the coming weeks. I have three pairs of shoes by FS (including two boots) and I absolutely love the fit and craftsmanship of this brand.
>> Angie Chelsea Boot by LAST. I love that these have a slightly narrower toe than some of the other lug styles. They look very sleek and I like that the sole is aggressive but minimal in design.
>> Dr. Martens Quad Chelsea. I keep coming back to this pair over the last year or so. I love that they are a true platform with no raised heel. Dr. Martens are a favorite for me because I can easily wear them in all Oregon weather, and the price point feels very approachable.
>> Explorer by Steve Madden. These were pushed to me in an Instagram ad (surprise, surprise!) and I love the bubble-toe look and price point.
Honorable mentions:
I love the blackout look of these Dr. Martens. And I am a little swooned by that side zipper for easy on and off.
Now, if brown boots were on my list, these would be at the VERY top.
Can you tell I spend a lot of time thinking about footwear? Too much time probably. I haven’t made my choice yet, I’m going to sit on it a while longer. Being patient is hard, but I’m hoping it will pay off with selecting the boot that’s just right for me this season and well beyond.
2 – A Giant Sweater
At the end of last winter, the one hole I kept noticing in my wardrobe was a big, oversized sweater. I almost bought one a few times, but it was so close to the end of the season I decided to wait until the fall. I’m pretty sure I want a Babaa, but I’ve been doing some research to see what else is out there, and it’s pretty early in the season, so giant, chunky sweaters are hard to come by. I’ve noted a few of my favorites below, but I’d also recommend keeping an eye on the men’s section of your favorite thrift store (as always, read labels for fiber content!).
>> Jumper No.17 in Dark Mist is at the top of my list. I love the big neck, and it looks like the right amount of oversized for me. I can’t tell if this shade pulls too cool for me though. The black one is pretty gorgeous too.
Note: if you plan to buy wool from Babaa, expect to use a sweater comb for regular pill maintenance.
>> Cashmere Funnel Neck Jumper. This is another cozy-looking option but with a softer yarn than wool. I love the color.
>> Paola Wool Sweater. I love the cable knits on this one. I’ve eyed it for a few seasons now. I think if I ordered it, I’d size up for an oversized fit. I have three sweaters from this brand (one purchased and two from past partnerships) and they are very warm and durable. And the wool very rarely pills!
3 – Sweater Vest
I wanted one of these last year and I’m gonna GO FOR IT this year. Sweater vests are a thing, and I have them plastered all over my Pinterest boards. I love them. They are a fun, dynamic way to layer AND they add warmth. I love any accessory that makes me warmer in the winter.
>> Vest No.24 in Tonka Bean. Babaa is coming in hot again on my list with this vest. I am drawn to the oversized shape, and deep-v arm and neck holes. And of course, I love this color.
>> Corrado Oversized Cotton Vest. This is a more traditional style vest, but still oversized. I like that the shoulders on this one are a little bit wider.
>> Cable Knit Crop Vest. This vest cuts a great silhouette. It would be super fun to wear over everything from a button-up to a t-shirt.
>> Oversized Alpaca Blend Vest. Yes, everything about this one is good. It’s probably really soft and has great retention because of the alpaca-polyamide blend fibers. My favorite feature is the ultra-wide ribbing at the neckline.
What I’m Excited to Wear Again:
I also can’t wait to dig into the fall items already in my closet. I love a good oversized cardigan or shacket. I’m particularly excited for this oversized cardigan and its butter-soft feel.
I’ll be diving into all my favorite baggy jeans. At the top of my fit list is the 90’s Jean by Agolde and the Way High Jean by Everlane. You can see how I style them in this video.
My oversized, varsity-style sweatshirt has been calling my name. It’s ultra-soft and slouchy, and I love, LOVE this trend. Though I’ve sworn to myself that one good varsity sweatshirt is all I need.
Late in the season last year, I impulse bought a pair of big, chunky Dr. Martens and I cannot wait to wear them again. I’ve even worn them once already, even though it’s a tad early. Something about these shoes just adds an element of fun to every outfit. Not to mention they are extremely practical!
I know I’ll be living in fitted turtlenecks again this year. They are extra cute when paired with baggy jeans and work so well for layering under just about anything, including jumpsuits, overalls, slip dresses, etc.
Whew! Who’s ready for fall?
Hi there! I would like to give a ringing endorsement of that Babaa sweater. I wore it multiple times a week and it’s BY FAR my favorite sweater. I have it in Mist and it goes with everything! I cannot imagine you would be disappointed, or really anything less than delighted. I rarely comment on blogs but this is worthy of one!!
Thank you Sarah!! I am so honored that you’d comment! Thank you. Good to know about the Mist! Does it ever feel too gray? My concern is that I don’t wear gray, so I’m hoping the dark mist might be a bit warmer!
I don’t think it feels to gray! I actually don’t really wear any true gray (like athletic sweatshirt/heather gray tone) anymore because I always feel like it makes me look washed out and dull. This color is warmer than that! It’s a very balanced neutral and goes with everything. I have dark brown hair and blue eyes, so while I love navy/blues because of how they complement my eyes, the rest of my wardrobe is cream, black, warm rust/brown and pink and it fits right in with all of those. This is very long-winded response for a sweater but I suppose worthwhile given Babaa’s price point! I had the same concern as you before I purchased, fwiw! Keep us posted!
Eeep! TOO not to!
Thank you Sarah! This is really helpful!!!