Big Autumn Energy: Essential pieces that bring the magic to my autumn wardrobe
I’m so pumped, because over the next 5 weeks, I’m talking all things Autumn here on into-it. A big part of the motto ‘everyday magic’ is the idea that we should cherish + celebrate every moment we’ve been given. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m fully prepared to soak up every ounce of Autumn energy this year. But what’s the fun of that magic if I can’t share it? So, I’ll be covering all areas of fall: fashion, decor, treats, rituals, entertainment… it’s going to be a really good 5 weeks ahead, fam! I know you’re just as excited as I am to ring in the most magical seasons of the year, so let’s get into-it!
For the first week of the series, why not dive right into one of my favorite topics: fashion—specifically, fall fashion. If I could give any tips on building a lasting + flexible wardrobe, it would be to invest in basic pieces that are easy to layer. Most of the crop tops + band tees I’m styling for the summer pair perfectly with flannels + cardigans + jackets in the fall / winter months. The basics really are essential, as you can style a base outfit in multiple ways just by changing the accessories you layer on top of it.
Simplicity is the foundation for all of my outfits, and accessories become the real statements: jewelry, shoes, jackets, hats, sunglasses, etc. If you give my closet a once-over, it’ll really just look like the grayscale in different cuts + fits. That’s personally the way I like it, and I recommend this method to anyone who’s just now venturing into spicing up their own wardrobe or finding their personal style.
The everyday magic of curating + accessorizing the perfect look can bring so much good energy in the form of boosting your confidence + motivation. Even with the quarantine still in effect, there shouldn’t be anything holding you back from looking as good as you feel, and any outfit you choose can help you embody the energy of who you’d like to show up as that day. I have zero shame in throwing on a leather jacket just to walk 5 ft to my desk and plug into work, knowing I may not see anyone or do anything outside of my apartment doesn’t keep me from feeling magnetic + confident in how I look—and you shouldn’t deny yourself that small joy either.
Fall Essential #1: flannel
Seriously, what’s fall without a good flannel? I know, I know, it’s definitely an obvious piece to be wearing this season, so how can we make things a bit more interesting? Here’s 3 ways I’m styling flannels for early fall:
#1 The sleeveless flannel, which pairs perfectly with your favorite pair of high waisted shorts or jeans. I’m in Texas, fam! Fall weather really hasn’t caught up with my fall energy, so this combo is the perfect mix of autumn texture and summer comfort.
#2 The lightweight, boyfriend flannel, layered over athleisure. Again, I’m all about comfort here, and if the weather warms up by the afternoon, this light flannel can easily be tied around your waist. You won’t lose the autumn flair just because the sun is beating down on you.
#3 The pop of color flannel, tied around the waist over black denim + paired with a cropped tee. The oranges in this flannel really pop against the black denim, and adds that perfect amount of autumn color to an otherwise basic foundation.
Fall Essential #2: the black turtleneck
It seems like the second I slip on a black turtleneck, I’m transported to a parisian cafe on an Autumn day with light jazz playing somewhere in the distance. If you have ill-opinions toward the turtleneck—too restrictive—I seriously suggest testing out different fits + materials + necklines. A black turtleneck is much more versatile in style than you might think, and to prove this I’ve styled 3 very different turtlenecks that are perfect for the chillier days ahead.
#1 The sleeveless turtleneck—or as I like to call it, the Audry Hepburn. This breathable material provides all the comfort of a t-shirt, while keeping the neckline particularly European. I like to tuck mine into a pair of high waisted shorts with a basic belt and statement earrings.
#2 The mockneck—easily the most comfortable turtleneck you could ever purchase. This neckline gives the turtleneck illusion without the fabric bunching up around your neck, and typically they’re made of a lightweight / comfy cotton, so you won’t be sweating the choice of wearing all black when the temps are still likely to climb up in the afternoons.
#3 The tight crop turtleneck—perfect for layering. This thin + form fitting top looks elegant on it’s own, badass with a leather jacket, or casual under one of your summer blouses. You can’t go wrong with a piece this simple, because anything goes once you start layering on top of it. Again, layers are ideal as we make the transition from summer heat to cooler mornings + evenings.
Fall Essential #3 Denim
Denim is actually always essential for me, no matter the season, but it’s definitely a key for dressing up or dressing down any fall outfit. Versatility in style + application is the name of the game for my personal style, so here’s 3 ways I’m rocking denim this fall.
#1 High waisted shorts—they’re not out of season just yet! You can pair high waisted shorts with cropped long sleeves, french tucked light sweaters, tank tops + flannels, and tights + boots. The possibilities are endless, so don’t put away that summer item just yet.
#2 Denim Jacket—any and all washes + cuts. The style choices of a denim jacket are never ending, and the weight + cut of the jacket you choose can help you stay comfortable depending on the fall weather you’re facing. Here, I’m wearing one of my favorite thrifted jackets, it has a nice dark wash to it, but a rad pop of color on the fabric inside, and black felt material on the collar.
#3 Denim Vest—all the texture without the sweat. If the foundation of your outfit is a mix of basics, a denim vest is the ideal finishing touch to add some autumn texture to your look. Here, I’m styling another thrifted find, which zips up the front and includes some desert-inspired embroidery on the chest.
Fall Essential #4: Bold Accessories
My favorite way to layer in the spookier + sexier details of autumn fashion is to pick out the perfect accessories. I opt for a lot of silver pieces during this season, and lean toward gold pieces in the spring + summer. Totally up to you, but the silver always contrasts beautifully with a blacked out look. I also like to get playful with my pieces, so I’m walking the line between ‘edgy artist in her 20’s’ and ‘your aunt who wears pumpkin embroidered sweater vests to all the Halloween functions.’
#1 Statement Sunglasses—A pair of killer sunglasses is like the mascara of your autumn style: the final touch, the cherry on top. This pair was gifted to me a few years ago from my family, and I’m obsessed with them. They’re a blacked out circular shape, but have steam-punk style details on either side.
#2 Spooky-Style Earrings—There’s actually nothing cooler than having a skeleton’s hand dangling from your ear, like decorating your face for Halloween the way you’d decorate your living room. This earring is simple, semi-rustic, and undeniably autumnal.
#3 Playful Earrings—This is the ‘Halloween Aunt’ energy I mentioned earlier: candy corn earrings. It might seem a little tacky...but who cares about that. Halloween is all about being whimsical and being dramatic, so I don’t mind wearing candy on my ears to celebrate.
Fall Essential #5: Platforms
With all the layering we’ve got going on during this season, I like to keep myself from feeling too frumpy by elongating my legs via platform shoes. There’s a variety of platforms out there, and almost every style + brand has released some variation of one over the last few years.
#1 Platform Vans—These pair perfectly with any of your athleisure + comfort looks for the fall time, but I’m also a fan of styling them with more elevated looks, providing a solid contrast of edge and casualty.
#2 Platform booties—The tire tread soles of these boys crunch any fallen leaf in their path—and look cool as hell doing it. When I pair them with any of my basics, the look becomes instantly elevated with little to no effort (they’re kind of hard to slip on, but once they’re on it’s perfect).
#3 Creepers—They look intimidating at first, but don’t fear the creeper, fam. I loved the look of them for so long, but always avoided picking up my own pair—how the heck do people walk in those? Turns out, pretty easily. This pair has the black platform with a suede black finish and I couldn’t be happier to bust them out for the fall time.
I hope this first segment of the Big Autumn Energy series brought you the inspiration you needed to unpack (or revamp) your fall wardrobe.
What are your go-to pieces during this season? Drop me a DM on instagram or leave a comment below!
Cheers to many more fall celebrations ahead. I hope you have an amazing week, and I encourage you to pick out a badass outfit every day.