I need help! Clothing stores have been flooding my inbox lately telling me to shop their new arrivals. I’ve looked at Ann Taylor, Loft, J. Crew, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic just to name a few. I’ve been looking around trying to get ideas on what I like so what would you say we should all have in our closets this fall?
~Janie
Fall is my favorite season to shop for; I love jeans and sweaters and closed-toed shoes. The simplest way to build a fall wardrobe that will work all winter is to stick with classic basics and look for pieces you can layer and wear in multiple ways.
The first rule of fall shopping is to buy now; waiting until the weather is cool enough for whatever it is you’re eyeing will most likely mean that it’s not available in your size or in the color you really want. Keep your receipts and leave the tags on everything — if you change your mind before the temperatures drop, most places will let you return your purchase. But if you shop carefully, that won’t be an issue.
What should you look for this fall? Here’s my Top Five picks for Fall 2012.
Blazer
A blazer will change your whole closet; it instantly dresses up even the most casual jeans-and-tee look. There are some great cropped schoolboy versions around right now; my favorites are from J. Crew and the Gap.
Skinny Jeans
A skinny jean really can work for just about any body type; the trick is to get the right jeans and pair them with the right top. I know that the Gap’s jeans are getting a bum rap right now (ha! bum rap, get it???) but I’m still a fan. If you’re looking for other options, though, Rachel has a fantastic rundown.
Loafers
Loafers are back this fall, but they’re not the traditional Bass Weejuns. Look for fabric loafers in lush colors and patterns, to add texture and interest to your outfit.
Chambray Shirt
A chambray shirt is a nice alternative to a traditional button down, and it goes with everything. Wear it with cords or chinos for a casual weekend look, or pair it with a pencil skirt for work. I’m loving the look of a chambray shirt with a silk or sequin skirt for girls’ night out.
Colorblock Sweater
Color blocking is an easy way to give shape and structure to even the most unstructured pieces. Opt for combinations of brights and neutrals (jade green and navy, for example) to keep from looking clownish.
What’s on your fall shopping list?
Photo via GAP
Susan, I’d love to see a post for those of us who HATE shopping, but still want to look decent. (Surely I’m not the only one, right??) For me, it’s not body image issues or anything like that, it just seems like… a waste of time? If I’m in a store for more than, say, ten minutes, I start to twitch. Plus the mall makes me hyperventilate. I try to order online as much as I can, but that often means sacrificing fit. But I am really scraping the bottom of the barrel with my “wardrobe” here. Any thoughts? I’m thinking I just have to grit my teeth and make myself do it. Sigh.
P.S. Wish you lived nearer L.A. — I’d totally hire you to go shopping with me!
Erin, it’s so funny you should say that — I hate to shop, too. (No, seriously, I do. But I love clothes. Paradox!)
I have some tips for making shopping less painful — watch for those this week.
I’ve done a lot of my fall shopping already…I purchased the bright blue blazer at the GAP, plus a tweedy blazer (with suede patches!) from Banana Republic. I saw your post with the blue blazer and had to have it. It’s a fun piece…wore it yesterday and received several compliments.
Also…I’m on the hunt for a new pair of boots. The prof I TA for always looks to see what boots I’m wearing. I try to sneak them in about August, which is a bit soon, but I can’t help it. They’re also the key to wearing skinny jeans for me. They help balance out my mid-section.
The last item I’m looking for is a trench coat with nice, modern lines (avoiding double-breasted, which makes me look all chest).
This is a reply to Mari. Mari, I’ve been buying the best boots lately. I just bought a pair of dual-tone (brown and black) Bandolino’s at Macy’s. The best part is they even come in wide calf, which is great for tucking in those jeans.
And Target has some terrific trench coats – all priced about $50! They feel much better quality than one would expect, and you can’t beat the price!
I enjoy shopping in a store – but not the time it takes to do so. I’ve had good luck with ordering online from a retailer that I can return to the store, so I don’t have to go through the hassle of shipping them back.
I am looking at buying one of the Gap’s blazers. I have a teeny tiny clothing budget, so I wanted to ask what color blazer you think would be most versatile? I know black goes with practically everything, but I am a fair redhead and feel like I should maybe stick to the navy or gray. Or go with something more exciting? Opinions?
I found a grey, J.Jill sweatshirt blazer at my favorite thirft store! I am looking forward to wearing it while I chase my toddler around the playgrounds this fall!