5 items I will always have in my fall wardrobe, regardless of trends

I’m joining a few friends today to talk about fall fashion. We are currently in France, and when we arrived, it was summer, and now we are moving into fall. I love seeing what everyone is wearing on the streets.

I rarely dress up, so everything I share today is for the casual wardrobe. And that’s what I’m seeing on the streets of Paris!

1. Cardigan Sweaters 

I have loved cardigan sweaters forever. Back in the days of preppy clothing, I loved a cardigan with a grosgrain placket. Remember those?  I still love a crewneck cardigan. This one from Eileen Fisher is the perfect neutral color that goes with everything.

2. Trousers

While I most often reach for a pair of jeans, sometimes it feels nice to slip into a great pair of trousers. Even if I plan to wear them with sneakers. These Eileen Fisher soft wool flannel wide-leg trousers will be my go-to pants this fall and winter.

3. Jeans

Corduroy Shirt Jacket from Eileen Fisher // Cargo Jeans // Adidas Sambas OG // ‘90s straight jean // Gucci Brixton Loafer // Short sleeve shirt from Eileen Fisher

I am going to try and wear something other than jeans this fall, but a good pair of jeans is an absolute must. Once September comes, I prefer a darker jean over a lighter wash. But the fit is the most important thing. I do love boyfriend jeans if they aren’t too big.

I plan to try a pair of R45 denim while in Paris. I noticed that Linda V. Wright often credits her denim to this brand. I’m sure they are pretty expensive, but I would rather have one really good pair than ten just okay pairs. For now, though, I will rely on Madwell for denim. I always have good luck with jeans from Madewell. They are having a sale on denim if you bring in any old pair to recycle. I have these cargo jeans and this pair of ’90s straight jeans. These jeans are great! They come in 11 sizes, four inseams, and several colors.

4. Loafers, Oxfords,  Sneakers

Oxfords by The Office of Angela Scott // G.H. Bass Loafers // Gucci Brixton Loafers // Adidas Samba OG

Fall fashion trends this year include loafers, oxfords, and sneakers. That has not always been the case. I am 5’10” and NEVER wear heels. I have always worn oxfords, even when they were not quite as “in” as they are today. 

Fortunately, brands like Cole Haan have stayed true to these classic styles. Today, I love oxfords by The Office of Angela Scott: an investment, but a pair you’ll own forever.

My favorite sneakers are Adidas OG Samabs. They are super comfortable and sleek, even in my size. I’m a 10.5 (9.5 mens’). They also look great with midi dresses or skirts. 

5. Classic Shirt or Button-Down

A white or striped shirt is the perfect layer over a tank with a skirt, shorts, black pants, or even workout pants.

While walking the streets of Paris this week, we noticed several fashionable women wearing men’s striped oxford shirts. Sometimes open like a jacket or buttoned up with the sleeves rolled up over a skirt, a pair of oversized denim shorts, or a pair of jeans.

An added detail of a small monogram is something I started in college and haven’t stopped. My white shirt from Crimson in Paris, is one example. Owner, Linda Wright, recommends adding a monogram in the same or similar color. And that’s what I did.

 Jewelry

cardigan sweater from Eileen Fisher // classic white shirt // Gucci Brixton loafers // ’90s straight jean from Madewell

Wearing jewelry is so personal. Of course, there are trends, but I prefer to stay with what feels right for me. I have worn jewelry by Helen Ficolora for years. She made the original alphabet charm on a 16″ chain. She has a little shop on Cleveland Street at the edge of SoHo. It’s painted bright pink, just like her jewelry boxes.

I sleep in my jewelry, so it has to be comfortable. I typically wear rose gold studs with a Montauk daisy and a tiny diamond or small hoops with tiny gold disks with an even smaller diamond. My daughter wears Helen Ficilora, too, and even my son bought his girlfriend a charm necklace with a cut-out heart. 

I occasionally like to layer my pearls and Tiffany silver beads with my gold necklaces. I love that you can mix real with beads for a fun, collected look, mainly using what I’ve owned for years.

Before leaving for France, I started wearing a silver beaded chain with a mix of charms that include a St. Christopher medal that Patrick wore as a little boy, a silver Tiffany key of Madeline’s, and a gold apple charm (that reminds me of my kids living in NYC).

Let’s see what these fashionable women are wearing this fall!

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

La Vie on Grand

State of Gray

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