Images by Amanda Mercer of Walk the Line Creative
After my first loooong summer in Texas, autumn has finally begun to show its colors. I realize this is a bit later than most fall fashion posts. These days, most fashion influencers start sipping their pumpkin spice lattes while sweating in their sundresses.
As a busy working mom of two, I’m taking one season at a time, shopping included.
I’ll purchase one or two pieces I can’t live without in the summer. Otherwise, I’m buying my autumn and winter wardrobe as the temps start to drop. The plus side is that you might catch early fall pieces on sale already! Seems crazy, but a true #fashionhack.
With that said, I’m loving the retro vibes this season. We might as well be in an episode of That 70’s Show! My roundup is below is filled with affordable and splurge-worthy options for what I consider fall 2019’s most irresistible, yet sensible fashions.
The palette: as if freshly picked from the harvest, this season’s colors come straight from the farm. Pistachio green, violet, mustard yellow and burnt orange are a few popular shades of the moment.
The 70’s retro stripe combo of navy, maroon or brown and maize is back and bigger than last year. Super groovy! I found this jumper at Target on sale for $16, but I’ve seen a lot of pricier picks as well. I also have a sweater dress in these colors from last year - not sure if it was actually a thing, or if I’m just drawn to the unique palette 🤷🏻♀️.
To the Office
It's all about plaid! The older and nerdier the print appears to be, the better. However, what may otherwise seem like a pair of pants your grandpa would own will be beautiful when tailored like a dream. A plaid blazer will also pair nicely with a peasant or lace blouse to add contrast; I like to stick to neutrals underneath to make the plaid piece pop.
Banana Republic has some great options for all your grandpa plaid needs. I’ve been loving these pants, which I pair with a light black turtleneck and camel cardigan. Old Navy and Target also have a decent selection of plaid at a cheaper price point.
Animal prints are still here and clearly have been established as a new neutral. Leopard, python, and some exciting safari varieties like zebra have made an appearance for Fall 2019. Not only for a night out, these fun patterns are completely acceptable in the office environment when worn appropriately.
Like bold colors, I wear them in moderation: one statement animal piece, whether it’s boots, a wrap dress, cardigan, etc. The wilder the piece (pun intended), the more fun it is to pair with something completely conservative and unexpected. For example, pair a pleated leopard midi skirt with some cream studded loafers from Tory Burch – a big splurge for me this season!
Date Night Ladies, it’s time to show off those gams in shorter skirts and suede boots for autumn. Worthy of a 70’s goddess, brown leather, as well as suede mini to knee length figure-hugging skirts, are back in style.
Luckily, I’ve had this patchwork number from E. Allen for two years while I had babies, and now can finally wear it! I’ve paired it with a basic, but comfortable maroon top from my favorite Nashville boutique, e. Allen with suede boots from Luchesse. You also can’t go wrong with classic black leather, but creatively and boldly worn in body-hugging dress silhouettes this season.
Lastly, I enjoy jumpsuits in bejeweled fall hues that can be taken from the office to dinner to back home with the kids. They are so comfy, I could sleep in them! Silk and polyester materials tend to be more formal, whereas cottons and knits project a more casual vibe.
Brunch
Whether it’s with the family or your girlfriends, you can’t go wrong with the prairie dress or billowy top look of the moment. This is one of those trendy pieces that I’d rather save on since I’m not sure how long they’ll be around. I bought one from Target, but there’s a similar version of it on Madewell.
If you love the trend and want to splurge, Anthropologie has a solid selection. I like these paired with either booties or mules – like this hybrid pair from Dolce Vita. If It’s getting chilly, flirty prairie dresses can also be sported up a bit by adding in a pair of hiking boots – also a must-have this fall season. I plan to be sporting my Cole Haan Zero Grands frequently.
Maxi dresses are another classic transition piece from late summer and can be dressed up for fall weather – and you probably already have in your closet! If the dress is slightly sweet like my new Matilda Jane Clothing maxi, I like to add in a bit of edge with some studded boots or statement jewelry with plenty of hardware. This look, of course, would be for more of an urban scene versus Texas suburbia 😂. I love MJC because it creates super cute looks for mommy and daughter to coordinate versus match completely. Nicki Sauls is my sales rep and based out of Clarksville, Tennessee – you can visit her site directly through this link.
That’s it for my fall fashion capsule! May your fall air be crisp, your PSL’s be delicious and your oversized sweaters be cozy☕️🍁🧥. If you have #over30style or #momfashion questions, send them my way!
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