10 Best Looks for Fall

It has officially become cold here in Idaho and I can’t say I’m too sad about it.  I’m a lover of the crisp weather that allows for layering and what I think is the most fashionable season.  I love plaid, sweaters, boots, wool socks, and puffer coats with fur around the hood.  Frigid weather settling in does not give one an excuse to dress sloppily.  I know all too the well the intense desire to wear sweats, fuzzy socks, and a Snuggie and act like you will be hibernating for months, ya know, like a bear.  However, I think you will find that sloppy dress leads to lack of motivation in other areas of your life and lets face it, what better way to brighten those winter blues by donning an outfit that keeps you warm and makes you feel fabulous?!

As mentioned in a previous Ballerina Fashionista post, I like to have a classic wardrobe for each season and update it with a few pieces of the current fashion trends.  I usually accomplish this by browsing Pinterest for ideas.  Once I see a key item I am intrigued by, I search that item with the word fashion.  If I can pair the piece with at least 3 of my wardrobe staples, I will buy it.

Looking to revamp your classic wardrobe this fall?  Here are my 10 Favorite Looks for Fall with the corresponding trending pieces to buy.

1. Fur Vest

via The In Between Girls ()

This outfit is what inspired me to splurge on a fur vest this fall.  Underneath the vest, the outfit is very basic items you should already have in your wardrobe.  Basic white or cream sweater, black skinnies, and some booties.  A fur vest just screams fashionable and can take your look from classic to trendy.  If you are looking for a fur vest that won’t break the bank, check out Forever 21.  They have a variety of fur vests at reasonable price points.  I bought mine from there and it is excellent quality!

2. Gingham

via Lilly Style (similar) ()

Though plaid is always in style for the fall, gingham is having a major moment.  It looks great layered with a sweater or vest, tucked into a skirt, or simply on it’s own with jeans and key accessories.  I have a blue gingham shirt from H & M that I love, but when first wearing it, I felt it looked a little androgynous (I have very feminine tastes).  I tried copying this exact outfit and I felt girly and glam!  I haven’t tucked a shirt into jeans in years but for this look, it worked.  My husband even agreed with me.

3. Layering

(vest) ()

Layering is not a new notion but fashion bloggers have taken it to the next level.  I have found it’s not uncommon to see a fashion blogger wearing 4 layers in the winter.  This Pin on Pinterest is by far my favorite layered look.  The mixing of patterns and her color choices is what makes this outfit superb.  Note her use of gingham layered with a basic red sweater you could get from anywhere like Old Navy.  Also, this vest from J Crew was so popular last year that many boutiques are making knock offs.  I scored one from Group Deals that was a third of the price!  This outfit was topped off with a plaid scarf.  It was pinned by pinner so I can’t give credit where credit is due.  Whoever you are you fashionable princess, YOU ROCK!

4. Make a Sundress work for fall.

via Trendy Taste () (similar cardigan)

Being a lover of anything girly, dresses are my favorite go to pieces.  Make a sundress winter worthy by paring it with a long sweater, opaque tights, and boots.  I love the idea of belting the dress to give the outfit more structure.  A chunky scarf adds the perfect finishing touch to this outfit.  After seeing this pin, I grabbed items out of my closet that were similar and wore it to run errands.  I stayed warm while feeling light and girly.  I love that this outfit is different than the usual winter wear.  I will wear outfits like this when I am feeling blah.

5. Military Inspiration

via The Daily Be ()

When military vests and anoraks started popping up on my Pinterest feed I was ecstatic!  I had saved a military jacket that I wore in high school because it looked like new and I have always loved it.  4 children later, I can barely zip it, but it looks great open and layered which is how most fashion bloggers are styling it anyway.  However, I found I wasn’t satiated by that old jacket so I bought a military vest from Tillys.  I have found at least 10 different ways to wear it but chose to post this particular outfit  because right now I am freezing and this outfit looked the warmest, haha!

6. Scarves

via Little Blonde Book ()

Scarves are not new to winter wear and never go out of style which makes them the perfect investment.  Scarves are also an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe every winter.  I am loving the chunky knit scarf trend as well as the classic plaids.  This year I am coveting this blanket scarf from Zara that was sold last season.  Zara has the same style of scarf in new colors but if you are wanting this exact scarf like I do, your best bet is copycats from Amazon, Group Deals, or Jane.  This is the one of the pieces listed I haven’t indulged in yet, but she will be mine.  Oh yes, she will be mine.

7. Boots

via A Spoonful of Style (exact boots) ()

You probably are wondering why I listed boots when undoubtedly, you all own at least 1 pair of knee high boots.  I have recently opened my mind to new boots styles like booties and this year I am focusing on building my boot wardrobe beyond the basic riding boots.  Particularly I am coveting these Hunter rain boots.  This look is perfect with a coordinating long sleeve and chunky poncho style sweater.  I would buy a sock insert for winter wear because I detest cold feet, but there is something so glam about cute rain boots.  Another boot I’m craving is the LL Bean boots.  My teenage self would have NEVER imagined the LL Bean boot to be fashionable, but the adult me who lives in a cold climate with snow 9 months out of the year, would wear the heck out of them.  Hey, I’ve seen all those preppy girls rocking them, so why can’t I?

8. Quilted Vest

via Southern Curls and Pearls () ()

I must confess that I haven’t worn a vest since I was in middle school and the one I had was fleece.  I had to wear it for family pictures (oh 90s).  Though puffer vests are cute, I just never felt like indulging on one.  I don’t know what came over me this year but I have bought not 1, but 4 vests!  I think what hooked me was the quilted vest.  It isn’t overpowering like a puffer vest can be, and is more fitted which suites my girly girl style.  I would start with buying a quilted vest in a basic color that you could mix and match with anything in your wardrobe.  If your budget allows, splurge on a patterned vest for no reason other than it’s completely adorable.  And hey, you owe it to yourself.  This just in, check out her elbow patches on her shirt!  I think a DIY is in order….

9. Leather

via Style Caster (similar skirt) ()

I have always loved the leather jacket look (who doesn’t?), and lately the leather pants too.  However, a leather skirt?!  SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!  I die from cuteness!  I love the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine and this look is perfect.  A tweed jacket and opaque tights gives the outfit the girlishness I crave.  However, a leather skirt looks casual and cool when paired with a sweater and slips on sneakers.  When shooting our last Ballerina Fashionista post, the casual look was my favorite.  It’s all, “Hey, I just woke up like this,” and basically you look effortlessly fabulous.  A leather skirt can do that for you too.

10. Floppy Hat

via The Fashion Tag ()

If you already own a wool floppy hat, pat your classy self on the back.  I love the big, floppy sunhat worn with dresses in the summer.  I mean, who doesn’t look classy when wearing a floppy hat?  I was pleasantly surprised to see the floppy hat making a transition into winter wear.  Wool keeps your head warm and a hat adds a little somethin’ somethin’ to spice up your look.  A floppy hat looks glam when paired with a dress, fur vest, and booties or cool with stripes, sweater and skinnies.

Hopefully these 10 looks have shown you don’t have to break the bank trying to keep your wardrobe in style every fall.  Invest in good, classic basics that will last through the years, and update your style by adding a few pieces of the current trend.  And hey, Christmas is just around the corner.  Maybe Santa needs to see this post