Fall Favourites
5 things I find chic, then and now
What is it about fall that makes us seek out familiar things? We get excited to return to a regular routine. Make plans to curl up on the couch and binge Gilmore Girls (or Girls or old-school romcoms starring Meg Ryan). And even with our own personal styles, we tend to gravitate to classics that reappear time and time again around this season: shades of brown, cozy knitwear, leather accessories, etc.
I’ve noticed a lot of the fall inspiration I’ve been drawn to is similar to last year’s (and the year before that.) Maybe it’s not such a bad thing, though. There’s a sense of comfort in the familiarity and not having to completely reinvent our closets every season.
For me, this fall is all about capturing a familiar feeling. Here are 5 pieces I’m loving from previous seasons and now.
1. Barn jackets
Barn, chore, field jackets…I mix them up all the time (for a good refresher on their origins and differences, dive right into
’s Fashion Spiral). As someone who doesn’t buy a lot of outerwear, I’ve usually relied on just a trench to carry me through spring and fall seasons, but I love that a barn jacket channels a different look: something cooler, more laid-back and a little bit preppy.I bought one last spring from Zara that’s a cross between a barn jacket and bomber style, which I used a ton then (I’ve been patiently waiting for the weather to get cooler here so I can start wearing it again.) There are even more options I’ve been admiring this season that I’ve had to stop myself from getting another—one is enough, right?
2. Brown bags
Every fall, I go down a rabbit hole of brown bags and get so close to pulling the trigger (last year, this Little Liffner bag was almost mine.) A brown bag is something I feel is missing in my current rotation. The hardest part, I think, is choosing which one because there are so many good options. Big, suede totes are dominating my feed right now, but I’m also partial to petite leather styles.
3. Short sleeve knits
Like an elevated T-shirt that goes well with jeans or trousers for a polished look. I’ve had one on my wish list since last year and recently purchased an H&M version, which turned out to be disappointing. There are plenty of pricey cashmere options, but I’m hesitant to splurge on something that has such a short window of time it makes sense to wear (early fall when it’s not too hot and not too cold.)
Some promising options:
At the top end of my budget for this style is this Massimo Dutti one.
Aritzia has this new style that’s probably the closest to what I’m looking for, while my friend, Amanda, just got this version in grey that she said is so soft and worth it for the price.
I also like this grey option from Zara.
4. J. Crew sweaters
As a Canadian, the revival of the J.Crew catalogs doesn’t hit home for me the way it seems to for our friends across the border. We don’t even have a J.Crew location here anymore. But, I’ve been pining over this season’s sweater collection and have my eye on a few pieces in particular.
Last year, I couldn’t get my hands on J.Crew’s red v-neck cashmere sweater because of how fast it kept selling out, and this year, they updated the style with a cropped version. I love it, but it’s pricey, so I’m also eyeing this 100% cotton option that has a more relaxed look and wallet-friendlier price.
I have this inspo from @clairerose saved, and it looks like the sweater she’s wearing could be this J.Crew one (maybe?) I didn’t see this shade of blue available online a few weeks ago so they must’ve brought it back recently.
There’s a side of me that’s excited about the comeback of preppy rugby/polo sweaters. Though, I want something a little more modern and refined (and less like the American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch styles that bring me back to my high school days.) Something like this featherweight cashmere-blend long-sleeve polo shirt.
A good quality, grey v-neck sweater is a timeless staple and something I’m missing in my current wardrobe. I love the idea of it styled over a white crew-neck t-shirt and under a blazer, like this.
5. Brown pants
Getting a pair of tan-coloured corduroy pants last year was like a gateway to discovering more bottoms I love for everyday wear that aren’t jeans. I knew I wanted to add a pair of brown pants to the mix this year, and after debating between a few different styles—silk/satin, trousers or kick flare—I decided on the latter, which you may have seen if you joined me in the Substack chat.
In case you missed it, I opened up the Essential Reads chat as a way to quickly share shopping finds and good deals I stumble upon before things sell out or sales expire. I always intend to share my finds in these newsletters, but sometimes there’s not enough time to write and get them out, so I’ll use our chat to share them with you in real time.
This week, I shared that I tried on the Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pants (in chocolate brown) during a trip to the mall and ended up ordering them in my size and length online because of their 40% off sale happening right now. I know everyone talks about the High Sport version, and I personally had the Donni Rib Kick Flare in Espresso on my wish list, but I wasn’t even sure if this style of pant would suit me.
Trying on the similar style BR ones was helpful, plus knowing I could get a shorter length (it comes in petite) and discount on them, it just made the most sense to purchase the Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pants instead. As always, I’ll do a full review in an upcoming Was it worth it once I’ve gotten more wear out of them!
Now, your turn. What are some of your fall favourites or pieces you have on your wish list?
*This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. Including affiliate links helps support the work that goes into these newsletters, and I carefully select recommendations based on what I love and would wear, regardless of a commission. As always, thanks for your trust and support! x
Thanks for the excellent post, i also ordered the chocolate brown crop ponte pant from Banana Republic, comfortable, flattering,and versatile, no regrets with that sale purchase!
Loved your roundup! The navy polo sweater reminds me of a similar style I picked up from Banana Republic last fall. Mine has bell sleeves but loved it was merino wool for the winters.