I’m loving these cooler days & chillier nights so that I can rediscover my cozier clothes, like reconnecting with old friends. I will miss the stylish ease of my maxi dresses, but fall can’t be denied. When it comes to dressing casually, but fashionably, I love a solid piece that can be coordinated with variety of separates for multiple occasions.

SHOP: bateau-neck banded top in wild berries, black, arctic blue, gentle mauve, & paper white @New York & Company (on sale: $16.00, available in sizes XS-XXL). This is a perfect match with printed leggings & a scarf, dark denim jeans & knee boots with a puffer vest, a sequin pencil skirt & drop earrings, or velvet pants & ballet flats with a statement necklace.

Truth be told, I bought all of the colors (except for the gentle mauve) with a birthday reward from New York & Company & I couldn’t happier with the decision. Though the poly-blend material needs a good steam before wearing right out of the package, this top is not only a staple for a casual Friday, but a mainstay in my weekly rotation with printed pants! My only wish is that there were other colors to choose from, like teal, olive, red, purple, or gray.

How would you style this top? Do you bateau necklines? What about waist-banding on a hem? For more stylish posts, check out: a fall-ready sweater from LOFT, fashion flashbacks with Naomi Watts & Gwyneth Paltrow, & the season 3 trailer for Emily in Paris! Happy Styling!