Forget pumpkin spice anything! Fall leaves are in fashion. In perfect coordination with my recent post about fall leaf earrings, LOFT’s leafed sweater ($69.95, available in sizes XS-XL) makes for a stylish addition to your sweater weather wardrobe.
Yes, $70 is a lot to spend on a sweater, but if you keep an eye out for the right coupon code from your LOFT email subscription, you may be able to get a great deal on this autumnal must-have. I can see it now, styled with dark denim jeans & knee boots, corduroy pants & ankle booties, or leggings & suede flats for any fun, fall-friendly jaunt.
Actress & director Olivia Wilde has been in the news for all the catty behind-the-scenes gossip about her highly-anticipated sophomore film, Don’t Worry Darling, which also stars Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, & Chris Pine.
However, during a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Olivia was the epitome of effortless street style in a white tee & black wide leg pants, a look any cool gal tries & all women should!
Topped with black sunglasses, gold layered necklaces, & likely towering platforms, Olivia brought her 70s chic vibe to the streets of New York City & stage during the show to chat about all of the controversy her film has faced, offer her narrative behind casting decisions.
There are some styles that just never go out of fashion, can work on a variety of shapes, can be worn for different occasions, & that should just always continue to evolve from season-to-season for shoppers. During a recent trip to Kohl’s, I visited one of my favorite brands, LC Lauren Conrad, & was taken aback by the flowy shirred top in navy eclipse & mauve jewel (on sale: $36.99, available in sizes XS-XXL).
It’s not a particularly stunning or show-stopping top—not a major must-have, trend piece, for sure, but I’ve had this top in 4 other style / color combinations from a few years ago & it’s a regular piece that I wear any time of the year. 2 of the dotted styles are pictured below from past Instagram posts, but also, I have this top in pastel pink & black:
Instagram: @styledarlingdaily
I definitely appreciate the outfit versatility that this top offers, especially because it is flattering, lightweight, & feminine without too much drill. Also, I love that Lauren Conrad’s brand has made this top inclusive for plus shoppers in 0X-4X (on sale: $38.99) & petite sizes in XSP-XXLP (on sale: $36.99).
The light layers & loose fit are perfect for any bottom: a pencil skirt & cardigan for the office with stilettos, wide leg trousers & ankle boots for meetings, skinny jeans & a blazer for luncheons, & leggings & ballet flats for weekends. Most significantly, the mauve appears more of a rust in-person, which gets me outfit planning with other fall hues, like mustard or forest green. While I don’t have the tops yet in the pictured colors above, I’m just waiting for the next great Kohl’s coupon to add-to-cart to highlight with plaid, floral, or textured separates & delicate jewelry.
As tomorrow marks the last day of summer, I’m not quite ready to bid adieu to my maxi dresses & sandals. My heart just isn’t there yet, but my eyes are on the fashionable fall prize… & so is my finger as I click my mouse to Add-to-Cart! I can’t even think about wearing heavy layers or hefty fabrics, but they just kept finding their way into my social media. Case in point:
SHOP:tweed ballet flats in black @Ardene ($19.90, available in sizes 6-10). Not only do I adore the tweed fabric, but also, the chunky buckle across the pointy toe cries out for black polka dot tights & a cardigan with pencil skirt outfit—fit for any teacher or professor (like myself!) this fall.
Currently, Ardene has a 30% off on select shoes, for customers in the U. S., so this is getting more & more tempting! Tweed never goes out of style & creates the perfect juxtaposition of textures when paired with lace or florals of similar color scheme!
I was never usually one to normally collect kitschy themed accessories for holidays or seasons until I had my daughter. Now, I let her pick out my accessories through playing games & matching colors, almost as if outfit prepping for the week is a sparkly scavenger hunt. However, now that I’m full on fruits for summer & have plenty of bows & snowflakes for winter—not to mention all the flowers & bees for spring—it’s time to pay homage to fall. I have some leaf studs & charm or pendant necklaces, but they’re all very neutral in gold or antique gold. None are literally celebrating the autumn season… until now!
The pairing of maple leaves with an ombré stone effect are stylish for the office or classroom, but also offer enough bling for cocktail or special occasions. The gold & rust hues will pair well with earth tones offset against navy, denim, gray, or burgundy.
Getting ready for fall means finding new ways to wear old favorites, blending style & comfort, especially on the weekend & when working from home. I’ve been breaking out my leggings collection, deciphering what colors & styles need to be replenished, as well as outfit planning for casual Friday Zoom meetings. While I’m sad to see the summer go, the fall fashion possibilities on the horizon are exciting!
One such versatile & flattering tunic top that will get the job done for cooler days of work & play comes from Walmart, specifically the Scoop crinkle knit tunic top in red alert, heather grey, & black ($25.00, available in sizes XS-XXL).
Each of these colors would look fashionable with gold accessories, jeggings or faux leather leggings, & riding or ankle boots. Add on a plaid shacket & you’ve got an Instagrammable fall fashion “lewk.” Of course, I’d love it if my local Walmart stocked Scoop items because I’m curious about the appearance of the crinkle—if it looks too casual with ribbing or not. Scoop has some pretty highly recommended pieces from Walmart-centric influencers, so I say it’s a safe bet!
Instagram’s algorithm is working since it has identified that I love a deal & a pretty ballet flat. After over 8,000 posts, how could it not?! See examples below:
And as summer is turning into fall, I’m already scoping out bargains & must-haves to prepare for a sparkly holiday season!
So… when scrolling through my feed, I happened upon the Laura embellished pointed ballet flats in jacquard @ASOS ($35.00, available in sizes 4-12), which hit all the right style notes, in my opinion.
Aside from the pretty floral pattern, I love the rich color combination in conjunction with the jewel embellishment, both of which enable this flat to go from day to night. Imagine wearing this with a navy romper for a posh weekend brunch spot, with a hunter green suit & champagne blouse for an important meeting, a rust pullover sweater with dark denim skinny jeans for a game night with friends, or a cocktail dress & statement studs for a special occasion.
Even though the weather (here on Long Island) is teetering between summer & fall with summer heat still palpable, it’s sweater season in stores! Now is the best time to get the newest colors & cuts in woven wonders, especially if your fall wardrobe needs a refresh. A classic item to have handy for any rotation of fall outfits is a v-neck sweater in either bright or neutral colors—because, as I always say, the possibilities are endless!
SHOP: A New Day fine gauge v-neck sweater in black, dark brown, dark grey, green, magenta, navy blue, oatmeal, cream or light grey @Target ($22.00, available in sizes XS-4X).
I can definitely envision myself getting the green, magenta, & navy, especially to coordinate with a statement necklace & my favorite A New Day pants, leggings & knee boots, skinny jeans & ankle booties, or a pencil skirt & pointy flats for any given fall day! The neutral tones cry out for a bold or jewel-toned companion piece & the brighter colors would match well with any menswear-inspired trouser or juxtaposed texture in lace or jacquard.
During my recent escapade into the world of home organization—mainly for my cloffice & bedroom wardrobe space—I made an investment in pieces & fixtures to house my accessories collection. Although, my ambition was larger than it should have been since finally unpacking my duds & getting my sparkly style ducks in a row. Additionally, my favorite storage piece to keep in my bedroom for quick access to my most favorite & precious long strand necklaces & chain bracelets doesn’t even look like a typical organizer or jewelry box, which is exactly why I love it!
I decided to keep them in my bedroom for quick access, especially on a weekend when I don’t usually plan my outfits ahead of time, so that I could grab a staple long necklace & bracelet if a day of errands turned into family dropping by or going out to eat. Most pieces in each organizer are either neutral / all-purpose jewelry that would go with basically anything or something so special & treasured I want it handy right away. See below how it all turned out:
This is what it looks like closed!
They’re atop another duo of jewelry organizers & even though they’re a stark white against the ivory & beige tones of the bedroom, they’re so compact & useful, I actually don’t mind.
When it comes to fabrics & patterns, I have a set of what I like that suits my style. Not included in that is anything leather or faux leather, besides belts or shoes. A faux leather detail on a pant or top isn’t unheard-of for me, but a whole piece in it makes me fearful of overheating in the office, classroom, or during a special occasion. However, one affordable faux leather dress has me inspired & rethinking my whole point of view on the material.
Scoop’s faux leather pleated strapless midi dress in black, olive, or aubergine @Walmart ($54.00, available in sizes XS-XXL) is a machine washable polyester-spandex must-have piece in a timeless length to wear all year long—for real. The sweetheart neckline, A-line silhouette, & pleated midi skirt scream feminine, but juxtapose with an edgy look from the fabric.
Both Carrie Bradshaw & Blair Waldorf would wear this! This could be styled for day under a tied button-down shirt, blazer, & stilettos; under a slouchy sweater with knee boots & stacked bangles for fall; & with a studded cardigan, drop earrings, & ankle strap heels. For nighttime, try this with a choker & PVC heels, sparkling platforms & a leather jacket, or ankle boots & a neon clutch. Also, I thinking about the color combinations with the olive & aubergine options, mixing denim, brocade, plaid, houndstooth, or lace with it.
When it comes to prepping for the work week, most people schedule & plan out meals for lunch during work, but also at home, whether you’re single or providing for an entire family. However, on top of that, something that I try to do to make my harried mornings a little easier is outfit prep. A typical Sunday night includes me picking out 5-6 full outfits & folding them in a neat pile in order of when I will wear them so that I can get ready steadily each morning before I’m about to get my pre-schooler dressed & fed, along with embarking on my hour-long commute. Here are my steps to outfit prepping success:
1. Check the weather & your schedule. No matter the season, checking the weather will be helpful. For me, hot days mean dresses & laser cut flats with a lightweight sweater for the air conditioned office. Likewise, snow or rain mean that I need to be conscious of footwear & hair styling. Also, if you have an important meeting or post-work event, take into account how your outfit can transition.
2. Build the whole look. Even if I know I’ll be removing a cardigan or other layer for most of the day, I always keep one handy. I’m a cardigan girl, so all of my outfits include either a button-down, flyaway, or cropped topper to complete the look. I try to mix it up each day with length & color, so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing the same piece each day. Also, I put together a top with pants or a skirt & make a note of the shoes I’ll wear somewhere on my phone. I have too many shoes, so it’s worth it—for me—to ensure that I’m varying them each day. If it’s going to be a hectic week, of course, I’ll repeat out if sheer comfort needs!
3. Pre-select accessories. I have little dishes on my bedroom dresser handy for accessories, in addition to my jewelry boxes & trays that are organized by metal type. Upon selecting the outfit pieces, topper, & shoe, the accessories come next. I usually only do this for 2 days in advance to avoid cluttering my dresser Monday through Friday. This also ensures that I’m putting my jewelry away each day too. I have 5 piercings in each ear, so I select which earring will be the main one, if it’s a drop, hoop, or stud, & then grab a card or 2 of smaller options for my other holes that I’ll grab easily as I’m getting dressed. This applies to necklaces & bracelets too. Also, if I need a belt, I pick one that coordinates with my jewelry.
4. Check for imperfections. I don’t really own much that needs to be ironed or steamed, but I like to plan in advance for those outfits. Rather than folding them on my dresser, as seen below, I’ll steam ahead of time & leave the item hanging somewhere they won’t be in the way if I’m not wearing it until the end of the week & where it will remain in tact. The same goes for checking for fit, holes, missing buttons, stains, etc. You don’t want to be halfway to work when you realize that there’s something irreversibly wrong—in the moment—with your outfit, especially right before a major meeting too!
5. Grab an extra look. I sometimes get overly ambitious with an outfit that I plan, but then when the day comes & maybe the weather changes or I’m feeling bloated, I change my mind & want something more comfortable. Also, I consider factors before & after my work day, such as any errands to run or stops to make, so I’m comfortable & capable to perform those tasks & my outfit doesn’t interfere.
6. Hair! I’m curly all summer long & since my work days have been light lately, I’ve relied on a claw clip or barrette, but once the cooler weather arrives, I’ll straighten my locks & turn to scrunchies, bobby pins, or hair ties, so I plan in advance if I have something that coordinates well with a particular look. It usually ends up on a dish with the jewelry too.
7. Keep it up. The usual Monday mornings when I realize I’ve forgotten to outfit prep somehow always become my most stressful days, setting the tone for more stress. The more frequently I outfit prep to get myself mentally & physically prepared for the week, the calmer I can start my day. Also, by maintaining a weekly outfit prep schedule, at least for a 9-5, I spend more time with my wardrobe & then remember better what I’ve worn recently to make sure I’m getting the most out of my investment by not wearing the same handful of pieces each week & rotating old favorites that make me happy.
8. Adapt as necessary. If you keep grabbing the same top each week, planning to wear it & then you change your mind each time, maybe it’s time to donate it since you may never actually wear it. Similarly, you might find that you’re wearing all black all the time & you’re missing other brighter colors; then, set a goal for the week to celebrate patterns or include a neon each day or coordinate a different take on animal print on Fridays.
To conclude, there definitely other things we all worry about that are way more important in our lives, but if feeling prepared for the week & expressing yourself through your clothing are major facets of who you are, try to outfit prep. Playing dress-up doesn’t have to be just for special occasions. Having fun with what you wear helps with confidence & definitely reduces my anxiety about what lies ahead each week.
Fall fashion doesn’t usually shout out polka dots—at least not like spring & summer style do—but that doesn’t mean it’s not a pattern you can rely on. I love a polka dot piece, especially because it means that I can mix another pattern with it. Particularly, polka dots can work with leopard, stripes, florals, & abstract prints when done right. An easy way to dip your toes into pattern mixing with polka dots—wait for the pun to click—is through an accessory or finishing piece, such as a polka dot shoe.
The Ollio dot pattern ballet comfort pointed toe flat in black @Amazon ($29.99, available in sizes 6-11) is a subtle, stylish, & playful way to incorporate polka dots into your look. I love the pointer toe, which is fashion forward for a street style look, but also elongating for a professional & confident outfit for work.
I’m obsessed with these flats in the black & white combination, especially with the possibility of pairing them with a floral dress, as well as some colorblocking with patterned tights. When experimenting with pattern mixing, try matching up colors that work in both patterns to find success, as seen in my previous black & white outfit post. However, if trying to coordinate black & white polka dot flats like these with another print, then I suggest keeping it solid with classic neutrals, like black pants or dark denim jeans & a bold solid sweater or top in red, magenta, yellow, or royal blue, all of which will really make the polka dots pop.
I definitely love the idea of matching any of these up with floral counterparts when the warmer weather returns, as well as with lighter & more delicate cotton pieces that can be found on sale on the major end-of-season clearance blowout racks.
I’d like to write a whole fairy tale about one princess’ quest to find the perfect leopard print pencil skirt, but when I, as a fashion blogger, can make this story a reality, it’s probably better to just get right to the point. As the transition of seasons approaches, most may think that pastels & lighter weight pieces must be hidden in the back of the closet & taken out of rotation, but that’s not the case when it comes to a versatile leopard print piece. Whether wearing the popular pattern as a top or bottom, or through accessories, it’s timeless for any Style Darling & presents a unique styling opportunity.
However, when it comes to a professional look that offers both creativity & boldness, I recommend a leopard print pencil skirt. This is one of my power pieces—in lieu of a preferred power suit. Leopard print can include any color combination from the traditional golden-khaki-black to fun & bright tones too.
These skirts can be paired with a button down shirt & stilettos, tee/cardigan combo with pointed ballet flats, scoop neck sweater & statement necklace, or cami/blazer + drop earrings, which is only the beginning, playing up different hues. Try a red, mustard, burgundy, or olive top with a more neutral-toned leopard skirt or for the yellow, pink, & blue option shown, mix it up with a pinstripe shirt with tennis shoes, ombre tee & denim jacket, or pastel sweater set & platforms to emphasize your softer side—no matter the trends or season.
The picture from 2017 was taken in front of my parents’ house in Lake Grove for my first day of teaching (as Professor LeClair) a college class & I had no idea the path I was about to fashionably forge or how my life would change over the next 5 years! When I recently uncovered the tropical dress from deep storage (that I was unable to unpack or even mentally tackle for a good 2 years), I remembered that I hadn’t worn the dress since that very first, nerve-wracking day of a career I never wanted; however, with the launch of my sixth academic year as an English professor (as Professor Gambino), I thought it was “fitting” to break it out again.
Of course, I accessorized it differently, opting for white accents & skipped the belt, but it’s good to know that 40 or do classes later, I still got it! The top picture on the right was taken this morning, a beautiful summer morning as the buzz of academia awaited me & called so many back to their jobs after a long break. I’d like to look back on both of these moments as bursting with possibility & new starts, reminding myself that they do come back around, even when it seems like fate has stuck you in a never-ending cycle.
Ultimately, recycling old favorites to make them feel new again & doing my very best to live the stylish life (one day at a time) are goals that I hope to uphold now that I’ve reclaimed a part of myself (& my style) in finally having my wardrobe where I want it to be. Stay tuned for more detailed updates on the unveiling of my cloffice (a.k.a. Style Darling Daily headquarters).
As for the outfit: The dress is an oldie from my stylist days @Dressbarn, as is the black bolero. The recent picture includes a @New York & Company cardigan & @Ardene flats, as well as oldie @Dressbarn drop earrings.
While the weather is still prime summer here on Long Island, it’s definitely cardigan season in stores. Beyond shoes, earrings, & dresses, I’m a sucker for cardigans—my favorite, feminine outfit topper for any occasion. It’s definitely been part of my regular work uniform for decades now! Some may argue that cardigans are “frompy,” but I love the variety of necklines, button styles, sleeve lengths, & other special details that transform a look from everyday to special. Not to mention that a cozy knit sweater is super comfortable compared to an overly-structured blazer—just my opinion.
My go-to source to shop for cardigans is New York & Company. Even though they’re strictly online now, they continue to be reliable & impressive with their cardigan selection for the professional & fashionable Style Darling. While they reproduce their staple Chelsea cardigan each fall, my hunt for something different in terms of a cardigan always leads to success with this retailer. Specifically, the peplum button-front cardigan (on sale: $39.00) is available in sizes XS-XXL & in 4 rich & regal colors: black, dark purple, golden seal, & navy.
The flattering fit & flare look is the perfect options to show off your shape when pairing it with a blouse or cami, along with skinny jeans, straight leg printed trousers, bootcut pants, a pleated skirt, or a pencil skirt. These fall-ready hues are ideal to match with the season’s most popular patterns & materials, such as plaid, lace, velvet, jacquard, faux leather, or dark denim. However, I’ll add these to my cart when the price drops a little more and/or I receive a reward certificate in order to get the best possible deal since this cardigan is categorized as a “City Steal” & is excluded from most of their coupon code deals.
When it comes to fall fashion, bold florals don’t usually come to mind first, but I like mixing it up when the seasons change with unexpected pops of colors so as not to look like everyone else in plaid & still challenge myself. Anyway, expressing one’s style isn’t about following trends!
Florals are not for everyone & I typically veer my style attention away from a traditional grandmother/curtain-looking floral; however, one pair of floral flats that I’ve had since last year always seems to stay in rotation. I love the Dream Paris casual pointed toe ballet comfort soft slip on flat shoes in floral @Amazon (on sale: $21.99 & available in sizes 5-12) for the color versatility with magenta, purple, white, neon green, navy, & black.
I’ve worn these to the office with virtually every solid maxi dress that I own, paired with a crochet bolero or cardigan, as well as with different pant & blouse outfits. After getting another closet look at them online & wearing them on & off cue the last few months, I suspect that the floral pattern placement on each pair may vary, as seen with my shoes below.
For fall, I even love mixing these flats with a navy & magenta outfit, as well as a black & purple color-blocked look. Not to mention that the shoes are perfect beyond the office with a shift or fit & flare dress for a special occasion. They’re super comfortable & I get so many compliments on them every time I wear them.
Additionally, they’re reduced in priced from $35.99 & have a 4/5 rating from over 7,000 reviews! However, one downside is that they’re not available for shoppers needing a wide width size.
When I find an article of clothing I like & can see myself wearing it on the daily, I become obsessed & can’t stop thinking about all the styling possibilities & if I should just get 1 every color! Sometimes, 1 in every color is excessive, but when it’s comfortable & versatile for nearly any season, why not?
With over 26,000 reviews, a 4.2/5 rating, & a variety of over 20 colors to choose from for both necklines, I’ve added to cart! Though, I prefer more of a scoop neck, as opposed to v, myself. Also, I appreciate that this is a piece I can share with readers of any size too!
I’d style these with any kind of printed pant for heading back to the classroom, such as a window pane or plaid, with pointed ballet flats; a pencil skirt in lace or jacquard with stilettos; dark denim jeans with ankle booties & a statement necklace; or a jeweled cardigan & my favorite dress pants. As I await my order to arrive, I’m super excited to share another fabulous 1 in every color find since timeless, fashionable, & comfortable basics—at the right price—are a must-have for any time of the year, as well as for any professional or social situation. I could wear this casually for a lunch date with friends on the weekend or dress it up with some luxe satin or blinged out pieces for somewhere fancier.
We finally know who killed Bunny Folger! Don’t worry—no major spoilers areas. Just some fashion talk!
As many of you may have already seen, the epic season 2 finale of Only Murders in the Building is now available on Hulu, resolving & shocking audiences with hints as to what’s to come for the already highly anticipated third season!
During the episode, Mabel Mora, played spectacularly by Selena Gomez, attends a Broadway production in a stunning one-shoulder emerald satin gown with a high slit.
Images for a full view of the dress are not yet available online, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take inspiration from Mabel’s vintage chic style & the wondrous costume designing of Emmy nominee Dana Covarrubias.
While we all don’t have luxurious lifestyles or red carpet events to attend, keeping that special gown or evening look in the back of your closet is always a good idea—just in case. Unsure of who actually designed Mabel’s show-stopping gown, I surfed the web to offer up these high-end versions, even though Mabel’s right arm is visibly out:
For the budget-conscious Style Darling who’s loving Mabel’s jewel-tone choice, here are some more affordable options to capture the ease & drama of the look:
One style of shoe that’s growing on me (& the trendiest this past spring-summer) is the mule, which always gave me pause since I like to feel a footwear all around my foot—with the exception of flip-flops. However, as I’m getting ready—mentally & stylishly—for the fall semester, as many teachers & professors are, I have my sights set on fashionable, but comfortable footwear.
The Time & Tru twist mule @Walmart ($16.98, available in sizes 6-11) is the answer, especially in black & blush! The low heel & twisted front present a stylish option to coordinate with any blouse & trousers look for parent-teacher conferences, a midi dress & cardigan for the first day of school, or a pair of dark denim jeans with a button-down.
Also, one thing to keep in mind when viewing the miles online versus in person is the difference in shade for the blush pair, as seen below from my discovery of the shoe in-person:
I did try these on & they were comfortable. I didn’t get far walking in them, but they’re still on my mind. I do wish they were available in navy or olive since those are some of my favorite summer-to-fall transition hues.
During a quick browse around the accessories & jewelry departments of my local Walmart, I sought to catch some clearance deals by Time & Tru. Even though my jewelry collection is very full & not lacking in any way, I decided to treat myself anyway to earrings that are different from what I already have & that I knew I’d wear—& for a bargain! to boot!
The following earrings selected are not available online to be linked, but that means you should head to your local store to get that deal for any look, along with other can’t-miss end of the season mark downs!
A mixed metal earring is perfect for a floral printed ensemble, like a sheath dress, maxi, or matching shorts & cropped top in order to accentuate the different tones of gold, silver, & rose gold.
Love the mixed metals here!For $2, I had to get these!
When looking for a classic, but unique stud, these pink studs will soften up any harder look in leather with jeans, a blouse, & boots.
I bought these months ago & was glad to see them still around for other shoppers to grab!
Colorful jewelry works for any time of year, especially with a colorblock dress paired with stilettos & a cuffed blazer.
I’m not a big fan of hoops, but I love the flare these have with the mixed colorful threading.
When trying a dramatic & romantic look with subtle sparkle, these earrings will get the job done for a jewel tone or cable knit sweater & faux leather pencil skirt.
Love these studs to pair with other silver or beaded pieces!
Getting ready for fall means that it’s time to start planning days of apple & pumpkin picking or heading out to a winery before the frost gets here—at least on Long Island anyway! Outfits with boots & any outdoor friendly pieces are essential, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. One fall-friendly piece is a tunic that works with a variety of separates & occasions, no matter if you’re headed out or planning a cozy weekend inside with a good book or to binge on the next best Netflix original.
Time & Tru’s ribbed tunic top @Walmart ($15.98) is available in 4 colors (black soot, papyrus beige heather, green chili, & sheet salmon) & sizes XS-XXXL. I’ve ordered the black & green tops, looking forward to work from home days. I’d be ready for any Zoom meetings in this by throwing on a statement necklace or drop earrings. Another way you can also coordinate these tops is with faux leather leggings & a flannel, skinny jeans with riding boots & a long necklace, or an athleisure look with paneled leggings & tennis shoes.
I’m still all about summer right now, but the new fall fashions are everywhere. As I’ve been sorting & organizing my wardrobe to prepare for the upcoming fall semester, I find myself in need of a hosiery refresh, which is just in time to catch the last days of Target’s 30% off Clothing, Accessories, & Shoes discount through the Target app, which expires on Sat 8/20. I’ve hit add-to-cart on a bunch of black patterned tights by A New Day to keep my legs protected when the temperature drops, but my style high with a variety of prints to go with any outfit.
Try florals against solid separates or when colorblocking. Perhaps, going with menswear inspiration or something geometric would contrast a polka dot or brocade look for fall. Also, there’s animal print to consider which would highlight the dichotomy of edgy & soft when playing up an unexpected neon look for fall!
Just as fruit prints & tropical patterns are signature to summer, houndstooth is a symbol of fall as fashion transitions from the lightweight to the heavier layers. In fact, wearing houndstooth is one of my favorite ways to greet the fall, no matter the color combination, although black & white is the more traditional route. I love a modern take on houndstooth with varying sizes, styles, & colors; particularly, the new Check It Out collection @New York & Company. The black houndstooth that we all love to wear with more subdued solids is brightened with more than white as we see bright yellows, kelly green, & even magenta to experiment with this fashion forward menswear-inspired print. I’ve selected a few tops, bottoms, & shoes that are my favorites to recommend anyone who dares to be bold with this striking pattern.
First, I love the combination of houndstooth on these tops with the details over a trimmed neckline, neck-tie bow, & solid collar, which are perfect to match with a pencil skirt & pumps, joggers & ankle boots, or jeans & ballet flats.
Next, houndstooth certainly makes a style statement on the lower half, especially when coordinating with a pullover sweater & layered necklaces, classic tee & statement necklace, or pleated cami & tailored blazer.
Playing up houndstooth in your footwear evokes confidence & tons of personality, especially when adding that wow factor to a pinstripe suit & button-down shirt or sweater dress & choker.
As we’re headed into mid-August & all the back-to-school merchandise is out in stores, it’s an exciting time to get thinking about fall fashion & how to transition favorite summer pieces into the next season. Particularly, when starting the new school year, having versatile, stylish pieces that are also comfortable–bonus!–makes the getting ready process easier & more exciting.
For example, Walmart‘s Time & Tru brand strikes again with the printed midi dress with flutter sleeves($19.98) available in sizes XS-XXXL & 4 patterns: green chili, papyrus beige patchwork, sheer salmon, & winter white watercolor ditsy.
Another options includes Time & Tru’s 3/4 sleeve smocked midi dress($24.98), which is also available in sizes XS-XXXL & 4 patterns: rustic red painted peony, black plaid, papyrus beige patchwork, & peach glaze batik leaves.
Of course, any of these dresses would like darling with a pair of neutral slides, a charm bracelet, & some drop earrings for this summer, but the classic & colorful prints match with some signature fall hues, including burgundy, mustard, olive, navy & brown, which is why the following cardigan suggestions are perfect to match up with these dresses for cooler days.
Now is the perfect time of year to stock up on new summer favorites that can be worked into your summer-to-fall transition wardrobe, but also to hang onto for next year–or that surprise winter vacation you may take to a tropical location or resort destination! Just this morning, J.Crew Factory bombed my email advertising that their extra 70% off on clearance sale has been extended, with code: FLASH70! Here are my Top 5 stylish suggestions to add to your summer wardrobe arsenal!
First, to get the most out of your maxi skirts & linen shorts before the heat dies down, a feminine cami in a neutral or bold hue coordinates well for a night on the boardwalk or afternoon party. Additionally, the cami is a staple piece for under a blazer, low-cut sweater, or cardigan when opting for luxe layers.
SHOP: scalloped cami top, limited availability in sizes 00-20 & 9 colors / patterns, priced: $9.00-$15.00 after code: FLASH70.
Next, two of my favorite summer trends are combined with the tank below. I love a playful pattern, but also a smocked effect because stretch is a friend, especially across the bustline. The peplum & shoulder-tie details add to the whimsy of this tank, especially when paired with cropped jeans & wedges or cut-off shorts & slide sandals.
SHOP: smocked tie-shoulder tank top, limited availability in sizes XS-3X & 5 colors / patterns, priced: $9.00 after code: FLASH70.
Additionally, basic isn’t always bad, especially when a tiered dress like this can be dressed up with a statement necklace, woven belt, wedges & a clutch when headed to a waterfront dinner or with some metallic flip flops & floppy hat for running errancds.
SHOP: sleeveless knit tiered mini dress, limited availability in sizes XXS-3X & 4 colors / patterns, priced: $5.10-$10.50 after code: FLASH70.
Also, footwear for summer shouldn’t be bland, especially when fun & flirty patterns can be mixed & matched. For example, a printed slide can work with a printed top, as in the stripes can play well against polka dots & the palm print would highlight colorblocking too!
SHOP: printed knot slide sandals, limited availability in sizes 5-12 & 3 patterns, priced: $16.50 after code: FLASH70.
Finally, during the hottest days of the summer, I try to keep jewelry to a minimum, unless I’m at work, which is why these colorful necklaces are fashionable options to wear with a blouse-pencil-skirt-cardigan combination or printed suit with embellished flats.
Style Darling Daily 