B L O G P O S T //
I save the best items in my closet for fall. There's just something so incredibly comforting about cozy knits and soft wools. And yes, the weather is (finally for us in Los Angeles!) turning a bit more chilly, but that doesn't mean the pretty dresses have to disappear this season! I really love wearing dresses year round, and it takes a bit of styling creativity to wear dresses in cold weather but it really can do done. Below are some examples of how I style my fall and winter looks with dresses:
LOOK 1 : Warm knit dress with boots and a scarf
Apricity's DECEMBER Dress in Charcoal.
It's not surprising that ponte knit is one of our favorite fabrics for so many reasons that I won't get into here! But for fall and winter fashion, it's essential because of the sheer comfort and wearing ease of the generous stretch in fabric. The double knit of ponte is heavier and more substantial than say, a jersey knit, and heavier fabric means it's also warmer!
Dresses with boots is a classic, and in this look, I paired the dress with point toe smoky gray granny lace up boots from Frye. But since the overall look is so dark and monotone, a clean ivory plaid scarf brightens the outfit, and I selected a rich red leather handbag to set off the color in the scarf and also give this a little unexpected pop.
Styled with: BURBERRY Giant check cashmere scarf in White (seems to be sold out but a pretty pink version is available! Honestly, I want it now.)| Frye Harlowe lace-up boots | J. Crew Monogrammed Claremont purse in Red |
LOOK 2 : Layering dresses with layers. And even more layers
Personally, I really love looks like this: a classic collared shirt layered under a cute apron top or dress, instantly gives the look some polish and creates a wear to work essential! It's a very quirky secretary chic look that speaks to me on so many levels, and Apricity dresses work wonderfully layered with collared button down shirts or pretty blouses with scarf ties or pussy bows.
Apricity's Top + Skirt Set in Black.
Styled with: By Toni two tone handmade leather zippered clutch in Camel + Black | Forever21 scarf tie elbow sleeve blouse in Peach | Janie Bryant x Shoes of Prey platform lace-up oxfords |
Autumn elegance with Apricity's LAWN Skirt in Black.
The easiest winter style hack? Just throw a cardigan over it. I have a whole section of my closet dedicated to cardigans. Simple, basic button up sweaters in all colors of the rainbow that instantly transfers a summer look into a fall one. It's so brilliantly simple, and it's really my go-to when I just don't have the bandwidth to put together a better planned outift.
Styled with : J. Crew cashmere V neck cardigan | Una Hats handmade hat in taupe wool | Stuart Weitzman 100mm Benefit over the knee boot in Black |
And what's even easier and quite possibly the easiest solution of all? Just throw a coat over it! I don't know if this is a shopping hack, but this is just my shopping pattern for big ticket items like fine quality beautiful winter coats: I just wait until the some 50% or 60% super fire sale at J.Crew. J.Crew recycles a lot of their designs, and their outerwear collection for women more or less stays about the same. Trust me, these coats are like the Energizer bunny, they just keep going and going and going and the quality has consistently held up over the years.
If you're building wardrobe staples, select a dress length coat in a muted neutral: you can't go wrong with black, but keep in mind that I have a mint green Cocoon coat that I've been wearing for YEARS. I keep thinking that maybe one day I'll wake up and be suddenly repulsed by the color, but its 2019 and it hasn't yet happened. Last season, I was really feeling this blush pink coat I scored at JCrew Factory for next to nothing, but Mustard Yellow, Camel, Red, Navy, and Ivory are all heavy hitters in my winter wardrobe.
Apricity's SUNDAY dress styled with | Banana Republic wool lady coat in Stone |
Hope this was helpful and stay warm out there, folks...and until next time!
xo ~Eileen