Good morning!
As I debated topics for this week, I remembered it’s always best to write what you know (a college professor’s wisest wisdom) and what I know, right now, is to start planning one’s fall wardrobe. The seasons will change, folks! And this past week’s crisp early mornings were a glorious reminder of that wonderful fact.
While we’ve been sweating profusely for what feels like an eternity, Instagram has been feeding me fall fashion inspiration since the fourth of July. It took me years to come to terms with the harsh reality of creating a fall wardrobe: you can’t build it once the season has arrived. It will be too late. Of course, that’s the dramatic angle of the situation, but I have been ‘burned’ one too many times (read: waited to long to buy something for fall and it has sold out) to have not finally learned my lesson.
As someone who has lived for clothes shopping since I was about two years old, I am shocked that my semi-relaxed attitude toward building a fall wardrobe lasted as long as it did. With that August birthday of mine, my ‘wish list’ growing up was always new clothes for school - fall pieces that were not truly needed until November - which I would then wear in September when it was still far too warm for any of it. Nevertheless, I wore most of it anyway.
I was the kid wearing turtlenecks when it was still 75 degrees (chic). I opted for sweaters when I knew I’d be sweating in them. I chose socks and sneakers when it was still sandal season. I have always loved fall and while my attempts to manifest the cooler temps didn’t actually work, my zest for the new season never wavered.
Fall is the best season for clothes, cooler weather, and (thankfully) far more manageable hair (a topic for another time). Plus, there’s foliage! What’s not to love? I won’t dive into all of the other awesome angles of autumn, so let’s just say this: summer is super, but fall is fabulous.
A quote from Habitually Chic regarding building one’s fall wardrobe will stick with me forever: “If you’re not sweating while buying a winter coat, you’re doing it wrong.” #Truth.
In an attempt to keep you interested, dare you click away to read something you find more exciting, below is a brief list of brands to keep on your radar for fall outfits. As I identify as a Clothes Collector I don’t think I am going to be adding too much to my closet this year, but that won’t stop me from looking or recommending pieces for you. However, time will tell…
If you thought I loved to talk about food, which I do, I love to talk about denim and coats and bags and shoes even more. How is that possible? Well, my shopping taste buds emerged first, friends, so if you need any style assistance…I am here for you!
Fall Wardrobe Starter Pack: Brand Recommendations
Note: I try my best to only recommend brands I am actively wearing. I will be sure to note if it is a piece or brand I’m considering buying/trying versus actually incorporating into my daily wardrobe.
Alex Mill - From summer staples to winter wardrobe workhorses, this is a brand I turn to each season for pieces I wear again and again. I lived in their tees all summer as well as the long linen dresses (for work and weekends). For fall I turn to their cotton button-back sweaters and come winter I rely on the men’s cashmere crew neck for the months of frigid temps. Yes, the men’s sweaters (size down one) are perfect for women, too.
Agolde - A denim line that has won me over through the years, I turn to Agolde for fashion-forward denim that is comfortable and easy to wear with everything else in my closet. I have recently leaned into the wider-leg styles and either cuff the hem or shorten it with scissors. I’d recommend trying a few styles and sizes to find your favorite fit.
Citizens of Humanity - This denim brand has made an incredible comeback. I was wearing CoH long ago, then it seemed to disappear, and now it’s back with a fan base that’s larger than ever. I love the variety of styles, washes, and fits and while it can take a few tries to find a favorite pair, I always come back to this brand when I want to feel my best out and about. I wore the cotton twill Marcelle Cargo all summer and will definitely wear them into fall with denim jackets and sweaters.
Madewell - What can’t this company do? Not only is their denim great (and available in petites), but they always have a vast assortment of tops, jackets, and sweaters to strongly consider as well. I highly recommend the new barrel-leg denim which I wore for my birthday and I’m eyeing everything in the ‘Drapey Twill Capsule.’
Varley - Whether you want an athleisure set for Sunday morning or a chic sweatshirt for running errands, Varley has quickly become my favorite for the softest, coolest-looking comfy clothes on the market. I love everything they make including their jackets - I have two which I wear constantly once the temp stays below 60.
Vince - A luxurious brand that has fantastic sales. Keep your eye on their site for sales on pieces through the fall as I got an amazing wool/cashmere coat for over 50% off last year before coat season really began (such a dream). I also recommend their super soft sweaters and sneakers - the Blair slip-on style has been a personal favorite for a long time.
Now, a spot of honesty: I was strongly considering adding a paywall for the list above because there is a decent amount of time and effort that goes into this newsletter each week. It is something I am debating as more and more writers are putting all of their Substack (the platform you’re reading this on) content behind a paywall. I wouldn’t do that to you.
You won’t have to pay for my ramblings or random thoughts. But I am considering a subscription fee for future tips/tricks/lists related to food and fashion. As Peloton-instructor and incredibly inspiring human Robin Arzon reminds us all, “Know your worth. Then add tax.”
Until next time!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie