Creating a Timeless Fall Wardrobe

There are few moments in the year that inspire cozy and familiar feelings more than fall.  The ability to wear scarves that double as blankets and find sweaters that are both soft and warm is amazing.  In fall, fashion trends up the ante with unique sweater shapes and fantastic call colors but how do you create a fall wardrobe that looks fantastic in all the holiday photos but doesn’t have to be updated every year?  I got you.  Here are the top five ways you can put together a wardrobe that stands the test of time.

1 \\ Quality over quantity

With the advent of Everlane and Quince, quality, natural materials are more affordable than ever before.  Invest in cashmere and organic cotton pieces that better regulate body temperature while lasting longer in your wardrobe.  Cotton, wool, alpaca, and cashmere are being made in easy to wash options that don’t pill or come out of the dryer misshapen.  The best part of buying higher quality materials is that once you buy that sweater that fits perfectly, you will never have to rebuy it.

2 \\ Layer your summer gear

After moving to the northeast from Texas, I had no idea how to dress for the colder months.  I had one sweater and a coat that was more decorative than warm.  I realized I had a plethora of summer clothing: silk tanks, cotton t-shirts, and, of course, thousands of leggings.  I layer those naturally insulating layers under my new winter duds and found that I could saunter out into the snow with no problems.

3 \\ Be thoughtful about your shoe choices

I am one of those people who gets pumped about Christmas the second the weather gets one degree colder.  #noshame But, have six pairs of Christmas themed shoes is not helpful when I want to put together an outfit for a work party. I invested in solid colored shoes (navy, nude, and red) that can be worn year-round while also adding flair to a holiday outfit.  This same perspective goes for most of your wardrobe.  Shoes purchased for one event tend to gather dust in your closet.  Opt for choices that don’t require an invitation to be worn.

4 \\ COMFORT

I am sure I do not need to say much here but I will be frank.  In your 20s, the platform stilettos were worth the pain to get the photo but in your 30s, you start to donate the shoes and seek out designers who can meld comfort and fashion.  It isn’t just shoes, however, you will never wear a sweater that is itchy, no matter how cute it is or reach for a dress that requires a yard of boob tape to keep in place.

5 \\ Have a color palette

The single best thing I did to create a cohesive fall wardrobe was to choose a color palette and stick to it.  Now, I have the ability to mix and match my entire wardrobe because they are no tones or colors that do not fit together.  I remember having a bright purple sweatshirt that never went with anything; no shoes nor pants ever worked.  So, I never wore the sweatshirt, ever.  Five years after buying, the sweatshirt was donated, NWT.