FALL 2023: An Autumn Lookbook
Autumn is an energizing time of fruitfulness and revival. The summer heat is passing, and a cool crispness takes its place, giving everyone a little more pep in their step. The trees deck themselves out in glorious color, and the fruits and vegetables come in an array of coordinating tones. I love this time of year for its color, its weather, and its opportunities to bring people together.
In fashion, Fall 2023 has seen a real embracing of the colors of autumn! Rich reds, vibrant yellows, tonal greens & browns are in full force both on the runways & in the stores. The summer’s quiet luxury trend of soothing neutrals is still going strong, but in cozier knits & weaves. Classic boots, belts, denim, and coat styles are still very much “in fashion” - reinforcing a societal shift in buying lifetime investment pieces that will go the distance versus cheaper micro-trends.
A housekeeping note:
Per your votes in my IG poll (thank you for the input!) - I have separated the lookbooks by price categories, Budget & Investment. I have alway sprinkled in amazing deals in my posts, but I realized that it wasn’t clear for you which ones were at a lower price range! Investment pieces are the backbone of a long-lasting wardrobe, so I have included lots of lovely investment pieces to consider as well. I hope that this new layout is easier for you! I also have revisited my old numbered format, so that I can explain why I think each item is worth shopping. I will also mark sale items with “SALE”, so that you know which ones are already in clearance and have a better chance at snagging the deals you are after. I often shop clearance sections from higher-end brands in order to give you the best value for money.
HAPPY SHOPPING!
GOLDEN HUES
Pale Yellow Dress: SALE - Lovely cotton dress in a pale yellow, that will take you through the warm days of autumn & then serve you very well in the spring! This shade of cool yellow is IDEAL for paler skin types.
Orange Open Knit: SALE - This light cotton sweater is the perfect transitional weight as the weather cools. A relaxed cropped style, that won’t bulge at the waist, and comes in a lovely oatmeal too.
3. Gold/Navy Paisley Top: SALE - This is a real winner for me - what a bargain! Boden makes such fun feminine clothes & this top is a great example. The golden yellow design is set on navy, making this top work for really any skin tone.
4. Pale Yellow Chino: SALE - This faded yellow chino pant has fantastic reviews! Such a lovely color for pairing with other pieces through the season & into next spring.
5. Saffron Velvet Loafer: This stunning saffron yellow loafer is SUCH a good price!!! A Walmart designer collaboration item. A great gateway piece if you haven’t investing velvet shoes before - you will be hooked! Style with jeans or with dresses this fall & winter for an elegant Italianate look.
6. Yellow HUNTER Wellies: This was a follower request, and I’m so glad they did! Wellies are essential Fall/Winter items, and these Hunter wellies are significantly reduced.
DOEN Mustard Shift: This darling cotton shift has popped up on European influencers feeds all summer! It is pricier, but it does look like a fabulous classic style, with multi-seasonal uses. Pair with boots in the fall & sandals in the summer.
Saffron Velvet Slipper: This Italian brand is the real deal. I see Europeans wearing them constantly, and from the beach to dinner in the city with such ease. I’ve heard they are beautifully made & last a very long time. Just an elegant touch to an easy outfit!
3. Golden Velvet Booties: This style of bootie/short boot is so classic and timeless. I have this boot in 3 colors I collected over the years & have worn them to death! They pair perfectly with any pant type, and looks chic under skirts too. This golden velvet is so so pretty! Will instantly glamorize any outfit. How lovely would these pair with black or denim? Stunning.
4. Yellow Fitted Dress: SALE - This gorgeous cotton dress is such a happy color! A bright fun addition to any wardrobe. Wear with chunky cardigans through the autumn with flats or boots.
5. Tangerine Jeans: SALE - I am in love with these pale orange jeans. These will pair beautifully with pinks, blues, greens, and neutrals. A great piece to help bring some warmth of color into your Fall/winter wardrobe!
blush harvest
Red Eyelete Blouse: SALE - This top is so pretty! The eyelete forms the prettiest design, and the puff sleeves make this truly special.
Apricot Chino Pant: SALE - These are the same as the pale yellow above, and I love this color too. Such a warm color to pair with green, grey, navy, etc as we move into winter.
Pink Floral Fitted Top: SALE - This such a fun date night top! I think this would pair beautifully with a full skirt, for a smooth fitted waistline. reviews say to size down!
4. Blush 3/4 Sleeve Blouse: SALE - Such a lovely subtle blush tone, this feminine cotton blouse is another winner from Boden’s clearance. Will pair beautifully with sweaters through fall/winter, and then on its own in the spring.
5. Red & Purple LIBERTY Top: Liberty prints are so beautiful, and the colors on this top are gorgeous! I love this top for dressing up casual outfits that little bit - think appointments, zoom meetings, lunch dates etc.
6. Poppy Flower Button-Down: The Poppy flower print on this top really makes it special & fun. Poppy flowers are also a lovely way of remembering our veterans, so its a good piece to have in your wardrobe!
Talavera Tile Print Dress: SALE - This dress caught my eye! What a fun easy dress. This dress can easily be flexible for casual to formal looks, and be paired with denim jackets or cardigans through the fall.
Burgundy Velvet Mary Janes: These are the classic velvet Mary Jane style that looks so chic with any outfit. The burgundy color will coordinate very well with fall & winter outfits!
Pink Print Dress: This is a fall collection item from Boden, but I think it is such a good piece for a work wardrobe, or just a special dress to add to your dress collection.
Red/Navy Print Shirtdress: Another classic work wardrobe item from Boden, in a subtle red & navy pattern. The skirt is flared slightly, and moves beautifully with your physical movements.
Raspberry Pointelle Sweater: This gorgeous sweater is such a fun feminine touch to a winter wardrobe!
Blush Knit Polo Sweater: I’ve sung the praises of the class & durability of a sweater polo in menswear before, but here is a contender for the ladies! Such a easy way to look more professional, without having to sacrifice comfort. Merino wool!
4. Plum Chino Pant: I love this deep plum color for pairing with greens, yellow/orange, and blues for winter!!!
highland greens
Malachite Huggie Earrings: Green earrings can be such a fun touch to any outfit! These earrings are subtle, but enough to bring out your eyes or coordinate with a green outfit.
Sage Green Dress: SALE - this dress is on sale from the summer collection, and is such a sweet piece. The buttons are functional, so perfect for BF. This dress with work well through the Autumn paired with browns, plum, or darker blue-greens.
Olive Silk Gathered Top: SALE - Another Boden clearance find! This top is a fun silky number, that you can tuck in for a fitted look.
4. Olive Short Sleeve Jumpsuit: I think jumpsuits are the best “1 & done” look! I love a jumpsuit for multi-hypenate days where I am going from food prep to drs appointment to meeting - they are also great for early pregnancy & PP body changes/sensitivity.
5. Olive Chino Pant: Great affordable option, with great reviews!
Sage Green Babydoll Dress: You all loved this dress in pink when I share the brands reel on IG! This lovely blue/green Sage color will take you through the autumn months and pair perfectly with boots.
Sage & White Stripe Dress: SALE - I have been eyeing this dress for weeks! So understate but unique - the perfect little addition to your wardrobe.
Embroidered Military Jacket: This is the standout piece from Boden’s fall collection! Such a statement piece that has such a special feel to it, like the kind of piece that will become vintage gold in 40 years, you know? A fun classic piece of clothing. I have my eye on this one! I see it worn casually with jeans (think 60s Rock n roll style) or paired with a sleek silk cami dress for date night.
4. Olive Flared Chino Pant: This lovely faded olive is slightly better made that the olive chino in the budget category - if this is a style you think you’ll wear a lot, than I recommend considering investing in this pair. The pant has a slight flare to the bottom, making it ideal for pairing with chelsea boots.
5. Olive Corduroy Pant: These are a great style of corduroy straight leg pant, and comes in an array of colors!
montauk Blues
Navy Stripe Sweater: Great cotton sweater from Gap, in classic Breton stripe! Oversized tunic length.
Denim Jacket: 100% cotton denim, great affordable price! This is a classic casual light jacket, especially in the Southern USA.
Red Breton Tee: SALE - The classic nautical look, in cherry red stripe.
Wide Leg Jeans: 100% cotton jeans in wide leg fit, at a great price! Comes in a few different washes.
Cropped Breton Tee: SALE - I have in the yellow stripe & love! I may have to get this darling blue too. Such a flattering fit/style with jeans, esp. the wide leg styles!
Classic Court Sneaker: I also have these from a previous year. They are a fantastic basic court shoe, at a good price. If you are unsure on a sneaker that can go with jeans as well as a dress - this is it.
This outfit is one of my favorites of this whole lookbook! So chic, so timeless, so easy to wear. - Noelle
Navy Knit Lady Jacket: SALE - Lady jackets are really having moment, but that only means that now is the time collect a few of this, otherwise, extremely classic style. This particular one is a sweater knit, adding a level of cozy ease that you don’t normally get with a jacket style. An easy piece that is the perfect layer for crisp evenings or air conditioned buildings, without any fuss. Comes in several colors!
2. Navy Silk Slip Dress: Such a stunning classic piece. This is one of those items that reminds you how much “timeless” is synonymous with “simplicity”. In fashion design, a silk drape like this one is extremely difficult to do well, but exquisite when executed correctly. The drape allows the silk to move with the body in an almost liquid-like way. This dress can be worn with flats to dinner (as styled here) or with jewels to a gala, and anywhere in-between - one of the key components of an investment piece is flexibility, and this dress has that!
3. Navy Suede Mary Janes: I adore these Madewell Mary Janes! A simpler, more affordable alternative to other options, but still a good investment piece. I really love the shape of the toe box on this pair, as it provides a sleek look without too much boxiness. Comes in a few colors, including a regular brown leather option.
4. Atlantic Blue Velvet Slippers: These gorgeous velvet slippers are from the same Italian brand as the saffron ones listed above! The perfect touch for an easy, elegant look.
Cosy denims
Denim Romper: SALE - The image does not do this justice. The cute romper has gathered shoulders for a slight puff sleeve look, and looks amazing with a belt & sandals/sneakers. The perfect fall & spring transitional piece.
Blue Ruffle Edge Blouse: SALE - This ruffle edge blouse is ssssooo pretty! Such a feminine touch to the classic button down, a fantastic addition to your work wardrobe, or just paired with jeans to run errands.
Denim Lady Jacket: A good denim lady jacket, at a affordable price point. A great style to get if you want something a little more cropped/tailored than a typical denim jacket, but still in denim. Great for casual office!
4. Tissue Turtleneck: SALE - The best tissue turtleneck I’ve found! Comes in lots of colors.
5. Ophelia Dupe Dress: Quince is a brand I am just starting a relationship with, and I’ve heard a lot of good things about! This dress is dupe of the HHH Ophelia dress, at a fraction of the cost. Quince is transparent about their manufacturing and sustainability practices, and I look forward to trying some of their product myself.
6. Light Blue Straight Leg: SALE - I love my Madewell denim. The quality & fit is just perfect, and they last through lots of wear/washing. These are newly in clearance, so you might want to watch for a good sale. The perfect light wash if you don’t like to go too dark in the winter - this color will pair beautifully with white, gray, and other lighter colors in the winter.
7. Ballet Flats: SALE - You all know I LOVE these leather ballet flats! Feels like Margaux at a fraction of the price. I own in several colors.
Eyelet detail Button Down: SALE - I have my eye on this unique beauty! If you wear button downs (or are BFing),this is a lovely one to add to your wardrobe. The eyelet detail seams very tiny, not requiring you to wear with a tank top, FYI! Comes in white as well.
Breton Stripe Knit Lady Jacket: A fall collection piece, perfect for the fall & spring seasons! Again, this is a sweater knit, lending itself to being a more cozy type of jacket, ideal for easy outfits.
Cornflower Pointelle Sweater: This lovely feminine sweater, with the piontelle & piecrust trim, is the perfect sweater to add to your wardrobe. This sweater just has that little bit extra, that is sure to dress up your winter looks.
4. Wide Leg Slim-Fit Jeans: This pair of slim fit, wide leg jeans in classic wash are the ideal quality all season pair of wide leg jeans.
5. Cayumus Velvet Mary Jane: This pair of velvet slippers come from a Spanish brand, in a Mary Jane style for those that prefer the strap detail! Such a rich deep blue color will pair beautifully with almost all winter looks and into spring styles.
oatmeal creams
Oatmeal Bow Sweater: This darling cotton bow neck sweater come in both oatmeal & navy, and it a great addition to your fall/winter wardrobe.
Pin-tucked White Blouse: SALE - This gorgeous blouse comes in a lightweight cotton with unique pin-tuck detail on the sleeves and neckline. Such a pretty & unique blouse! An amazing price too, won’t last for long!
Sweater Fringe Skirt: SALE - I think this skirt is so fun, and it has great reviews! Pair with heels or boots this season, then sandals for a more beach look in the spring.
Satin Slip Skirt: This affordable satin skirt comes in several colors & is truly one of the best fitting slip skirts I’ve ever bought - across price categories! The caveat with this skirt is that, like most satins, this is 100% polyester. However due to the quality of this piece, I do recommend it for its value for money in an affordable price bracket.
***A blog post coming soon on synthetic fibers, and responsibly owning synthetic textiles.
Piecrust Trim Button Down: I adore how a piecrust shirt looks under sweaters or jackets in the fall & winter. If you’ve ever felt like a crewneck sweater is boring, add a piecrust shirt underneath - you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes!
White Crochet Cropped Cardigan: This lightweight cardigan has been getting a lot of attention! Such a feminine delicate layering piece.
Black Daytime Trousers: These black trousers from Everlane are the perfect day-night pair. I own these in 2 colors, they are made very well, and can pair with sneakers or heels!
4. Black Slim-Leg Suede Boots: I am part of the population with slim calves, and it is very difficult now to find boots that fit my slimmer calves! These boots are also structurally beautiful, the shape of the toe box is very flattering to the foot, giving the appearance of length, without going so far as adding a pointed end. The result of these design choices is that these are boots that won’t date themselves with any trendy details, fitting very nicely in the investment category in your closet.
5. Cream Slim-Leg Leather Boots: These are the cream leather versions of the black suede boots above. My goodness, I love these boots! Such a lovely chic, bright addition to your winter wardrobe. So much of winter wear is dark & heavy looking, this boot helps brighten your appearance while still being dressed for the cold.
6. FRYE Chelsea Boots: You know how much I love FRYE boots, and I work at investing in their shoes for both my husband & myself. Their leather shoes & boots are built to last. These are their Chelsea boot - the perfect for everyday wear with jeans, etc, taking you from the outdoors to running errands with ease. I wear mine nearly daily in the winter!
***NOTE: If you are looking for a similar short boot but with trekker soles, look at Penelope Chilvers .
7. Cashmere Turtleneck Shell: In my opinion, cashmere is the pinnacle of softness, warmth, and elegance. I invest in/collect cashmere every chance I get. This elegant turtleneck shell comes in several colors, and is the perfect base layer under a jacket, plus a coat. If I was still working in an office, this would be a must investment piece for me this season.
8. Ivory Wool Cropped Jacket: This jacket captures the old money elegance that happens to be trending this season. This jacket is such a beautiful , timeless piece, that will lighten your winter looks without loosing any warmth! I especially love that this jacket is cropped, meaning it will hit visually at your waistline, and lengthen your overall appearance.
9. Delicate Floral Dress: sharing this for all my flowy, square-neck dress lovers! This is a new arrival at Free People, but still a very pretty cotton dress to keep your eye. The colors in this dress are the perfect warm neutrals to take you through the fall & into the spring.
PS. For the Pregnant Mothers.
As a mother, I regularly note garments that would work with the growing pregnant body. I realized that you all might appreciate me flagging these for you too. - Noelle
Green Stripe Shirt Dress: This dress is so pretty, even if you aren’t pregnant! I love the green stripes & the shirt collar detail.
Golden Wide-Leg Coverall: SALE - I happen to love wideleg jumpsuits when I am pregnant. As someone who has a very sensitive belly during pregnancy, the loose fit allows me to still wear pants without the discomfort.
Green Stripe Full Cami Dress: SALE - Such a pretty loose fit dress, that will work all year round, and through PP too.
Rust Full Cami Dress: SALE - The rust red version of the above!
