As hard as it is for Milwaukee to let go of this summer weather, fall is just around the corner and with it comes the changes in weather and wardrobe. I don’t know about you guys but I’m ready to exchange my shorts for jeans and t-shirts for sweaters and cardigans. Now, changing wardrobes between seasons can be tricky because you don’t want to end up replacing your entire wardrobe when the weather turns colder. Here are my top 5 fall fashion staples that will make that transition between this icky muggy weather into sweater weather easier and cheaper!

1) Sweaters

I can’t even begin to tell you guys how much I love sweaters. They’re easy to put on and pretty much go with anything but there are some kinds of sweaters that can make you look frumpy instead of fashionable. The key to purchasing the right sweater is to get one that has a fun print or a bold color on it. Oversized sweaters are perfect for fall, but try to avoid sweaters that are too baggy so it doesn’t look like you’re drowning in them. When it gets colder, you can easily throw on a basic tee underneath or layer it with a collared button up for a more put together look.

2) Boots/Booties

I am a shoe fiend and one of the things I recently purchased was a pair of booties. I love wearing boots in the fall because not only are the easy to just slip into, but they’re perfect for the awkward in- between hot summer weather and cold fall weather. I especially love booties because they can be easily paired with skirts or dresses and really bring out that fall vibe. I’m especially digging the buckle booties that have popped up in a few fashion lines. It gives the perfect kind of edge to any outfit while still retaining certain femininity.

3) Skater skirts and Circle skirts

 Even though it tends to get a bit windy around campus, I love wearing skirts in the fall. They can be easily transitioned from summer into fall by adding on a pair of really chic or funky tights. I specifically like skater skirts and circle skirts because they sit perfectly at the waste and highlight the right curves. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun to twirl in.

4) Anything denim or (p)leather

 My love for denim and leather are kind of out of control this season. I especially have a certain fondness for denim button ups and more recently, denim circle skirts. I love how it can instantly make any outfit super casual, which makes it easier to wear dresses and skirts around campus without looking too fancy. On the opposite end of that, I love the different texture and that kind of tough vibe that you get from wearing leather pieces. Sometimes leather can make an outfit look too tough so to balance it out, pair it with something feminine, like lace. A perfect fall outfit idea would be a burgundy leather circle skirt with a black lace top.

5) Jeans

If you’ve known me for a while you know I have this vendetta against wearing leggings as pants. That’s why one of my fall staples for this year is investing in a pair of jeans that fit well.  Jeans that are too tight can accentuate parts of your bottom half that aren’t flattering, and not to mention it kind of hurts your tummy after wearing them for a while. I know it’s harder for us vertically challenged people to find a pair of pants that aren’t so bunchy at the bottom but that’s okay! It’s easier to cuff jeans to give your outfit a more streamlined look or if it’s really something that bothers you that much you can always get it tailored or sew it yourself.

I hope you guys found this helpful and let me know what you think – did these suggestions suck? What else could I have added onto this list? What are your favorite fall fashion staples? Let me know! I’d love to hear what you think.

Happy Styling!

Xoxo