Who else is totally confused about what to buy and what to wear this fall?

Typically at this point I am a little overwhelmed with the commitments in my calendar and wonder how I will make it all happen. This year looks a lot different. 

I am cautiously optimistic – with a healthy dose of realistic – in planning outfits and buying wardrobe updates for the everyday plus some fun upcoming events.

After a spring of leggings and summer of flowy dresses, I’m ready to get dressed for the day again. There is something about putting together an outfit that just makes me feel human and polished. 

This year, I'm looking for versatile and quality garments that I can wear as an everyday outfit and feel confident going from a Zoom meeting to a grocery run to grabbing an outdoor lunch and settling in with a fire and glass of wine at night. Rather than quantity, I'm zeroing in on quality this season. 

Since I am not a seasoned and certified stylist, I turned to three experts to get their take on what we should be buying for fall including a few transitional pieces that can help us navigate the up and down temps that are inherent of the season.

Natalie McWhorter - Styled with PersoNatalie

Certified Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consultant  | Rexburg, Idaho
IG: styledwithpersonatalie

Natalie's Fall Must Have: Plaid Blazer 

My top absolute must-have favorite piece I always recommend for fall is the plaid blazer. This versatile piece comes in every price range and never fails to make a woman look stunning. I love to layer them over a thin hoodie to fall football games with my jeans and sneakers, or add one over a v neck cashmere sweater with black leather leggings and suede knee high boots, or toss one over a graphic tee, cuffed ripped jeans and booties. They are also beautiful to add over a belted dress or with a business skirt. Plaid blazers are the reason I can give up my beautiful summer nights.

Natalie recommends this Isabel Marant Étoile Kerstin Plaid Wool Blazer from Nordstrom 

Natalie's Fall Prediction: Animal Print

Animal prints have long been a wardrobe staple for stylish women, but I think the trend will be in full force for fall. The leopard slip midi skirt may have reigned for two summers in a row, but that was only the beginning of the Great Animal revival! From leopards to snake print overload and new prints including cow and tiger, there are endless options to take your look to the wild side this fall. I chose some slouchy knee high snake skin boots to add to many of my fall looks. Take a walk on the wild side this fall and see what you think!

Natalie recommends this Sanctuary Pleat It Midi Pony Print Skirt

Pat Gibson - The Artistry of You

Certified Image Consultant, Stylist and Speaker | Cleveland, Ohio
IG: theartistrtyofyou

Pat's Fall Transition Piece: The Ribbed Turtleneck

Turtlenecks are a classic that are making a comeback - sleeveless for right now, and then with puffed sleeves or cutouts to stand on its own or with a vest for later. We’re seeing turtlenecks with a focus on the waist as tops, jackets and dresses with tie waists which is flattering to most figures. As an added plus we are seeing all shades of white, including brilliant white, which is idea for women with cool and clear coloring (like me). This crisp white is smashing with black, hunter green, or a chocolate brown for fall. 

Pat recommends this A.L.C. Parker Sleeveless Turtleneck Top from Saks (and found in her Fall Lookbook) 

Pat's Fall Prediction: Quality Classics

Fall is all about cozy and comfortable. The best way to feel comfortable and look good time and again is to reach for quality fabrics and cuts that will stand the test of time and wear. I’m loving coats that can pull double duty – both as an accessory and as a layer of warmth when running errands or dining alfresco with friends and family. Look for fabrics with some texture and colors that flatter your skin, eye and hair color.*

*Side Note: I worked with Pat years ago on a color analysis and recommend it to anyone that wants to save money, time and frustration when shopping for makeup or clothing or even when picking out the right shade of hair color. Investing in a color analysis with Pat saved me thousands of future dollars in my closet as I was only picking colors that genuinely worked with my color tones.

Pat recommends this BB Dakota Revolution Drapey Bouclé Trench Coat from Nordstrom (Above) or this Houndstooth Poncho from Boston Proper (Below). Look for these and Pat's other recommendations in her Fall Lookbook)

Iva Marie Creed - Mile High in Heels

Stylist and expert packer | Orlando, Florida
IG: milehighinheels

Iva Marie's Fall Transition Piece: Leather Moto Jacket 

As we transition into fall, here in the south we need to take baby steps into that Pumpkin Spice Fall Feeling! You want to feel like fall, and dress the part, but with warmer weather how do you do it? My recommendations: a versatile moto, a fun midi and warm gold jewelry.

What's great about a Moto jacket is that it adds a cool factor and a fall look to summer dresses and favorite tanks you can wear now. Wear it later with a sweater for a true fall look. Not into leather? Try faux! 

Iva Marie recommends this Chelsea 28 Leather Moto Jacket from Nordstrom. 

Iva Marie's Must Have Fall Item: Pleated Tea Skirt 

Flirty and flattering, check! The pleated skirt can be worn sweet and romantic with a flat (great for warmer weather) or cool and sophisticated with knee high boot. This skirt is great for wear now in early fall and later on with a cozy sweater. I love the versatility of a pleated skirt! 

Iva Marie recommends this Chloe Botanical Floral Pleated Plisse Midi Skirt from Neiman Marcus. 

Iva Marie's Go To Fall Accessory: Go Gold 

Gold jewelry, especially layered or chunky, adds a fall element to any look. I love the trick of adding gold to my favorite lightweight looks to feel more fall. 

Iva Marie recommends this Answer Toggle Front Coin Necklace from Julio Designs. Look for more of Iva Marie's recommendations in her Fall Transition Style Lookbook. 

What's I'm Buying and Wearing this Fall 

I might not be a trained or certified stylist, but I do love the art of creating outfits - especially in fall and summer. 

Since the WFH movement is here to stay for another season or two at least, I'm reaching for every day versatile pieces that can go casual or dressed up with a simple accessory or shoe change. 

Some items I’ve added to my Fall 2020 wardrobe:

Hoodie Moto Jacket 

I scored this deal during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s now sold out but similar items can be found online. I’m envisioning this to take me from t-shirt and jeans to blouse and booties all with a simple zip in or out of the hoodie.

Ribbed Turtleneck Dress

Joggers - Casual and Dressy

I’ve been adding these and other looks to The Hanger Valet Pinterest Fall 2020 Board if you would like to see. 

Tell me what you have done to update your Fall wardrobe.

And of course, if you are a little lost and would like some personalized style direction, please reach out to Natalie, Pat and Iva to help you define and rock your Fall wardrobe.