STRETCHING YOUR WARDROBE: 18 FALL ESSENTIALS

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you've read my hints about this post, which was initially going to be a "Fall Wardrobe Essentials" post.  But, as I was thinking about my must-have list, it dawned on me that the list hasn't changed much from 2 years ago, when I wrote this post.  

Sure, there are a few new trends that I'm loving, but for the most part, I think this is pretty spot on! No need to reinvent the wheel.  Looking at this picture got me thinking that I could probably do a whole lot with just a handful of pieces.  I decided to see just how far I could stretch my wardrobe.

My daughter and I (God love her for keeping me company and helping me out) set out in the hotter'n summer weather to see how many different head-to-toe looks we could create with 18 of my current fall essentials.  You'll see that I've made some changes from the above list (added a few tops and a sleeveless vest for a trendy flair, changed up some colors, and left out a couple of things).  I wanted to incorporate a few of the trendy, but versatile, pieces I have in my closet that I think I will wear a lot this Fall.  I still like the original list, though (and would never EVER give up my tailored blazer)!

As you can see, this wardrobe consists of:
-3 jackets
-1 duster-length sweater vest
-1 dress
-5 tops
-1 pair black pants
-1 pair jeans
-1 hat
-1 purse
-4 pairs of shoes

Count 'em with me:

1.  Started simple with the striped top, jeans, and booties.  

2.  Added a jacket, which gives it a totally different vibe.

3.  Same jeans, jacket, boots, but I'm wearing the blush silk top.

4.  I love this one!  Silk top, black pants, and blush pumps.  So sharp.

5.  Cuter model in a similar look, but totally toughening it up with a leather jacket.

6.  Same leather jacket, girly floral top, jeans, black booties, and a hat.

7.  I ain't 'fraid of no hat!  Jeans and blush with the sweater vest.  I love the cream and blush combo here.

8.  Same sweater with the floral top and black booties (but I took off the silver embellishment...versatile!)

9.  Here's a closer look at the outfit my daughter's wearing above.  Black pants, leopard ballet flats, chambray top, hat.

10.  Another look simple look - denim on denim (and I put the silver fringe back on the booties).

11. Everybody's fave - the velvet jacket - pairs nicely with the floral top and brown boots.

12.  It's hard to see in our long grass, but I loved pairing the leopard flats with this buffalo check top.

13.  The top easily converts into a topper for an LBD.  

14.  Another way to change up the black dress.  Chambray top for the win!  (The belt is part of the dress.)

15.  My daughter said I look tall in this one.  Wanna know why?  The shoes are about the same color as my skin, so it's very leg-lengthening.

16.  We honestly didn't think this one would look great, but it was quite cute!  I like this dress best with the animal print flats.   At my age, I think that the shorter the dress, the flatter the shoes. 

SIXTEEN!!  And that doesn't even count the other 3 that I was too tired to photograph:  black dress on its own, black dress with black leather jacket, and brown velvet jacket with blush silk top (soooo gorgeous)!  So maybe 16, maybe 19, but you get the idea.

This is what I do with my Wardrobe Revival clients.  Most of them believe they have very little to wear, but mixing and matching in unexpected ways will take a small wardrobe a long way!  You really don't need to have an overflowing closet to have style, you just have to experiment.  If you're not up for it, though, give me a call.  I'm always happy to help.  

Do you have a favorite look from this post?  Can you think of other ways to mix it up?  

As a personal stylist in Richmond, VA, I strive to make wardrobe choices clear and easy for women who are short on time, overwhelmed by their closets, or transitioning from one period of life to another.  Let's connect!