Fall 2023 Essentials

Don’t get me wrong… Summer is amazing. I’m a total “Beach Girl” and living within 20 minutes of Maine’s best beaches, I frequent them when the weather is right. But the season is short-lived, and as soon as I’ve perfected my tan, Fall creeps in. My absolute favorite season. Although it does lead to my least favorite season (Winter), I hang on to Fall as long as I can. Apple picking, cider drinking, pumpkin spice everything, lends perfectly with layering warmer pieces on top of my beloved summer staples.

Leather: Okay, so full disclosure, I don’t think I actually (except bags and belts) own “real” leather. It’s all faux, and I’m okay with it. Real leather doesn’t stretch. It’s not machine washable. And it’s expensive. Most of the pieces you see in stores and on the street are faux leather. With stretch, soft linings and vibrant colors, faux leather is definitely the hottest trend for Fall 2023. From pants, leggings, bags, shoes, jackets, tops, faux leather is everywhere. Unless you are a skilled (and bold) Fashionista, the key to wearing faux leather is to keep it to one piece. My black faux leather leggings are buttery soft, super stretchy and didn’t break the bank, at under $42 from American Eagle. They have extended sizes and lengths, so stock up!

Fashion Sneakers: Sneakers are kinda taking over the world. In case you didn’t notice. Since before it was cool to wear sneakers with everything, I’ve been wearing sneakers with everything. Dresses, skirts, jeans, you name it. So, no one is more excited that it’s actually fashionably acceptable to sport them day and night. If you want to keep your sneaker game basic, I recommend a pair of simple Keds, Vans or Sperrys. I actually keep my closet stocked with plain white, faux leather sneakers from Walmart. That way, if they get trashed at a concert, they’re easily replaceable. My go-to fashion sneakers are Steve Madden and in white, black and tan, they match everything.

Plain White Tee: This isn’t specifically for Fall, but if you don’t have at least one or two plain white tees, you’re totally missing out. It’s the number one piece I wear the most and it almost always working with everything. Beyond just one basic tee, I also have a baby tee, a cropped tee, a tunic tee, a sleeveless tee and a long sleeve tee. All white. All utilized in my wardrobe daily. Trust me. Stock up. If a plain white tee is just too casual for your taste, a plain white button down shirt is a perfect substitute.

Layering Piece: From shackets, denim jackets, bomber, flannel button-down, fleece, leather jacket, it all goes. My fleece varsity jacket is from Macy’s and I actually got a black one too, because who can say no to ‘buy one, get one free’? A layering piece takes a basic outfit and always elevates it. Plus, you’ll be so happy you have it when the sun sets and the temperature goes down fifteen degrees. If it’s a little warm and you don’t want to carry your layering piece, consider throwing it over your shoulders, or tying it cross-body.

Fall is just about here and although the temperatures are still in the 70’s in Maine, they will drop fast and you’ll be thrilled when you’re prepared with all your Fall essentials. Follow me for more tips on dressing for Fall.

Chelsea K. RayComment