hellllllo from DC (or maybe Philly or somewhere in between, depending on when you read this!) We are presently in between live shows… tonight is our Philly show at the Punch Line! Last night’s show went so well and I’m really excited for tonight, and to be in Philly for a little bit. I just wish we had more time in both cities… these are both in and out kind of trips.
Fall Basics
But we are talking about clothes and today I wanted to talk about fall basics. A few weeks ago I highlighted four fall trends that I’m excited about, today we are talking about the best classic pieces! My tried and true, favorite pieces + brands that never let me down.
Some of these fall basics are definitely on the more expensive side BUT they are things you will have forever and/or pass down.
outfit details: MM La Fleur Trench // Madewell Sweater // NYDJ Jeans // Sarah Flint Heels (take $50 off with code GRACE50) // Amazon Sunglasses // Palmgrens Bag
Outfit Details: gifted Veronica Beard Blazer // Eileen Fisher Tee // Frame Jeans // Sarah Flint Heels // Amazon Sunglasses
Jackets + Blazers:
First of all, I live for a good trench coat. I bought a Burberry trench coat six or seven years ago and still wear it all the time. It’s timeless and classic and although it was a big investment, I think it was worth the money as I will have it forever.
Right now, I’m into a lighter, looser, drapey trench. My current fav is this one from MM La Fleur. It’s the perfect weight and color.
For blazers I’m just such a sucker for Veronica Beard. Her blazers are definitely pricey but will be the best blazer you’ve ever owned. I still blame Katie Sturino. When we filmed our make my size video last year I bought the gingham one and then it was all downhill. I’m really lucky in that now they do gift me, but I have bought three of their blazers with my own money. This green one is my current favorite!
T-Shirts:
I love Universal Standard and x Karla tees but my newest obsession for t-shirts is actually Eileen Fisher. They are definitely a bit more expensive than other t-shirts but they last and last and last. This one is a new fav… I have it in light grey and dark grey.
Sweaters:
My fav sweaters are almost always Madewell (this one!).For a splurgier sweater, Eileen Fisher is great – her cashmere is amazing. And J.Crew is wonderful too but a lot of times their sweaters are just TOO SHORT AND BOXY! I wish they would just make their silhouettes a little longer and leaner.
Denim:
I definitely mix things up with love Frame Denim (these, from a few years ago are the BEST!!) and classic Levis + Re/Done (for non-stretchy styles – I have two pairs that I bought a few years ago and wear them constantly!) but right now my two favs for denim are NYDJ and Good American. Both brands are so comfortable and fit really well!
Sunglasses:
Since discovering the Amazon sunglasses I am so loyal! I am not afraid of splurging but just can’t do it with sunglasses as I leave them all over the place! I have several pairs of these sunglasses and LOVE them.
Shoes:
I love a classic pump with a pointy toe and for these I am really loyal to Sarah Flint. Her shoes just fit my foot so well. Frequently, I get asked whether I’d pick the perfect pump or the Manolo Blahnik BB heel and the truth is I’m Sarah all the way. Though, I am not going to throw away my Manolos (lol). I have the Manolos in grey, red, and black (all suede) as well as a fun nude patent BUT if I were to buy a new pair it would be Sarah Flint. I love them so much! The brand gifted me the black napa, but I bought nude + olive with my own money. I’m also a big fan of her perfect sandals and most recently, the perfect bootie! If you use code GRACE50 you can take $50 off your first pair.
NYDJ Cardigan, Linen tee, Jeans (all gifted as a part of this instagram campaign) // Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps (take $50 off with code GRACE50)
photography by Carter Fish.
Blazers are my favourite piece to wear during fall! Perfect look for both casual and formal occasions 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Agreed! Thanks Charmaine!
Any advice on belts?? I’m having the hardest time finding some that aren’t giant boring leather ones, and I love the ones in these photos!
Looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta next week!
Hahaha so many questions about belts today! Mine are all super old! J.Crew is a great place for belts, that’s where both of these are from (but from ten years ago!)
Can’t wait for Atlanta!
Where is your leopard belt from? I would love a post on when to add belts
Hi Joan,
It’s J.Crew but SO old (literally bought maybe ten years ago!!)
Would love some tips on belts – I love a good chunky buckle, but not the super logo-y (gucci, hermes, etc.) ones. I have a few madewell ones, but they’re lower profile. Continually on the hunt for a fun vintage one!
I don’t really have any great tips! I pretty much alternate between two belts I bought ten years ago (a classic brown one and the leopard patent one – both J.Crew) and when I’m feeling fancy, a Gucci logo one.
I feel like searching Etsy would be good for a fun vintage one!
I absolutely love that rattan bag!! It’s seriously perfect & can go with everything. Such a great find <3 x Shannon • http://www.essellesse.com
Thank you! It’s one of my favorite purchases ever!
Hi Grace, love your blog! I totally agree with your comment re. JCrew sweaters! I am so bummed they have changed their style/fit…but glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. I have been a LONG time JCrew fan but lately a lot of their tops are too short and boxy. I also notice a change in their shoe quality – I will have to try your recommendation and order a pair from Sarah Flint.
Aw that is a bummer! I don’t really love J.Crew’s shoes to be honest. They have some cute fun pairs but for the price I feel like they should be more comfortable and better quality. I prefer Sarah Flint and also Margaux!!!
That trench is so perfect on you, friend!
Thank you Jenn! xo
I love these looks! Casual, but still put together. Also, re: everyone asking about belts…Carly (from Carly the Prepster) posting about this belt. https://www.tnuck.com/cognac-fitzgerald-belt-0.html?sscid=a1k3_dv2we
It’s adjustable, but from the back! I haven’t bought it yet, but ever since she posted it, I keep coming back to it. It could be worth looking into, if you or anyone is looking for a thin and simple belt that can be worn with a lot.
Thanks Lynn-Holly! Loved that belt on Carly!
Great fall basics! I’m looking for a classic navy, emerald or plum colored trench coat that is affordable for my petite frame.
Thank you! Will keep an eye out for those!