Hi all! I’m Caitlin from the Burlington, Vermont based style blog Wore Out! I’m all about mixing vintage, fast fashion and investment pieces together to create a wardrobe that is fabulously functional and practically priced. When it came time for me to stock up on fall fashion staples and trends I headed straight to Goodwill.
Editor’s note: Hey, Michelle from Goodwill here! Be sure to also check out the articles about Caitlin in the Burlington Free Press and Seven Days!
My Fall Fashion Wish List
Fall is right around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited. The September issues of all the major fashion magazines have hit the stands and I’ve got my fall fashion wish list drafted. At the start of each season I make a list of key pieces I’ll need and then compare it to what I already have. Building off what you already have ensures that you’ll get the most out of your wardrobe without breaking the bank. After sorting through my existing fall wardrobe and wittling down my wish list, I was ready to go shopping.
On my list this year:
classic chunky sweaters; that are great to pair with everything from flannels, leggings and boot to skirts, tights and booties.
staple pieces in camel; think of camel as this seasons black. Look for staple pieces like blazers, skirts and outwear in this classic color.
bold plaid pieces; like trousers, long/midi length skirts, accessories and classic blazers are great for layering and easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.
Victorian inspired silhouettes; ruffled collars and cuff, lace detailing, lace up ankle boots, cameos and flouncy skirts are just a few of the hot fall trends that hearken back to this stylish time period.
feminine feeling menswear; from runway models to off duty celebrities embracing this trend look for jackets, suit pants and crisp button ups with feminine flair.
Heading to Goodwill with my list I quickly made my way through the racks in the women’s section. After my first trip to the dressing room I’d found three perfect skirts (camel suede, 100% silk bubble skirt and pleated plaid), cheetah print dress, cashmere J Crew sweater and a sweater dress that still had the tags on it! I found a perfect navy blue blazer in the boys section; it fit perfectly and was only $3.99! Some of my greatest finds have been in the children’s section (where the prices are ususally even lower). A quick trip through the men’s section turns up a classic Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater, perfect for layering on chillier fall days.
For less than half of what the J. Crew sweater originally cost I was able to come away with three pairs of brand new tights, three skirts, two sweaters, two dresses, a blazer, scarf, and bangles! I can’t believe I was able to find everything on my list and more at such a reasonable price!
What’s on your fall fashion wish list? What are you planning on adding to your fall wardrobe this year?
70’s Inspired Classics: Classic J. Crew knit paired with a vintage plaid pleated mini (both goodwill), Sunglasses (gifted).
These two pieces really were meant for each other! I love the slight flare at the sleeve and the soft cashmere ensures luxurious comfort, (and I was able to score it for $5)! The skirt was just a lucky find that has turned into a favorite. The pleats were still sewn down when I tried this gem on at Goodwill. I played up the vintage vide of the pleated mini by adding vintage inspired sunglasses. Pair this look with a utilitarian vest and combat boot/booties for vintage twist on a hot trend.
Leopard Lady: Classic navy blazer (Goodwill children’s section), Leopard Dress (Goodwill), Sunglasses (Zinnia $4.99), Belt (forever 21, Less than $5), Heels ($35 via endless)
I did a happy dance when this dress fit. The ruching is in all the right places and the length is spot on with the hot fall midi dress trend. Banana Republic’s Mad men inspired collection is full of bold print midi dress with classic silhouettes. I added definition to my waist with a brown belt but any belt could work. Add a pop of color with accessories or play up the print and pair the dress with subdued layers like the classic navy blazer. Complete this look for fall with detail rich booties, tights and a bold clutch. After finding both the dress and blazer at Goodwill all I had to do was put two and two together and add accessories.
Silk Bubble Skirt: Victorian inspired silk bubble skirt (Goodwill), One shoulder top ($5 Charlotte Ruse), Belt ($8 T.J. Maxx), Cropped Coat ($32 Stowe Mercantile)
I couldn’t believe my luck when I say this gorgeous silk skirt sitting in the women’s skirt section at Goodwill. The soft pleats, subtle print and perfectly stuffed bubble shaped hemline made it a must have piece. I couldn’t wait to play up the Victorian When I tried it on in the dressing room I noticed its tags declared it “handmade in Italy” and 100% pure silk and my heart skipped a few more beats. I love the shape and can’t wait to mix this fashion forward piece into my wardrobe. I’m going to play up the vintage inspired silhouette and pair it with lace up ankle booties.
Casual Camel: Classic suede camel colored pencil skirt (goodwill), cropped jean jacket ($2 T.J Maxx), Heels ($35 via endless), Vintage Galapagos Vacation Tee (Gifted), Sunglasses ($4.99 Zinnia)
A soft suede skirt in classic camel is an exceptional find. This piece isn’t just on trend but has a timeless shape that guarantees it will become a wardrobe staple. Pair it with the J. Crew knit sweater for a texture rich fall look or play up it’s preppy side and pair it with a button up and the navy blazer. Dressing this classic piece up is just as fun as wearing it dressed down. I love how it looked paired with an old tee, rock this look at late summer and early fall festivals.
Check out Caitlin’s Goodwill fall fashion wish list – you can follow her fashion adventures in Burlington, Vermont… http://t.co/jz4D3ew
Thank you so much! RT @goodwillnne: Guest blogger Caitlin from @WoreOutVT writes about fall fashion finds at Goodwill http://t.co/2eqrOhg