15 Staples To Transition Your Fall Wardrobe

It’s Fall y’all!! I like to think that September 1-Thanksgiving is officially Fall (even if the calendar says otherwise). Whether you like it or not, Fall is coming. That means that it is about time that we all transition our wardrobes from Summer to Fall. While it may feel extremely daunting to switch out our clothes for the cooler months, it does not have to. There are SO many pieces that are perfect for transitioning our wardrobes, many of which you probably already own! Today, I will be sharing 15 of those Fall transition staples that are most likely already in your wardrobe!

1 – Cardigan

Nothing says “It’s Fall y’all” like a good old cardigan! Cardigans are excellent staples for the Fall season, and they can add a cozy feel to practically any outfit. You can dress them up or down, which makes them such a versatile piece for any wardrobe. Especially when the mornings may be crisp and the afternoons are hot and humid, a cardigan can easily be worn or taken off throughout the day. The best part is: practically all of us ladies have one (or a few) in our closets!

2 – Lipsticks

Burgundy’s, red’s, nudes, and purple’s OH MY! Lipsticks are such a fun way to add a Fall twist to ANY outfit. I always find it fun to mix and match my lipsticks when transitioning from my Summer wardrobe to my Fall wardrobe. For instance, instead of wearing a soft pink lipstick, I may opt for a red or burgundy lip depending on the colors of my outfit. That way, I can still feel as if it is Fall when it may not feel that way outside. While it may still be super hot outside, like it is here in North Carolina, wearing lipstick does not make anyone feel overheated, unlike many other Fall fashion staples!

3 – Leather or Denim Jacket

Luckily for us all, leather and denim jackets come in all different styles, shapes, and sizes. Similar to a cardigan, a leather or denim jacket can really add sleek Fall like vibe to any look. Additionally, they are both a great layering piece of clothing for those crisp mornings turned afternoon sauna’s. They are also Uber-versatile!!!

4 – Hairband

Blair Waldorf vibes anyone?! If you know me, you know that I LOVE Gossip Girl‘s infamous Blair Waldorf who sported the most fashionable hairbands on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for her daily lunches. Fortunately for all of us Blair Waldorf lovers, we can all unite for one of the latest trends in fashion: the hairband. Hairband’s are such great pieces, as they go with so many looks and are OH SO affordable. For Fall, hairbands come in rich Fall hues ranging from red to cream to black and Burgundy and/or embroidered with pearls or gemstones are the way to go! Moreover, the top knot hairband is also a super trendy preppy fashion look that has been a hit throughout Spring/Summer 2020 and does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. That being said, bring it on, Blair Waldorf!!!

5 – Flats

If you know me, you know that I LOVE my Jack Rogers sandals. However, soon enough, I will be trading them in for my flats. With any looks, a pair of flats can add a nice Fall feel, especially when paired with a long sleeve dress/top and skirt or dress/top and skirt and a cardigan. Back in March, I invested in my first-ever pair of Tory Burch flats, and I definitely cannot wait to sport them in the coming weeks while transitioning my wardrobe for Fall. I hope y’all are excited to show off some cute flats too!

6 – Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses have definitely been a staple for the year of 2020. The best part is that you can dress them up or down and they also come in pretty much every print, color, and style! I have purchased one from J Crew Factory as well as Draper James during their sales and I am NOT looking back. In addition to the variety of colors and styles that they come in, shirt dresses can easily be styled for Fall and especially during the Summer-Fall transition period with a pair of flats, booties, or riding boots. The possibilities are most definitely ENDLESS!

7 – Nail Polish

When it may not feel like Fall outside, spicing up your nails for Fall is a great way to transition into the season. From shades such as Burgundy, orange, yellow, dark green, and nudes, the possibilities for Fall nails are endless. Like lipsticks, nail polish is an affordable and easy product to purchase or have in your own collection of nail polishes at home. That being said, you can easily spice up your nails in the comfort of your own home AND budget!

8 – Chambray Shirt

Similar to a denim jacket, chambray shirts can go with practically EVERYTHING! Personally, I have found that chambray shirts truly add a nice, crisp feel to any look. I have paired my chambray button-downs with my Lilly Pulitzer shifts, in order to spice them up for the Fall season. They can also be layered for a cool morning and taken off in the afternoon, which makes them be such a versatile piece for the season!

9 – Scarf

Love me some scarves! From plaid to striped to solid and everything in between, scarves are such a great staple to have in your wardrobe, especially when transitioning to your Fall wardrobe. Scarves are easy to come by AND they fit practically every budget. When it’s warmer outside, I like to wear a scarf in a lighter fabric such as cotton or linen. Meanwhile, once it gets cooler, I opt for my scarves in wools, flannel, and fleece. The possibilities for styling and searching for a scarf (or two) that you like are out there!

10 – Boots

Love me some good old boots! Boots are such a classic Fall/Winter piece. They also make for excellent transition pieces, when changing out your wardrobe from warm to cool. Additionally, boots also come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from ankle-high to knee-high and in all types of fabrics and colors. You can most definitely find the right boot for you, your budget, and style!

11 – Pullover

I have ALWAYS been a major fan of pullovers of all kinds! Like cardigans, denim jackets, leather jackets, and chambray shirts, you can easily layer them and take them off as it gets warmer throughout the day. Also, they make for a great investment piece that you can wear in the Spring and Winter seasons as well! I love Lilly Pulitzer’s popovers in my favorite fashion house’s vibrant Resort 365 prints along with Vineyard Vines’ classic Ship Shirts. Whatever your taste may be, there is most definitely a pullover out there for you!

12 – Animal Print ANYTHING

Just like 2019, animal print has entered into 2020 with a bang and it isn’t leaving the clothing racks any time soon. Over the years, animal prints have been a classic, whether leopard, snakeskin, or anything in between. However, these fun prints have been widely seen in the past year. Whether in a dress, skirt, top, or leggings, a piece in the animal print of your choosing will easily lend you into your Fall wardrobe. Fortunately for us all, animal printed clothing can be easily found on practically every store’s racks (or online shop), such as Kohl’s, Belk, J Crew, and even Lilly Pulitzer. That way, you can say that you found a Fall trend that you can wear that you can wear even when the weather doesn’t feel like Fall!

13 – Eyeshadow Palettes

Just like lipsticks and nail polish, eyeshadow palettes are an excellent way to make an “it’s Fall y’all” statement. Practically EVERY makeup brand carries eyeshadow palettes in Fall colors, such as Burgundy, dark brown’s, and a gold shimmer. The best bet is to check out Ulta, Sephora, Target, Walmart, or even your local drugstore. Whatever your budget may be, your eyes will be filled with glee for Fall to be here!

14 – Leggings

The classic leggings! You heard me: leggings are such a great transition wardrobe staple for Fall. Since we all do not have to shave our legs for much longer, leggings provide for an excellent opportunity to acknowledge that the Fall season is coming. The best part of it all?! You probably have several pairs, even just a plain black pair, in your closet/dresser right now!!!

15 – Oversized Sweaters

Who doesn’t love an oversized sweater?! I know that there has yet to be an oversized sweater that I met and did not love! Oversized sweaters go great with leggings and even dresses/skirts if styled well. They also come in a variety of colors and styles. I have several that are a knitted feel as well as many to show off my college spirit, and they’re SO fun to style. I also LOVE how comfortable I feel wearing any oversized sweater – just as if I did not change out of my pajamas. That way, any day can feel just as if you did not roll out of bed!

Fall is upon us, which makes me a very happy gal! Although it may not be fun for some to switch out their wardrobes especially on a tight budget, Fall clothes can be some of the most fun to wear throughout the year. Luckily, many of the staples that I have mentioned can be easily be found in our own closets/drawers/dressers right at this moment. Perhaps, maybe, you do not have to spend a dime to dress your best for the Fall season!

XOXO – Katie <3

25 Budget-Friendly Preppy Back To School Staples

1 – Hairband

Hairbands are such a fun way to spice up any look. From embroidered to studded with pearls to solid colored to printed, the options for a cute hairband are ENDLESS! Luckily, there are many ways to style a hairband for a fraction of the cost. I have purchased hairbands from Lilly Pulitzer, when studying abroad in Belize, and Old Navy. Whatever your style is, a hairband is such a fun way to spice up your back to school wardrobe for a fraction of the cost.

2 – Fun Necklaces

Like hairbands, fun necklaces also come in a variety of gorgeous styles! I have found my favorites at J Crew Factory, Talbots, Target, and while thrifting. Each of these stores has super great sales and deals, as compared to many other places. That being said, getting a fun necklace is a great way to find a great find at an even greater price!

3 – Department Store Finds

Whoever said department stores were not fun to shop at clearly never loved finding a great deal! Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Kohl’s alike all offer AMAZING deals at a steal of the cost. Each of these stores has great in-house brands and name brands for clothing. Belk offers preppy brands Crown & Ivy in-house and Lilly Pulitzer as a name brand on their website. One of the best things about department stores is the COUPONS! Most of the time, department store merchandise may appear to be overpriced, but the coupons and plethora of sales that they offer significantly reduce the prices and BRING ON THE DEALS!!!

4 – Scrunchies

I like to think that if Gossip Girl were filmed today, then Blair Waldorf would have worn scrunchies over hairbands. Although hairbands are super in-style at the moment, scrunchies are definitely also having a big moment. I have found some of my favorite scrunchies at The Dollar Tree and Walmart for under $5 of all places. Target also has some great scrunchie scores as well. The super fun hair accessory is such an affordable and fun piece to spice up your ponytails/buns in the classroom!

5 – Outlet Finds

Outlets are definitively the new black!!! Practically every preppy fashion house has an outlet, which usually offers great deals on their clothing at a fraction of the cost. While the clothing may not be the latest and greatest, it usually is still pretty on trend with the latest styles and in some stores I have seen the same designer finds in both the outlet and flagship shops. Stores such as Vineyard Vines, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Francesca’s, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, J Crew, and Vera Bradley ALL have outlet stores. The best part: most of these outlet stores have AMAZING sales that are even better than their non-outlet counterparts. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling plenty of great deals coming your way!

6 – Blanket Scarf

Love me a blanket scarf! This Fall and Winter staple is such a great addition to any wardrobe. You can either dress it up or down for the occasion, and they’re great to wear to and from classes. Stores such as Old Navy, Forever 21, H&M, J Crew Factory, and Target each have several adorable blanket scarf options to fit your Back to School wardrobe’s desires. However you choose to dress it, a blanket scarf will be an affordable staple for your wardrobe this season and many more moving forward.

7 – Fun Stationary

Having fun stationary is always a great way to start off your classes with a bang! Not only will your stationary have some bubbly pops of colors, but they will also be uniquely your own. Walmart, Target, Staple’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Ross ALLL offer super adorable stationary at a fraction of the cost. However you choose to style your stationary, getting your necessary back to school classroom staples with a fun pop of color is such a fun way to ring in the new school year!!

8 – TJ Maxx/Marshall’s/Ross Finds

When in doubt, go to TJ Maxx (or Marshall’s or even Ross)! Each of these amazing stores carries everything from clothing to shoes and accessories to home decor and even stationary for ALL at a fraction of the cost! I have found Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Calvin Klein, Jack Rogers, Rebecca Taylor, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade pieces here at a much more affordable price than in their flagship stores. Sometimes, the prices are even better than the outlets! It is all just a luck of the draw to see what you find on your TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross hunt. That being said, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Ross are definitely the places to go!!

9 – Monogrammed Tees

If it’s not moving, then why not monogram it?! Monogrammed tees are such a fun and adorable preppy addition for any preppy lady’s wardrobe. You can dress it up with a skirt or dress it down with yoga pants/leggings or shorts. You can even style a monogrammed tee with your pajama pants! My favorite places to shop for monogrammed tees are United Monograms and Marley Lilly, as they’re always having sales and great deals on some fun monogrammed finds. However, Etsy also have some good deals depending on the shop that you are purchasing from. When in doubt, let’s monogram it!!!

10 – Kate Spade Surprise Sale Finds

Who doesn’t love a SURPRISE SALE?! I sure do!!! Luckily for all of my Kate Spade lovers, Kate Spade occasionally offers a Surprise Sale. Let me just tell y’all: the deals are AMAZING! I have purchased a pair of stud earrings for $21 as well as a billfold wallet for under $60. If you sign up for their email list, then you can get in on all the fun and stay up to date with the latest and greatest of the brand’s sales. If you LOVE Kate Spade, then most definitely shop their Surprise Sales – it’s like a Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Kate Spade edition!

11 – Silk Scarf

Silk scarves are such a fun way to spice up a tote bag or ponytail. Whether printed or solid, they’re definitely a super adorable staple, especially for the Back to School season. I have recently become obsessed with this new trend, as I can style a silk scarf in SO MANY different ways. Additionally, I feel it adds a nice European accent! A Hermes silk scarf anyone?! However you choose to style yours, a silk scarf is definitely a fun Back to School accessory for your wardrobe.

12 – Leggings

Leggings! Leggings! Leggings!!! Leggings are such a comfortable and versatile staple to add to your wardrobe, especially when in classes and studying. While places such as Lululemon and Lilly Pulitzer sell them at a steep cost, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Nordstrom Rack each carry them at a fraction of the cost and with the same exact quality. Leggings are also such a fun staple that comes in practically every print and color. That way YOU can find the perfect pair(s) for YOU!

13 – Fun Earrings

I have been a major addict for super fun earrings at a steal of the cost! My favorite places to shop for earrings include: Target, TJ Maxx, Cora’s Den, Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s, and Ross. Fun earrings are real great to style with a t-shirt and leggings in the classroom or with a dress for a night out/Zoom happy hour with the girls. Wherever I go, I am ALWAYS looking for some good deals on earrings, and I know y’all will too!

14 – Nordstrom Rack Finds

Nordstrom Rack is known as the outlet for the notable Nordstrom. Nordstrom Rack has AMAZING deals on everything from clothing to makeup to shoes and accessories. Through it all, Nordstrom Rack offers ALLL of the designer deals at a steal of the price! If you don’t have a Nordstrom Rack near your house, then hit up their website to also find some great deals like you would in store. As a Nordstrom lover, I have become an even bigger lover of Nordstrom Rack being the deal-seeker that I am!

15 – Kendra Scott’s Birthday Discount

Who doesn’t love celebrating a birthday with a DISCOUNT?! You heard me RIGHT!! Kendra Scott offers a 50% birthday discount to its customers throughout the month of their birthday. That being said, you can score all of your dream Kendra Scott finds at a fraction of the price. I know that you can use this discount online if you sign up for emails as well as in-store as long as the birthday person has their ID with them. Kendra Scott definitely makes celebrating a birthday be celebrating the right way!!!

16 – Monogrammed Wine Glass

Monograms are clearly a preppy fashion staple! Why not put it on a wine glass?! After a long day of classes and meetings especially through Zoom, it’s always super fun to pop out an ADORABLE wine glass to wind down. My favorite places to get monogrammed wine glasses are on Etsy. I have found some with and without Lilly Pulitzer prints, that way, you can customize your glass(es) to your liking. Why not wine(d) down in style?!

17 – Printed Umbrella

Rain is a reality in our day to day lives. Why not make those gloomy days a bit brighter?! Places like Target, Vera Bradley, and Hallmark offer adorable vibrantly printed at a great price. Why not bring the sunshine on a dreary day?!

18 – Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Finds

Who doesn’t LOVE a good party AND a good sale, especially with Lilly Pulitzer involved?! Lilly Pulitzer is one of many preppy ladies’ favorite brands. Twice a year they do an After Party Sale which is the ONLY time that Lilly Pulitzer has a huge sale each year. Shorts, dresses, Luxletic, tops, and everything in between are ALL sold with major markdowns, which makes for none other than a partyyy!!! As many of y’all know, Lilly Pulitzer’s clothing comes with quite the hefty price tag. Meanwhile, the After Party Sale offers several of Lilly Pulitzer’s hottest finds of the previous season at a fraction of the price. If you love Lilly Pulitzer, then definitely check out its biannual After Party Sale for some AMAZING deals!!

19 – Printed Tumbler

From monograms to solid colors to everything in between, a printed tumbler is definitely the way to go to show off your personality and in a preppy fashion. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Simply Southern, and Lilly Pulitzer all offer adorable printed tumblers usually for under $20. One can also show off their school spirit in style, as most high schools and colleges also sell school-spirited tumblers; however, these are usually upwards of $25. Tervis is also a top tumbler brand, collaborating with many colleges/universities and carrying tumblers in several prints. Like school-spirited tumblers, these usually cost upwards of $25, which is worth the investment for day-to-day use. Tumblers definitely make for a personalized and fun style to carry with you from the halls to the classroom.

20 – Secondhand Finds

If you LOVE to shop secondhand, then look no further than your local thrift store! Thrift stores of all kinds can provide you with some AMAZING deals, especially on super cute, preppy, and name brand finds. Over the years, I have found Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, BCBG, J Crew, and Express at my local thrift stores. With Covid-19 keeping many of us at home, there are also several online secondhand shopping options, such as Ebay, Poshmark, Mercari, and ThredUp. Usually, secondhand stores carry even name brand clothing at a STEAL of the price! I have found Lilly Pulitzer shorts at a GoodWill for $4 along with J Crew and BCBG pieces for under $10 on ThredUp. When you #ShopSecondhand, you are also helping think green and save our planet. Name brand clothing at a steal of the price with good intentions for our planet?! How could you NOT #ShopSecondhand!!

21 – Persoanlized Stickers

Who doesn’t LOVE a cute sticker?! Fortunately for us all, websites like Amazon, RedBubble, and chains and local businesses alike are all now selling stickers. The majority of stickers that I have seen are sold for under $10, which makes for a great deal for something that you can put on your phone, folders, notebooks, or even calculators. The best part of it all: the stickers that you have are uniquely your own. Express yourself!!!

22 – Cute Phone Case

Like a sticker, phone cases come in all colors, prints, and styles! Luckily, there is several options and usually at a very reasonable price point. I ALWAYS spot some cute phone cases in the checkout line at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. Target and Amazon, I know, also have super adorable phone cases as well. Like a sticker, a phone case can be personalized to be uniquely your own.

23 – Crown & Ivy at Belk

Whoever said department stores lack cute and preppy clothing clearly has never shopped in a department store! The Crown & Ivy in-house brand at Belk is NO EXCEPTION!!! Crown & Ivy is a super adorable brand filled with all-things preppy. Personally, I find it as a mix between Lilly Pulitzer, J Crew, and Vineyard Vines with its vibrant prints and Southern preppy flare. Since the brand is exclusively sold at Belk, Crown & Ivy is consistently included in Belk’s regular sales and discounts online and in-store. Keeping this all in mind, Crown & Ivy finds will definitely keep you in style for many years to come!

24 – Printed Socks

I am a sucker for socks!!! Like myself, I know many others who are also obsessed with socks. Over the years, I have purchased printed socks from Vineyard Vines, J Crew Factory, and Old Navy. From animals to polka dots and stripes, printed socks come in all prints and styles. They definitely make for a fun Back to School edition!!!

25 – Fun PJ’s

The BEST way to wind down after a long day is to curl up with a blanket and put on some super fun pajamas! Stores like Old Navy, Vineyard Vines, and Target sell adorable pajamas for a great price. Moreover, a pair of fun pajamas is also a great way to match with all your crew for a girl’s night in. Whether for a late night of cramming or a night with the girls, a pair of fun pajamas are an excellent affordable staple to add to your wardrobe!!