Fall Classics
No. 69
Welcome to Style / Substance, a weekly newsletter about personal style and confidence, the business and psychology of fashion, with features on outfit ideas, styling tips, product, and brand recommendations - all to make your life easier and to ensure you present your best self. Subscribe here, follow me on Instagram at @LauraKSawyier, + subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Thank you!
+ If you enjoy this week’s post, please tap the ❤️ above.
The temperature went from 80 to 40 degrees overnight this past week in St. Louis. And the following days delivered a below-freezing chill to stir us out of bed. That means it’s officially time to break out the sweaters, boots, and jackets. An effortless way to transition into the true fall season is by reaching for the classics… cozy knitwear, striped shirts, corduroys, and mid-weight jackets.
Here are two classic looks that filled in the first half of this week, with almost every piece under $200. All are shoppable with notes on fit and styling below each outfit vignette. Wear it well, should you choose to purchase it. And always feel free to send me a note with any questions before purchase.
Boden Chunky Cashmere Vest — In oatmeal here (3 more colors available). Slightly mock neck and cap sleeve fit, not overly fitted. Take your normal size. 100% Cashmere. Wear solo, over a button-up shirt or turtleneck, or under a blazer. Selling fast.
Alex Mill Eloise Striped Cotton Poplin Shirt — Limited sizing available, but in a slightly slouchy fit, borrowed from the boy’s button-up. A mock neck is a modern take on a button-up shirt.
J.Crew Garçon Cotton Poplin Shirt in Stripe — An alternative to the blue stripes, on sale currently, available in sizes 00-24. The thick stripes and extra large cuffs make for a modern statement on a classic shirt.
Adam Foster Huggie Earrings in 18k Gold — Elevated everyday teenie drops. I typically wear them in my second holes. They are a good small size for cartilage piercings, too. Fun fact: if your earring holes are stretched from years of wearing earrings, these earring posts from AF can be moved to “sit” higher up on your earlobes. A very helpful jewelry optical illusion.
Essie Gel Couture, Fairy Tailor — Go-to classic color for all seasons. Not too transparent, not too white or pink, somewhere in between in all.
Paige Jolie Coated Cargo Ankle Pants — Coated and elevated. They’re a slightly high mid-rise but not too high-rise. Keep in mind there’s a small cargo side pocket.
Blondo Sadie Waterproof Bootie — Not the exact pair I’m wearing (they’re from TRR), but I am a fan of Blondo’s water-resistant styles, and this is a similar aesthetic to this fit combo. This pair comes in five colors. Take your normal size. Fair heel height without being too unsteady or uncomfortable.
Naadam Cashmere Classic Turtleneck — Light to mid-weight cashmere, super soft. Comes in various colors. High neck fold over turtleneck. If you like turtlenecks, I would say you need one of these styles in your assortment of clothes. Selling fast. Here is a comparable style.
Chimi #0.72 Sunglasses in Green — Not shown in this photo, but they’re tucked in my bag for when I leave the house. I love adding a little color in sunnies to an all-black (mostly) outfit. Olive green is also a neutral color that can be worn with pretty much anything, especially as an accessory. If you like them, get 10% off with my Hampden code: LAURAKSAWYIER at checkout.
& Other Stories Drawstring Collared Jacket — Obsessed with this jacket. It’s a tad oversized with toggle drawstring cinches at the waist. Big functional pockets to hold keys and your phone easily. The black is a nylon material, and it comes in green canvas if that’s more your speed. It runs slightly oversized, so size down for a more standard fit.
Adidas Originals Women's Gazelle Shoes — Classics have returned, and they’re selling really fast. Half size down for women’s styles. I’ve been wearing these light grey ones with all-black combos, as shown, and with jeans, t-shirts, and blazers. A really solid closet editing (aka, work a lot on your feet) shoe.
Banana Republic Factory High Slim Corduroy Jean — They’re actually not as high as they’re being marketed. A nice cut through the leg… fitted through the hips, thigh, and knee, then tapers straight down, not a skinny, not a kick crop. I got the 28” inseam, so the pants fall just about 1” over the top of most of my booties (that’s where you want them to land with the pants/boots ratio).
Queenoris Vegan Leather Tote Bag — My latest Amazon find! Just ordered this tote, and it carries my iPad, wallet, beauty items, XL water bottle, and still room to spare. I wouldn’t travel with it, but it’s a great everyday tote size. My 15” laptop fits in it snug should I need to take that with me to meetings (which is rare). Comes in metallic silver (contemplating that, too) and over a dozen other colors. It’s woven vegan leather, btw. Feels soft and supple and has a solid base so that when lugging around heavy items, it doesn’t all fall to the center of bag gravity. It has an insert pouch that comes with it, too.