Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons. Refreshingly crisp air, tart Pink Lady apples and golden afternoon light – I can’t get enough it. But it’s also my favorite time of year for style. You get to layer again, play with texture and wear rich warm colors. Truth be told, I’ve had a hard time finding my style since having Carter. It may look like I’ve regained my pre-baby shape but things have…shifted shall we say. It’s been challenging to find things that fit well and feel good. Stepping back into my signature heels has felt like torture. And if it isn’t made of sweatshirt material it’s felt totally impractical.

But last week I decided I needed to do something to feel more like myself again.

I slipped back into my black skinny jeans (yes, it was a tight squeeze), pulled on some killer fall boots and got ready for a mama’s afternoon out. Of course it wouldn’t be Fall without a new coat! Since I’m rediscovering my pre-baby closet I’ve been pretty judicious about my purchases, but this Adam Lippes for Target plaid coat had me at hello. While I realize the whole 90’s plaid thing is having a comeback right now, I love how the jumbo size and soft color palette breaks the usual plaid rules. It feels sophisticated and modern rather than grunge-esque. Mama approved.

what i’m wearing: rag & bone jeans // vince knee-high boots // black blazer // celine bag // target plaid scarf // adam lippes for target mohair plaid coat // illesteva sunnies // vrai & oro rings

I’ve also never met a plaid scarf I didn’t like. They are the perfect fall accessory – not a ground breaking statement I realize, but they are the perfect way to perk up a tired closet without breaking the bank. And they’re easy to justify. You can use them to stay warm on chilly mornings and then they serve as the perfect amount of flair for the rest of the day. Throwing on a silky fringe plaid scarf in warm neutral tones made my look even more autumnal – and I love how the mix of plaids play so nicely with one another.

Getting out and about inspired me to start playing with pieces that are already in my closet too. Mixing tripes and plaid is another fun way to spice up your look without having to buy some crazy print you’d only wear once. I love the pop collar of the Target flannel blazer that I found. It’s box plaid is the perfect match for a striped turtleneck. I’d rock this look with jeans or even a skirt {!} and my favorite peep toe booties.

Needless to say, getting a little dressed up and out of the house for a couple of hours of window shopping definitely helped me get my style mojo back. Never mind that I was back in sweats about five minutes after getting home!

How are you breaking fall’s fashion rules? You can shop the rest of my fall favorites RIGHT HERE. You can see the rest of my personal style posts RIGHT HERE.

original photography for apartment 34 by suzzana scott

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