It’s finally fall, which means cute boots, sweaters, and all of your other cooler weather clothes that have been sitting at the back of a closet for the past few months. With the midterm season on the way, though, how are you supposed to find the time to actually put effort into an outfit? Enter these tried and true wardrobe staples, which I trot out when I need polish with next to no effort.
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A turtleneck
Hear me out. Yes, turtlenecks seem kind of boring. Yes, they’re often associated with the beatnik movement (not even necessarily a bad thing). But I have a lot of love in my heart for the turtleneck. Pair it with a simple pair of jeans, and you’ve instantly got a different, more sophisticated look on your hands. Something about that extra neck fabric just screams polished.
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A beret
I think I’m creating a French theme here, but the beret is great for both form and function. On a practical level, it’s cold – what better way to keep warm than to throw on a stylish French hat? On the form side – given that the French are known for their Classique style, this hat really seems like the move. It just adds a certain je ne sais quoi to whatever you’re wearing. Toss it on with whatever else and suddenly there’s a French sophistication going on. Maybe you read philosophy in your spare time. Maybe you drink wine with lunch and dinner. It’s all part of the mystery of the beret.
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Mules
Ah, the mule. This is the perfect shoe, and it is also the perfect fall shoe. Covering the front half of your foot but open in the back, mules are great for that weather that isn’t cold but leaves you wanting close-toed shoes as well. Also, the open back is the ideal amount of difference that draws attention to your outfit without looking too funky.
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A Good Denim Jacket
Why is this a wardrobe staple for fall, you may be asking. It is true that jean jackets possess a certain versatility that allows them to be worn during all seasons. However, I’d like to argue for the perfect combination of jeans, sweater, and a jean jacket. This updated Canadian tuxedo keeps you warm and also just looks cool. Throw that jacket on over your basic sweater and jeans and make a statement. It’s not just jeans and a sweater anymore. It’s denim on denim.