Coming up short…

And this time, it’s a good thing! One of my favorite trends right now is the cropped wide-leg. Pants, culottes, jeans, jumpsuits — all of these options are great for the transition months ahead. As we greet September, it’s important to dress for the appropriate weather. When you wake up in the morning to 60 degrees and by lunch it’s nearly 90, breathable and versatile garments are a must. You don’t want to be caught swishing down the sidewalk in a wool palazzo during the sun’s hot cameo on a rainy Tuesday. At the same time, a mini skirt isn’t exactly the prime choice for a breezy morning commute. Enter: the cropped pant.

These pants are not only versatile, but comfortable and easy to wear all day. Here, I’ve styled the pants for a busy day of appointments and meetings. My comfortable platform heels elongate the leg, which is important when wearing something that could appear to cut you unproportionally. And for the same reason that boots could immediately make this outfit appropriate for a chilly autumn afternoon, these peep toed sandals still read “summer” without being obvious like a sunflower print or straw hat. Speaking of — while I do have a fondness for straw bags and hats, I decided to go a bit more industrial this time around with some simple hardware jewelry and a unique metal crossbody. This bag is hand-painted and was a favorite find from one of my most recent trips.

Now let’s get to the real statement piece of this ensemble: the printed top. This is something that’s a little bit different for me. Many of those who follow my blog and Instagram account know that I usually play with traditional prints and some sparkle to stand out. However, I think it’s extremely important to step outside your comfort zone once in a while. Don’t let your wardrobe get stale. Play on the edge and style to your strengths, so while the new piece may not be totally “you”, the overall outfit still stays true to your staple aesthetic.