Western Glamour…

With animal prints and tartan checks infiltrating the streets of Manhattan, a fresh break from fall’s hottest trends is always a welcome breath of fresh air every now and then. Like many women, you probably keep your newest garments right at the front of your closet. While this maximizes the wear that you get out of those items for the current season, your fresh finds from last year sit idle in the back of the dresser. Time and time again, I reinforce the importance of getting the most out of your purchases. And just because something is a year or two (or five) old, doesn’t mean that it suddenly loses value. Create your own value by mixing old and new, or simply putting a fresh twist on old favorites.

This week I got to break out one of my favorite fall jackets from a few years ago – a cranberry cowgirl number. This casual piece is elevated by the precision in construction and velvety suede. I never have a problem investing in good jackets because they tend to have a longer shelf life than other items like shirts, jeans, and shoes. And I know that I’ll be able to wear my most-loved jackets for as long as I want, because I always invest up front and choose jackets that are versatile, to be paired with many different things in my wardrobe. I’ve chosen to layer this light coat over a wardrobe staple – my tried and true Ralph Lauren button down. While I bought this shirt just last year, I’ve owned versions of it for as long as I can remember. This combo creates a solid and minimal base for the rest of my outfit, so I can have fun with the other elements.

That’s where the print comes in. I suggest that every woman own a printed skirt with a bit of interesting texture to carry her through the end of summer and into fall months. Look for warm tones, dark hues, and a color palette that works with the rest of your closet. In no time, you’ll have multiple outfits built around this skirt that you can wear for multiple occasions. I prefer maxi skirts during the fall for a touch of romantic whimsy, and an excuse to keep wearing my peep toe platforms until the snow starts to fall. These velvet sandals from Prada could easily read summer, but because I’ve styled it with other autumn-inspired pieces, they’re the perfect finish to this warm western ensemble. My other accessories – including my turquoise belt and vintage Americana bag – are perfectly in step with the rustic theme. All I have to do is switch out this white blouse for a simple black camisole, and this daytime look composed of my old favorites is nighttime-ready.