I really fell off this summer. I stopped going to the gym. I stopped meditating. I stopped writing as much. This was partly due to that summer lull that hits all of us, party due to the kids being off school and having less time on my own, partly do to depression and anxiety, partly due to sheer laziness, and so on. But at the end of the day, I need to get my shit together. I can make all the excuses I want for not getting done the things I want to get done. I can drone on about all the external factors in my life causing me to not perform the way I want to. However, in the end, it’s all about priorities. Do I want to sit around and snack, packing on the pounds and inches, or do I want to stay healthy, fit, and active? Do I want to write, or do I want to say I write, but not actually write? Do I want to struggle with anxiety and depression, or do I want to spend a few minutes meditating and help myself? Do I want to dress like a casual schlub every day or break out the fall style. Do I want to actually wear the clothes I write about and continuously buy?
That’s why this autumn, I’m getting back to the basics. I’m hitting the gym four times a week (minimum). I’m going to find time to meditate as many mornings as possible. Regarding my fall style, I’m going to break out the tailoring more often. I mean, what’s the point in owning some beautiful jackets and suits with wonderful fabrics if I’m not going to wear them? Why spend money on Goodyear-welted dress shoes if only to leave them in the box? Why am I taking the time to iron my shirts and press my trousers, if I’m going to let them languish on their hangers?
Fall is the perfect time to get back to my style basics too. Fall screams out for basics. Flannel suits, wool sweaters, quality denim, leather boots, oxford shirts. For me, these are some of the staple pieces that belong in my fall wardrobe
Back to Basics for Fall Style Part 1
Flannel, corduroy, denim, leather, tweed. These are the fabrics of fall. It’s all about texture and weight. A lot of these items can be paired together for a multitude of looks, depending on how dressy or casual you want to be. Personally, I’m in love with the RRL cord jacket, and you’ve probably seen that denim shirt on my Instagram feed.
Corduroy Jacket: Ralph Lauren // Knit Tie: Todd Snyder // Flannel Suit: Suitsupply
Cardigan Sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren // Boots: Allen Edmonds
Tweed Jacket: Brooks Brothers // Denim Shirt: The Tie Bar // Jeans: J. Crew
Back to Basics for Fall Style Part 2
Ok, the fair isle sweater might be a tad bit early, but I really like this one. Plus, Lands’ End is a very affordable option. Oxford button down shirts are always a must for fall. And I don’t think it would actually be fall without a waxed cotton coat.
Fair Isle Sweater: Lands’ End // Knit Tie: The Tie Bar // Oxford Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Shawl Collar Cardigan: Brooks Brothers // Herringbone Blazer: J. Crew
Waxed Cotton Coat: Barbour // Car Coat: Nordstrom // Selvedge Denim: Gap
