6 Pieces You Won't Regret Buying, Including 3 Wardrobe Essentials For Fall That Also Work Now.

Everything is under $250, most are less than half of that, and all are wonderful.

Congratulations! You made it through last week, which was rather bonkers for so many of us. (The Mars-Square-Neptune situation on the 14th was no joke.) I loved Chani Nicholas’s post about this recently, as it made me feel less alone. She said many wise things in that post, including this: “Confusion is its own medicine [because] when we are disoriented, we learn how to orient.”

And that sentiment is applicable to lots of different things, right? In fact, you could say that’s the whole process of adulting: Figuring a way through and a path forward when you’re not sure what’s what. It also certainly applies to how I’ve been thinking about my own personal style and shopping choices, after surfacing from the depths of back-to-back kids followed immediately by a multi-year pandemic. (Yes, I know I keep talking about this process! But partially because there are ongoing learnings—I like some pants now!—and partially because I just think about it a lot.)

It’s difficult to admit, but I’ve spent the last nearly six years making primarily functional decisions when it comes to getting dressed. Thinking about things like: Does this blazer hide my early pregnancy? What can I wear to protect my extra vulnerable postpartum self that will also come off easily for pumping at the office? Will this outfit read “professional” for this Zoom I am taking from the floor of my bedroom? Not exactly artistic or glam considerations, to put it mildly.

And that’s fine! It’s a life stage I have been lucky to go though. But now I’m starting to think more about self-expression and celebrating what’s happening in the fashion conversation, and less about whether or not a fabric will hide breastmilk stains. And as I tiptoe back into this world, I have found one thing remains the same as “before times,” and that’s the joy of finding well made pieces, at more reasonable prices, that touch on current and future trends, without being too shouty. 

So with that in mind, I’m happy to share six pieces that I either already own or are currently in my cart. The first three I found by chance: A unexpectedly wonderful swimsuit, a low-key dramatic linen pant (which I’m interested in only after having success with a more trad linen pant a few weeks ago), and a simple black iteration of a beloved summer dress. The final three I found by chase (specifically, chasing fall trends): a multipurpose silk tank, a sleek trouser in next season’s must have color, and totally on-trend earrings that won’t break the bank. Everything is under $250, most are under $130, and none of them will give you buyer’s remorse. 

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Shade & Store Ribbed Plunge Front V-Wire One Piece Swimsuit ($40)

I recently found myself in my hometown, on a sunny day, with a kid who wanted to go swimming, and nary a swimsuit in my suitcase. So I did what anyone would do: I turned to Target for help. I wasn’t hoping for much when I added this olive green one piece to my delivery cart—finding the right suit under the best of circumstances is hard enough—so I didn’t expect great results from a rushed round of phone shopping. 

When the suit arrived, I was so pleasantly shocked. It’s super soft, a great silhouette, and the adjustable straps means you can really customize the fit. If you are in need of a lot of support, I’m not sure this is the best option for you, but otherwise I recommend without reservations!

Banana Republic Minna Wide-Leg Linen Pants ($140)

Unrelated to much of anything, I’m exceptionally into these exaggerated linen pants. The dramatic line is much more elevated than the designs you typically see at this price point, and I love that the fullness of the silhouette gives a skirting effect.

I will not style it as shown, because that gets a little too I-own-a-kiln for me. Instead I’ll pair them with my favorite cropped J. Crew cashmere sweaters now, and then with a super thin Commando bodysuit and lace-up flatform sandals, like the Khaite pair I bought last summer and still love, when the weather gets warmer. (Other shoe options: The Row’s swoony Bow Grosgrain and Leather Slingback Sandals, if you’re fancy, or Larroude’s Gio Flatform Sandals, if you’re clever.)

Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress ($248)

One of my favorite things about being a long-time Ref shopper is that I’ve learned to be patient. And by that I mean: If they made something great once, they’ll usually make it again. This linen dress is the perfect example. I own two already in different prints, and I’m thrilled it’s back again in basic black. When I tell you this dress is an incredible fit, trust me. Plus it comes in five colors or prints, so if you don’t like looking like the goth girl at the barbecue, you’ll still have options.

Banana Republic Sublime Silk Tank ($110)

As I touched on last week, now that we are officially post F/W 2023 show season, it’s an excellent time to think about what upcoming autumnal trends you can try now that will work through the end of the year and beyond. In addition to my desire for a full white skirt per the Prada runway, I’m also thinking about Anthony Vaccarello⁣’s designs for Saint Laurent’s fall collection. There’s much I enjoyed about this show, especially that fact that a spare white silk tank was the linchpin for so many looks. 

While the runway version involves a whole lotta plunge, I currently have a much more wearable version from Banana Republic in my cart. Available in three colors (white, black, and olive green), three fits (regular, tall, and petite), and sizes XXS to XXL, this is an easy wardrobe staple that I haven’t owned in years.

& Other Stories Wide Tailored Press Crease Trousers ($129)

If you’re interested in investing in one color that works today and will look just as on point in October, make it a shocking, bright red. There are a bunch of pieces in this shade available right now, and I suggest starting with these sleek bright red trousers from & Other Stories. Wear them with a red top to fully embrace the trend, or it would look great with a simple gray, pale pink, or white t-shirt to take it down a notch or two.

If you’re not a pleated trouser person, try Boden’s Bi Stretch Crop Flare Trousers, which are currently on sale for $82, and come in sizes 2-22 and two lengths. Or you could try the brand’s Tulle Occasion Midi Skirt, which is on sale right now for $135, hits on a key silhouette for fall, and comes in this must-try color. (Unrelated, check out all of Boden’s midi skirts right now, which came via a rec from Who What Wear UK’s editor-in-chief, Hannah Almassi.)

And finally if the trend terrifies you in anything but small doses, start with one of my favorite bright red lipsticks, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hot Lips Lipstick in Tell Laura (it’s brighter than it looks online, but is really stunning). 

J.Crew Lightweight Sculpted Hoop Earrings ($48, plus 25% off now)

Another editor-approved, straight-from-the-fall-runways trend involves oversized, chunky, statement-making earrings in gold or silver, as seen at Bottega, Versace, and McQueen. Personally I have a harder time investing in designer costume jewelry, as the prices can be aggressive, and if you’re in agreement, I’d like to point out that there are loads of more affordable iterations out there. This pair from J.Crew is unquestionably dramatic in appearance, but distinctly reasonable in price. Plus they’ll look just as great with all of your spring and summer dresses as they will with cozy sweaters and strong suits come fall.

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Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me on @hillarykerr, I’d love it. And if you have anything to say or ask (preferably nothing terribly mean), please drop me a note either via DM or in the comments below.

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