Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

Fall Trends You Can Rock Right Now

It’s been a year filled with unexpected turns. And, here we are in August. A flashback post on one of my social channels reminded me that we’re usually talking excitedly about fall fashion around this time. It prompted me to begin identifying my favorite styles for the season ahead. I’ll be sharing all those top picks in a series of posts beginning today. For today’s edition, I shopped my closet to showcase the ruffles trend and the puff sleeves trend.

ruffles trend

What I’m wearing:

Puff-sleeve denim jacket | Ruffle skirt(50% off, limited stock) | Stripe tee | Sandals | Fedora | Earrings

ruffles trend

Ruffles

The ruffles trend is going to be huge this fall. I love the drama and interest ruffles can add to otherwise simple pieces. In the right fabric, ruffled items can be versatile too. My ruffle skirt is by Topshop (inventory is very limited now because it’s 50% off). I bought it early in the year, and as you can imagine, I haven’t worn until now. I’m wearing it casually today. But, since it’s a taffeta skirt, I could easily dress it up for a fancier affair.

Puff Sleeves

Thank goodness, right? If you’re a fan of puff sleeves, you’ve probably amassed quite the collection of items with full sleeves. Well, the trend is here to stay. We’re going to see puff sleeves on everything from sweaters to coats. I bought my puff-sleeve denim jacket  during a huge Zara sale at the top of the year. It has quickly become a go-to casual topper. No surprise, Zara brought it back (see it here).

It feels good looking forward to the season ahead. Stay tuned for more chats on fall trends. Go here for another fall transitional look.

Fall ruffles trend and more:

 

These Affordable Skirts Are So Right Now

Find yourself lingering in the clothing section on your Target runs for household essentials? Yeah, me too. On a recent trip, I spotted this tiered, ruffled, midi skirt that commanded my attention. Since the fitting rooms are closed, I literally tried it on over the shorts I was wearing to gauge my size. Glad I did, I needed a size 6 and not my usual size 4. Today’s post shares one way I’m wearing this skirt right now, you know, for runs to Target. Check out the round-up of my affordable skirts at the end of the post.

Affordable Skirts

What I’m wearing:

Skirt (under $35) | High-neck top (similar | Slingback mules | Earrings: Vikreations

Affordable Skirts

In addition to the striking look and low price, I love this skirt because it can be versatile. It’s a breezy cotton skirt. It’ll look good with a white tee and sneakers. It’ll also look great with a button-down shirt and heeled sandals. You can let it anchor all kinds of looks. And, for under $35, I’m here for that.

Affordable Skirts

Since I’m only 5’4″, I like to balance the longer length of midi skirts by showing a little skin on top. In this look, I reached for my cropped, high-neck tank. I also plan to rock this skirt with my favorite tube tops (like this) and cropped tees (like this one). If I pair it with a button-down, I’d probably style it like this. Of course, if showing the midriff is not your thing, tuck your favorite top into the skirt for an equally fabulous look.

Affordable Skirts

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How To Make The Summer-To-Fall Transition In A Slip Skirt

Happy first day of fall! As I write this post, I’m preparing for a warm week in St. Louis. Deciding on outfits during the first month of fall can be so tricky because the temperatures are all over the place. I’m sure, though, that you’re ready to whip out your new seasonal faves. While it might not be time for our beloved chunky knits, there are other cool, transitional style essentials we can start easing into the rotation. Let’s discuss.

What I’m wearing:

Faux leather jacket c/o Gordmans | Tube top | Slip skirt | Booties (similar) | Fendi Baguette

14K Necklaces (exact/similar, similar bar necklace) | 14K earrings (similar)

14K ball studs (wearing 3mm) | 14K ear cuff c/o

fall transitional style

Today’s transitional look is anchored by a slip skirt. You’ve seen me rock this particular H&M skirt before (here and here). The slip skirt stormed the fashion scene and refuses to let go of its hold. The style is an ideal option for changing weather conditions because it’s lightweight enough to wear on hot days and can be layered easily to make appropriate for cooler temps. So, grab yourself one. Today, I’m adding a few fall style elements to give my skirt some autumnal flavor.

fall transitional style

For a smart topper, I reached for my faux leather jacket (seen before here). I’ve been wanting the leather jacket look for a minute, but I couldn’t decide on a color. The moment I saw this brownish-cognac number, I knew it was the one for me. I immediately started imagining color combinations like the one I’m wearing today. That’s always a sure sign that you should get something, right?

Next step, the shoes! Booties are a no brainer for fall. This peep-toe pair (see a similar style here) is the perfect option because of its color, texture, silhouette, and open front. This fall, I’m also quite fond of mules (both flat and heeled styles). A mule would be an equally fabulous alternative in this ensemble.

fall transitional style

Location: St. Francis Xavier College Church, St. Louis

Shop this transitional style:

The Best Slip Skirts Under $50

The slip skirt has dominated trends in 2019, and it’s holding strong for fall. This is reason to rejoice because slip skirts are so versatile. They pair with everything from mules and a blouse to sweaters and kicks. And, there’s more. Since the skirts have been so popular, it’s easy to find fabulous styles at every price point. My rust skirt, for example, is under $35! See more options under $50 at the end of this post.

slip skirts

What I’m wearing:

White shirt (similar) | Skirt | Mules (similar)

Sunglasses (shop Fendi sunnies for less) | Bag | 14K gold Anklet c/o

Foundation: Pat McGrath (Medium Deep 26) | Lip: Fenty Beauty “Ma’Damn”

My rust skirt has a high waist, calf length, and softly draped fabric. Its silhouette makes it a breeze for styling. For size reference, I’m wearing the skirt in a size 6.

This time around, I wore a white button-front shirt knotted at the front to show a little skin. And, my orange suede mules add a little monochromatic flavor.

slip skirts

I plan to style and restyle this skirt. I have a white, one-shoulder body suit that’ll pair well for a night out. The skirt will also look great with a white cropped t-shirt and my favorite Superga sneakers. No doubt, the styling possibilities are endless.

Location: Soulard, St. Louis

slip skirts

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Great Lengths: How To Wear Maxi Styles

Maxi dresses and skirts have become style staples in every season. That should comes as no surprise because they can take your style to great lengths. While longer styles run the risk of approaching dowdy, ankle-length skirts and dresses are everything but dowdy when styled fabulously. So, I’m sharing my go-to styling technique in today’s post.

Maxi Skirt

What I’m Wearing:

Print skirt | Top | Shoes | Sunglasses

Maxi Skirt

This Billabong skirt caught my attention because of the standout print. It has striking layers of vibrant parallelograms all over. Its additional details bring cool styling opportunities too. The button-up front, for example? You can use them to create a super sexy slit or just a subtle slit in the front. I’m totally here for the high slit.

Sizing on this skirt? I purchased a medium (a size up for me) at the recommendation of the brand’s size guide. But, since this skirt has an elasticized waist (it stretches in the back), I could’ve worn a small. So, I recommend getting your usual size in a skirt.

My approach to styling maxi lengths is to strive for balance. Since my skirt is loose and flowy, I opted for a fitted, cropped tank. This skirt wold also look amazing with a halter top, a tube top, or a fitted tee. If the skirt was fitted, however, I would choose an oversized top. But of course, all rules can be broken.

Maxi Skirt

Want more inspiration for styling ankle-length styles, see here and here.

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