Please Note: There are a number of pictures in this post and a few affiliate links. I may be compensated if you click on those links.
I had so much fun putting together my Spring/Summer Look Book that I decided to make another one for Fall/Winter. Even though I don’t shop a lot anymore, I still truly love fashion and always try to look my best.
The thing is after my one year No Shopping Challenge I discovered something kind of crazy: no one notices what you wear. I would wear variations of the same clothing throughout the year and people would ask me if I had bought something new-even though I was doing a clothing challenge. People really aren’t paying attention to what you wear to the extent that you think they are.
My Shopping Process
- I check out what’s “on-trend” for the current or upcoming season
- I shop my closet first because a well thought out wardrobe has most of the components that will be in fashion for the upcoming season.
- I figure out the missing pieces that I would like to add to my wardrobe
- I go to Magical Goodwill to see if I can find what I want there. There was a time where I wanted a white jacket and found the exact Express jacket I wanted in Goodwill.
- Then, if I can’t find what I want I go shopping.
At the end of this post I will share 5 ways to go shopping and pay way under retail price for the additional items you would like to add to your wardrobe.
Enjoy!
Shop Your Closet With My Fall/Winter 2015 Lookbook
Pantone Color of the Year (30 second video) I think that Marsala is a great color that pairs well with my absolute favorite trend for Fall/Winter 2015!
Pantone Colors for Fall 2015
Seventies!
I feel like there is so much happening politically, socially, and economically. There is a huge amount of energy that is bubbling up all over the place. To me the Seventies is a decade that had a lot of fun, and pushed the limits. With afros everywhere, slightly flared pants coming back, and just a lighter energy I love the opportunities that this trend allows us to explore. Fortunately, there have been a number of years to refine and better the trend. 
Image Source: The Fashion Police
Grey
No, 50 Shades of Grey Jokes people! But, Grey returns in all of its subtle glory. I love that it takes on a different vibe depending on the type of material the piece is made out of. It can shimmer, it always looks sophisticated, and bright jewelry pairs wonderfully with it. 
Image Source: The Best Fashion Blog
Black Boots
Fortunately I do have a pair of black ankle boots. Unfortunately, I don’t have a pair of tall black boots-and I miss them so much! I love having both types so this year I will be searching through ThreadUp (receive $20 off with my affiliate link) to find some fabulous used boots! 
Image Source: Lauren Conrad
Big Jewelry
Now I know most of you would never wear those earrings! But, most of us probably have a giant ring, or chunky necklace somewhere in the house. 
Image Source: Styles Weekly
The Flounce! and All Black
I love that there is a very polished, more feminine feel to fashion in the past couple of years. The flouncy skirt affirms that belief. Pair the skirt or dress with your tall boots and a cute sweater and you’re ready to roll! Also, an All Black outfit is always on-trend for Fall. 
Image Source: LA Girl Fancies
Cream and Chunky Knits
Every year I have a lovely chunky cream sweater. Every year except for the year I did my No Shopping Challenge. I had no idea how much it was a staple in my wardrobe until it was gone. 
Image Source: The Style Sample (awesome blog!)
On The Fence
There are always trends that I find intriguing…but, am not 100% sold on wearing. These are the trends that you have to be a little more thoughtful about so that you can rock them well.
The Slip Dress
I get that it’s supposed to be sexy and saucy. But people don’t wear the right undergarments and a lot of people have difficulty seeing what’s appropriate and what’s inappropriate. Basically, think about this style carefully. 
Image Source: Trendencias
Plaid
I know, I know-it’s traditional. I just like plaid to be…subtle. Which it never seems to be. Wear it the way that these ladies did and you’ll be just fine! Love these outfits. 
Image Source: Today
Home Decor
Ok, you’re probably thinking Huh? There are a lot of beautiful home decor inspired patterns. I’m just not totally sure I should be wearing them. You be the judge. I do love the outfit though. 
Image Source: Mewe.co
Not My Thing
There always fashion styles that I just can’t get into This year there are two specifically that I don’t love.
Capes
I like capes in the abstract, I just think that they tend to be difficult for most women to carry off even though it has endured for a long time. I just imagine super posh New York women and Parisians wearing capes. Or, Russian women specifically in Moscow with a cute fur hat too. 
Image Source: Style Bistro
Pastel
I like pastel colors. I just think that pastels in Fall and Winter aren’t deep enough colors to wear. This one is one I won’t do, but I bet a lot of people will because pastels are pretty. 
Image Source: ArcStreet
5 Ways To Add To Your Wardrobe For LESS
Now that we’ve had a quick look at Fall/Winter fashion (and you’ve shopped your closet) you now are prepared to potentially add whatever items are still missing from your current wardrobe. Here are 5 ways to add to your wardrobe for less. Please, DON’T PAY FULL PRICE!
- ThredUp-ThredUp is a online thrifting website with super cute clothes! As you can imagine, items are unique, however they are checked thoroughly before being put up for sale. I really like that you can send in your items for a credit, invite friends and give them $20 off with your affiliate link, become an affiliate, and be kind to the earth at the same time. Brands represented include: Gap, Free People, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alice and Olivia and more.
- Educator’s Discount-Ask if there is an educator’s discount! I used to work at a university and discovered (after several years) that Anne Taylor Loft gave an educator’s discount. I think it was around 10% which is a little more than tax. On a new business wardrobe or even purchasing a new jacket-that is a nice savings.
- Goodwill Blue Card-Get the Goodwill Blue Card if you typically shop at Goodwill. Also, get the flyers that share when there will be a 50% off day. Typically you can’t combine deals, but you do want to log in your Blue Card purchases. Also, Blue Card members have additional 50% off days which is really nice if you don’t want to deal with the regular 50% off day.
- Clothing Swaps-Bring a bottle of vino and some appetizers and ask your friends to bring 10 carefully curated items each for a clothing swap.
- iBotta-Surprisingly iBotta has apparel discounts! Use my referral code to receive a $1 when you join and redeem an initial rebate. You can also of course just use iBotta for grocery shopping!
I have to admit that I’m looking forward to Fall and Winter because I experienced two summers this year! Hope this helps.
What’s Your Favorite Fall/Winter Trend?
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I like everything unluckily I’m in my sort of shopping ban so no clothes shopping 🙁 but you gave great suggestion for autumn/winter loo!!!
No worries about your shopping ban! Shop your closet and use the suggestions 🙂
I love tall boots. Love, love, love. I have one really rockin’ pair of brown boots, but the heel is so high it’s killing me lately. It’s all the changes in my body after having kiddos. I’d love to replace them but I have two problems. First is money, second is finding a pair of vegan boots that doesn’t look ridiculous. It’s a chore. Oh, and I’m with you on the capes. Not. My. Thing.
I love tall boots too. Use ThredUp to see if there are vegan boots. There are some gorgeous pairs out there…but I don’t know if a girl would give those up?
I have been looking for the perfect pair of black boots for what seems like forever. I hope this fall I can actually find them! 🙂
I love a pair of cute black riding boots. Am also crossing my fingers! I totally wear out every single pair that I get.
I pretty much wear the same thing all year and wear that look for years and years. Can you tell I’m not into fashion? 🙂 I’m with you on the cape though. No thanks!
You also live in a place that has very little climate variation so you don’t need the extra stuff that I do need: sweaters, boots, and hats. I love those items!!
An online thrift store! What a dream –I may get addicted!
I love the great introduction offer that they have! And, yes, I just might get super addicted LOL!
My wife love the capes, which she hasn’t tried yet Michelle. And, she said that your list is fantastic and she would love to pull every fashion off this winter. But the capes are special to her.
I had to laugh when I read this!! Tell her I appreciate her kind words. I just can’t do capes.
I love the boots! And I’ve always been a fan of statement necklaces and jewelry. When I did my shopping ban early this year, I noticed the same thing about people not caring much or just being oblivious about me wearing the same things all the time. I consider myself pretty fashion forward but when I do/did shop I do it more for myself and not to impress other people or get compliments.
I was really surprised how much people just don’t notice what other people wear-over time. I still love to give (and receive) compliments. Now I just focus on being creative with what I already have as much as possible.
I look like a corpse in pastels.
And ew to capes.
I have no black boots this season and can’t seem to find any I like at a reasomable price. Ankle boots are everywhere though! Now confession – I have one pair and because I have such skinny legs/ankles they look silly on me so I swore never to buy another pair. But… I tried on a pair instore the other day just for kicks and I think with the right cut I could do it again. But maybe they’ll be out of style next year…might keep looking for tall ones.
Ha! Pastels just don’t do it for me. And capes-just can’t do it! I love ankle boots and I agree that the cut of the boot makes all the difference.