No matter how long I have been out of school, I will always remember the back to school shopping. Every year when August rolled around I started to mentally prepare for fall and the new pre-fall collections that were hitting the stores. I always loved back to school shopping. Especially the first day outfit. It was the first impression for that year and it was something I took very seriously. I remember one year I planned out the outfits for the whole first week of school! I wrote everything out in my planner, down to which shoes I was going to wear.

While I am no longer in school (it’s been 5 years which I still can’t believe) I still have my own version of “back to school” shopping. Whenever my mom and I would head to the stores, we always had a few pieces that we knew we would be looking for. One of my favorite places to go was (and still is) Old Navy. When it comes to fall clothing, I think a few basic pieces that can mix and match are so important.

A jean jacket was always at the top of my list. I didn’t have to buy one every year, since they last such a long time, but it’s always a piece I like to have in my closet. They are great to transition your summer dresses and look so cute with cords in a fun color. Another trend I am loving this fall is denim on denim. Just make sure the wash on your top contrasts with the wash on the bottom, it breaks up the all of the denim.

Paisley prints are always great for the fall. This little paisley print dress is light and airy, but has a slight fall feel. I decided to pair the dress with these slides that I could not be more in love with. Who doesn’t love a shoe that you don’t have to break in?! I wore them all day at work and never once felt like I needed to switch into another shoe. A good close-toed shoe was always on my back to school list, and is still a must for my fall shopping.

When shopping for fall pieces I like to keep functionality in mind. Find a few basics that work well together that you will be able to style different ways. The light wash denim jacket will be a great layer and the neutral mule will work with everything from jeans to dresses.

Sunday morning was a gloomy, rainy day that had me dreaming of fall. The misty morning was the perfect opportunity to layer my denim jacket over my cotton dress. We had brunch and watched the rain out of the window, while sipping on our hot coffee. These cozy mornings are why I love fall. Don’t you? xo Bryn

Shop the Look:

Old Navy: Jean Jacket, Dress and Mules all c/o Old Navy, Bag: Cuyana (similar)