Open the door to my tiny yet wildly overstuffed closet, and you’ll be amazed—and maybe a bit frightened—by the wild clash of patterns staring back at you. There’s that vintage faux-snakeskin coat I got for a steal, floor-length billowy dresses in all sorts of floral patterns, all sorts of leopard-print pieces (I knew it was going to come back in style)… and I rarely wear any of them.
I’m a maximalistic magpie at heart, but I’m also the opposite of a morning person. When it comes down to it, when you’ve overslept your alarm on a Monday, it’s just so much easier to pull on (looks down) a pair of wide-leg jeans and a black mock-neck. Who has time to rummage around and evaluate whether those vintage logo-print shoes look okay with those gingham pants when there’s a meeting to get to?
In an effort to shake myself out of my wardrobe rut, slash my cost-per-wear ratio, and feel a little more like my mismatched, vintage-loving self again, I’ve been looking to my favorite street style goddesses for divine inspiration. Warning: The following four Instagram outfit ideas may not be for the faint of heart.
URBAN COWGIRL
As the contents of my closet can attest, I’ve never seen a prairie dress I didn’t like, but there’s a fine line between cool urban cowgirl and musty Halloween costume. Add in Western-inspired boots with a little something extra (e.g., a bold color or an unexpected print) that shows you’re headed to Greenpoint rather than Green Acres. You’ll need…
1. A Reimagined Prairie Dress
Equally good: This green floral ASOS gem for $76. Also loving Astr the Label’s Mona Floral Dress ($138) and this puff-sleeve La Vie Rebecca Taylor pick ($295).
3. Cowboy Boots (With a Twist)
Also very into Jeffrey Campbell’s super-shiny Volcanic Western Boots ($265), Tibi’s fun croc-embossed leather Dylan Boots ($750), and Ganni’s super in-demand Marlyn Boots ($585).
2. Oversize Yellow Sunglasses
These ASOS aviators (a steal at $5) will also get the job done.
ALL THE ANIMAL PRINTS
Animal prints are what F/W 18 is all about, so it stands to reason that they’ll look even better together. Looks like I’ve finally got a reason to pull the aforementioned snakeskin coat out of the very back of my leopard print–filled closet. You’ll need…
1. Snake-Print Leather Coat
Not into leather? Check out AlexaChung’s Snake-Print Denim Jacket ($575) for a suitably vegan option.
2. Zebra-Print Blouse
Also good: Topshop’s Zebra Print Piped Camisole ($40) and Robert Rodriguez’s Zebra Print Tie Cuff Blouse ($345).
3. Pink Skirt
Looking to tone things down a bit? This champagne-hued Anine Bing skirt ($300) still ticks the silky midi box, and this orange Vince option ($265) is another winner.
Summer Checks Get the Fall Treatment
I’ve got a whole lot of checks hiding out in my wardrobe. Most are on the more subdued side (think black-and-gray Prince of Wales patterns), but there’s this particular pair of bright, summery wide-leg pants I’m not ready to retire just quite yet. Which is why I’m following Anne Johannsen’s lead and pairing them with my favorite boxy corduroy shacket (okay, I hate that term too). You’ll need…
1. Boxy Corduroy Jacket
Also considering snapping up The Great’s absolutely dreamy boxy corduroy jacket ($450) or AG’s forest-green Evonne jacket ($215). Thank you, Instagram.
2. Wide-Leg Plaid Pants
My shopping list also includes this blue Topshop pair ($90) and these incredible Daisy Street pants ($45) I saw on ASOS.
Logo-print shoes are clearly having a moment. I’ve got my eyes on these Gucci slides ($290), too.
COLORFUL AND COZY
Like I said, I own a lot of colorful pieces, and I’m turning to Instagram for ideas on how to pair them together. Loving this green-and-purple look (and feeling pretty good about keeping my basket bags in rotation through fall). Who said fashion couldn’t be comfortable?
1. Chunky-Knit Sweater
Or you could swap this one out for Sori’s cozy mohair sweater ($115) or Madewell’s balloon-sleeve beauty ($98).
2. Dark Green Trousers
Or perhaps Madewell’s cropped wide-leg pants ($88) are more your style? Or maybe Jesse Kamm’s sailor pants ($395)?
3. Embellished Mules
Also picturing myself stepping out in Miista’s Mathilde mules ($265), or maybe these lilac Creatures of Comfort slides ($395).
Need more? Check out the Instagram outfits we’re shopping for fall.
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