autumn is for the “CHARLOTTE” girls
Long gone are the days of the summer heat… well, if you live outside of LA. Yes, we are well into October and the temp has not dropped below 80 degrees. The east coast girl in me is not too pleased. While my friends on the other side of the country enjoy the amber leaves, fresh-picked apples, and hot chai lattes, I’m trying my best to not break into a sweat walking from the elevator to my apartment. While I cannot fully enjoy the bliss of autumn, it doesn’t mean I can’t talk about it.
Since I can’t have fall in LA, I’ve been transporting myself to NYC lately. No, I’m not racking up frequent flyer miles. I have been watching Sex and the City for the first time, after telling everyone Carrie Bradshaw is my fashion icon. While Carrie receives the most praise for her unique and bold style choices, there is another lady who I’ve been basing my fall looks on: Charlotte York. Viewers biggest critique of Charlotte is that she is more conservative than the other women, in terms of style and sex. But I have to disagree. While watching the show through a 2023 lens, Charlotte’s style has aged the best. Her look is timeless.
Another TV girly who is the embodiment of Fall Fashion, our Friend, Monica Geller. In many ways, Monica and Charlotte are the same character archetype. They’re both seen as the “mom” of their respective groups. They’re both hopeless romantics who end up with men they would never imagine being with. And, of course, they both live in the shadow of their more fashionably forward friend. In Monica’s case, Rachel is mentioned when talking about TV characters with the best style, due to her career being in fashion. But Monica deserves the credit as well. When discussing her vision for Monica’s style, Friends costume designer, Debra McGuire, says “part of her character was to be a little under the radar to look cool, but now it's become sort of the iconic '90s."
Getty Images
Both of these characters have been the catalyst for my fall wardrobe this year. Well, what I wish I was wearing. So without further ado, here are my 2023 fall essentials:
*Editor’s note: You will see Reformation more than once. I am biased because they pay for my groceries :)
All Things Cherry Red
Whether it’s a cherry lip or a pair of ballet flats, this deep shade of red has been all over my TL. It’s the perfect pop of color to spice up the typical neutral palette of the autumn wardrobe.
Reformation
Walker Slingback Heel
Fenty
Glass Bomb Cream Color Drip Cream
Ballet Flats
Speaking of ballet flats, these are the shoes of season. To me, ballet flats never went out of style, and they never will. If I still owned them, I would sport my black Tory Burch flats from the seventh grade everyday to work.
Madewell
The Anelise Ballet Flat
The Gap
Ballet Flats
Inspired by the ‘90s
Even through the wave of 70s and Y2k fashion trends coming back, one decade has remained a constant staple: the 90s. Whether it’s a pair of classic Mom jeans or a shrunken baby tee with a quip paired with a cropped cardigan, the 90s are the blueprint for fall fashion.
Reformation
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jean
Kimchi Blue by Urban Outfitters
Dayna Shrunken Cardigan
Metallica
Let me hear you say “Heyyyy Ms. Carter!” Ever since her Renaissance Tour took over the summer, metallic is back. If you are not sold on red as your pop of fun in your wardrobe, go for a metallic silver shoe or handbag.
Reformation
Medium Chiara Convertible Bag
Anthropologie
Vicenza Bow Mary Jane Flats
Lacy, Oh Lacy
When it comes to playing with texture in my style, I err on the side of caution. In an effort to step out of my comfort zone, I’ve been layering some of my fall favorites over lace.
Free People
Mariposa Lace Bow Bolero
Urban Outfitters
Jules Sheer Lace Midi Skirt
Is That My School Uniform?
I always envied people who wore school uniforms. Some may think that’s a wild statement, but to me the navy pleated skirts and white polo shirts were endearing. So who says I can’t incorporate it into my adult life?
Aritzia
Sunday Best Olive Knee Pleated Skirt
Reformation
Jodie Shirt
With Luv,
KK
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