For those fashion inclined, fall is a season of opportunity. As the leaves change and the weather gets cooler, the reign of tank tops and Goodwill jorts must come to an end. But what should replace them? Look no further for the answer to your burning autumn “what-to-wear” questions. 

Sweaters 

It may seem an obvious first pick, but sweaters are a seasonal staple, and you’ve got to get them right. The perfect sweater depends on your preference — for a thinner, breezy feel, shoot for a cotton based garment. For a sturdier sweater, go wool. If you want something to last you into the winter months, I’d recommend a fisherman style or cable knit sweater, which are made out of traditionally patterned knit wool. If you’re willing to buy first-hand, Patagonia is a great option, but there are a breadth of second hand websites and thrift stores with these sweaters in stock. When thrifting for sweaters, keep a few tips in mind. First, always check the tags — stray away from nylon and other acrylic materials — and always feel the inside to ensure it’s not too itchy. Keep a keen eye out for anything made pre-80s. At that point, the majority of American clothing was still made domestically. Quick crash course in clothing history — in the days before mass outsourcing and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it trend cycles, clothes were made to last a lifetime, or at least a couple years. 

LBS

The Little Black Skirt (LBS) is a style Swiss Knife, versatile and deadly cute. Emerging in the 90’s, the LBS is what it sounds like — a plain black mini skirt. The details depend on your taste, and while the most common cut is tight-fit tube shape, a skater skirt or pleated piece would work just as well. The LBS pairs well with everything, but for fall I’d recommend styling it with a sweater and Doc Martens, and feel free to add tights to warm up the outfit. As for where to buy, Brandy Melville and H&M both have affordable, cotton-based mini skirts with a little stretch, though for a pricier pick, Aritzia is the way to go. 

Stepping up socks 

Fun socks have been unjustly cast aside in recent years, and this fall is the perfect time to end that. While fashion can be an excellent tool to craft your image or project a certain look, at the end of the day it should be about you. Socks are the perfect way to add a personal flair to your ‘fit that only you know about — whether it’s cat cartoons, intricate patterns or an ironic joke, there is a pair of socks out there for you. 

Here to stay: Boston clogs 

Birkenstock’s “Boston clog” took over Christmas lists last winter, and like some, I was apprehensive to participate. Trends come and go quickly, and I didn’t want to lay down almost $200 for something that would be left in the past. Almost a year later, though, the shoe has stuck around, and for good reason — these slides are comfortable and versatile and will last you through the seasons. As for care, the clog is made from suede leather — though a vegan option is available — and in order to keep your investment in good condition, Birkenstock recommends you keep the shoe out of water and away from direct heat. 

Knitwear: scarves, legwarmers and more 

As the air gets chillier, I find myself yearning for the warm embrace of a handmade scarf, the itchy comfort of a hat knit with more love than skill. At the same time, I notice a startling absence of these pieces out in the wild — are people these days simply too embarrassed to don these handcrafted masterpieces? This fall, make your grandma happy — wear that hat with pride. If you don’t have a grandma as artistically inclined, reach out to your crocheting friends or support a small business online. You could even make something yourself! Achieve that “bundled-up” look with a pair of legwarmers, a unique crochet cap or a scarf that adds a little extra flair to your ‘fit. The opportunities are endless when you’re not relying on styles curated by big brands. You can create or commission anything your heart desires. A beanie with animal ears, a sleek striped scarf, some throwback fingerless gloves in your favorite color — this fall, stay warm, stay stylish and stay sustainable.