14 NEW Ways to Wear a Classic Fall Trend

Fall is officially here! That’s right, I finally said it. I am ready to embrace Fall…even though I may be amongst the last to the party. While everyone else is itching to get into their boots and sweaters I’m usually wearing skirts and sandals right up until the last appropriate minute. But then last year, I had an epiphany.

            I used to only think of clothes in terms of “summer” and “winter.” I mean, I live in Michigan after all, Spring and Fall are mere blips on the radar unfortunately. BUT, my epiphany led me to the conclusion that there truly are some looks you can only wear in the fall. Some things only work well either:

1. only above 40 degrees OR
2. only before you cover them with a winter coat.

(Ever try to hide a fur vest under a wool coat?  You look like the little brother from “A Christmas Story.” I should know, I’ve done it. )

So finally, if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em. I’m throwing up my hands in surrender and choosing to embrace fall and all the infinity scarfs that go along with it.

Fall and Fashion are synonymous with each other. Maybe it’s because Fashion Week lands in the beginning of September or maybe it’s because we were conditioned to go school shopping for around 13 years of our lives. (Don’t you miss that?) Whatever the case may be, there’s an excitement in the air when riding boots start replacing peep toes and today we’re going to get in on the excitement! AND True to No Small Life form, we’re doing it on a budget! Because funds or the lack there of are never a reason for you not celebrate your life through style. SO, today we’re talking about how to get in on the No.1 Trend for fall. Are you ready…it’s…

Plaid. I know, novel right? Try and contain your shock, plaid is in for fall.  BUT before you go assuming you can just dust off your old flannel shirts… this year’s plaid has a twist. Plaid has gone girly.  Don’t think those words belong in the same sentence? Here’s proof. Check out these adorable Betsy Johnson finds:

 Pretty n Punk Plaid Infinity Scarf in Cream

Pretty n Punk Beanie Hat in Black

BONUS! It’s on sale for

Not quite your speed?

Maybe you only want to jump on the plaid bandwagon occasionally, say in bad weather? Here’s a solution for that:

Gap Plaid Umbrella

Western Chief Lumber Boots in Charcoal Plaid

Western Chief Lumber Boots in Berry Plaid

It would be virtually impossible to be sad while wearing these boots

Maybe you just want to dip your toe (pun TOTALLY intended) in the plaid trend

Lucky Brand Aimee Flats

How cute are these Steve Madden Plaid Slip-On’s? They scream Cider Mill Trip to me.  Bonus: They’re on Clearance! 🙂

C Label Hudson Blk-Multi Plaid Flats

Mango Red Plaid Pumps (These made me drool a little)

Or if you’re more into “Carrying” your plaid…

Isn’t this a great cross-body bag?  Highlands Plaid Tote

OR go a little more subtle with this French Connection Wallet

Maybe you’re more of a traditionalist and a Plaid Shirt is what you crave.  How about doing it in a modern way?

Like this Plaid & Sequin Yoke Shirt from Express.  P.S. My sister has this shirt and it is SO good in person.

OR try an uber feminine approach to plaid with this Pim + Larkin Woven Blouse.

Last, but certainly not least. Let’s say you have $2 in your shopping budget and that is all.  Yep, there’s a solution for that.  Try this Plaid Hair bow from Forever 21.  And, good news, if a hair bow is not really your thing, because of the clip on this bow, it can be up-cycled lots of different ways!  Try clipping it to your purse or tote handle. Or, pile on a couple of pearl necklaces and attach it as an accent pendant on the side.  For $1.80, you can have full permission to play 🙂

Don’t ever let lack of funds make your life feel small.  Everything listed here is under $60 and most of it is on DEEP clearance.  Thanks Shopstyle App! 😉 So go out armed and ready with your coupon apps and get in on this Classic Fall Look!  How will you rock plaid this season?

Also, just a reminder that I’m linking up with these awesome ladies this week to bring you all things Fall!  Read more about that here and check out their blogs while you’re at it!

Left to right by row: Seriously Sarah // Lightly Sprinkled // A Savory Feast // Love the Here and Now // No Small Life // Strong & Sweet // The Walker Fireside Chats // 12 Twenty Seven // Life with the Casterlines // Goose Egg Blue // A Tiny Traveler // The Suzie Lou Blog // With Dignity and Coffee // Life w/ Mrs. G & the Artist // The Wetherills Say I Do // Set Free // The Beauty Section // Butcher’s Niche // Kent Heartstrings

Until next time,

Meg