Don’t kill me, readers, but I’m actually over this whole summer thing (yes, I can hear your groans from here!). The heat and humidity are great, but I truly prefer those crisp, cool fall days. Plus, I never really got over the excitement of back-to-school shopping. While our school days are long gone, we can still translate that feeling of new beginnings into our fall wardrobes. Whether you’re a lawyer on a budget or itching to spend, head “back-to-school” shopping with this trusty shopping list.
The Bag
The structured, lady-like bag is huge right now. Feel like a Hitchcock heroine by carrying the Edie attaché bag in Pecan from J. Crew ($332). A timeless, well-made piece in a dependable colour, you will never get sick of this purse, and it’s absolutely perfect for work. Alternatively, try Aldo’s lower-priced option: the Tinnin satchel in medium purple ($55). Both of these bags are stylish, practical and work with myriad outfits and colour combinations. Though admittedly not a complete replacement for the old rolly-bag, you can definitely fit a few contracts or cases alongside your personal essentials. Look at you — what a lady! Your grandmother would be so proud.
The Blouse
Blouses are a refined and feminine wardrobe staple (and let’s be honest, they beat the button-down by a long shot). I recommend the sheer houndstooth print shirt from Forever 21 ($16.50); just be sure to wear it with a black or nude camisole underneath. This blouse can be paired with bright colours, or worn as part of a traditional black and white ensemble. If you have a bit more cash to spend, try the contrast inserts blouse from Mango ($59.99). A bit edgier, this top can be paired with a pencil skirt or wide leg pants and jacket. Don’t you feel hipper already?
The Skirt
Speaking of pencil skirts, everyone loves this classic shape and friend of all body types. Try the classic black pencil skirt with side panels from Zara ($79.90), paired with a silk bow blouse and loafer pump. Forever 21 has an amazing essential knee length knit skirt in navy ($12.80). Wear this amazingly low-priced piece with a skinny bright belt and a thin cashmere knit sweater for a cozy and chic look. There’s nothing like a pencil skirt and heels to make you feel like you can conquer the world!
The Accessory
Ok, so to be honest, I’m not recommending just one accessory. Rather, I’m suggesting an accessories binge. That’s right — a binge. Figure out your budget, then (if you live in Toronto) head to Obsessions in the TD Centre downtown. This store is the mecca of accessories for me and my female co-workers. They have earrings, necklaces, bags, scarves, watches, rings — you name it, they have it. There’s a new sale every week, and some real gems hidden among the costume jewellery. If you’re interested in more one-of-a-kind pieces, check out local jewellery designers Cheryl Seung and Roxanne Degen. Accessories are a fabulous way of updating your look for fall: for the price of a blazer, you can buy a ton of different pieces and make everything in your closet look fresh. After all, it’s all about the details!
I know, I know — it’s hard to imagine dressing for fall in August, with barbeques, concerts and bike rides in full swing. But don’t you remember this time of year when you were young? It was a time of excitement and new beginnings, when anything was possible. A time when no matter what happened last year, you could start fresh in September, transform yourself and be who you always wanted to be. And so, my dear readers, I leave you with this: what can stop us from starting fresh in September this year, the way we did when we were young? Answer: nothing! Happy shopping!
Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at FMC. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Follow her on Twitter: @EmmaWorkStyle.
Have questions or a column idea for Emma? Send them to tips@lawandstyle.beta-site.ca.