I’m always refining my wardrobe which I like to describe as classic with an edge! This past year I’ve embraced some new trends, and left behind some older ones that no longer feel fresh or stylish!

In an effort to help you refresh and reset for the coming months, I’ve teamed up with my uber stylish friend and blogging bestie, Janet Gunn of The Grateful Gardenia, to give you our take on the pieces and styles we are buying now, and the ones we are ditching. I hope you find some inspiration here to help you make some informed decisions on what to shop for and wear this season!

Xx Melissa

Click items in carousel and links below to shop the look and styling pieces!

SHOP TOPS & JACKETS

SHOP PANTS & MIDI SKIRTS

SHOP SHOES, BAGS & ACCESSORIES

1. Ditching Skinny/Fitted Jeans for Looser High Waisted Jeans with Wider Leg

MM: “I still like fitted denim but giving my skinny jeans a rest now and prefer wearing a looser, wider leg in either high or lower waisted styles. Pair with an oversized button down and heels for a great day look.”
Wearing Zara denim, Chanel bag
Photo credit: Kelly Gullett

JG: “These slouchy jeans are my favorite at the moment. Even though I’m petite, because they’re high-waisted they visually elongate your legs, plus you can create your cuff size, and the crossover front panel gives an elevated look for day or night. You’ll look stylish and comfortable.”
Wearing r13 denim, Zara top, Dior shoes, Dior bag

2. Choosing Bright Colors Over Neutrals

MM: “I’m excited to continue the trend from spring/summer and wear bold colors as if they were neutrals. Favorites include hot pink, orange and bright green-wearing color is something fairly new for me as I am usually a true neutrals girl.”
Wearing Zara blazer, Zara print top, Amanda Uprichard pants, Prada bag, Montague sunglasses
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett

JG: “Love this pop-of-pink for the fall season with this Zara button down, I always prefer wearing a little color in my wardrobe and this shirt is a lot of look for the price.”
Wearing r13 denim, Zara top, Dior shoes, Dior bag, Look Optic glasses

3. Ditching Long Jackets for More Cropped Styles

MM: “I am bringing cropped-styled jackets back into my wardrobe for the coming months and giving some of my longer jackets a break. Here, I paired this fabric cropped moto jacket with a dress and heels for an edgier look.”
Wearing LBLC motorcycle jacket, Michael Stars ruched dress, Prada bag
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett

JG: “This season I’m motivated by a wrap coat with an elegant and polished vibe. I always lean towards an old-school feel that’s both timeless and versatile, this Irene wrap Coat from Blaize Caprice is a perfect transitional style for the fall season.”
Wearing Blaize Caprice Irene wrap coat, Closed Jeans pants, Look Optic glasses, Dior bag
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullet

4. Wearing Oversized Button Downs Instead of Fitted

MM: “I love the oversized boyfriend style so it feels so good to be wearing these button-down shirts that are so chic and on-trend now! Whether brightly colored or beautifully patterned, I love their versatility and wear them several ways--untucked, half-tucked, or tied up in the front.”
Wearing L’Academie (at Revolve) top, Zara pants, Strathberry bag, Bottega Veneta sunglasses
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett

JG: “Master the effortless style with this oversized “August” White Button-Down by Blaize Caprice. The styling opportunities for this hero piece are endless, it’s a wardrobe essential that every closet needs. Because it’s so versatile there is an overwhelming assortment of options. Love the appeal of the exaggerated large cuff.”
Wearing Blaize Caprice top, Dior bag
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett

5. Classic Slingbacks Instead of Pumps

Melissa wearing Lavender/Black Chanel classic slingbacks, Janet wearing Nude/Black Chanel classic slingbacks

MM: “I’ve been giving my high heel pumps a break and opting for sling-backs lately! This classic style seems to be having a moment now and these Chanel slingbacks are chic and elevate any look—they look great with just about anything from high-waisted pants, denim, skirts, and dresses.”

JG: “As much as I run around I’m far more partial to a lower heel especially a classic slingback, and they never go out of style. These Chanel slingbacks add a chic and comfortable style for any season.”

6. Faux Leathers Instead of Leather

MM: “There was a time when I would only wear the softest of genuine leather but these days, I’m opting to wear faux as the quality now is so good you can’t even tell the difference! I’m loving this black faux leather blazer for fall and love to wear it with a t-shirt, jeans and heels.”
Wearing Zara faux leather blazer, Agolde jeans
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett

JG: “These Vegan Leather Crop pants from Elaine Kim are the perfect packing pants and always my go-to for comfort and style. For a more statement look, opt for a high-waisted or a flare cut.”
Wearing Elaine Kim faux leather pants
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett 

7. Replace To-The-Knee Skirts with Midi Skirts

MM: “These days, I’m not wearing skirts that fall right to the knee but loving high-waisted midi skirts— elongating one’s frame in this way is very flattering—a win in my book!”
Wearing L’Academie skirt and top (both at Revolve), Chanel bag, Alohas sandals

JG: “I love a good denim ensemble and if you’re in the mood to give your jeans a break this denim-midi skirt from Mango is a must. It’s an easy essential to hang next to your trusty blue jeans and pair with practically any boot style. Just as versatile as a pair of high-rise jeans, the denim-midi steps it up a notch.”
Wearing Mango Skirt, Levis Shirt, Ganni Tights, Big Yacht Leather belt, Hermes scarf, Uniqlo coat, Look Optic glasses, Dior bag
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullet

8. Wearing More Patterns and Prints Instead of all Solids

MM: “I normally shy away from wearing patterns and busy prints but this year I’ve purchased them in dresses, matching sets and tops. I like to mix them with existing neutrals in my wardrobe for an elevated, stylish look. There seems to be lots of retro-chic patterns out there now so it’s easy to find something fabulous!”
Wearing L’ Academie set, Parker Thatch bag
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett

JG: “I’m definitely a fan of the cut-out dresses, and now it’s easier than ever to master the trend on my own terms, they’re meant to be fun and I felt this retro Zara dress aligned with my personal style. Perfect for lunch or dinner, paired with flats or sandals.”
Wearing Zara dress, Elaine Kim glasses, Cuyana bag
Photo Credit: Kelly Gullett