Mad for Plaid (One Plaid Shirt Three Ways!)

by Laura Perkins

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar  ||  Shoes: Zara (old, similar)  || Crossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid is a fall wardrobe staple. Whether it's a plaid shirt, dress, pants, scarf, jacket, purse or heels, I can't get enough of it this season! Most of us have a plaid shirt in our closet but finding new ways to wear it keeps your style fresh. This first look is probably my favorite. I love pairing plaid with a leather skirt (or pants). As you know, I'm a big fan of a dressy/casual ensemble. The leather dresses up the plaid or the plaid dresses down the leather (however you want to look at it!). I usually wear cute flats with this skirt (unless I have tights underneath) otherwise it's a little short since I'm 5'8" (it's all about balance, ladies!).

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

For a more casual chic look, try a plaid shirt with ripped skinny jeans. I cut these black skinnies myself (see my DIY Distressed Jeans post for ideas). I paired this outfit with suede ankle boots. Styling Tip: To update your look, try rolling or cuffing the bottom of your skinny jeans with ankle boots, showing just a sliver of skin.

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) 

For colder weather (let's face it, winter's coming!), opt for a crewneck sweater over your plaid shirt. The key is you want the plaid to still show at the bottom. So either find a shirt that runs longer (like this Zara one) or wear a shorter sweater over it. You can also try a cropped sweater which would be super cute! And don't be afraid of a sweater that has texture like this J.Crew one. To dress up this look, you can add a statement bib necklace or fun heels. Or for a little funk, you could pair this with a sleek, floppy hat.

Little Black Leather Dress

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Leather has been a hot trend this year so what better way to modernize your Little Black Dress than with a chic leather LBD. I recently found this faux leather dress at Zara. Doesn't it look real?! It's pretty thermal too! Might not have been my best idea for Florida weather a few weeks ago but I will definitely be getting a lot of wear out of this in New York. I think it will be my go-to for holiday parties. Just add some sparkly jewelry and I'm all set. I'm really loving short sleeve dresses right now. Not only are they appropriate for fall but they are very slimming for your arms (no workout required!). Plus they help me to feel less pale! I also like the fit and flare shape of this dress because I think it tones down the sexy leather vibe with a fun, girlie feel.

Styling tip: To accessorize a simple black dress, try statement heels or a bold jewelry piece like a cuff, chunky necklace or standout earrings.

"The Dress"

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Anthropologie  ||  Shoes: Madden Girl (Macy's)  || Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

Dress: Anthropologie  || Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

This really is "the dress." I've worn it a few times for cocktail events, my 30th birthday party and most recently at my childhood friend's wedding in Florida. Every time I just feel so good in it. I'm obsessed with the intricate lace details, crochet side panels and polka dots along the waist and back. It's really a work of art! Bravo Anthropologie! The best part is it's still available online in navy and really pretty versions of black or white (talk about a knock out rehearsal dinner dress!!). By the way, it's actually a lot less scandalous then it looks because there is a nude dress underneath (that's not my skin!). :) I think this might just be my favorite dress besides my wedding dress of course! Every girl needs a dress that they feel is a show stopper! I just love that it's so different and interesting. Plus my husband is a pretty big fan of it! In fact, I wanted to share with you all a few pictures below from our 5 year anniversary photo shoot in New York, photographed by the extremely talented Ryan Thigpen.

Mixing Textures for Fall

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson) 

Dress: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar)

Mixing textures is a really fun way to update your look. I am loving the combination of wool and leather for fall! The wool softens the edgier, dressy feel of leather. And I like how the sexier, fitted leather top contrasts with the girlie, bell shape of the bottom (which is super flattering ladies!). This is faux leather by the way but doesn't it look real!? (Another reason why I'm obsessed with Zara! This gem is only $79 which I think is a steal for the quality of the material). You'll also notice that I'm mixing textures with my heels which are a combination of leather and suede.

I wore this sleeveless dress in Florida which was appropriate for the warm weather but still felt perfect for fall with the color and fabric. Olive green is big this season and pairs really well with grey, brown and light denim. To brighten up the look, I added a hot pink lip which I think is a nice pop with the dress's darker shade. This is a great day-to-night dress taking you from the office to a hot date!

Styling Tip: For cooler temperatures, try layering with a jean jacket or a cropped grey sweater that hits right at the waistline.