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Wearing a Fall Classic, Plaid

When the temperature starts dropping below 50 Fahrenheit, I get really excited. The fall and winter air carries a magic spell. They're the seasons of layering. You may love your giant, wool, cable-knit sweater, but there is no worst feeling than wearing that same sweater inside an overheated office. That's why I try to look for dresses made of light fabric, dresses that can be paired with sweater, scarves, gloves, and a warm coat.



Five years ago, I left Deep South Texas for the East Coast and had a rude awakening. In my hometown, winter is mild; if it gets below fifty degrees, we bring out the mink coats and snow boots—don’t even as us how we drive when there’s ice on the road. Naturally, none of my winter outfits were durable enough for New England weather. I had to learn the importance of cashmere, 100% wool, and fleece-lined tights on my own.



That’s why I love this outfit. Don’t let the short hemline fool you. Underneath the plaid Urban Outfitters dress are fleece-lined tights I picked up in Tokyo. On top of that, I’ve paired the forest green and navy blue plaid of the dress with a boysenberry, cashmere, button-up cardigan from Banana Republic, which works in lieu of a formal blazer for work. I’ve matched the cardigan’s purple tones to a magenta beret—thrifted from Buffalo Exchange—and my mother’s wool plaid scarf. For that final layer of warmth, a camel, wool coat from American Apparel rests on my shoulders as make my way to work.



Though I love boots for the winter, I spend at least 40 minutes commuting to and from work; I need a shoe that doesn’t have too much of a heel. Luckily, these olive penny loafers made by Sperry and sold by ModCloth, completed my ‘prep school’ look.

They no longer sell the peter-pan collar dress I got from Urban, but this plaid T-shirt dress and plaid mini dress are very similar.

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