New Arrivals I’m Loving Right Now

Can you believe we’re already starting to see fall arrivals? I know it happens every August, but I still feel like summer just got here. I’m definitely not ready for heavy sweaters, boots, and pumpkin spice everything yet. Lol!

This is actually my favorite time to look at new arrivals because the best pieces aren’t really “fall clothes” yet. They’re lightweight tops, cardigans, dresses, denim, and layers that you can wear now and keep wearing once the temperatures finally start dropping.

I’ve been looking through some of the August arrivals at several retailers I shop regularly, and these are the pieces that caught my attention. Some are already headed my way, while others are simply things I think are worth a closer look.

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Lightweight Pieces That Can Carry You Into Fall

I don’t want to buy a closet full of clothes that I can only wear for six weeks. The pieces that get my attention this time of year are the ones that work with what I already own and don’t require me to completely change how I dress just because September shows up on the calendar.

J.Jill Cotton Cashmere Polo

I am absolutely in love with this Cotton Cashmere Polo in crimson, and I’m getting it on order immediately. Also, if you didn’t start singing Crimson and Clover in your head, I’m not sure we can be friends. Lol!

The color is what first grabbed me, but I also like the idea of a cotton-cashmere blend for late summer and early fall. A polo neckline gives it a little more structure than a basic sweater, but it still looks casual enough to wear with jeans or casual pants.

J.Jill Open-Front Long Cardi and Sleeveless Sweater Top

c/o J.Jill

I love it when an item can be worn several different ways, and this Open-Front Long Cardi with the matching Sleeveless Sweater Top is exactly the kind of set I tend to keep in my closet for years.

You can wear the pieces together for a longer, streamlined look, or separate them and get even more outfits. The sleeveless top can go under a blazer or jacket, and the cardigan would work over jeans, dresses, or casual pants.

That versatility is what makes a set like this appealing to me. If I’m going to give something closet space, I want it to earn its keep.

Ann Taylor Multi-Pleated Wide-Leg Pants

The Ann Taylor Multi-Pleated Wide-Leg Pants caught my eye because they have a dressier look without looking overly formal. If you are looking for something to wear other than a dress, these pants would be the perfect choice.

Styling-wise, I would keep the top fairly simple and either tucked in or ending near the waistband. That would let the wider leg be the focus without adding too much fabric everywhere else.

Ann Taylor Weekend Short-Sleeve Cardigan

I’m always looking for layering pieces, and the Ann Taylor Weekend Short-Sleeve Cardigan is exactly the type of thing I like during this in-between season. A short-sleeve cardigan gives you a little more coverage and structure than a T-shirt without making you feel like you’re wearing fall clothes when it’s still 85 degrees outside.

I also love the Floral Straight Ankle Pant for something a little different. I usually wear plenty of solids, so a printed pant can be a fun way to shake things up without going overboard. Life is boring without a little fun.

Ann Taylor Weekend Embroidered Tee

If you’re tired of buying another plain T-shirt, the Ann Taylor Weekend Embroidered Tee gives you a little more detail while still keeping the ease of a basic tee.

Embroidery is one of those details I like because it adds interest without requiring jewelry or extra styling. Pair it with jeans, shorts, or casual pants, and you’re basically dressed.

Talbots Has My Attention Again

I’ve been shopping Talbots for years, so I have a pretty good idea of the types of pieces that usually work well for me and my wardrobe. Their recent collections have had quite a few pieces that caught my eye, especially if you like classic clothes with a few updated details.

Talbots Cinched Trench Coat

A trench coat is one of those pieces that doesn’t really need a trend attached to it. If you like the style and live somewhere you’ll actually wear it, it can stay in your closet for years.

The Talbots Cinched Trench Coat caught my eye because the cinched waist gives it shape instead of hanging straight from the shoulders.

Talbots Embroidered Graphic Medallion Top

The Talbots Embroidered Graphic Medallion Top is a nice example of a basic that doesn’t look completely basic.

The embroidery adds enough detail that you could wear it with simple jeans or white pants and not need to do much else. This is the kind of top that makes sense if your wardrobe is mostly casual, but you still want your outfit to have a little personality.

Talbots Zig-Zag Stitch Elbow Sleeve Top

I’m also drawn to the Talbots Zig-Zag Stitch Elbow Sleeve Top. Elbow sleeves are one of my favorite lengths because you get more arm coverage without wearing a full long sleeve. The textured stitching keeps the top from looking flat, but it still looks easy enough to wear with everyday pants or jeans.

Talbots Supersoft Classic Jean Trousers

If you’re tired of skinny jeans but aren’t sold on every new denim trend, the Talbots Supersoft Classic Jean Trousers might be worth a look.

The trouser styling makes them feel a little dressier than a traditional five-pocket jean, so I could see these working well for lunch, church, travel, or any time you want denim without looking too casual.

LOFT Has Some Great Color Right Now

LOFT usually does a good job with easy, everyday pieces, and the oregano shade in the current collection immediately caught my attention.

This Elbow Sleeve Sweater Tee comes in the color, and I found a whole group of pieces in oregano.

If you like the color but aren’t sure how it would look next to your face, the relaxed flared jeans are another way to wear the shade. I do this all the time with colors I’m not completely sure flatter my complexion. Put them on the bottom half and problem solved.

LOFT Ribbed Puff Sleeve Cardigan

The LOFT Ribbed Puff Sleeve Cardigan gives you a little feminine detail without being overly sweet. I like the indigo, but it also comes in Whisper White if you prefer lighter neutrals. You could wear it buttoned as a top or open over a tank now, which gives you more flexibility than a traditional pullover sweater.

LOFT Floral Topstitched V-Neck Midi Dress

You know I’m always going to notice a V-neck. Lol! The LOFT Floral Topstitched V-Neck Midi Dress looks like an easy transition dress because you don’t have to change much to make it work later in the season.

Wear it with sandals now, then add a denim jacket, cardigan, or boots once the weather cools down.

Denim Pieces That Feel A Little Different

I don’t think we need to chase every denim trend that comes along, but I do like seeing what’s new. Sometimes one small change in shape can make jeans or a denim dress feel fresh without looking like you’re trying to dress 30 years younger.

Gap Denim Barrel-Sleeve Midi Shirtdress

The Gap Denim Barrel-Sleeve Midi Shirtdress combines two styles we’re seeing a lot right now: denim dresses and fuller sleeves. I like shirtdresses because they give you some structure while still being easy to wear. The midi length also makes this one easy to style with sneakers, sandals, flats, or boots.

Gap Low-Rise Baggy Flare Jeans

Now, the Gap Low-Rise Baggy Flare Jeans aren’t going to be for everybody. Low-rise has returned, but that doesn’t mean we all have to participate. Lol! If you like a more relaxed fit and you’ve been curious about trying looser denim without going all the way into a barrel-leg jean, these could be interesting.

I’d probably balance the fuller leg with a top that has a little less volume. And if you know low-rise jeans make you spend the entire day pulling at your waistband, skip them. There are too many other options available to wear something that makes you uncomfortable.

Which One Is Going in Your Cart?

There are a lot of pretty things here, but that doesn’t mean we need all of them. The Cotton Cashmere Polo is the one I’m most excited to try because I love the crimson color. I’d also put the Open-Front Long Cardi and matching Sleeveless Sweater Top high on my list because I know I’d wear the pieces together and separately.

The Talbots trench coat is another piece I’d consider if I needed a lightweight coat, and the LOFT cardigan would be an easy addition to a casual wardrobe.

That’s usually how I try to shop now. Instead of asking, “Do I like this?” I ask, “Can I picture at least three ways I’d actually wear this?” That question has saved me from quite a few purchases that were pretty online and useless once they reached my closet.

Now tell me, which one caught your eye? I always like hearing what you gurls pick because half the time you notice something I scrolled right past.