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As we hesitantly tip-toe our way into the fabulous Fall season my wardrobe becomes a bit less bold and color-filled. During the warmer months I love mixing florals with gingham (like this & this!) and unexpected textures in vibrant hues; however as the days shorten ever so slightly, the more daring side of my fashion personality goes into a hibernation of sorts. Hello looks consisting of black, black, grey, and probably some more black! In the spirit of stepping a bit out of my comfort zone–1 of my 2015 resolutions in both fashion & life–I decided that print mixing didn’t have to end for me when the new school year began. Insert this contrasting look of plaid and stripes. I’m sure plenty of you see this as subtle, but for me it was an exercise in branching out.

For a casual evening of drinks at a local patio, I kept the lower half of my outfit simple with distressed denim shorts and my all-time favorite booties (I have them in 3 colors because they’re seriously SO versatile). The button-up proved to be perfect as the sun started to go down and the neutral bootie kept my toes warm! Plaid, tried & true, is one of my favorite patterns, and with the right bottoms it can be worn in a creative work environment just as easily as it can go to a Football tailgate. I would tuck this top into a sleek pencil skirt, add a pair of pumps, and reach for a structured bag for the office. For tailgating, I would wear almost this exact outfit but swap the striped tank for an Iowa State v-neck and the booties for a pair of casual Converse sneakers.

Shop the Look:
Plaid / Tank / Shorts / Booties / Crossbody