Fall is around the corner but it’s NOT quite here yet! And I’m actually okay with that. I know a lot of people are full on ready for fall – I hear you, it’s my favorite season too! – but for the first time in a long time I’m embracing the slowness, ease and – gasp – even heat that comes with late summer.

That being said, I’m also mentally preparing to clean up and swap out my closet, and the Nordstrom sale has me noodling on which fall staples I want to embrace. On top of my list? These faux leather leggings from Spanx, which I’ve owned and loved for years (and are included in the sale this year). So when Elsa asked if I wanted to style them with her, I was like…um YES PLEASE! You can find my looks here and on Instagram stories and she’ll share hers over at @simply_elsa and her blog.

THE LEGGINGS

You’ve probably seen these leggings around a lot! You may have even seen other style sessions featuring them, too! To which I say – HECK YES! These faux leather leggings are shared so much because they are that great. For me, they’re an awesome staple for when I want to look cute but feel comfortable – my ultimate quarantine goal.

THE SCOOP: I love that these leggings are super soft and still feel like leggings (which they are) vs a proper leather pant (which they are not). They’re a heavier weave than your average athleisure wear and have a coated, but flexible, exterior. That being said, the material and compression factor means I don’t find them to be as breathable as my regular leggings, so I def save them for cooler days! They are still easy to care for though (machine wash inside out, dry flat) – which is key! As far as fit goes, these are definitely high rise but not as high on me as you might think (I have a very long torso). But, because they are Spanx, they hit my middle in all the right spots and I still feel great in them. Like most Spanx, they really hold me in! I have my normal size (small) and a size up (medium) and I have to say, I much prefer the medium for comfort – I tend to size up in shapewear, which these sort of are! Lastly, one of my favorite things about these leggings is that they come in regular, petite, maternity and plus (sold out at Nordstrom but Spanx is price matching here). Because they are all-figure friendly, Elsa and I can confidently and comfortably twin again and again!

THE LOOKS

Today I’m going to focus on 4 ways to style these leggings from late summer into early fall, focusing on some wardrobe staples that I’ve been wearing all summer long! And while I love having fun with these style sessions, all of my looks are realistic for my current lifestyle in that they are completely casual and stay-at-home approved.

Zoom Ready

Leggings, Similar Tunic, Sweater Blazer (size down), Headband, Flats

While these leggings and definitely be worn as pants, they are rather tight and I still prefer to cover up my behind. Enter: the tunic. You guys know I love me a white button down (might that be a hint at a future style session? You’ll just have to wait and see!) and this tunic is no exception (also styled here). I wear it as a shirt, a cover up, a third piece layer and pack it on almost every trip! Here I’m wearing it more traditionally with my favorite sweater blazer (styled here and here). This look screams zoom calls and is something I’ll wear when I want to feel like I’m back in the office! The bow flats are darling and because they are ROTHYS they are basically slippers, super comfortable and washable. A quarantine hero, IMO!

shop the look

Cool and Casual

Leggings, T-shirt (runs large), Denim Jacket (tts), Sneakers, Similar Fanny Pack, Hat

When in doubt, throw on a white tee! I styled this white t-shirt four ways here, and love it because it’s oversized but the notch hem and raglan sleeves add a fun twist. Add a denim jacket (styled four ways here, also here and here) and accessorize with a fanny, a baseball cap and (washable) sneakers and ya girl is good to go. I love how the printed fanny pack adds a fun pop – keeping the other accessories neutral makes it the star of the show! This is such an easy look and one I will inevitably wear very soon.

shop the look

Easy Layers

Another look, another tunic! Similar to the white shirt styled above, I’ve worn this striped version as a cover up and third piece but one of my favorite ways to wear a button down is layered under a pullover sweater. This cotton one is old (similar) and one of my tried and true wardrobe staples! Cotton sweaters are the goldilocks of sweaters – not too hot, not too cold, juuuust right – which makes this crewneck the perfect summer to fall transitional piece. I love that it’s multi-seasonal, washable and yet still super cozy. For a similar look, I love this one and this one. I also love how I can throw it over my shoulders or tie it around my waist, too! As a whole, this look feels very “Back to School” to me, which I totally dig.

shop the look

Patterns and Textures

More stripes, please! I wear striped t-shirts year round and this is an old option from J.Crew (similar here). Frankly I wish it was a little longer but, c’est la vie, I’ll solve that problem by adding a utility jacket (styled here)! I love how the stripes, leather and green all have different textures and complement each other well. And the DAD shoes? I mean – I had to 🙂