The Timeless Fall Wardrobe with Malia Obama
The Fall It-Girl
Every year, as the seasons change, fashion trends fall in and out of style as the world evolves from one thing to another. As a fashion community, we’ve lived through the rise, fall, and resurgence of brands like Brandy Melville, survived a ridiculous number of Edikted sales – and may we all not forget that we unfortunately lived through a hammer pant epidemic. But as the fall season comes to a close and winter draws near, we must take time to celebrate the timeless fall wardrobe and how to perfectly curate it to protect us from a future hammer pant scandal.
The timeless fall wardrobe is not something that just happens overnight– it is carefully curated and acquired over time through a tasteful mix of materials and patterns, pieces of old and of new, that evolve seamlessly with each coming season. It is not quite as simple as hitting the racks of Brandy Melville and declaring that the timeless fall wardrobe– the true TFW comes with more finesse and consideration. Taking a closer look at Malia Obama’s style, we can see an example of the timeless fall wardrobe, worn by the fall it-girl. She is the perfect example of effortlessly blending old with new, creating a chic but sustainable look adorned with all kinds of classics featuring modern twists. Whether it be an oversized tee over some vintage Levi’s or a chunky knit scarf over a sleek leather jacket, Malia has curated a wardrobe that remains timeless and elegant year after year.
The Button-Up and the Boot
Malia is no stranger to a button-up and boots– a style that can never steer you wrong even in the cooler winter months. Dressed or down with belts and earrings, a button-up and boots is a timeless style that can be sourced ever so sustainably– just take a drive over to the local Goodwill and have a sift through the men’s section, and you will find plenty. In my experience, it is always more fulfilling and much cheaper to go to Goodwill. Yes, there are plenty of overpriced vintage stores that love to entice customers with a good Levi’s denim jacket. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Levi's denim… but why not love it even more at a fraction of the price down at Goodwill. That's just my (literal) two cents. There are some things that, of course, cannot be found at Goodwill, but I mean– in girl math, saving money on smaller items means that you can save up to buy one bigger, more expensive item, right? Right! A good pair of boots can be hard to come by at Goodwill (if you do stumble upon a pair, you have hit the motherlode, dear friend) but investing in a sustainable and long-lasting, quality pair of boots can also spruce up any fall outfit. As the world tries to move away from fast fashion, there are many brands that continue to put out long-lasting products, as they have for several years. We are currently experiencing the comeback of Frye boots. But it’s not only the boot that's walking its way back into our lives– it's the idea of quality and sustainability. Don’t get me wrong, a $300+ pair of boots is daunting. But the way to curate the perfect fall wardrobe is to mix the old with the new, thrifted finds with staple items.
The Perfect Jean
No fall wardrobe can be complete without the perfect baggy jean. Whatever your preference may be– light wash, dark wash, white or black – a well-chosen baggy jean in your fall wardrobe will never go out of style. Levi’s, Agolde, Pistola and so many other brands make timeless, long-lasting denim, that can last you for so many fall wardrobes to come. Malia’s fall wardrobe is full of baggy, light-wash denim jeans that serve as the perfect balance of casual and chic. Whether you're heading to work, wandering to your favorite coffee shop, or on your way to class, a baggy jean can never steer you wrong– especially if they're thrifted. There is nothing more fulfilling than finding the perfect jeans in a sustainable way. Granted, there are some funky ones in the mix– every time I find myself in the Goodwill denim section I end up pulling out a too-baggy jean that have had a capri-like number or some kind of DIY stitching operation done to them by their previous owner. But with the right amount of patience, your perfect pair will find their way to you. Malia’s style is proof of that: the perfect baggy jeans are the ultimate fall essential.
The Accessory Mix
I admire Malia for being a scarf wearer. There is something about scarves that just seems so overlooked– almost like the Bernie Sanders of fashion. But the key to the timeless fall wardrobe is indeed a scarf, no question about it. A chunky wool knit has got to be my favorite for walking around campus, going to grab a coffee or just walking around waiting for someone to approach me and ask me where my scarf is from. Popping on a brightly colored scarf over a thrifted sweater or new jacket is the best fall combination. But even so, I think every young gal has got a soft spot for the thinner “Hannah Montana”-esque scarf, which perfectly spruces up any fall look. It’s all about how you style it, just as Malia does so effortlessly.
Something also has to be said about Malia’s sunnies. Finding the perfect pair is often difficult, but of course Malia has nailed down her signature shape. Finding the perfect timeless sunny is unique for everyone, but if you’re on the hunt, having a browse on Depop or at the thrift is always a good idea – I’m a big fan of the vintage thin frame golden sunnies. After all, the timeless fall wardrobe isn’t hard to find, it just takes time! And a lot of patience.
When it comes to adding a little extra flair, a vintage bag is the perfect way to add some spice to any fall outfit, especially if it adds a pop of color or a funky shape to your look. Malia is often seen sporting an oversized crossbody or a shoulder bag with a bold color. Whatever your preference is, no fall wardrobe is complete without the right bag to tie it all together.
So, there you have it– Malia’s secret to the timeless fall wardrobe is mixing the old with the new and letting some personality shine through your pieces. Just remember not to forget that touch of added patience (honestly, deep down we are all still on the hunt for that perfect bag). Whether it’s Malia’s boots and button-up look, her effortlessly baggy jeans or her perfect sunnies, it is most important to curate a look that is comfortable, chic, and sustainable. We are better than fast fashion! With that, friends, do not overlook the scarf, spend that extra hour in Goodwill, and, as always, steer clear of the hammer pant.