EIGHT PIECES FROM YEARS PAST I'M EXCITED TO STYLE AGAIN THIS SEASON - Merritt Beck (2024)

This outfit is probably as close as it gets to my everyday fall uniform. It’s just so easy to throw together the combo of a sweater, jeans, sneakers and a medium-weight layer for errands, appointments and catching coffee or lunch with a friend! I also wore this look a lot when I was here in April and May, as it was still quite chilly. It’s comfortable and wearable, but still feels polished and put together!

If you know me, you’ll know I repeat pieces and even exact outfits *a lot*. That’s part of the reason I shop the way I do – buying fewer, better wardrobe staples that can be styled with any number of things hanging in my closet. As a content creator, there’s certainly pressure to constantly be buying and sharing new, new, new! But I’ve always felt I can show an item is worth investing in if it’s something I wear repeatedly year over year. For example, I bought this Khaite top earlier this spring (it was on sale, but still pricey!) and have absolutely gotten my money’s worth already. I swear I’ve worn it once a week since I purchased it! It’s become one of my most useful tops and I always receive compliments when I wear it… and I guarantee I’ll be wearing it far beyond 2024! See how I styled it this weekend for a happy hour with girlfriends!

In celebration of those items I am always reaching for and repeating, I thought I’d round up eight of my favorite wardrobe staples from years past that I’m excited to style again this season! If an item is old and no longer available, I’ve linked a couple lookalikes if you’re hoping to buy a similar style for the season ahead.

1. GANNI QUILTED JACKET – I actually bought this piece in the fall of 2022! I instantly fell for the removable ruffled collar, as it added an elevated, feminine touch to a fairly utilitarian casual staple. While I wore it a decent amount in Dallas, I realized its full potential when I was in New York for five weeks last fall! I wore it practically daily. It was the perfect weight and a cute, dressed down style I could throw on with jeans and sneakers for everyday errands and bopping around town. Right now I’m loving the look of it without the ruffled collar for a more streamlined look! The optional collar really gave it an entirely different vibe! If you’re interested in a similar style, don’t miss this, this, this or this (just $100!). While I prefer green over navy as a neutral, Hill House actually has a very similar ruffle-collar quilted jacket in navy right now!
2. TOTEME MID HEEL ANKLE BOOTS – I’ve had these boots for a couple of years now and they are truly THE BEST! They look so sick (in a good way) with just about any pant or jean style, and because the shaft comes up pretty high they work with all cropped looks too. The toe is a slightly squared off pointed toe – it looks very modern and super chic! I found these run true to size, but if you have a particularly wide foot you may want to avoid these. I need to take them to the cobbler for a refresh before the temps really drop, but otherwise they’ve held up amazingly well for how often I’ve worn them! Highly recommend.
3. BOTTEGA VENETA SMALL ANDIAMO CROSSBODY BAG – I bought this bag in black in July 2023 and I wore it pretty much every single day last fall/winter! I don’t wear black bags as much in the summer, but I was so excited to pull it out again for the season ahead. It’s the perfect size for me as it fits all the essentials, but nothing I don’t need. The interior has dual compartments and a small zippered compartment on the inside for keeping things separated and somewhat organized. I personally prefer to be hands free when walking around town, so this crossbody has been a godsend for me! I’ve had a few people ask if the braided strap was uncomfortable, but truthfully it never bothered me. An investment piece to be sure, but a worthy one!
4. JENNIFER BEHR MAYE STUD EARRINGS – I’ve had these maybe three or four years now, and I get compliments on them every. single. time I wear them! The golden bloom silhouette with sparkly crystal accents is incredibly eye-catching and the perfect bold pop for any look during the fall season! They’re very comfortable and lightweight, making them ideal for all-day wear at the office or wherever you happen to be! They are just stunning. I’m as obsessed with them today as I was when I purchased them!
5. TOTEME OVERSIZED WOOL & CASHMERE BLEND COAT – I purchased this coat for a brand campaign I was shooting in December 2022, and it’s been a favorite ever since. The effortless, oversized fit and light wool/cashmere feel is perfect for winters in Texas! In addition to it being a lighter layer, there’s no front closure and there are slits up the side to about my hips… so it isn’t the best choice once the temps really drop here in New York. But it’s a super soft and luxe lighter layer for the first couple months of fall/winter up here! Not super warm, but suuuuper chic! I got the XS in this coat and it is still supremely oversized, so definitely size down!
6. AGOLDE DAME CUFFED WIDE LEG JEANS – When I first purchased these jeans last September, I could never have foreseen how useful they would be! I was just testing the waters and stepping outside of my comfort zone, but much to my surprise and delight they have become the most versatile denim style in my wardrobe! I now own them in three different washes (these and these!), and have also ordered this cuff-less version (seen in the photos above!) in the same high-rise, wide-leg cut that I love so much. These jeans are ideal for taller ladies – I’m 5’9 and they skim the floor when I’m shoeless. I’d recommend sizing down in these! They’re meant to have a slightly baggy fit, but if you prefer a little more of a tailored look like me then *definitely* size down.
7. RAG & BONE RETRO COURT SNEAKER – These chunky sneakers have a slight platform, which made them incredibly useful for wearing with my favorite aforementioned jeans all last fall/winter! These sneakers are incredibly plush, thanks to an Ortholite footbed for added support and comfort. They fit true to size and are the best quality! The Dove/Sand color way is cream, black, and a taupe-grey suede – they look amazing with everything!
8. AFRM CARSON BODYSUIT – This was a budget-friendly buy I made last year and wore it a ton last season! It’s such a solid base for any outfit, and a flattering one, to boot. It’s described as being made of “lightweight jersey”, but the fabric is pretty thick and almost feels like I’m wearing a compression fabric – definitely what I’m looking for in a bodysuit! I typically size up in bodysuits because I’m tall – I got the medium in this. Highly recommend if you’re looking to add a simple base layer or long sleeved “tee” look to your wardrobe that you won’t have to keep tucking in all night long.