Fashion Friday: Five Fall Must-Haves

Falls faves by The Nifty Cupcake featuring Raise.com

If you're an avid reader of this blog, you know I am highly anticipating the cooler fall/winter seasons. Come September my brain totally switches gears and all I can think dream about are cozy outfits for those crisp autumn mornings. So, when I was approached by this relatively new site called Raise.com to share my top 5 style choices for the upcoming season, I was happy to oblige! I am a huge fan of this site because it allows people to purchase gift cards from your favorite brands at a discount and sell your unwanted gift cards for cash! Here are some of my favorite fall trends that will take your wardrobe to the next level, combining seasonal staples with just the right amount of edge.

1 - A military vest and/or jacket

I cannot tell you how many times I've worn this piece, I could pretty much wear it with anything come fall season. I chose to opt for the vest option because it allows for lighter layers (instead of layering sleeve on top of sleeve). I pair it will dresses and long or short sleeve shirts for some extra visual interest and added warmth.

2 - Bold Statement necklace

If you don't already have this staple in your wardrobe I highly recommend you invest in a statement piece. A bold necklace is a good way to add interest to an otherwise plain ensemble, it's also handy in dressing up a t-shirt or sweater and layering under collard shirts.

3 - A classic chunky knit sweater

This pretty much goes without saying but if you ask me the sweater is a highly underrated item. To add texture, I usually layer a collard shirt under my sweaters and pair it with some jeans or a skirt. I chose this deep shade of aubergine because it's the new "it" shade for the season and because purple happens to be the best color of all time (fact).

4 - Good pair of boots

Once the cold weather hits I retire my open toe sandals and embrace the boots. Since I am rather short I find that ankle booties and ones that hit mid calf are the best for me. I am also a fan of buckles, straps, and studs.

5 - The leather skirt

This one is probably the most "trend" oriented item, coming into style a couple of years back and I must say I'm a fan! I love the sheen and edginess a leather skirt offers over the traditional black pencil skirt and I especially love the zippers on this one from H&M.