Elements of Style: The 7 Wardrobe Staples In My Closet for Fall 2023

Creative CEO ChicCreative Living

Sep. 5

Article Published for The Vital Creative Collection, Written by Casey Balon

September possesses a distinctive brand of autumnal magic. Feeling more like a time of renewal, choice, and change than a transitional season of shedding, the ninth month delivers a trademark burst of exhilaration.

It is safe to say: This is my favourite time of year.

As we harvest what was sewn and tended to earlier in the year, September reacquaints us with the beauty of new beginnings, ushering in a fresh arc of life experience and, in many ways, an opportunity to reinvent oneself. This is a quiet (yet clear) occasion to organize and exhibit what has been evolving within.

A Ravenclaw at heart, there is nothing quite as exhilarating for me as a brand new notebook, high-quality pen, and fresh pair of Oxfords. Weave in a pot of tea, neutral knit, and crisp button-up… and I might just combust. (Think: #lightacademiaaesthetic meets #creativeceochic with a hint of #quietluxury).

Over the past few days, I have found myself romanticizing this season more than ever before — so much so that I have decided to share some of my Classic Wardrobe Essentials for this fall.

1. The Timeless Trench

While I have yet to invest in a honey Burberry, the Adina from Rouje (in all its sand-coloured gabardine glory) offers the perfect in-between-seasons coverage. My favourite detail is the inverted pleat on the back. If you’re looking for a 100% cotton alternative (the Adina has a viscose/acetate lining), Massimo offers a buckled option which claims to be eco-friendly.

2. Vintage Denim Jacket

Inherited from my mom and seasonably-shared between my youngest brother and me (the fairness of aforementioned agreement is somewhat up for debate considering we are often several continents apart), this jacket is a force to be reckoned with. It’s ‘weighty’ without being too heavy, and it looks vibrant, while being over thirty years old. I pair it with anything from a ribbed Levis crop and leggings to a silk midi dress (a not-so-subtle wink to my #3 wardrobe piece).

3. Silk Slip Dress

Out of them all, my top slip dresses — by far — are the Wilfred Sonnet in light birch (which I added to my collection last fall) and the spiced burgundy Happenstance Dress by Babaton. Both are unassuming, yet look absolutely stunning on. They each lay a little differently, with the Babaton being much more textured. My favourite details: the touch of lace at the bottom of the Wilfred and the high side slit on the Babaton.

For elevated and alternative approaches to this design, Silk Laundry offers a sleek 90s silk dress in black and Reformation has created a gorgeous floral option, namely the Aribella Silk.

4. Soft Neutral Knit Sweaters (and Bold Colourful Ones Too)

I cannot recall when exactly our romance began, but neutral knits and me are in it for the long haul. This year, I’ve expanded my love affair to include the eye-catching forest green, navy, and all-red everything options.

Naturally, incorporating knits is my personalized way of embracing the popularized romcom core fashion trend. (Overall, I’m going for the Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally or Cameron Diaz’s cozy neutral sweaters in The Holiday perhaps moreso than the Jennifer Garner cardigan in 13 Going on 30).

5. Tailored Trousers

Tailored pants are a sleek and comfortable way to bring a touch of sophistication to the Creative Table. Wide-leg silhouettes with modern high-waisted fits are my go-to choice for this fall.

I have two pairs of these dress pants — again, from Babaton and Wilfred — and the one tip I have is to ensure you choose a pair that has a flattering crotch depth for your body.

6. Sheer Underwear Sets, Eco-Conscious Lounge Sets

Whether my intention is to don a cotton set at home on the weekend, or a lace set under my beloved over-sized blazer, lingerie and everyday underwear sets are a delightful way to play with sensual expression and outward-facing beauty.

Sites such as The Good Trade, Sustainable Jungle, and even The Cut offer helpful insight on how to choose breathable, nontoxic fabrics as well as eco-conscious and comfortable options.

7. Circular Fashion

In a recent Harpers Bazaar article, Stella McCartney describes the concept as an opportunity to reconcile a love of clothing with ethical and sustainable practices:

“It can be defined as clothes, shoes or accessories that are designed, sourced, produced and provided with the intention to be used and circulated responsibly and effectively in society for as long as possible in their most valuable form, and hereafter return safely to the biosphere when no longer of human use.”

Currently, my wardrobe essentials incorporate a mix of vintage pieces, eco-friendly items, and clothing made from the lens of moderately-sustainable practice. I am imperfectly eco-conscious. Choosing high-quality, timeless designs crafted by artisans I respect also allows me to curate a closet in personal integrity. As my collection refines and evolves, my intention is to make purchases in a deeper degree of alignment with sustainable values.

— Casey Balon, Editor-in-Chief of Casey Jacque