So it’s officially fall, and every year I’m surprised by how many ladies pack up their skirts and hide them away until spring. I’m here to help those of you who cringe at the thought of anything but pants for fall & winter, find the tools to help keep you in skirts all year round!

It takes a little courage in the morning & a few basic wardrobe pieces to keep your skirts in circulation throughout the colder months. My low-maintenance style demands two important items for success, a basic fitted cardigan & a great pair of boots. A diverse collection of  tights & tall socks is also a great thing to cultivate. I’ve gathered some of my favorites & included links to make it easy to look cute without trying too hard this winter.

MY FAVORITE SWEATERS are cropped & fitted. They look best with skirts because they come in at the waist which is flattering on most every figure. If your top is too long or loose fitting you loose this important focal point. A cropped sweater also has more of a vintage look which I personally love.

here are some great fitted sweaters in a range of prices…

jenna by j.crew

jackie by j.crew

J.CREW FACTORY

Kimmel Cardi, Anthropologie $29.95

Eton Cropped Cardi, Anthropologie $39.95

H&M $17.95

vintage grey cardigan, ZIP-DANG $50

On to the hunt for THE PERFECT BOOTS. Seriously, I’ve been obsessing for months and still haven’t decided on a pair. A mid-height boot is best with a skirt that comes below the knee, it’s hard to find this season, most are riding boots that come up to the knee or higher. Here are some of my faves that combine utility, comfort & style…

Worker Boot, Swedish Hasbeens

Cece, Fluevog $299

Hunter Mohawk Waxed Leather, Sanita $119

Middleton, Matisse $179

Wilder Lace Up, Bed Stu $189

Frannk, Steve Madden $119.95

Engineer Boot 12r, Frye

Skirts & tights can be a sticky situation, so I have learned to pick tights that are made with mostly nylon. This type goes best with my Opal skirts and Jane Hoodie skirts. But I actually prefer a tall knee-high or over the knee sock with these styles.

colorblock over the knee sock, Forever21 $5.80

Mohair over the knee socks, HUE $14

Polka Dot knee high socks, HUE $7

Super Opaque tights, HUE $13.50

Nylon/Lycra solid color tights, We Love Colors $10

Problem is I’m addicted to sweater tights! They go well with a slim fitting a-line like Poly, and my new Peggy skirts. Here are a few places for warm & cozy sweater tights:

http://www.sockdreams.com/products/bella-woolissimo-tights

http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Collection-Women-s-Cable-
Sweater-Tights-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13699165

http://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pfid=HUE12440&source=gbase&cm_mmc=GLBS-_-Hosiery-_-HUE12440-_-NA&term=HUE12440%20&mr:trackingCode=4A8713CB-12E3-E011-87D9-001B21A69EB8&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524892825106&pfx=pfx_
shopcompare&cid=shopping2&mr:referralID=941049f7-08f1-
11e1-931b-001b2166c2c0

Hope this guide is helpful, it’s just what I prefer, I don’t believe in rules. I know it’s getting cold, but it’s really not that much harder to layer-up and look cute in your skirts. Take it from someone whose life is so busy I consider myself an expert in low-effort dressing, you just need the right tools in your closet.

all runway photos by Timothy Hughes

The show was great – I had so much fun with my BFF Emily Kircher Recycling Artist who was kind enough to share her booth with me this year! It was a bit hot but overall a great weekend. Thanks to all of you who stopped to say HI and shop.

see more photos from RENEGADE CHICAGO

11AM- 7PM Saturday & Sunday
BOOTH 124 – I’m sharing my with my friend Emily of EKRA

I’m taking a a car-load of fun and colorful skirts for the show, I’ve made a new batch of  Vintage-Remix skirts that I’m super excited about. My favorite textile to sew with is once again making an appearance, the wonderful giant rooster tablecloth! I’m bringing three rooster designs to the show & I don’t expect them to last long. I also worked some amazing feedsacks into most of the new designs. Stop by and check out the new designs if you can….

ALL POLY SKIRTS ON SALE $50!

at H&M – $18! In stores only in this color but online in these colors

I will continue to design with vintage and modern textiles and keep costs as affordable as possible. I trust that fans of the orangyporangy a-line will understand and continue to support handmade clothing & small business. If you’re not on the email list yet, get on it, I send out sales to my list a few times a year!

For fall I may be focusing on fewer designs, instead of purchasing lots of multiple prints. I will be choosing fabrics based on versatility & multi-season wear, I have already picked a couple of amazing fabrics that I’m very excited to work with.

click to read about cotton costs on the rise