There is reason people talk formulaic dressing, and go-to outfit options. These combinations allow you to throw it all on and go at a moment’s notice. Quick. Easy. Classy. Classic. Sometimes with small updates that bring a look into the present moment. J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons has exemplified this kind of dressing for years (though in a recent article, she bemoaned formula dressing as the death of creativity. I see her point, but question her self-scrutiny.)

For Lyons the formula consists of a killer white shirt, favorite jeans, the most high-heeled, high-end shoe you can swing, her quintessential thick-rimmed glasses, and a bun pulled neatly at the nape of her neck. There it is, and she’s done. If she doesn’t consider this a formula, maybe I could call it “reaching for favorites”.

For me, a quality blazer and stripes will always top the favorites list. This periwinkle number is a season old, but definitely not out of style. I love the way it pairs with the plum of these pants, and the unexpected pop it brings to dull gray fall and winter days when I am tired of layering with all things puffer.

What are some of your favorites? Do you have some? Anything you do in the grab-and-go mode that early mornings sometimes require?

The days are chilling more and more, the light is fading little by little. I hope this fall is feeling good to all of you!

XX, Megan

Blazer: J.Crew, Shirt: Saint James, Cords: J.Crew (similar color), Shoes: Old Navy, Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Necklace: Gorjana, Earrings: Vintage, Clutch: Ralph Lauren (old, splurge, similar, save), Lips: Buxom White Russian