If you live here in the Valley, you already know the truth about fall: it doesn't show up on the calendar. It shows up whenever it feels like it.
Right now we're in that funny in-between season. You wipe the dew off your windshield at 7am wearing a sweater, and by 3pm you're sitting in the pickup line with the AC blasting, wondering why you ever put on long sleeves. Meanwhile every store online is showing wool coats and knee-high boots like we all live somewhere with actual weather.
We get it, because we live it too. So instead of a fall trend report written for somebody in Vermont, here's how we're actually dressing ourselves (and our littles) for fall in Escalon.
Five ways to layer for a 40 degree swing
The secret to Valley fall dressing is simple: start with a summer base and add one fall piece you can take off. Here are the combos we keep reaching for.
- The flowy dress + denim jacket. Your favorite midi from summer still works. Toss a denim jacket or cropped cardigan over it in the morning, and tie it around your shoulders by lunch. Swap sandals for a low bootie or a clean white sneaker and it instantly reads fall. We love this with the Laurel Dress and a light layer like the Going Places Cardi.
- The tank + open button-up. A fitted tank under an oversized button-up (think flannel, gauze, or a soft plaid) is the easiest outfit you'll own this season. Wear it open, tie it at the waist, or knot it and forget about it. Start with the Wild Tank and pair it with one of our button-downs.
- Swap the color, not the fabric. You don't need heavy knits to feel seasonal. Pull your lightweight tees and blouses in rust, olive, mustard, cream and chocolate brown, and you're dressed for fall even when it's 88 out. Our fall collection is full of these colors.
- The shacket. If you only buy one new piece this fall, make it a shirt jacket. It's heavy enough for a football game in the stands and light enough to wear open over a tee all afternoon. Our Leopard and Plaid Fringe Trim Shirt Jacket is a fun place to start.
- The lightweight sweater, worn smart. Save the chunky knits for November. For now, a thin crewneck or cropped sweater thrown over the shoulders or tucked into jeans gives you the cozy look without the sweat. Try The Lucia Sweater in Beige or The Asher Sweater in Olive with our Kelsey High Rise Ankle Flare Jeans.
Dressing the littles (who refuse to wear a jacket)
Every mama knows this one. You send them out the door in a sweatshirt, and it comes home stuffed in the bottom of a backpack, or doesn't come home at all.
Here's what works for our crew:
- Short sleeves + a zip-up. A zip is way easier for little hands than a pullover, which means it actually gets taken off (and hopefully put back on) without a meltdown. For girls, our Ruffle Denim Jacket is just as easy on and off.
- Soft fabrics win. Cotton and bamboo layers keep them comfortable through recess heat and chilly mornings. If it's scratchy, they won't wear it. Period. The Organic Bootcut Pants from L'ovedbaby are a comfy pick for little ones.
- Pumpkin patch ready. Leggings or joggers, a long sleeve tee in a warm fall color, and shoes you don't mind getting dusty, like our Suede Effect Boots. Bonus points for a cute pom pom beanie they'll wear for exactly one photo.
- Label everything. Truly. The lost and found bin is where good cardigans go to disappear.
Fall family photos: coordinate, don't match
Family photo season is here, and the number one question we get in the shop is "what should we all wear?" Our answer is always the same: coordinate, don't match.
- Pick a palette of three or four colors (like cream, rust, olive and denim) and build everyone's outfit from it. Nobody needs to be wearing the same thing.
- Start with Mom. Choose your outfit first, since it's usually the hardest to find, then pull the kids' colors from it.
- Mix in texture. A knit, a little lace, some corduroy or a floral print adds interest so the photo doesn't look flat.
- Skip big logos and neon. They pull the eye and date the picture fast.
- Think about the setting. Orchards and golden fields out here look beautiful with warm, earthy tones. If you're shooting downtown, a little more contrast looks great.
A few texture-rich pieces we love for photos right now: the Round Neck Crochet Top for Mom, the Burgundy Corduroy Skirt and Corduroy Dress for the girls, and a plaid fringe scarf to tie it all together.
Not sure where to start? Bring a photo of your outfit (or your family's usual style) into the shop, and we'll happily help you pull it together.
Come see us
Fall in the Valley might be confusing, but getting dressed for it doesn't have to be. Our fall pieces for women and kids are rolling in, and we'd love to help you find the ones that work for your real life (and your real weather).
Stop by the shop at 1725 Main Street in Escalon or shop our newest arrivals online. And if you snap a fall photo in your Pencie & Ginger favorites, tag us with #PencieAndGinger and #EscalonBoutique. We love seeing you in them!
Here's to cool mornings, warm afternoons, and a whole lot of layers.
xo, Megan and the Pencie & Ginger team