3 Small Fall Style Swaps That Freshen a Wardrobe

Susan Blakey frames fall updates as modest adjustments rather than wardrobe overhauls. The three swaps she recommends change silhouette or detail, not the overall aesthetic. The result: familiar pieces feel fresher and more wearable for day‑to‑day life.

Swap 1 — Pause chunky shoes, wear sleeker styles

Chunky platform soles have been a favorite, but this season Blakey prefers sleeker footwear that reads lighter on the foot and visually. She recommends three specific directions:

• Cushioned loafers with a soft leather upper and fitted sole for walking comfort and a cleaner line.

• Low‑profile slip‑on sneakers with supportive cushioning for casual ease and a streamlined silhouette.

Swap 2 — Pause lady jackets, choose swing jackets

Blakey is leaning into more relaxed jacket shapes. Instead of fitted, traditionally "lady" cuts or rigid trucker jackets, she's trying swing‑style jackets and lightweight trenches. Key reasons:

• Swing jackets provide an easier layer over sweaters and don't read as visually tight across the body.
• Cotton trenches or lighter leather in similar relaxed cuts work through much of the year.

Specifics in the post: a Sézane cotton trench‑style "Bobby" jacket purchased in Paris (noted to run large), a Ruti denim swing jacket recommended as a roomier trucker alternative (Blakey took XS), and a lighter leather Robb jacket that mirrors the trench cut in a different fabric.

Practical sizing info she shares: jacket size 4 US, jeans 29—use as a reference point when considering how pieces may fit relatively large or roomy.

Swap 3 — Keep cardigans, add special details

Cardigans remain a reliable fall building block for travel and everyday wear. Blakey suggests selecting cardigans that offer a small design twist so they read more intentional:

• Tie‑neck cardigans that can be worn closed for a polished look or open over a tank.
• Lightweight merino or cotton blends for layering and dressier pairings (velvet or satin bottoms, for example).
• Cardigans with tunable necklines by buttoning/unbuttoning to vary the look.

Each swap adjusts proportion or detail rather than changing a signature style. That keeps the wardrobe cohesive and reduces the need to buy many new pieces. Blakey's approach favors comfort, subtle refinement, and pieces that layer easily into existing outfits.

• Take stock: identify one chunky shoe, one fitted jacket, and one plain cardigan you could swap or restyle.
• Try on suggested silhouettes in your current size and one size up/down when the brand notes "runs large" or "runs small."