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I wait for the day every year. It’s never the same, the unknown agitates waves of anticipated excitement within me.
And then it happens.
There’s always an afternoon, right as the fatigue of summer starts to settle in, a faint aroma drifts across the sleepy, balmy breeze.
Autumn approaches.
The waning sun hanging just so, casting shadows that seem to arouse the nostalgia I have for seasons and holidays of years past, the ones that shape the tenderness of time passing.
While there’s something to love about every season, autumn holds my most hallowed, cherished memories and safe feelings. It’s pleasantly tactile and textured perfectly to my liking, a little haunted and filled with mischievous unknown — perhaps the irreverent, cheeky side of Mother Nature.
It’s my favorite season to dress for, filled with wardrobe staples I gravitate towards year after year, decently immune to the trends that come and go. While summer brings annual identity crisis (I loathe flip flops! You will never catch me in denim shorts!), fall brings confirmation to the slightly spooky, slightly macabre, delightfully weird and imaginatively whimsical that lives within me.
So today, I’ve pulled some ensembles I either gravitate towards consistently, or have been dreaming and scheming up as I scroll eBay and consider what vintage pieces I would like to add to my forever wardrobe this season.
It’s easy to make a mood board and get sucked into pulling a curated edit of finds that feel straight out of a costume drama or gothic fairytale of old. And while that is a fun past time of mine and probably a decent reflection of my current eBay watchlist, it's not always practical to getting dressed for the everyday. I love the antique girly pops on my IG feed who do this effortlessly, but alas I struggle to be perceived (self facing camera? couldn’t be me!) and have yet to work my way up to wearing full chainmail in public.
So with that, here are outfits I feel have an essence of weird, mysterious and strange that can easily shift up and down on the “being boldly perceived in public” scale depending on how you accessorize them (like “day to night” but “weird to absurdly bold and wacky”). Many of these things are pieces I consider sturdy anchors in my personal wardrobe, investments I find to be timeless, things I reach for year after year after year.
In the spirit of transparency, there is a sprinkling of a few new things below, many of which I am personally debating adding to my wardrobe or things I myself have purchased and reach for often. Some are from “fast fashion” brands — I am not a perfect consumer, but I do try to make choices that lead to a sustainable ecosystem in my wardrobe. I like to spend my money on shoes and coats and bags, so you may see some of those things have heftier price tags.
This is just the beginning of spooky vintage content — let me know if there’s anything you’re on the hunt for!
And with that, let’s get into it.
the every day loafer + animal print coat
I love a slim profiled, classic loafer and wear them consistently year round, weather permitting. While I personally always reach for a classic penny style (I have two pairs of these in rotation, one of which I’ve resoled twice), I’m leaning towards investing in a more ruched option, which feels perfect for spooky season. I think loafers can feel kind of goth badass grunge-y paired with thrashed, worn-in accessories or outerwear.
Also, leopard is a neutral. Everyone needs an animal print outerwear option in their wardrobe, if you ask me.
loewe pink tinted sunglasses ($261.25)
tie dye shirt (vintage s/m, $30, purchase on eBay)
etro faux fur leopard coat (fem s, $374.50) (this vintage one is INSANE, so is this cutie crop swing option)
agolde 90s crop mid-rise jeans (new, $230)
i’m sorry for the price tag but nothing fits my booty like agoldeblack cartier backpack ($307.50)
i have this in cartier red and i get stopped for compliments consistently, i collect old cartier handbags because they’re amazing quality, very sleek, and don’t resale for a super high price, which is fine for me and my forever closetswarovski white crystal bracelet ($44.99, purchase on eBay)
this line from swarovski leans ridiculous and tacky while also feeling high camp and i’m into it — you can find most of the collection for a great price on eBay and there’s some good options for layering and adding some colorful whimsysterling silver floral bracelet ($140.99, purchase on eBay)
banana republic black loafers (new, $240) (these are the other ones on my current wishlist 😬)
the lace up boot + penny lane-esque coat
I’m sure I’m not the first one to mention that a great statement coat can sometimes just “be” the outfit. This vintage one is an exquisite option for a day where you want to wear comfortable favorites but need something exciting to pull it all together.
I lean less pull on boot knee-high boot and more lace up/combat style because I love the way it looks peaking under a midi skirt or cropped pant. I’ve been coveting these ones from The Row because they are the perfect silhouette, and luckily, they float around resale sites at decent prices quite a bit.
gold tone nugget brutalist earrings ($49, purchase on eBay)
jones new york shearling coat (fem l, $199, purchase on eBay) (fun alt here, and honorable mention to this insane reversible option, this one has great detailing)
bottega veneta sunglasses ($165)
margiela distressed sweater (fem s, $105)
j.crew white silk organza skirt (new, $178)
I’m debating this because I love organza as a texture, it can make anything feel feminine and adds the perfect balance to a thrashed tee or worn-in sweater — I know J. Crew is fast fashion, but having worked for them, I know what to invest in and what to pass on. I would have to try this on to decide if it’s worth adding to my wardrobe for seasons to come.brutalist sea glass ring (7.5, $60, purchase on eBay)
decoupage angel purse ($49.99, purchase on eBay)
buy her! so unique and funthe row cream lace up boots (fem 7.5, $270)
this price is incredible and the condition is really good
the suede jacket + vintage nightgown
Suede, for fall — classic. It really is that simple. I throw mine on over everything, even a sweatpants run to the grocery store to feel instantly more put together and ✨cool✨
A 1930s nightgown is year round versatile, if you ask me. Perfect for summer with a sandal, easily dressed up for a holiday party, and ideal for fall layering. Bias cut is not only universally flattering, but comfortable for fluctuating bodies, even just throughout the course of the day.
gigi burris black pillbox hat ($395)
there are plenty of vintage options, but as someone cursed with a giant head circumference, i’m sharing the indulgent, more inclusive optionblack suede fringe jacket (see measurements, $200, purchase on eBay) (this grey blue one is really fun, too)
1930s pink satin nightgown (fem s, $125, purchase on eBay)
art deco beaded flapper purse ($176, purchase on eBay)
sterling silver tiger’s eye ring (8.25, $48.99, purchase on eBay)
steve madden black patent leather moccasins (new, $109.95)
obviously, I would love the original of these dupes, probably the only thing from Chanel I’ve ever actually pined over, but I do have steve madden shoes that have lasted me a decade (really!!), so I might be willing to take the chance
the tapestry/velvet/opera coat + fuzzy sweater
There was a time when my friends had to give me an intervention due to my penchant for gravitating towards all things velvet, brocade, tapestry. I now ignore them because that will never change!!!
Fuzzy mohair and angora are some of my all-time favorite textiles, adding that grunge-y worn-in feeling that still has an air of fancy pants-ness. The key is finding the right fabrication, as it can get itchy and suffocating very easily.
etro paisley coat (fem l, $417)
green fuzzy angora sweater (see measurements, $59.99, purchase on eBay)
leset high waisted flare pants (new, $240)
a kicky flare pant reminds me of my grandma and her pedal pushers and i’m always on the hunt for a pair that feels more classic and vintage than trendy/made for people who are 5’11”+enamel chainmail tassel purse ($155, purchase on eBay)
this is fun! rarely see anything quite like thisroger vivier bow pumps (fem 6, $328)
roger vivier is punk rock and you can’t tell me otherwise!!art deco czech glass earrings ($60, purchase on eBay)
the distressed leather jacket + layers on layers on layers
If there’s one thing I took away from living in the Bay Area, it’s “layer layer layer” — you never know when that glorious fog will roll in! I had one distressed motorcycle jacket I wore during my decade of life in San Francisco, and I promise you I wore it probably 90% of the time.
antique beaded flapper dress (see measurements, $395, purchase on eBay) (you could also opt for a slip like this one or this one)
i think this is a fun layering option under a tee or sweater, if you can accept this is probably 100 years old and very flawed in all the best waysleset barb satin pants (new, $350)
amy lawrance silver sailor hat ($322, made to order)
it’s finally time to pull the trigger on this — i think about it at least twice a week
sterling silver swirl ring (size 8, $94, purchase on eBay)
wilson’s distressed leather jacket (masc l, $149.99, purchase on eBay) (alt here and here and damn this one is good)
vintage horror icons shirt (vintage mens l, $99.99, purchase on eBay)
saint laurent pointed flats (fem 6, $211.50)
the statement coat + everything and the kitchen sink
Sometimes I’m a more is more kind of gal — would this look crazy as an irl outfit? Maybe, but it has great bones to playing around with weird on weird on weird and y’know, that’s how you find your true personal style yadayaaaahhh
faux fur colorful coat (fem m, $300, purchase on eBay)
vintage modernist glass earrings ($99.99, purchase on eBay)
buy these works of art before i do!zimmerman blouse (fem l, $191.25)
this is a solid silhouette for layering, could look cool with a crewneck sweatshirt over, scrunched sleeves for full effect (with a baggy trouser? yum)distressed carhartt painted jeans (34x31, $115, purchase on eBay)
i have a pair of pants like this that *the* jenna lyons once complimented, so, yeah, you might need these…tory burch t-strap mary jane flats (new, on sale, $299)
i really wanted these when they were full price but now that they’re on sale….purple balenciaga city bag ($1345)
this color!!!!! omg 🤤
the statement coat + your comfortable worn-in classics
here’s the less is more approach, if that suits you better! i’d layer more is more is more with my jewelry to add some personal-to-you visual interest.
mongolian curly fur coat (fem s, $330, purchase on eBay)
i think this is the year i buy a vintage mongolian coatfaded thrashed sweatshirt (masc xl, $2!!!!!, purchase on eBay)
okay shipping is $13 but even then…..tigers eye modernist brooch ($138.45, purchase on eBay)
there’s a coupon code! this is gorgeous!j. crew painter jeans (new, $158)
i’m intrigued by these and the seemingly relaxed fit, and right now they’re 40% off, which is kind of insane — the peach colorway is also very visually interesting and i personally know if they fit well i would keep them foreverhieronymous bosch doc martens (masc 8, $249.99, purchase on eBay)
i coveted these for SO long, why have regular doc martens when you can have bosch ones?bally tassel satchel purse ($199.99, purchase on eBay)
bally is slept on and slowly bubbling back to the surface — take advantage of the great prices now, this bag is a wonderful investment
the velvet frog closure jacket
The resurgence of boho means the velvet jacket meets military style vibe is back which is wild as someone who lived it the first time around and has never let go. I think it’s a very versatile wardrobe piece, especially come holiday time, when you can really dress it up.
velvet frog closure jacket (fem m, $49.98, purchase on eBay) (this leather one is cool, a more military style option here)
thrashed harley sleeveless tee (masc xl, $19.99, purchase on eBay)
chloe ankle wrap pants (fem m, $340)
i love this silhouetteemme parsons purple satin pumps (fem 6, $221.25)
see by chloe backpack ($202.50)
chicos round swirl earrings ($11.96, purchase on eBay)
if you’re looking for a weekend rabbit hole, chicos jewelry is a gold mine of good stuff
the velvet opera coat
I’m on the hunt for the perfect flapper era or opera coat for my collection this year. It makes everything feel romantic and witchy in the best way and is another “the coat makes the outfit.”
antique velvet coat ($695) (anyone have $19,000 for this?)
art deco pearl drop earrings ($195, purchase on eBay)
isabel marant dress (fem m, $191.75)
i would have shared a boatload of antique edwardian dresses, but a large percentage of those are haunted doll sized (compliment, if that sizing works for you!) — you can find options that are similar at great prices from designers like chloe, zimmerman, ulla johnson and isabel marantkhaite lace up knee boots (fem 6, $307.50)
metal swan purse ($375, purchase on eBay)
buy it before you see it for $1000 on a certain vintage website…etro paisley cashmere scarf ($115.50)
etro makes some of my favorite scarves — moody colors, lightweight for layering, and soft textiles
the distressed moto jacket + pattern on pattern on texture on texture
One more for the more is more is more approach!
distressed harley motorcycle jacket (fem small, $195, purchase on eBay)
if you don’t, i will…. you could tell me this was $3400 acne studios and i’d believe yasterling silver flower earrings ($63.75, purchase on eBay)
marni wool patterned sweater (masc l, $315)
a reminder that gendered clothing is often silly and masculine sized sweaters tend to have better shapes for going “oversized”ralph lauren silk paisley skirt (fem 12, $38.59, purchase on eBay)
st. john fur shawl ($132)
this color!vintage snakeskin clutch purse ($129.99, purchase on eBay)
ganni leather lace up boots (fem 6, $516)
honestly can’t tell if i love these or hate them but they are absolutely bat shit insane and that’s maybe why they’re perfect
Well, there ya have it! A like and a comment goes a long way for my ego ;)
I’ll be back in your inbox next week with more fall-ish finds✨
Until then,
xo,
G
When I tell you I took screenshot after screenshot to recreate these lewks… thank you for the inspired styling!
Loooove this! Everything and the kitchen sink outfit, get on me