Fantasy Outfit: September 28, 2010

Even though we're currently experience record-breaking heat in Southern California (seriously, 109° in Long Beach yesterday?  I thought I left Arizona over a decade ago!), I've still got autumn on my mind something fierce.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the concept I created for fall and the pieces I want to add to my wardrobe this season to further that concept, and one thing I'm really longing for is a basic jersey knit maxi skirt, preferably something with a relatively high waist.  I haven't sported a floor-length skirt since 1997 (I wore mine with chunky-heeled patent oxfords and a polyester 70s floral blouse, natch), but the new styles coming out feel loose and fresh and really easy and I'm feeling like they're going to be really versatile over the next couple of seasons.  Here's just one way I'm thinking about styling one:

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1.) Even rendered in casual fabric, a floor-length skirt can seem formal, so I'd pair it with a loose, easy button-up -- whether it's pilfered from a dude's closet or just looks like it might've been, a tomboyish vibe keeps the whole thing effortless and casual.  (Who What Wear recently showed one tied at the midriff with a maxi, which is also an appealing idea if you're daring.)  BDG "Fall Breezy" shirt, $38, Urban Outfitters.

2.) I'd pile on a tangle of necklaces to personalize this look -- long silver pendants with a talisman-like feel work well paired with more organic materials like horn and bone, and the resulting eclectic vibe is in keeping with my fall concept.  Double chain with acrylic horns, $6.99, Girlprops; silver bird skull necklace, $24, Urban Outfitters.

3.) This is basically the perfect maxi skirt -- incredibly simple, with just the slightest flare to its silhouette, an elastic waistband that allows you to sit it where you want it on your waist, and totally affordable.  I'd cinch it with a masculine belt to make it look a little richer.  "Breeze On By" maxi skirt, $28, Lulu's; leather boyfriend belt, $30.33, ASOS.

4.) I almost went with big lace-up platforms for this look, but these utilitarian-feeling flat boots called to me; they have a kind of army-surplus-luxe vibe that's unexpected peeking out from under the hem of a lengthy skirt.  "Leeds" boots, $78, Need Supply Co.

5.) I'm not much of an eyeshadow girl, especially for daytime, but I feel like something about this look calls for a touch of cosmetic drama and I like the idea of a wash of rich color around the eyes with the rest of the face left dewy and bare.  This deep reddish plum is fairly neutral so it'll flatter most skintones, and it's also on-trend with fall's purple moment for beauty.  Make Up For Ever eyeshadow in Plum, $19, Sephora.

6.) This outfit called for an unfussy handbag in a manageable size.  I picked this beige bucket bag for its unexpected shape, and I also really like the embellishment -- silver studs can admittedly feel a bit tired, but the varying sizes and shapes here are really working for me, and they also add a little bit of flash to the outfit.  Cozy studded bucket bag, $70, YesStyle.

7.) I really like this hefty ring -- it almost looks like stone and feels earthy enough that it doesn't conflict with the necklaces I selected, but when you get a closer look at it and realize it's clear resin set with metallic foil, it takes on a cool, modern feel that I think really works with the overall look.  Naked Label pyramid ring, $46, Shopbop.

What do you guys think about maxi skirts -- is it a trend you'll try this season?  Any updates on your fall concepts?  Also, don't forget to check out my Lucky magazine featured guest post today over at luckymag.com -- I wrote about dressing like one of my favorite movie characters of all time, Bud Cort's Harold from Harold & Maude, who just so happens to be totally on-trend for autumn.