Thank you to Macy’s & ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post.

I often find myself in a “leggings rut” when fall rolls around. Between hauling the kids to school and all their activities, working from home, and trying to stay on top of my own errands, I feel like I’m perpetually running late — anyone else?? Leggings become my crutch when I’m trying to get dressed as quickly as possible. But I never quite feel like I’ve “gotten ready” when I wear leggings all day long. Which is why it’s nice to have a non-leggings option to turn to when I’m feeling blah.

My Everyday Outfit For Fall…That Doesn’t Involve Leggings

I need something I can throw on easily without giving it much thought, something that doesn’t look like loungewear (but bonus points if it feels like it). Enter: Macy’s, with affordable options for outfit essentials to get through this upcoming season. All-black is always a classic so my current solution is an all-black outfit combining comfy flare jeans with a fleece hoodie that has just enough thoughtful details to still look a little chic. Cute, comfy, and easy for day-to-day life. My favorite thing about this outfit is that I’ve figured out a way to wear flare jeans with sneakers.

flare jeans (29) | t-shirt (m) | sneakers | hoodie (m) | backpack

High Waisted Black Levis — With Stretch

Comfort is a major reason I’m always reaching for leggings, but these Levi’s high-wasted flare jeans (under $50 during Macy’s Back-To-School promo!) are so super comfortable I’ll be reaching for them instead (well, sometimes). These aren’t the thick, rigid denim that needs to be broken-in. They’re soft and have stretch so they’re easy to move in from the second you put them on. And the high rise is perfect for highlighting curves.

flare jeans (29) | t-shirt (m) | sneakers | backpack

Flatforms For Flares

Since I’m on the shorter side (5’4″), my flares typically need to be either worn with heels or chopped to wear with flats. And how annoying is it to have to decide on just one option? But flatform sneakers allow me to wear the length I’d typically have pooling around my ankles with regular sneakers … and are just as comfy.

My husband taught me this trick that I use whenever I wear sneakers. If you loosely tie the laces behind the tongue and then tuck in the ends, you end up with a clean look and the laces aren’t flopping all over the place.

flare jeans (29) | t-shirt (m) | sneakers | hoodie (m) | backpack

Shop More White Flatform Sneakers

The Perfect Fleece Hoodie

You guys, this Volcom fleece hoodie is so unbelievably soft. I ordered it because of the details — rose gold hardware, white zipper, and a slightly longer torso. But when it came in the mail I couldn’t get over the softness! The hood isn’t too bulky and it’s actually wearable (napping on a plane for example?). Ooh and there’s pockets! It’s SO good.

Laptop Backpack

Finally, I have to shout out this backpack. It’s my new favorite carry-on backpack. It has a laptop and tablet compartment with extra padding, and a ton of pockets for storage. I’ve been using it for out-of-town trips, but it’s also the perfect everyday bag, especially if you have to lug around a laptop for work. I love the clean lines and sleek look. (And it’s 50% off as part of Macy’s Daily Deals, ends 8/7!)

flare jeans (29) | t-shirt (m) | sneakers | hoodie (m) | backpack

Shop More Laptop Bags

XOXO,

Scotti

photo credit: Vafa Photography

A huge thank you to ShopStyle Collective & Macy’s for sponsoring this post!  I love my new jeans and sneaker combo–and my new daily go-to backpack! Amy, thank you for the photos! And to our readers, thank you so much for your continued support. It is appreciated more than you know.

Here’s one for the Pinners…