When I’m not loving all things leopard print, I’m falling pretty hard for deep-hued florals. They still feel fresh and fun with the weather staying closer to summer temps than those of autumn, especially when they take shape in a fabulous, flutter-sleeved midi dress like this. But cooler days are definitely ahead, so I’ve been playing with how to keep these two trendy patterns going, and better yet, going together.

These days, I’m trying very hard to put together looks that combine shopping my closet for tried-and-true fall faves like these leopard booties (as seen here) and this faux snakeskin bag (as seen here) with new finds, like this floral-patterned dress and intarsia patterned sweater. But to make the cut, new pieces have to fill in key fashion gaps of my wardrobe. I’m also trying to be conscious of affordability and versatility. And this midi dress and adorable sweater tick both those boxes.

While floral prints might seem better suited to summer or spring, they can pack a pretty graphic punch for fall, too. Especially in deeper, darker hues like bold pink and bright red. Instead of black or red booties, I decided to really play up the Pop Arty vibe with these leopard print booties embroidered with…you guessed it…more flowers! All of which was perfect for this hot October day, but what about in the weeks ahead?

That’s where this crewneck sweater comes in. Layered over the dress, it creates a top-and-skirt look that feels totally fall-ready. An impulse purchase that I could not resist, because the Dalmation is wearing leopard print booties! And no, I had not even dreamed up this outfit change-up. This sweater just made me smile. And sometimes that’s worth every penny.

As for versatility, I could also layer a tissue-weight black sweater under the dress and/or top with a black blazer or red cardigan. And this sweater is going to look great layered over a white shirt and paired with some dark wash denim skinnies. You get the idea!

So how about you…what patterns are you going to play with this fall?

Dress: (Zara, 45% off!) Also really like this (stunning maxi for a steal!), this (25% FRIENDS & FAMILY discount applied @ checkout) and this.

Sweater: (J. Crew Factory) Adorable alternatives here (25% off with code NMFRIEND), here (30% off with code WEARFAMILY ) and here.

Boots: (Kate Spade, old) Similar here (30% off with code WEARFAMILY), here and here (cowboys!).

Bag: (Mango, old) Currently coveting this, this (72% off!) and this (just $15!).

Photos by Spencer Allegaert, photo editing by Kristin Moore-Gantz.

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