How you styling?
A new season is upon us!
We are approaching one of my favorite times of year.
It happens to be Fall!
The Fall season is when the leaves change color and the air becomes slightly crisper, and depending on where you live, it's time to put on a few additional layers of clothing. This time of year is my favorite because it's when all the earth tones (my favorite color palette) are starting to show up in clothing, and I can't wait to break out my chunkier sweaters, light corduroy fabrics, denim, and cute booties.
While I'll admit that I'm not as fond of 4-inch heels as I once was, there are plenty of adorable kitten heels and platformed designs that women can still rock if they want a little extra height. It doesn't matter the season or your location; after years of working in the fashion industry, I've learned that there are some wardrobe staples and accessories that are always a good choice.
The runways are displaying innovative takes on knitwear, leopard print, and leather, all of which point to a stylish fall. There will be a plethora of contrasting styles, frequently occurring simultaneously, blending the soft with the hard, the relaxed with the sophisticated, and the traditional with the modern.
So you may be wondering what pieces should I start to add to my closet? My biggest advice is to start purchasing accessory pieces as you see them. The beginning of summer is a smart time to start looking at sales racks in department stores that have items from last season on sale. By picking up selected pieces you can start to create a capsule wardrobe that have some great diverse pieces in it. Although this will change, here is my short list of 5 items to grab as you shop to add to your closet:
Denim. It is timeless and available in a light or dark wash, as well as black. Relaxed, high-cut waist jeans flatter most body shapes, and a slim-fit style gives the illusion of longer legs. Skinny jeans are cute and can be worn inside boots, while a boot cut is ideal for individuals who prefer to wear jeans over their boots. I have a little height, so I always go for longer lengths when I buy jeans, but you can get any length you like that fits your height. Denim is fantastic because it can be worn with almost everything, dressed up or down, and is suitable for any season.
Mock neck/Turtle neck - I like to wear a fitted mock neck or turtleneck shirt with jeans, skirts, or trousers, and a looser fitting jacket, blazer, or cardigan sweater for a layered look. Choose a variety of colors and prints, such as roses, abstract, solid black, white, and any other color that will go well with a number of items in your wardrobe. If you appreciate the look of turtleneck tops but dislike how snug they can feel, try wearing a mock neck that can also be worn throughout the warmer months. A mock neck has a loose-fitting collar with no extra fabric to fold and style. I'd also want to point out that they both come in a variety of textiles and materials. Make careful to choose the one that is most comfortable for you, especially if you sweat a lot. Another factor to consider is that turtlenecks, in particular, bring attention to the face, breast, stomach, and back areas, especially if they are very fitting, so make sure you feel confident in your choice.
Blazers - To be honest, blazers were not always my go-to, but over time, I've learned to pair them with a range of other items in my closet. Blazers come in a variety of fabric options. I bought three different styles without thinking about how they might match. I would create the look I want at the time of wearing it. Let me explain what I mean more specifically. I have a solid black blazer with a belt around the waist that can be worn with almost anything. I usually pair it with jeans for an appealing business casual look, for example. I also have a patterned plaid jacket that is both trendy and funky to pair with solid dresses, skirts, or top and bottoms. Then there's my denim blazer, which is a wardrobe classic that goes with almost anything. What I like about a nice blazer is that you can add or remove accessories to dress up or dress down your look, and regardless of the occasion, a nice blazer in a neutral hue, printed plaid, oversized or tailor fitted, can never go wrong with slacks, jeans, a dress or skirt, or even shorts. Blazers are a great investment piece to have in your collection every season.
Two-piece jumpsuit. What is that you may be wondering? They are a 2-piece attire that can be made of cotton, jersey, rayon or whatever fabric that gives you room to move and project a casual, comfy, confident look. I recently purchased 2 earthy-hued cotton two-piece suits that I can mix and match with a variety of brighter sweaters, blazers, and jackets. Cotton is a versatile textile that may be spun into warm winter layers or used to form seersucker, a lightweight cotton fabric suitable for warmer weather. I purchased it one size larger to provide a more comfortable fit in the pants, which I love to be longer in length and flow over my shoe, and the larger size jacket offered length to my longer arms with pockets on the waist jacket and pants. Adult rompers are also popular this season, and they can achieve the same comfortable look. The sole difference between a romper and a two-piece is that rompers have an elastic band that links the top and bottom. Some additionally include elastic around the ankle section of the pants, allowing the shoe you wear to be fully exposed. Some people prefer a more casual sneaker shoe with this style. I absolutely love both outfit options!
Chunky heeled shoes/sneakers. Who doesn't adore a big heeled shoe or sneaker that can be worn with almost anything? They're also known as "block heels" There are some cute ones in a variety of colors and styles. This look returns for Fall 2024, but with a more refined sculptural edge. Chunky heeled shoes and sneakers are worn not only for style and height, but also for comfort and support. I actually just bought these charming black TOMS in suede with a platform heel. Also known as Espadrilles. They are attractive, comfortable slip-ons that go well with almost everything in my closet, making them a great investment for the forthcoming Fall season. What I like about these is that they feature a padded heel that will keep my feet comfortable all day if I want to wear them all day. At this point in my life, I prioritize practicality over practice and I'm continually on the look-out for fashionable pieces that don't compromise on comfort.