FALL INTO FASHION

It’s that time of year when temperatures finally dip into the 80’s and nary a three-digit-day is in sight.  Fall is my favorite season because I love the thought of brisk evening walks with my dogs, the crisp air, cozying up in a chunky sweater, comfy jeans, and tall boots.  I also love fall because it’s a great time to refresh my wardrobe.   If you’re ready for a fresh start too, then read on.

There are five basic elements to transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall: 

Colors

Pack away those citrus-y colors from summer such as lime greens, melon oranges, and lemon yellows, in favor of more saturated and toasty hues like emerald green, burnt orange, espresso brown, and my personal favorite, an intense blue-infused red.  The only whites you’ll need will be your, ahem, intimates, the ubiquitous white tee, and possibly a handbag in winter-white.  Other than that, white is a no-no until Spring, even if weather permits.  When selecting your wardrobe’s color palette for this fall, be sure to consider your own basic coloring first.  Medium-skinned blondes look utterly chic in a monochrome scheme of rich chocolates, while fair-skinned blondes light up a room, garbed in rich jewel tones like purple, ruby red, or sapphire blue.  On the flip side, our caramel-colored friends are going to show up lackluster in yellow ochre; what she needs is some value contrast in her ensemble to add some visual interest.

Fabrics

Put away your light knit tops, eyelet trimmed skirts, and linen drawstring pants.  For everyday basics, opt for medium weight cottons, wools, corduroys, and of course cashmere.  However, when you crave a dressy look, you can do it with a twist in your fabric selection.  Depending on the situation, you can go for velvet, leather, tweed, or an extravagant brocade.  Two must-have items for this season?  A light-weight trench coat in a statement color and a cashmere wrap.  I recently spotted a fabulous trench that can double as a dress in a spicy nutmeg color.  Have to have it!

Prints

Now I would think that this goes without saying, but I’m always surprised when I see the vestiges of summer moving into fall when it comes to prints.  Florals are the biggest culprits.  Store away any article of clothing if it is graced with summer floral prints (think Hawaiian motif or tiny rosebuds).  Some prints are seasonless, like geometric and animal prints, so you can leave them in your closet  but use those prints sparingly.  Too much of either and you’ll look like a flashback from the 80’s.  I am smitten with plaids.  From Burberry plaid (known as The Check), to Celtic plaid, to tartan plaid, I adore their kicky nature and the way they can also be used to convey a stately image at one’s whimsy.  Other prints for fall are paisley and hounds tooth checks.

Shoes

Keep out your peep toe wedges!  Duplicate the color with your tights, slip on a skirt that hits above the knee, add a lightweight turtleneck, throw your hair in a low chignon, with your big-rimmed shades perched happily atop your noggin, and you have a look that will transcend the ages.  Perfectly stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear!  Essential shoes for fall?  Knee high boots in both brown and black, ankle boots, tweed or heavy-fabric ballet flats, and Mary Janes.  If you want a look that’s very of-the-moment, run out and purchase a pair of oxford pumps, with a platform or stiletto heel, add a menswear jacket, vest, and trousers.  Tres magnifique, mon cheri!

Accessories

Jewelry, scarves, gloves, handbags, and hats.  Fall is the prelude to the “most wonderful time of the year”, so usher it in with the utmost in style by using accessories as your refining touch!  Lean toward black, golds or coppery metals to balance the weight of saturated colors.  Scarves and gloves are quintessentially feminine and actually serve a good purpose—imagine that.  Go street chic; find a slouchy handbag with zippers, chains, and straps for a cool, tough-girl look.  My favorite accessory?  Hats, because they’re always in fashion and ring; “Sassy” when you wear them.  I'm eager to wear my gray cashmere sweater dress and my aubergine, wool fedora. I won’t wear it until we’re sub 75 degrees, so when it hits, be on the lookout for me.  I’ll be wearing it with style.

Fawn Cheng is a Brand Strategist & Personal Stylist and an Associate Member of AICI.  She is a graduate of New Mexico State University and has continued her education at the London Institute.  Call her at:  480.216.8202 or visit www.FawnCheng.com