A girlfriend of mine just recently text'd me asking about wardrobe ideas because she really needs help. She likes my style, and so here's a post for you Rina! I guess what I take for granted, my ability to identify "interesting" pieces, assemble and layer is somewhat of a gift! Fall is one of my favorite seasons. We transition from brights of summer to warm and deeper tones to reflect our time of changing seasons. It's time to break out the boots, jackets, and scarves which are all fun elements to give you that proper finished look for the Fall Season. Here are a list of tips to incorporate with your wardrobe.
1.) Key Item: Boots - Whether dressy or dress down, tall, midcalf, or ankle, you must have a pair of boots in your Fall Wardrobe. If you're like me, you might have at least 10 different pairs ranging from tall/dressy with a heel to casual/informal get the errands done in a metallic leather finish. Over the knee, boots with fur, tie up boots, it doesn't matter, just have some cute boots girlfriend! Black, Grey, Brown, and neutral colored boots are key.
2.) Textural Element: Faux Fur - I have a bunch a girlfriends that are afraid to explore this textural fun element. If you're edgy and bold like me, you might want to have a fur cropped jacket to layer with a simple plain t-shirt top and skinny jeans (with boots of course!) But if you're a little on the conservative "I don't want to attract too much attention" meter, then even the lightest faux fur detailing will give textural interest into your look. Here are a couple of my favorites:
3.) Animal Print - I've always been a fan of leopard print. It's a classic print, and always returns in a variety of interpretations, but be careful, because animal prints can look too noisy, and "too much" if not paired together with the right pieces. I would recommend a leopard print blouse that can be layered with a cardigan style sweater, and pair with dark pants or skirt for the bottom. There is a trend of mixing prints, and depending on the size of the "spots" or "stripes" of the animal print, you may be able to mix prints, but in a complimentary way. A combo of Lace, and animal print may be acceptable if the colors compliment each other.
4.) Basic Moto Style Leather of Faux Leather Jacket - A motorcycle styled jacket is a key trend this season, and is best to have in a basic neutral color in Black, Brown, or Grey. If you want to be even more interesting and not afraid of color, a deep eggplant purple, or bright red, or even bright pink makes an awesome and confident style statement!
5.) A purse that pops. Let's face it, we women love our purses and whether you know it or not, we are measured by our purses like our cars. Yes, it's a status symbol. The more luxurious the better, but because I love purses just as much as shoes, I've learned to pick out "faux leather" purses that provide the luxury look at 1/10th of the cost of a Coach purse. I have two kids under 4, carry a diaper bag, but I still have my purse. I know, I know....it's a lot to lug around, but my purse (and shoes) usually make my style statement. I have purses in all varieties, and in many colors. I like to pop my purse (like shoes...see outfitting tips below) and again, don't be afraid of color. Red, yellow, blue, purple, green, pink, printed...you name it, I've got it. Crossbody, hobo, or Satchel are all fun. Buckles, Tassels, and Hardware all lend to the interest of your "bag". The more the better!
Outfitting Tips:
1.) Give interest to your outfit by using a color theme. If you're using neutral colored pieces, such as black, natural, brown, don't be afraid to use at least one of your pieces with a pop of color whether it's the top, the jacket, or your purse. I tend to keep my bottom pants, neutral but with all the availability of skinny jeans in every color imaginable at Old Navy, don't be afraid of color in your outfit! Some of the color trends that I've been seeing for this fall are: navy, burgundy, emerald green, hunter green, and red.
2.) If you're going to wear an all black or neutral colored outfit or dress, pop that dress with a red, gold, leopard print or hot pink heels. Unexpected shoes are always eye catchers and interesting without being so "loud".
3.) Play with prints. I'm seeing alot of printed bottoms and textures in skinny jeans and leggings this season. Don't be afraid to play with the prints. If you think the prints make your hips and derriere look "heavy" counteract that problem with a dark black, navy, or brown top that falls at the hips. Layer with a flyaway cardigan.
4.) Use jewelry to give interest to your outfit. The possiblities of jewelry are endless and have exploded in terms of what's available to buy. Weather it's a tiny charm, or a statement necklace, jewelry always finishes your look. I'm a stylist for Stella & Dot, but I don't discriminate against others brands and designs because there are so many interesting pieces out there! Jewelry pieces evoke all sorts of notions from: feminine flirty, city urban, rocker fierce, simple sophisticated, luxurious art deco, and endless. I was once told: "DON'T GO OUT JEWELRY NAKED!"
5.) You don't have to be "matchy matchy". There was once a time when everything had to match, your jewelry metals, your shoes and purse, your color scheme. Well the evolution of style has exploded and while a color palette may be your guide to an outfit, don't be afraid to mix and match. If the purse is yellow and the only yellow in your entire outfit, don't sweat it. It's all about "ENSEMBLE"...You can still look "put together" with a variety of colors and textures. Assembling these pieces together is what makes styling FUN! Try it on if you're not sure, you might be surprised! Your fashion sense is your own, and if you FEEL AWESOME...Then it's just the right outfit!
1.) Key Item: Boots - Whether dressy or dress down, tall, midcalf, or ankle, you must have a pair of boots in your Fall Wardrobe. If you're like me, you might have at least 10 different pairs ranging from tall/dressy with a heel to casual/informal get the errands done in a metallic leather finish. Over the knee, boots with fur, tie up boots, it doesn't matter, just have some cute boots girlfriend! Black, Grey, Brown, and neutral colored boots are key.
2.) Textural Element: Faux Fur - I have a bunch a girlfriends that are afraid to explore this textural fun element. If you're edgy and bold like me, you might want to have a fur cropped jacket to layer with a simple plain t-shirt top and skinny jeans (with boots of course!) But if you're a little on the conservative "I don't want to attract too much attention" meter, then even the lightest faux fur detailing will give textural interest into your look. Here are a couple of my favorites:
3.) Animal Print - I've always been a fan of leopard print. It's a classic print, and always returns in a variety of interpretations, but be careful, because animal prints can look too noisy, and "too much" if not paired together with the right pieces. I would recommend a leopard print blouse that can be layered with a cardigan style sweater, and pair with dark pants or skirt for the bottom. There is a trend of mixing prints, and depending on the size of the "spots" or "stripes" of the animal print, you may be able to mix prints, but in a complimentary way. A combo of Lace, and animal print may be acceptable if the colors compliment each other.
5.) A purse that pops. Let's face it, we women love our purses and whether you know it or not, we are measured by our purses like our cars. Yes, it's a status symbol. The more luxurious the better, but because I love purses just as much as shoes, I've learned to pick out "faux leather" purses that provide the luxury look at 1/10th of the cost of a Coach purse. I have two kids under 4, carry a diaper bag, but I still have my purse. I know, I know....it's a lot to lug around, but my purse (and shoes) usually make my style statement. I have purses in all varieties, and in many colors. I like to pop my purse (like shoes...see outfitting tips below) and again, don't be afraid of color. Red, yellow, blue, purple, green, pink, printed...you name it, I've got it. Crossbody, hobo, or Satchel are all fun. Buckles, Tassels, and Hardware all lend to the interest of your "bag". The more the better!
Outfitting Tips:
1.) Give interest to your outfit by using a color theme. If you're using neutral colored pieces, such as black, natural, brown, don't be afraid to use at least one of your pieces with a pop of color whether it's the top, the jacket, or your purse. I tend to keep my bottom pants, neutral but with all the availability of skinny jeans in every color imaginable at Old Navy, don't be afraid of color in your outfit! Some of the color trends that I've been seeing for this fall are: navy, burgundy, emerald green, hunter green, and red.
2.) If you're going to wear an all black or neutral colored outfit or dress, pop that dress with a red, gold, leopard print or hot pink heels. Unexpected shoes are always eye catchers and interesting without being so "loud".
3.) Play with prints. I'm seeing alot of printed bottoms and textures in skinny jeans and leggings this season. Don't be afraid to play with the prints. If you think the prints make your hips and derriere look "heavy" counteract that problem with a dark black, navy, or brown top that falls at the hips. Layer with a flyaway cardigan.
4.) Use jewelry to give interest to your outfit. The possiblities of jewelry are endless and have exploded in terms of what's available to buy. Weather it's a tiny charm, or a statement necklace, jewelry always finishes your look. I'm a stylist for Stella & Dot, but I don't discriminate against others brands and designs because there are so many interesting pieces out there! Jewelry pieces evoke all sorts of notions from: feminine flirty, city urban, rocker fierce, simple sophisticated, luxurious art deco, and endless. I was once told: "DON'T GO OUT JEWELRY NAKED!"
5.) You don't have to be "matchy matchy". There was once a time when everything had to match, your jewelry metals, your shoes and purse, your color scheme. Well the evolution of style has exploded and while a color palette may be your guide to an outfit, don't be afraid to mix and match. If the purse is yellow and the only yellow in your entire outfit, don't sweat it. It's all about "ENSEMBLE"...You can still look "put together" with a variety of colors and textures. Assembling these pieces together is what makes styling FUN! Try it on if you're not sure, you might be surprised! Your fashion sense is your own, and if you FEEL AWESOME...Then it's just the right outfit!
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