This fall, I have the extreme pleasure of working with two amazing stylists - Malia from Style by Malia, and Carol from Evolve Image Consulting. We'll be showing you how stylish stylists dress themselves throughout the season.
This week is all about our favorite transition items - what we wear that takes us from late summer warmth into early fall chill. Transition dressing can be challenging - it's still hot but you're tired of summer clothes, the stores are stocked with fall clothes but you're not ready for cold weather layers, and you're sooo ready for something new (even if it's just your own clothes that you haven't worn for months!). What are the easiest ways to start the new season while still dressing for late summer weather?
- Focus on color - embrace fall tones, but in lightweight styles. Darker, saturated colors like burgundy, forest green, deep teal and eggplant just feel fall even in a simple silk tank or cotton cardigan. And the traditional autumnal palette of oranges and deep reds looks amazing paired with white jeans!
- Check your fabrics - just because cold weather is coming, that doesn't mean you have to grab wool. Stay cool in cotton, silk and seasonally-appropriate blends that breathe.
- Layer, lightly - it's too early for a shirt, sweater and jacket, but how about a sleeveless drapey top and military vest? Layers don't need to be overwhelming - even light layers add interest and dimension to an outfit.
Check out how Carol, Malia and I dress for the weather with our favorite styles to get us through the 'in-between' season…..
I’ve always been a cardigan guy – I’ll wear one when it’s cold, I’ll wear one when it’s warm – so, of course, my must-have transition item from summer to fall is a chunky cotton cardigan.
When the weather is balmy, an easy cardigan is ideal to throw on for a chilly morning or cool evening. And when I don’t need it – I can toss it in the back seat to grab next time. Keeping it neutral (love this cardigan from Reiss!) means it’s easy to pair with whatever I’m wearing.
When the temperatures dip in early fall – a cardigan is my must-have layer. It can take the place of a jacket or blazer, or act as an in-between layer over a shirt and under a quilted vest. And if it’s a warm afternoon – it’s so easy to lose a layer and still look stylish.
Malia loves this poncho, and I love that she's wearing white even after Labor Day! She says, "The sweater poncho is how I am transitioning this fall. It works with skirts, jeans or slacks. This cashmere poncho in heather gray I had to have from shoptherichlife.com, paired with my Garner style for Rebdoll wide leg white slacks and silver accessories. I am feeling totally ready for this fall."
Carol looks super stylish (and fall ready) in this suede jacket. "I’m transitioning to fall by adding a lightweight suede jacket over a darker toned cami and a heavier ponte skirt. It’s still warm enough for me to wear a sandal, but I opted for a darker brown faux suede sandal to complete the outfit. By simply changing my external accessories I was able to create a successful fall wardrobe transition." Love that skirt too, Carol!
Remember - you can embrace fall even if the weather isn't cooperating. Simply shift your colors, keep cool with weather-appropriate fabrics, and layer lightly - and stay tuned for next time to see what they stylish stylists are wearing!