Transitioning to Fall: 10 Workable, Wearable, Worthy Style Strategies

1. Think about your underwear. No, really think about it. When is the last time you had a proper bra fitting by an expert (and sorry, Victoria’s Secret doesn’t count)? Fall fashion may be all about outerwear, but if your foundations are worn out or don’t fit you properly, everything you put on top of them suffers. Start your season with a few fresh underpinnings. The right bra can help you look longer, leaner and more proportional.
2. Edit, Edit, Edit. When you drag the boxes of fall or winter clothing out from storage, cast a critical eye over each piece before you put it back in your closet. Did you wear it last year, and more than once? Does it still fit you? Is it still in good condition? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s time to donate or consign the item. It’s far better to have a sparse closet with room to grow than a cluttered one filled with items that don’t serve you.
3. Finer fabrics. Fall and winter dressing call to mind weightier, more durable fabrics like wool, cashmere, leather and denim. These items are built to last, so it makes sense to invest in the best-quality garments you can. Well-constructed garments made in these materials can look great in your closet for five years or more. When you buy something, think not just about the price tag, but also about the cost per wear. If you will be wearing it often for years, it may be worth spending a bit more initially on key investment pieces.
4. Cherry pick your trends. There’s a long list of new fashion trends every season, but there’s no need to try to adopt all or even most of them. Select which ones are relevant to your lifestyle and most importantly to your shape, and feel free to ignore the rest. For example, shiny, floral-printed skinny jeans draw attention to your lower half, so they may not be the best option if you’re bigger on the bottom. You might be more inclined to try out the military detailing trend with defined shoulders and detailing to draw the eye up and accentuate your beautiful face.
5. If you like it, put a ring on it. Not sure if a trend is right for you? Start small, and try it as an accessory. If you aren’t ready for full-on animal print, try a simple snakeskin pump or a clutch bag. It’s a fun way to keep your look current without a big risk or investment.
6. Don’t give up on color. The skies go grey around here and too many of us reach for our subdued fall hues. Don’t get us wrong, classic blacks, browns and greys are wonderful, but don’t forget to throw a splash of color in now and again to liven things up. Fall style this season is filled with rich burgundy and various shades of red, along with ocean blues and forest greens. There’s even a healthy dose of winter white (we know, maybe not the most practical in a Pacific NW rainstorm, but fun in bits and pieces nonetheless!). Take a chance and wake up your wardrobe with some rich colors inspired by nature (and not just rainy skies).
7. Make your outerwear work. As the mercury drops, many of us start piling on the layers and abandon the idea of playing up our shapes. But I assure you: it isn’t mandatory to look like a snowman. Save the giant puffy jackets for the ski slopes and choose a tailored trench or fitted jacket for city-wear (they come lined, so no need to sacrifice warmth!). Fine silks with cashmere layers beneath can provide extra heat with minimal bulk.
8. Hems and heels. Fall is time to break out the jeans and the boots, but it forces you to address the question of proper length for your different pairs of shoes. When it comes to hemming pants, you can’t have it both ways so choose one pair of pants to hem for your higher heels or boots and select another pair to hem with flats. The quickest way to destroy a great pair of denim jeans is to wear them too long. If you have a stack of jeans in your closet with bottoms that look like they’ve half-escaped a shredder, have them re-hemmed for your flat shoes or put them out of their misery and start fresh.
9. Dressed in dresses. Finding the right dress — one that defines and balances your unique shape — can be a wardrobe wonder, making getting ready fast and easy. When it comes to length, the most flattering hemline is typically at the top of, or just to the bottom of, your knee. In the earlier part of the season, you can still enjoy a bare leg — just choose a closed or peep-toe shoe, rather than a strappy sandal, to keep the look seasonally appropriate. Once the temperature drops, pair opaque tights with matching shoes to get warmth and a leg-lengthening effect.
10. Resolve not to wait. Lots of people wait for the New Year to make promises about self-care and rebuilding their confidence. We say DO IT NOW. Vacations are over, school is back in session and business is at its busiest for those in the work world. Now is the time to put some focus on you. Use the change of season to create a change in your own world. You deserve a style that makes you feel confidant, celebrated and at your very best.

Category: 2012_October, Style for Hire