Transitioning from Summer to Fall

For those of us living in the south, it can still be hot in August and September. This can certainly prove to be a challenge when you’re ready to dress in all things Fall. But, when you are finally ready to start wearing Fall styles, and you’re standing in line to order your pumpkin spiced latte (which I actually don’t like but so many of you do), and you suddenly realize that time of year is approaching, please allow me to offer a few suggestions now for you to store away until then.

~ Color Selections ~

Start with changing the colors hanging in the front of your closet. But wait before you move all of those bright colors to the back. While we usually opt for autumnal shades of adobe, root beer and olive branch, this season is a little different! The Autumn/Winter 2021/2022 NYFW Color Palette, according to Pantone, includes colors such as Pale Rosette, Mykonos Blue, Illuminating Yellow and Fuschia Fedora. That doesn’t mean we won’t be wearing our beloved burnt oranges, cranberry reds, Eurasian teals, coffee colored camels and the carotenoid colors found in corn, carrots, and daffodils. It just means we will have even more colors to wear in Fall 21. All of these colors can be paired together and get just about anyone into the mood for all things Fall – pumpkin patches, football games, s’mores around the fire pit and trips to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Fall colors in Vermont.

~ Layering & Textures ~

Textures play a bigger role in your seasonal wardrobe than you think. Your summer clothing is of course more lightweight and flowy, but choosing a texture that’s mid weight can help you transition your closet. Think of gauzy sweaters that layer nicely over a summer top or even a dress to create a skirted look, but can also be easily worn under a denim or later a wide wale corduroy jacket. Or how about adding a long fine-gauge cardigan over your favorite denim or leggings. As the season progresses, a soft cashmere like oversized coat, a Teddy Coat or Furry Vest will be a must for every closet. The color is totally up to you – go classic camel, dark rose or my personal favorite, leopard!

~ Animal Skin Prints ~

Speaking of leopards, to me, nothing says Fall more than animal prints! While most of us wear them all year, there’s something more luxurious about wearing them in the Fall. Early in the season, pair a fab skin print top with black or neutral shorts or opt for a lightweight jumpsuit in your favorite print. Wear them with flats or sneakers during the day, or a platform wedge or heel in the evening. Later in the season, add printed Gucci tights under your shorts or opt for leggins and trade out the sandals for a chunky Chelsea boot, which is still having a moment. A python print duster can’t be beat either, especially over a column of all black. It’s elongating a slenderizing on every body type. I mean, you really can’t go wrong in a skin print for a Fall vibe!

~ Plaids & Checks ~

While plaids may not be everyone’s cup of tea, we can mostly agree that they certainly do bring a feeling of Fall. Pretty much any plaid will do and for those of you apprehensive to take the plunge, the popular Buffalo Check is a great option. The ever popular Shacket (shirt jacket) is making a reappearance this year, so if you haven’t purchased one yet, this season is the time to do so. It’s an easy way to get onto the Fall plaid wagon. Go bold and invest in a pair of plaid trousers or bermuda shorts to pair with a white tee for now and add a chunky sweater later in the season. Flatform sneaks and loafers are the perfect shoe to pair back to this look but later in the season be sure and go for the chunky boot. If you just can’t do the trousers, opt for a lovely plaid blazer.