The transition between seasons can be tricky for the discerning fashionista, especially when the difference between August and September is so subtle in temperate Malibu. But a change in seasons doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your wardrobe; buy a few trendy fall pieces to mix and match with summer staples.
Hold: White Blazer
The white blazer has become a summer classic, it’s perfect to throw on over a bright dress or colorful blouse. But just because Labor Day weekend has passed doesn’t mean you need to put that jacket away. Try pairing your white blazer with a black top and haberdashery shorts or pants for a classy look that’s perfect for the office or a date. White jackets also look great with skinny jeans and riding boots. Wearing your blazer with dark and muted colors will keep your outfit appropriate for the fall while preserving the casual elegance of a white jacket. If you don’t have a white blazer yet, now is the time to buy-many are on sale and they will certainly still be in style next summer.
Buy: Sheer Blouse
Pale, sheer blouses are a must for the fall. The ultra-feminine tops are incredibly versatile; the shirts are loose and have a laidback vibe, but their translucent material makes them super sexy and coquettish. Tuck them into pencil skirts and tailored pants for a polished look that’s perfect for the workplace; they also look great under blazers. For an evening look, wear them loose over leather leggings; the pale, delicate material looks great against leather, balancing femininity with a hard edge. These blouses can be worn again in the spring, dressed down with distressed denim shorts.
Hold: Printed Dress
Printed dresses were all the rage this past summer; ikat and liberty print dresses were particularly popular. While these dresses looked adorable with wedge sandals and flip-flops, they can easily be reworked for the fall with a little creativity. Throw a slouchy cardigan in tan or brown and a big statement pendant over your printed dress, and pair your outfit with suede moccasin boots or lace-up booties. A distressed leather jacket looks great over calico and other mini-floral prints, especially when you tie a cotton scarf in a solid color on top.
Buy: Lace-up Booties
Lace-up suede booties are the “it” shoe this fall for preps and hippies alike. These versatile booties can be worn with anything from Victorian collars to Aztec-printed cardigans. The suede material and laces give the shoes a bit of a rugged edge, but their sleek silhouette make them feminine enough to pair with skirts and dresses. Whether the booties have heels or wedges, the extra height elongates legs and makes the shoes look great with shorts.
Hold: Striped Sweater
Beachy, nautical striped sweaters make stylish cover-ups for bikini tops in the summertime, but striped sweaters rocked the fall runway this year and are here to stay even after Labor Day. Channel actress Jean Seberg in a striped crewneck for an everyday look that’s still as chic as it is simple. The striped sweater is a natural match for high-waisted trousers and skirts; try tucking them into paper bag pants or a skirt with a skinny belt.
Buy: Native American-inspired Cardigan
Earth-toned Aztec prints are fall’s answer to summer’s bright, feminine prints. Bring out your inner wild child and wear the cardigan with plenty of feminine statement jewelry or a turban headband and loose, wavy locks; make sure you avoid looking washed out by adding a pop of color with a bright purse or dress. You can instantly turn a simple outfit into a boho-chic stunner with a printed cardigan and the right accessories.
Remember that the key to smart style is shopping within your own closet while adding new pieces to your collection. Mixing and matching keeps your outfits fresh while maintaining the yin and yang of different trends.