Fall means a return to treasured pieces we love to wear. The refreshing break from the heat and cozying up in jeans and a sweater is some of what makes autumn the most-loved season. When the temperature hits the 50s and low 60s Fahrenheit, there are so many great fabrics, styles, and colors for you to wear.
The Basic Elements of a Fall Wardrobe
- Fabrics: corduroy, suede, denim, velvet, cable knit, quilted fabrics, faux fur, wool
- Colors: cocoa hues, burgundy, forest green, merlot, aubergine, moss, midnight blue, ivory
- Pieces: turtlenecks, long cardigan sweaters, jeans, pants, scarves and mittens, knee-high boots, long skirts, long-sleeve button-down shirts, blazer, vest, zippered hoodies, tunic, belts
Blending the Basic Elements for a Timeless Look
Now that you know the basics, mix and match your pieces so that they look classic and sophisticated.
- Try the free-spirited look of a scarf and mitten with your cords and sweater but no jacket. It gives the perfect feel of a walk through falling leaves on a crisp autumn day.
- Wear knee-high boots with the calf-length skirt and a long-sleeve shirt and blazer for antique shopping.
- Put a belted tunic over a pair of jeans to pick the kids up from school.
- Try a long, belted cardigan sweater over a turtleneck when you take the dog for a walk on a cool morning.
- A long-sleeve wrap aubergine-hued shirt under an unzipped quilted jacket and a pair of khakis are great for lunch at a sidewalk cafe.
- Incorporate one of the season's hot items, the ankle boot, to dress up jeans and a cable-knit sweater.
Different Styles of Jackets for Fall
The goal is to avoid a jacket when you can to eliminate bulk. Fall days can change quickly, and it is a hassle to carry around a jacket when the temperature begins to jump. First work with layers with your shirts and sweaters. If you need more warmth, consider some of these jacket choices:
- Denim jacket (looks best with khakis or cords for pants - don't be a walking blue jeans advertisement)
- Quilted down jacket
- Parka
- Trench
- Car coat
The thicker the jacket, the more you need a cinched waist, either with inner drawstrings or a belt. There's no need to look like a marshmallow just to keep warm. Wool trench coats and corduroy blazers are comfortable, classic, and cozy.
Clothes that Last
To make sure you buy clothing that will last you beyond this fall, there are a couple things you need to look for. It's always nice to get a bargain, but make sure that the quality is such that it will last. It needs to be a sturdy fabric that will hold up well and make sure you dry clean items that require it. Also, don't buy anything that you don't feel and look great in. If it doesn't flatter you, it's not worth it.
