The calendar says it’s sweata weatha. It’s fall. But it was 75 degrees yesterday. The weather can be so unpredictable this time of year. So, what are we supposed to wear? I left my house in a sweater and boots recently. It was 82 degrees at my daughter’s field hockey game. I drove home, sweating, and it wasn’t even a hot flash. The same thing happened a few days later only my weather app went from 72 to 48.
Who wants to wear a wool sweater when it’s 79? Or a sundress when it’s 50? Nobody wants to feel like a Fashion Don’t. It’s fall after all. So what’s a girl to do?
Living in Rhode Island for 16 years, I have learned a thing or two about dressing for the seasons. I’ve gathered some tips that come from personal experience and sprinkled in some advice from my fashionista blogger friend, Audrey Couto McClelland of Mom Generations below.
Fall wardrobe tips:
1. Ease into the season. Don’t start wearing your heavy parka just yet. Save that puffy piece for shoveling season. Switch it up for a lighter jacket. Think leather, denim or a colorful windbreaker on game days.
2. Welcome the season with color. Just because it’s warm out one day doesn’t mean you can’t get excited about the season. Why not wear a fitted tee or light sweater in plum or burnt orange? If those colors don’t appeal to your color-me-beautiful wheel, try something in navy or a deep red.
3. Layer it up. The best way to avoid the uncomfortable onslaught of warmer weather in the afternoon? Wear layers. I’m not talking about unfashionable layers like the ones you remember wearing on vacation as a kid. Try these on for size:
a. Pair a cute top under a long cardigan.
b. Wear a long sleeve top over a dress with boots.
c. Pull a jacket over a short-sleeved sweater and jeans.
4. Give yourself options. Keep some options in your car or office so you still look put together even after the temperature changes. I keep my trench coat in my trunk along with an extra pair of ballet flats just in case.
5. Don’t sweat it. Workout clothes can still look nice when you add a little oomph. After I finish Pilates class, I like to keep a long sweater cardigan in my bag along with a pair of boots. That way, I’m feeling dressed for the weather and ready for what the rest of the day brings.
6. When in doubt, wear a dress. Audrey says if you’re in need of an easy dress this fall, she has one you can count on this season. She bought one on Amazon for $24.99 a few weeks ago (it comes in a variety of colors). She had it in a ball in her suitcase from a recent trip and tossed it on for a conference and it looks great. True to size.
7. Sherpa style. Audrey also recommends a trendy black and white buffalo check plaid Sherpa pull over, available at Abercrombie. Pull one of these over a cute top and jeans and you’re good to go.
8. Dress it up or down. Audrey features fun how-to videos on her Fashion Over 40 site. One of my favorites shows five ways you can wear a black dress and it really fits with the fall season. Pull a denim shirt over a dress. Toss on a wool wrap. I also like her idea of pairing a dress with a cozy sweater cardigan – she recommends an adorable one from H&M.
9. Pattern Appeal. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns this season. Audrey gives us permission on this too, yay. My thinking: You can wear a plaid wrap over a floral dress as long as they are in the same color family. For more tips on what to do when it comes to mixing it up, check out this helpful article.
10. Make it last through the seasons. Some pieces in your wardrobe CAN go from summer to fall. If you have a dark top that’s meant for the summer, try pairing it with a denim or tweed jacket and it gives it a whole new look.
11. Cropped. My favorite style of jeans right now is a cropped skinny jean. When there’s fringe on the bottom, it’s even better. Whether you start the day with rain boots or end it with heels, they work with just about any ensemble. I love pairing these with leather or suede boots too.
Enjoy the fall and enjoy expressing yourself with your own style!
