Though a variety of trends seem to crop up every season, a women's fall fashion guide focusing on just the essentials is a safe bet for seeing you through in classic style. While any wardrobe can benefit from a few updated accessories and bright tweaks, it's the core pieces that are most important. These are the clothes you will rely on time and again, year after year, thanks to their versatility and endurance.
Making the Transition
The transition from summer to fall is probably the most challenging seasonal shift of all, at least from a fashion standpoint. This is the period when short, playful dresses are woefully put away, when shorts and tank tops are replaced with pants and twin sets, and when jackets come out of their hiding places. Even the slightest nip in the air can relegate summer's essentials to the back of the closet.
The good news is that fall wardrobes are just as chic, comfortable and all-around fabulous as their summer counterparts. Whereas summer is light and airy, fall is dramatic and cozy, setting the mood for colder weather and embracing a wealth of rich hues, plush fabrics and extravagant cuts. The only challenge lies in actually making that transition.
The Women's Fall Fashion Guide
Keep it simple and everything will come easily. You don't need to spend a fortune on items that will lose importance within a few months; what is essential is to focus on well-made clothes that are practical for a variety of situations, suit the season and flatter your figure. It's also important to build your wardrobe with a variety of colors, designs and styles to really keep things interesting. It's far too easy to fall into a drab trap, wearing nothing but jeans, boots and coats all season long. The weather may be cooling down, but your style does not have to suffer.
Fall Basics
If you don't already own these basic essentials, now is the time to scoop them up. Since they are classics, they are worth the extra expense.
- Trench coat: This is the perfect transitional coat, when it's not quite cold enough for wool yet definitely brisk enough to warrant wearing that extra layer.
- Twin sets: Perfect to wear to the office, the combination of a colorful shell and complementary cardigan is fuss-free and cute with trousers and skirts alike.
- Pencil skirts: A sleek pencil skirt in black or grey is a wardrobe enhancer, playing well with everything from fall's jewel-tone blouses to crisp blazers.
- Blouses: Every fall wardrobe should include at least two brilliant, silky blouses - one in a deep neutral, like charcoal, and one in a vibrant, eye-popping hue, like emerald or ruby.
- Trousers: Crisp trousers are a year-round essential, but try a heavier pant in the fall to keep you warm. Opt for black or brown, or mix it up with an unexpected and very sophisticated shade of camel.
- Sheath dresses: One or more sheath dresses will always serve you well. The classic design is easy to dress up and looks great whether at work or play.
The Extras
The "extras" are those slightly newfangled items that, in recent history, have become quite popular. Some call them trends, others wear them so often that they can no longer be considered mere trends at all. However you view them, they promise to add something special to your fall wardrobe.
- Bright coats: Though it's definitely smart to own a neutral wool coat for winter, a bright fall coat in a shade like berry or yellow can brighten up your palette (and mood, if you're missing summer) considerably.
- Sequins: They're not just for disco balls! Strategically placed sequins, whether on a shell, scarf or handbag, can add just the right amount of spark to a simple fall look.
- Leggings: Available in every color of the rainbow and now embellished with all kinds of details (think studs, buttons and zippers), leggings look phenomenal with over-the-knee boots.
- Details: The devil is in the details during fall, when drama and intrigue are such huge players in fashion. From gleaming, studded T-shirts to wool dresses adorned with gemstones, details make anything special.
No women's fall fashion guide would be complete without a mention of accessories. Even if you're wearing something exceptionally understated, you can easily elevate your look with a cute accessory or two. Use them to shake things up, try a new trend or just add a jolt of color to your look. Above all, remember to try things on prior to purchasing them. During a season when comfort is so key, it's essential that your clothes feel as good as they look.
