Expert advice on preparing for a new season using accessories, color and trends.
This year has brought some of the most precarious weather nationwide. There are been seasonal blurs – cold one day to freezing the next to rain to absolute drought in some regions – and we have had to adjust our wardrobes accordingly. There are a few ways, however, to transition your current summer wardrobe in preparation for fall using accessories, color and some emerging trends.
Style Expert and founder of International Fashion Stylists Association (IFSA), Kimsioux Montgomery says, “Accessories, accessories, accessories are the key to transitioning your summer wardrobe to fall. It really doesn’t take much. A black opaque tight that can be worn with a floral sundress and a black high heel sandal.” Montgomery also believes a good way to balance this look is with a black sweater. “This can be a nice feminine bolero sweater or a soft asymmetrical swing sweater. And as the weather cools, you can swap out the sweater for a lightweight tailored rain jacket, or my favorite, the cape,” she adds.
As you accessorize, consider purchasing vintage signature jewelry from 50s crystal and Lucite bangles and necklaces to over-sized broaches. You can also accessorize with statement pieces with African accents like those sold by Maria McCloy Accessories. Check out Etsy and other handmade sites for jewelry, scarves and purses that match your personal style.
The Pantone Fall 2015 color chart is not only a great resource for transitioning your wardrobe but also keeping it current using color. This fall’s palette contains 10 stunning hues including Marsala, a wine/brown, that is also their color of the year. Every color is transitional and adaptable to your own favorites.
Trends are good even if your style preferences are traditional and classic. You can incorporate them to suit your personal style while giving your transitional wardrobe some punch. Fall 2015 trends include mixing stripes (i.e. nautical with pinstripe), a soft wide-legged trouser in black as a transitional staple, flared jeans worn with high heels or wedges, big and bold statement earrings, textured fabrics (knits, tweeds, heavy cottons and wools), and a favorite, the black leather motorcycle (biker) jacket.
Transitioning can be simple enough and as creative as you choose. The objective is to look seamlessly styled as the seasons change.
Robin Caldwell is a veteran public relations counselor, concierge and practitioner. She has been self-employed from side hustle to business since 1998. She is the owner of The J Standard Media Group, LLC, and the creator of the PR concierge services Your PR Assistant and She Boom! Project.
