Before going on any voyage it's important to remember to trust yourself. You don't have to listen, do, or wear anything you don't want to. Style isn't about the fabric on your back but the person who wears it. Now this goes without saying we can all use a little help, because fashion isn't exactly everyone's thing.
As we approach fall your closet collection may need another look through. If you're going back to school, starting college, have a new job, or maybe you want to try something new then you'll need to master how to use these nine essentials.
1. Maroon
It's no secret every season has a color. Last spring it was green, this summer it was a faded pink to deep purple, and if you haven't noticed already this fall it's maroon. This shade of red is storming in the hidden cracks of department stores suddenly making its big blow up come mid September to early October. A common rule is "a little goes a long way." When wearing maroon you gotta dress like the color.
For my outfit of choice I'd pick a Maroon jacket. The jacket becomes a common article through the cold months adding a hint of fire to your look without over complicating it.
2. Patterns
This fall is all about patterns and texture. A number of fashion experts, by which I mean the people who made the Khols commercial with Sarah Hyland, will tell you to wear florals. I may be inclined to agree with them. Fashion is about creating something new from something old (well sometimes). Although florals are great don't solely stick to the spring is fall look. Shapes, pictures, extreme ruffles and big bows will make you stand out.
For this kind of outfit I'd pick a graphic t-shirt with a fun blazer as not to overdo it (vice versa also works).
3. Chunky/Big jewelry
Let's throw it back to big hoop earrings for starters. This 90's to early 2000's accessory has arrived for a second run. Nothing says diva or brings more attitude than a pair of nice hoops. Wear them in various colors.
Big jewelry in itself is a major statement. I don't know if anyone remembers Lizzie McGuire's classic chain necklace, but oddly enough it's making a come back.
For this I would wear a short necklace with a good size pendant. There is a difference between retro and tacky, so don't get too carried away here.
4. Crop tops for the win
I'm all about the crop and the tops. I don't believe anyone can have enough of them nor should they stop wearing them because the weather gets chilly. A crop top can easily transfer into a fall look. Wear a solid color crop top or one with a pattern and pair it up with a nice jacket.
In this case my weapon of choice is a crop top with a heavy cardigan draped over it and a choker. It's a total 90's hit (if you dare to bare).
5. Bright is right
When people think of fall they think nice dark reds, and pumpkin orange. But as I learn there is no limit to what fashion means, I dare to go beyond the colors of the leaves. Next time you apply lipstick how about you chose a bright pink or coral. Experiment with your makeup.
For this I would go with a nice violet eyeshadow blended with a dash of periwinkle for that smokey eye and top it off a coral lip.
6. My best friend is my sweater
As we enter sweater weather you may see people wearing their sweaters over a pair of leggings or dress with a deep neckline as some fashion experts may advise. I like to stick to simple and classic. Sweaters have multiple uses. For instance you can wear them over a dress to give the illusion of a skirt. If you want to wear leggings try wearing ones with some sort of pattern for added texture. Baggy sweaters are my favorite especially paired with long socks for that dressy look.
For my sweater outfit I'd pair knee high socks with some nice boots and wear a floral dress with a sweater over it for the two piece effect. It makes for a warmer outfit if you don't feel like braving the cold.
7. Plaid, Plaid and Flannel
You can never go wrong with an unbuttoned or buttoned plaid/flannel top. There are multiple uses for this item, that almost seem universally stylable with anything. If you are feeling lazy wear it with sweat pants. If you want to be comfortable wear it over a graphic-t and jeans. If you feel like chopping down trees well you get the picture.
For me this outfit would work well with joggers, a graphic-t and a top knot.
8. Socks
It may seem unimportant to, well everyone, but socks are a major part of every ensemble. For fall, ankle high socks may be the best solution to any situation. Maybe this is the first time people who wear socks with sandals were onto something or maybe we should blame the creators of Scream Queens for the sock heel revival.
For my choice of fall attire socks and heels are a must. A pair of violet knee high socks with black ankle boots maybe over done, but it's always a killer. If the heel happens to be metallic I'd have to die. I don't care what anyone one says metallic shoes will never go away.
9. Spunky hair
From beach blond to rusty brown this fall calls for a total 2000's Lizzie McGuire hair guide. I mean Miranda had the right idea. Twist, braids, crimped hair, bangs and lots and lots of bright hair ties and head bands. Now this is only the start. Does anyone remember clip-in colored hair? It has to be making a come back, so use it. Dye your hair from blonde or pink to yellow or green.
When there's spunk I like to deliver. For this fall a few puffy space buns with a blunt bang will do the trick. It's classic but not pushing it.
As we know in fashion what matters most is the person who wears the clothes, but as I said before a few tips don't hurt.
