Summer was very different than what probably most of us were expecting this year. Maybe you felt stuck or you’ve been wanting to refresh your routines. Luckily, we’re now in my favorite time of the year. The leaves are changing, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and now I can walk outside without my makeup melting off my face. Fall is all about change and transformation, and one way to express yourself is in your wardrobe. Every season, I find myself buying new clothes because the clothes I have from the previous season aren’t suitable anymore. It’s natural to want to revamp your wardrobe when you’re tired of wearing the same looks or because the weather is constantly unpredictable. However, spending more money to make your closet fit these accommodations is a huge burden on your wallet. Giving into revolving trends while buying into fast fashion is also detrimental to the environment. We recycle plastic and paper so why shouldn’t we do the same for our clothes? It’s time to transition from summer to fall using clothes already in your closet. The weather may never be able to make up its mind but now you can with the following adaptable outfit choices.
Staple Pieces
There are certain pieces of clothing that always come back in every other new cycle of revolving trends. They are also easier to pair with other items to create fresh and innovative looks. Below are a few of my favorites just to name a few.
The Magical White Top
The white T-shirt is a common staple that has lasted throughout time. James Dean, a cultural icon and heartthrob, was known for dressing in a simple white T-shirt and a leather jacket. Pair it with blue or black denim pants and tie it together with a belt. Layer any kind of jacket over it such as an army jacket or a blazer. It can also be paired with tank tops or summer dresses when layered underneath. Take it a step further and use a white collared blouse underneath the sweater of your choice so that the collars and cuffs are peeking through. Pair this look with a pleated skirt and you’ll have an outfit cute enough to be in the movie Clueless.
Denim, Denim, More Denim
I have always loved how versatile denim is and how many different looks it has inspired over the years. Denim jeans, hats, skirts and jackets are all items that can be worn in any season. A light sweatshirt under a jean jacket can keep you warm but also very casual in Fall. A jean skirt can be paired with a lace top and thigh-high boots. The unique characteristic of jean pieces is that they can be customized. Jean back pockets can be painted into different patterns as a statement patch, jackets can feature quotes on the back of them, and skirts can be printed with patterns on top. Denim can come in different wash shades and distress. These characteristics when paired together carefully allows you to wear multiple denim pieces at once while avoiding a Britney and Justin denim catastrophe. DO wear different shades together, have one piece be distressed, or one piece altered by art, quotes, or patterns. DON’T wear the same shade head to toe, add denim accessories, or look to the wild west for inspiration when pairing denim pieces together.
Endless Maxi Skirts
They’re light enough to wear in the summer and long enough to cover your body for the fall. It’s one of those pieces that many people aren’t familiar with that can really boost the value of an outfit. They can come in a variety of patterns, pleated, or a cut-out slit. Pair it with a long-sleeved blouse, cross the body purse, wide-brim hat, and your choice of high or low boots. There is a common misconception with maxi skirts and height where it’s believed maxi skirts only look good on you if you’re tall. This is false. I’m here to tell you that you look good in whatever you choose to wear. Your body type shouldn’t determine what you are or aren’t allowed to wear. Fashion is about expressing yourself and taking risks. Challenge your style by going outside your comfort zone and trying new pieces.
Orphaned Overalls
Everyone I know has mixed opinions about overalls. They sometimes can feel very childish and domestic; not really suitable to be considered streetwear. Dig out those overalls that were forgotten somewhere in your closet. There are ways to style overalls so that you don’t get mistaken for a farmer. Overalls are super comfy and they come in different colors, textures and cuts. Overalls don’t only come in denim! They can be corduroy or cotton and can be converted into shorts, pants, or dresses. Layer it over a turtleneck, off the shoulder blouse, or sweater.
Alternating Accessories
Accessories can really revamp a rather boring outfit. Scarves are very versatile and can be used as a belt, hairpiece, top or neckerchief rather than just styling it to wrap around the neck. Hats such as bucket, wide-brimmed, berets and caps can be used and styled for all year round use. Layering jewelry over sweaters and sticking to chunky bracelets and earrings are always good ideas to pair with your fall outfits.
Breathable Fabrics
When considering what summer pieces can be transformed into what kinds of fall outfits, it’s ideal to consider if the fabric is breathable. Weather forecasts aren’t always on your side and fall is one of the most unpredictable seasons where you’re not sure what to leave the house wearing. Remember this when planning your outfits because you want to be able to put on and take off layers when need be. Cotton is soft, durable, and breathable but it also absorbs moisture. Nylon/polyester wicks moisture and dries quickly but it’s not as soft as cotton and the breathability varies. Silk is soft, lightweight and breathable but it’s fragile and not moisture-wicking. Merino wool breathes, wicks moisture, and can be made lightweight but it’s not as durable as cotton, nylon, or polyester. Tweed is breathable, can trap heat when you need it to, and is water-resistant.
Color Coordinate
Colors play a big role in making your clothes pass for fall outfits. Many fall color schemes are inspired by the color change in the leaves and the foods we eat. Common fall color schemes include comfort colors, earth tones, and neutrals. Colors should be darker in tone and less vibrant. Deep purples and reds are common such as eggplant and burgundy. Golden hues of orange and yellows can also be incorporated into the outfits you choose to cultivate.
I used to think that in order to keep up with new trends, I had to spend more money buying into fast fashion. However, this made me neglect the potential outfits already in my wardrobe. It didn’t make sense to continue wasting money on clothes I was going to stop wearing anyways a season later. We’re living in an interesting time right now for fashion. Thrifting and designing your own pieces is becoming more popular. Instead of running to Abercrombie to get the same shirt with the same plastered logo as everyone else (as I did in middle school), I`m now more inspired by the unique outfits I see on social media that can`t be found anywhere else. It’s more acceptable these days to wear an outfit that expresses how you are different from what is known as mainstream today. So now you have all the tips and tools you need to create new looks meant for you. You’d be surprised by what you can put together with the leftover clothes, waiting in your closet.