Summer is not really my thing. I do like a nice tropical vacation and breezy dresses, but day to day life, burdened by the summer sun, just exhausts me. Ugh, the sweaty discomfort of it all. That’s why I’m glad it’s August. Now I can start focusing on my fall wardrobe, which I started shopping for this weekend, purchasing things that can be worn now and make the transition into autumn . I’m also looking ahead for things that’ll work in the thick the season, but no matter what I’m shopping for, I always try to stick to a few sensical rules.
Here are my fool-proof tips for creating a fabulous fall wardrobe:
1. Don’t skimp on the basics:
With stores like Forever 21 and H&M popping up right and left, it’s easy to get in the habit “saving big.” I love these stores as much as the next fashion devotee but, generally, their offerings just don’t have the gusto to be the workhorse pieces that perfect black pants, sweaters, boots, and warm coats must be. Spend a large part of your clothing budget on classic items that you know you’ll wear on a weekly basis–if they’re high quality, they’ll earn their keep and probably still be in working condition next year. Oh, and make sure your splurge items can be worn to work and on the weekend–get the most for your money, honey.
2. Don’t spend a ton of trendy pieces:
While it’s never wise to let your look be ruled by trends, it’s good to keep things fresh with a peppering of “up-to-the-minute” styles that suit you. Just don’t blow your budget on them. Go to cheaper stores to find colors and cuts that are in fly by night. The way trends are worked to death every season, chances are you’ll be bored of most of these pieces come December. I like to buy accent pieces like blazers, colorful layering tees, tights and scarves on the cheap since they add oomph to high-quality staples.
3. Tailor it!:
I cannot stress enough the importance of tailoring. If you find a piece would be perfect if only this or that were different, then give it a few nips and tucks. Hemming long trousers, taking in the waist of a coat, shortening the sleeves of a blazer and sewing up unflattering pockets are easy and affordable fixes that make a world of difference. It’s the next best thing to custom-made clothes, and pieces that fit you perfectly are a major confidence booster. Truth: when I started tailoring my clothes, I became more satisfied with what was in my closet, stopped waisting money on regrettable purchases, quit my whining about how there’s nothing out there for me, and improved my body image ten fold.
4. Buy a fabulous bag:
Okay, so many of you don’t need any encouragement to splurge on a bag, but if you’re someone who has yet to invest in a beautiful purse, I say try it! Personally, I like to apply elements of tip #1 to a bag purchase and go for something timeless. I’m not the type of girl who needs an ‘it’ bag, and instead I look for bags that will age gracefully. If you do this once in awhile, eventually you’ll have a great handbag wardrobe that works year after year. Supplement your collection with cheaper, ‘novelty’ bags for a little variety.
5. Add some vintage
Add punch to your fall style with some vintage pieces. I like to buy dresses, jackets and shoes from vintage and thrift stores to make my wardrobe more fashion forward. I think we can agree that it’s boring when everyone’s wearing the same 5 trends, so why not get a few one-of-a-kind pieces? No hip vintage stores in your town? Check out ebay and the many online vintage shops. Just make sure that you tailor your vintage pieces too–it can mean the difference between looking shabby or chic.
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