STYLE BY SONECA

FALLING INTO AUTUMN FASHION

by Soneca Guadara

Transitioning from one season to another may cause some panic because the weather is unpredictable leaving us struggling to know what to wear. The fall season often feels like either an extension of summer or a chilly prelude to winter. Here are some style and fashion tips to help you make the transition to putting together fall outfits.

INVEST IN A GO-TO PIECE OF FALL OUTERWEAR. Whether it’s a denim jacket, a plaid flannel shirt, a cashmere cardigan, a trench coat or a leather jacket, a versatile piece of outerwear is the most important part of your fall wardrobe. For easy layering, choose something lightweight enough to stuff in a tote or wrap around your waist. Your fall coat doesn’t have to be as warm as your winter coat, so take this opportunity to play with fashion trends.

FIND THE PERFECT PAIR OF FALL BOOTS. When the weather turns cooler, it’s time to swap your sandals for boots and booties, which signal the coming of winter. Pair suede ankle boots, heeled knee-high boots or combat boots with a summer dress or denim skirt for a fall-ready look.

DRESS UP A LITTLE FOR WORK. Fall is a great time to bring suits and other work wear staples back into rotation after a summer of dressing more casually. Ease the transition by pairing a blazer with a fitted white T-shirt and a flowy midi skirt cinched with a belt.

PAIR A SUMMER PIECE WITH SOMETHING WARM. Most of your summer pieces can work for fall with a little layering. Try a slip dress over a black turtleneck and leggings and wear your crop tops with high-waisted jeans and a cardigan. Almost any summer dress can be layered over a short- or long-sleeve top to keep you warm. Tank tops can work when layered under a long cardigan or oversize button-down.

PAIR A WINTER PIECE WITH SOMETHING SUMMERY. Fall is the time to embrace cozy winter basics like turtleneck sweaters, shearling jackets and corduroy pants. Pair cool-weather tops, like oversize blazers and chunky knits, with warm-weather bottoms, like Bermuda shorts and midi skirts. You can try a silk camisole with wool pants to avoid overheating.

WEAR COTTON CLOTHING. Cotton is one of the most reliable fabrics in the textile industry and frequently used fabric for fall clothing. While cotton fabrics like flannel, corduroy and denim can be too heavy for summer and too slow to dry for rainy winter and spring, they’re perfect for the dry, windy weather of fall. Keep in mind that straight-leg and skinny jeans prevent wind chill (better for cooler weather).

CHOOSE STRIKING COLORS. Fall colors look great on trees, but the idea that you should color your wardrobe to fit the season is outdated. You don’t have to wear burnt orange or dress in the color of a pecan pie; wear the colors that make you feel great. If you stuck to light colors all summer, consider wearing bright hues and darker neutrals for the fall.

PLAY WITH PRINTS AND PATTERNS. Fall is an especially great time to play with plaid, leopard and other patterns since you’ll be wearing more layers and you won’t be hidden underneath a big winter coat. Anchor your patterned look with neutral basics like denim and leather. For example, you can recycle summery, feminine florals in the fall by pairing them with black combat boots and a denim or leather jacket. Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. When Soneca is not working her magic assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer. You can follow Soneca on her Instagram @StyledBySoneca – for weekly tips.