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How to seamlessly transition your Summer Wardrobe into the fall months with the Seven Must Have items, plus tips and Outfit Inspiration.
How To Transition Your Wardrobe
From Summer to Fall
Whether we like it or not, fall is upon us. While I do love fall fashion and the shopping bug starts to nag at the first sight of cable-knit sweaters, I’m not quite ready to give up on some of my favorite summer pieces.
Being between seasons can be either fun, or frustrating, when it comes to what to wear. Mornings and evenings are crisp, while the afternoons can be wonderfully warm. Here are The Seven Must Have Items for seamlessly transitioning your Summer Wardrobe into the cooler Fall and Winter months.
(Be sure to read to the end for extra tips and Outfit Inspirations!)Ankle Biter
Booties, shoeties…whatever you call them, they are the perfect item that can worn year round. Their versatility allows you to wear them with a flowy maxi dress, skinny jeans, pencil skirt, short dress, etc. If you haven’t warmed up to this style of boot (or shoe), I strongly suggest you give it a go. You won’t be disappointed by its power to take you through summer to fall, and beyond!
Save Your Hide
Whether you go for a moto-style leather jacket or a more classic, streamlined style, a leather jacket is a great option to wear throughout the colder months. In the fall, wear it with your summer floral printed maxi skirts or dresses, and in the winter, layer a cardigan (or two) underneath to give you added warmth.
Chunk Up
The phrase “warm and cozy” is heard a lot in our house. (Who doesn’t love to be warm and cozy?!) When you layer a chunky knit cardigan to a summer tank dress, you give yourself the warmth you need when it’s cold, but the ability to take it off if you get too hot. In the colder months, the chunky cardi can be casual-cool when paired with any style of jeans and a scarf, or perfect for the office if you add a belt over it when worn with an LBD, or try it with a collared shirt and trouser. The best part is that you can find one at any price point (I just got one from Gap at one of their regular 40% off sales!), so why not try this staple piece to help you transition your summer wardrobe into fall.
Tie One On
This season we are seeing scarves in all shapes and sizes. From a small silky neck tie, to the massive my-scarf-is-big-enough-to-cover-a-king-size-bed type scarves, you can essentially find anything you want. Wrap it, tie it, loop it- adding a scarf to your summer dress/leather jacket combo is great, or with your chunky cardi/skinny jean outfit, any way works!
(Not sure how to tie a scarf, or tired of your same-old method? Click here for some scarf-spiration)
Stacks and stacks
…of jewelry, that is! In the hot, hot heat when you’re dewy (no, not sweaty!) and jewelry tends to stick to your skin, colder temps are the perfect time to layer up and stack out. Layer and stack rings, bracelets and necklaces to give your outfit added weight and interest.
Shae Marie from Peace Love Shea, says that she loves to wear lots of metal bangles and cuffs together in the colder months. This is a fantastic way to give your lighter, flowy summer outfits a bit of bulk and make them feel fall-ready.
You've Never Felt Something Like This
Felt hats are everywhere. From wide-brimmed floppy hats, to fedoras, I don’t think I’ve gone in to a clothing store that doesn’t have their own version. And why not?! They’re chic, fun and significantly better than a beanie (yes, even the cute ones with an oversized pompom on top). Plus, what's worse than spending time on your hair only for it to be ruined by falling rain or snow?! Protect your 'do with a stylish, functional brimmed hat! When fall is coming, a hat works great with a summer dress and cardigan. In the winter, it is perfect with your winter coat and scarf. You will look instantly put together and confident when you add one of these hats to essentially any outfit.
See my vest, see my vest…
Denim, canvas, faux fur... You name it! Vests, or Waistcoats as they’re being called (not sure what’s wrong with just “vest”?!), are an instantly cool addition to your wardrobe. Get one and wear it with everything. A vest can be your cover in early fall, and then layer it up in the winter to give you added warmth. Get creative and try layering your vest over a sweater (or two), or layer it on top of your jacket for an unexpected (but effective!) twist! A vest is an essential, and easy item to help you transition your wardrobe from summer to fall.
As you read through these Top Seven Must Have Items, I hope you have been inspired to try something new. I encourage you to try one, or try them all. These items will give you the ability to transition your favorite summer pieces into the fall and winter months with ease, and you don't have to spend a lot (or nothing at all) to try them out. I am certain you have something in your closet (a scarf, jewelry you can pile on, some style of vest, etc) that you can bring out and give new life with some of the tricks you learned here.
More Tips, Tricks and Inspirations!
I learned an interesting, and useful, fact from WhoWhatWear.com and what they call the “third-piece rule”: Employees at major retail stores like Nordstrom, Banana Republic, and Madewell, are reportedly encouraged to wear three-piece outfits, not including their shoes. So, pants and tops are the first and second pieces, and the third piece could be a vest, scarf, hat, blazer or jacket. They say that the third piece “adds nuance to an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit, making you look put together, polished, more interesting, and like you put a little effort into your look.”
- Kat Tanita from With Love From Kat, loves to wear turquoise jewelry year round for a pop of colour. I, too, am in love with this idea. Often the rich dark hues that come with fall and winter get tiresome, so adding a turquoise ring, earring or necklace can refresh and otherwise dark outfit.
- Infuse rich, jewel tones into your make-up and polish. A deeper lipstick, richer eyeshadow, or rich-hued polish.
- Wear dark, bold, heavy jewelry, and don't be afraid to layer them on and stack them up. Don't have heavy jewelry? Pile on multiple lightweight items to add bulk.
- Nobody likes to be cold. No matter where you live and what the temperature may drop to, so fight back by layering up your accessories. Doing this gives you the ability to take off or put on the items to accommodate you throughout the day. A hat, scarf, vest or jacket are perfect for those days with fluctuating temps!
We are constantly adding Outfit Inspitation images to our Pinterest boards, Google +,
Instagram account and Facebook page. Be sure to follow Apostyle Boutique to get inspired!
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We cover the top, and timeless, fashion and jewelry trends/styles for 2015.
Top Styles for Summer and Fall
Fashion, or at least trends, are as obsolete as any Apple product- when you finally give in to the idea of it and commit to purchase, a newer, better version comes out. While the current runways are showing a return to the 70's (a decade I love), and the 80’s (does “Fimo” ring a bell?), there are some styles that never seem to leave.
Instead of taking cues from the never ending cycle of fads, let’s look at some styles that are “in fashion” and showing up on runways, in magazines and available in stores (I happen to know of a really great online boutique…), but are classic enough to stand the test of time.
Lariat Necklaces
The lariat style has been touted as “the new statement necklace” by Harpers Bazaar. Vogue India claims it’s “the perfect accessory to amp up the sexy quotient.” While these proclamations may be true, there’s no denying that wearing a Lariat necklace is a unique look but extremely simple to pull off. It isn’t an out-there style that only Fashion Bloggers and Celebrities can get away with. The variety of lariat necklaces allows all of us to wear it to work, for date night, or for a casual Saturday outing.
Horny isn’t Corny
The tribal wave hit a couple years ago but is still going strong with hints of zebra and Aztec prints, and horns are taking their place in the spotlight. Known as a “lucky charm” the horn continues to be a strong staple in many different jewelry lines. Either as a pendant or dangling from your ears, it is a fun way to change up your everyday look.
Fringe Fest
Recently seen on the runways of Missoni and Tom Ford, fringe is showing up not only on shoes, coats and handbags, but also as the feature piece on necklaces and earrings. “The fascination with fringe continues…lending fluid movement to each limb.” (Harpers Bazaar). By incorporating tassels in to your jewelry repertoire you are instantly adding movement and length, and drawing the eye to wherever it hits. If you want to draw attention to your face and add some length, try a tassel earring. Or, if you’re looking to elongate your neckline or torso, go for a pendant.
Bling & Vintage Inspired Designs
Bling is back, baby! Go ahead and pull out those chunky sparkly rings from 2006, or your Grandma’s antique broach. You will not only see big and sparkly, but you’ll also notice that either vintage inspired designs, or authentic vintage pieces are being incorporated into modern jewelry designs. On the clothing end, the Victorian era continues to inspire designers through utilizing lace, high collars and ruffles.
From simple details like baguettes cut stones and lace, to authentic vintage shoe clips repurposed into earrings or a belt buckle, vintage and sparkly is here to stay. Move over hipsters, vintage is taking the reign.
In Chains
Delicate chains are refined, beautiful and classy. Worn as a short necklace, long layering piece, a thread-through earring or bracelet, the subtle chain can be dressed up or down. An Internationally recognized, and influential fashion magazine talks about the delicate chain necklace saying “An emphasis on the 1970’s has brought the pendant necklace back into the conversation- making a more subdued return on graceful, slim chains.”
Fur Baby
On a different note, there are a lot of things I’ve seen featured on the runways that cause a mixture of emotions such as revulsion, confusion and are straight-up hysterical. One of these “highlights” is the Hairy Shoe. Long, flowing hair (or fur), short and shaggy, or just touches, the hairy shoe seemed to be everywhere. One article I read stated “they are definitely super chic. They add the perfect amount of texture to any look…” This is a prime example as to why I don’t rely on magazines, or the runways, to give me fashion advice. This fur style was meant for Yeti, Alf and Chewbacca. Nothing else.
And then some…
I know you don’t have endless time to read a blog, but there are a couple other fashion highlights that I am personally excited about:
Plaid! I.Love.Plaid. Always have and always will. There’s something about the tartan print that is near and dear to my heart. This print has been around, and “in style” for decades. Plaid is beyond adaptable – it can give off a punk vibe, escape-to-the-cottage vibe, preppy vibe, equestrian, high-end… whatever direction you take it, it’s classic and timeless.
High Waists – I am so happy that high waisted pants are available again. Apart from being sick of showcasing my rear-end to the world when I lean over, sit, bend, or move, I love the way high waist pants and jeans give my whole silhouette a longer, slimmer look. Can’t go wrong with that!
