How to Transition into a New Season

“Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity!”

When the seasons change, no matter where you live, there is at least in some part a change in the weather (even if it’s only the slightest change).  So, what is the best way to transition your closet to a new season?  The fashion magazines tell us the latest styles, trends, fabrics and colors, but how do you fit those to YOUR unique style?

Sometimes, expanding your sights to new things can seem overwhelming, expensive and very challenging.  I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be…

I have many pieces of clothing that I continue to wear across seasons, things I pull out year after year and colors that can be adapted to my style.  I don’t ever buy a completely new wardrobe every season, that would be too expensive and impractical.  What I do is add a few new pieces and pair them with things I already own.  I love creating my own looks using new and old styles, colors and fabrics combined.

There are some fabrics that work better during cooler seasons, and some during warmer seasons, as well as patterns that you associate more with one season over another.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t cross over or color outside the lines a little, all it takes is a little imagination and experimentation.  Here are some styles, patterns or fabrics that you can transition into fall:

Leather – although leather is definitely a warmer fabric, I wear this every season of the year and love adapting my looks accordingly.  In spring pairing leather with florals is a great way to go, and in the fall adding a chunky sweater or an earth toned contrasting piece along with some boots is a great way to wear it.

Red is a color for any season – for fall try wearing your red (warm or cool red works) with tan, some form of animal print or just black.  Red is such a strong color that makes a statement all by itself, so by adding this to your fall look, you are going to make any outfit stand out.

Unexpected – I love adding colors that are a little more unexpected.  I love wearing a bright pair of shoes or boots that are unusual.  Not necessarily the color of the season but one that can be a contrast to the look of your outfit.  I have a pair of green satin booties that I love to wear in fall even though they are not a traditional fall color.  This is where the coloring outside the lines comes in 😉

Velvet is a great warmer fabric, so tends to be more traditionally worn in cooler seasons.  However, if you wear a velvet top with a satin or cotton skirt or pair of pants, it is versatile enough to be worn in spring.  By wearing these velvet shorts with a pair of tights and boots, I could transition the look into fall and winter…the possibilities are endless!

Tights are a great way to change your summer dress to a fall outfit.  A little summer dress paired with a funky pair of tights, and a duster or cardigan is a great way to get the most out of your summer look.

I am always looking for new things to try, new ideas, something that will make me stand out, that’s the only way anyone can grow.  So maybe your style isn’t to stand out or maybe you don’t like to be bold, that is OK, but in order to grow in anything in life, you have to try something different.  However you transition into the fall season, what if you tried something you haven’t tried before.  What if you found that thing was your new favorite thing?  I am always telling my kids that if they don’t try new foods how will they ever really know what they like?  Even a new accessory, a pair of sunglasses, a new color…trying something new expands our comfort zone and the more we do that the more confidence we get and the happier we become.  Baby steps work just fine 😉