By Callie McBride
Fall fashion connotes the typical stylish trends: rain boots, oversized sweaters, dark denim and lots of layers. Yeah, yeah, nothing new. But it could be! This fall, I have decided to challenge myself (and all of you, as well) not to fall into the same old routine of dressing for fall the same way your closest friends do–ladies, this may look like a pair of skinny jeans tucked into tall boots and a beige or gray sweater, accompanied by a jewel-toned scarf or cute floppy hat. Guys, crewneck sweatshirt, fresh pair of slacks, and camel-colored boots or Sperrys sound familiar? Break the status quo, ditch those boring looks (gotta be honest!) and create a particularly patterned autumn. I’m not requesting that you all of a sudden dress out of season or go overboard, but instead take your outfit ideas and kick them up a notch.
Exhibit A:
JCrew rainboots, Steve Madden vegan leather boots
Fashion isn’t just about what you wear, it’s what your space wears too. I received a loveseat for my new housing on campus this fall that looked extremely worn and torn. Ew. Instead of buying a new one, I opted to cover it and transform it into an adorable and fashion-forward part of my room. Enter Ikea’s striped blankets and vibrantly-patterned throw pillows. Who knew that stripes, zig zags, and stencils went so well together!? Take that risk, try different patterns, and see what you can come up with. The boots displayed are my trusty cold weather picks: brightly colored rain boots to cheer up a dreary day and staple tall flat boots with buckles and straps to add dimension.
Urban Outfitters grey jacket
From this point forward, no more boxy and boring blazers or worksuits. Spice up your day-to-day looks, people! This light and airy jacket features large pockets and subtle shoulder pads which give off a professional, yet stylish vibe. Pair one with something similar to the following fall piece, and your 9:30am presentation just got a little more exciting.
Urban Outfitters dress
This absolutely adorable babydoll dress sporting mini white yorkies is the ultimate “wear anywhere” piece; work, a date, errands, the weekend, even a crazy night out. The cut is flattering on everyone and the print is bound to generate lots of smiles and comments. I trust that your next fall dress (or button-down, fellas) will be anything from solid-colored, yes?
Anthropologie fair isle sweater
Keeping with the theme of ditching the boring for the bright and patterned, NO black, gray, or other subdued tones this fall. Stripes, polka dots, chevron, or floral; all of these options are often found at my favorite stores: J Crew, Madewell, Anthropologie, and even the Gap. Yup–no dropping thousands of dollars this season. I love to pair this sweater with a pair of flared jeans and wedges for a transitional outfit around September, when you’re anticipating autumn but still holding on to summer.
The hot August weather has prevented me from wearing these ensembles quite yet, but I think my color-explosion couch did a great job. I hope you’ve been inspired to revamp your wardrobe or your personal space, both with pattern and updated styles. Happy fall!
