10 Fashion Dos and Don'ts for Fall 2013
Do: Wear a sleeveless top
This is great news for the sleeveless stunner you bought for the dog days. The key to shirts sans sleeves in autumn is all about the structured blazer. Find a school-boy blazer in black, gray or navy to slip over your top. Add jeans or work-appropriate pants and driving moccasins or loafers and your sleeveless top will sing. Sleeveless tops are an ideal work-to-evening transition piece for days you can't run home and change.
Don't: Wear sandals
This is a no-brainer, right? Although it still may be warm by October, sandals are not OK. Say goodbye to your espadrilles, wedges and flip-flops and slip your toes into more weather appropriate footwear.
Do: Wear shorts
Not so fast! By shorts, I'm not talking about your denim daisy-dukes. Instead gravitate toward shorts in heavier materials like wool or tweed and in darker colors like mulberry, gray or brown. Add chunky knit tights and ankle booties, plus a top and jacket and your shorts won't look out of place this season.
Don't: Wear a trend you can't pull off
I'm talking the school-girl trend, the all-over prints and wearing leather head to toe. These trends require a bit more precision and are really about wearing the right pieces. If you're second-guessing your plaid-on-plaid look, maybe skip it or try just one trendy item.
Do: Dress for the weather
Fall can be a little unpredictable. Some days are scorching, others are cool and rainy, and in some climates, fall is interchangeable with winter-sorry to anyone with this dilemma. Invest in a sturdy rain jacket, a pair of riding boots and leather gloves. These will be your go-to pieces every year, I promise.
Don't: Be afraid to wear hats
Fedoras, knit beanies and wide-brim hats we're seen on the runway for fall with designers like BCBG, Kate Spade and Tracy Reese all opting for head wear. Keep the rest of your outfit simple so it doesn't overpower your hat.
Do: Wear white
The ol' Labor Day rule has long been forgotten by trendsetters: white, cream and various shades of white can work for fall. The idea is to find a fall appropriate item, i.e. a wool skirt, in white. Pair said item with darker colors for balance.
Don't: Only wear boots
Yes, boots are the ultimate shoe for fall, but why not indulge your wardrobe with a pretty moccasin or menswear inspired oxford? Loafers, chunky heels and wedge sneakers also work in place of boots.
Do: Wear scarves
I'll admit that I'm a bit of a scarf junkie, but to be fair a scarf is one of the most versatile items to own. It can be slipped over a jacket to provide extra warmth or folded and knotted to wear in place of a statement necklace. You really can't go wrong with this all-star accessory.
Don't: Be afraid of military inspired pieces.
A truly great army jacket will never go out of style, but watch for tailoring and fit. Too literal might be too much for your otherwise conservative workplace.
Content by Lauren Krause.
