FALL ESSENTIALS FOR LAYERING AND SPICING UP YOUR CLOSET
BY DISHA HOQUE ILLUSTRATION BY EMMA MCADAMS
With the leaves turning colors and the temperature dropping, the autumn season brings exciting events and activities. From visiting pumpkin patches, baking fall treats to celebrating Halloween, fall is filled with adventures and opportunities to bring out different and fresh outfits. Here are some things to try out when building your fall outfits:
Switching out the entire closet isn’t necessary– just add in light layers
Ohio fall means 80 degree fahrenheit afternoons with 40 degree evenings. It isn’t necessary to ditch your summer tank tops and jean shorts just yet. The basics worn in summer can easily be transitioned to casual fall outfits with a flannel or button up. Adding in light layers makes it easy to transition from warmer classrooms to the chilly breeze outside. Some ideas for transition layers aside from button ups are thrifted collared shirts with fun prints, fabric vests, or even knit shawls/statement pieces.
Remember to layer under, too
It’s easy to forget that layering under statement pieces of an outfit is just as easy as layering over a basic top. A fun t-shirt or vest can be styled with a black mock/turtleneck underneath, a tank top with fun bow or lace detailing, or with a fun Peter Pan collar. Experimenting with different sleeves, collars, and detailings underneath focus pieces are easy ways to turn summer minimalist outfits more funky and fall-appropriate.
Fun Pants
The fit and style of a pair of pants often make or break an outfit. Although closet basics like flare leggings, jeans, and black sweats are staples in most chilly weather outfits, experimenting and being brave by wearing fun colored, textured, or printed pants can add so much to an outfit. From switching out blue denim to a pair of darker shaded corduroys to trying out a green cargo pant, it elevates an outfit and makes it more interesting. Switching to pants from shorts is an easy way to stay warmer during chilly nights, and an easy way to add more dimension to an outfit. Fall is filled with fun textures and color– incorporate that into outfits.
Know — and expand — the fall color palette
When thinking about the autumn season, dark reds, and oranges come to mind almost immediately. These colors are fun to mix and match, but adding more hues to a fall closer color palette helps create more dimension and unexpected combinations. From dark purples and greens to balancing funky colors with gray elements, fall has a unique color palette that makes for some interesting combinations. Take inspiration from the falling leaves outside to the corny Halloween decorations out in grocery store aisles when picking out color combos and unusual accessory elements. Playing with colors helps portray dark and light fall ideas and conveys different vibes.
Fall is the perfect time to try out new styles and aesthetics, since it's such a transition period for your closet. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone with fun prints and accessories when participating in fall activities and enjoying the season.
