Last week I was excited to attend the Fall Fashion Tour at my local Belk department store (well, I was mostly nervous to attend because I didn't want to make a fool of myself). It was hosted by Arlene Goldstein, Belk's vice president of trend merchandising and self-proclaimed "fashion forecaster". Growing up I devoured the September issue of Seventeen magazine, so I've always been interested in fashion, especially fall fashion. It was twice as big as other issues and was full of back-to-school looks.
I guess I've never really grown out of that. As a teacher I feel like my new year begins when school starts back, and just like when I was a teenager, I always daydream about the cool and pretty new things I need to buy! So here's the low down on what you need in your closet for those crisp fall months coming up (so ready!)!
1. Blazers- Hey remember all those awesome blazers most of you already own? Well, don't pack them up yet, because they are still going to be hot for fall. Good investment, ladies! Guess it's time to get my own!
2. Ankle Pants- I know, I know, you are thinking "What? In the fall?" Look, I'm not the fashion forecaster, but I do know that my falls and winters are mild enough to wear ankle pants, especially if you spend most of your time indoors. This is another item you may still have in your closet from spring and early summer wear.
3. Bright Colors- As you can tell from the above photo, bright and vibrant colors are still going to be popular in the fall. This is weird for me because I always think "Fall Colors", you know? Brown, red, orange, etc. To be bright colors are a spring and summer thing, so it's going to be weird getting used to this, but I'm going to do it because I've got tons of color in the closet right ow!
4. Beautiful Blouses- The fall is going to see lots of super feminine details- lace especially- on your blouses. I love a good classic lady-like style, so I am excited. If you are a fan of The Great Gatsby and excited about the upcoming movie, then you will love this trend!
5. The Shift Dress- I never knew the real difference between a SHIFT and a SHEATH dress. Do you?
Well, a sheath dress is cut closer to the body, going along the natural curves of a woman, while a shift dress hangs straight from the shoulder, no hugging, no contouring (therefore much more flattering to all body types). I know I need to check all of my dresses to see if they are shifts or sheaths, but I'd also be willing to go ahead and buy this beautiful yellow number. Totally mod, right?
6. Pencil Skirt- Are you as happy to hear this essential is still hanging around?! I sure was. Hey, I've got tons of pencil skirts. Woo hoo! Details like lace and peplums will still be right on target for fall fashion, so if you've been holding out on the peplums (ahem, Katie...) then you still have time to hop on board!
There are six other fashion must haves for fall but I didn't want to overwhelm you with too much information at one time. Plus I really hate post that are full of random pictures and none of the blogger, so if you are like that I really apologize; however, I thought most of you would be interested in shopping your closet to see what you already for to be a knockout this fall!









44 comments:
Great post Katie! I've always loved Fall fashion too - and can't wait to shop for some must haves :)
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
Fall is my favorite season to shop in. Can't wait to get a few new items this year! I love the ankle pants, so cute and classic. And you definitely need a blazer, I wear mine almost every day in the colder months.
I like the ankle pants idea-I have some lovely wool socks and tights in fall colors, and brown leather ankle boots with buckle details that otherwise don't get any attention. I think I'll need to be very careful with keeping the contrast low because of my height, but I can totally rock this look with some nice texturey wool ankle pants. (now to go find the brown wool to make the pants!) I think I also may need to get used to brighter colors in fall but I think in winter when we're starved for color it'll be a lovely boost to the mood to see some bright pretty vibrant shades in the midst of all the gray and black.
I need to buy a good blazer. I've been looking around for one that isn't too boxy. I'm hoping I'll have more luck as the fall clothes start hitting the racks
Girl get yourself a blazer stat! I have a bunch. Though I prefer them over cardigans so I have no cardigans at all...
I am wicked excited for fall fashion!
Hannah Tattoos and Pearls
Ack, I can't think about fall clothes yet! I'm glad that bright colors are still in, as are classic pencil skirts :) Have a great weekend, Katie!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Enter my Daisy Rae giveaway!
Im a big fan of blouses, especially vintage ones! They are a big must have for my fall wardrobe too!
Daisy Dayz
Cross-Jones-Photography
My Hub Pages
Yay for blazers and bright colors! And yay for more excuses to go shopping.. my husband thanks you, haha. :)
xo, Yi-chia
I'm still only 'dipping my toe' in the sea of ankle pants. I feel like wearing them was discouraged for so many years. I just bought my first pair in a long time, in COLORED denim (another thing I'm just dipping my toes in!).
Its sad to say I own almost everything on your list except the shift dress (we're not friends!). Its gonna be fun shopping my closet and transitioning my summer pieces into the Fall.
Those are nice outfits, but the people don't look real. Not enough curves.
OMG, I used to pour over the pages of Seventeen's Fall issue too!! But right now I don't even want to think of Fall. It's depressing to think about. Our Fall is about two or three weeks long and then it's winter. Boo!! I HATE winter! There are a lot of cute styles though. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend! And enjoy watching The X-Files! I wish I was watching them again for the very first time. =)
I love that color is looking to be popular this fall! It seems likes it going to be a lot deep jewel tones... so awesome!
Gahh, this post is killing me! You know I love fall, and I'm just dying to do a little fall shopping. Might treat myself a little bit after work this afternoon. You're a bad influence!
xo,
Hannah
www.chillairandperfume.blogspot.com
what a great blog. Found you through J and newest follower here!
http://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/
Ha! I'm a teacher too and feel that same way. Glad to know I'm not the only one... (btw, if its not rude to ask, what do you teach?)
Glad to hear blazers are still in, though I'd probably wear them regardless!
I teach tenth grade English and I am about to start my fifth year. What about you?
Yay! Thank you so much for coming over :)
Wait till the next installment! I am killing me too. In fact the other night I sat down with my notes from the show and said, "Okay, what do I need to buy!" It's a little better than just buying without reason right???
Yes, and I love jewel tones, so I'm pretty excited!
Well, our summer lasts so long, than fall ends up being relatively short for us too. We have the opposite problem I guess! And I am loving X-files- so good!
I do like some curves myself!
It's not sad. In fact it's awesome! See how in style you already are? (And I totally feel you on the shift dress!)
I remember in seventh grade (after a growth spurt) wearing a pair of jeans to school and a kid asked me "You getting ready for a flood?" And I had no idea he was making fun of my pant length. Once I figured it out I was mortified, so I totally understand your hesitation!
Hey, he can join my husband in the land of "No one Needs New Clothes Ever Season""! Curtis is president ;)
The blouses will be something I will definitely have to add to my closet, so I am excited to do that!
I know it seems crazy to be thinking about fall clothes in July! It's too hot to imagine wearing sweaters!
Years and years ago I had a winter white velvet blazer and I did wear it a lot, I had nearly forgotten about it! I am excited to find some and start moving away from my cardigan addiction!
I really struggle with blazers. I always feel like Chris Farley singing, "Fat guy in a little coat! Fat guy in a little coat!" I'm hoping my weight lifting wil tone my arms and I won't feel so constricted.
Man, I wish I was talented enough to make my own pants! That would be awesome!
And I agree about the color. It will definitely be mood-brightening in the middle of dreary winter :)
I've already started ;)
I said this to Tashia above, but I have trouble with blazer because I feel so constricted in them. Like I'm in a straight jacket. Is that just me? Or does that feeling go away as you get used to wearing them?
I never thought I'd love ankle pants but the pair I bought on sale at Loft a few weeks ago are my fave ever. I'm embarrassed to admit I've even wore them TWO DAYS IN A ROW.
I have lots of pencil skirts, but it's good to know I need a sheath dress. yup :)
I love this post! Great ideas and I had no idea what the difference was between a shift and a sheath! Thank you for sharing, I was going to google it :D You've inspired me to get my own shopping list for fall in order!!
www.mythriftychic.com
That example blouse is *lovely*! Is it a Belk example?
I strongly suggest, when you buy a blazer, to size up at least one size, two if possible, cut out the size label because it's an arbitrary number and has no bearing on you as a person, and have it tailored to fit you. It isn't awfully expensive, though I wouldn't do it on a blazer made out of poly/rayon, I'd go with wool or wool/cashmere because it'll last for decades. I know weight fluctuates, but your basic body and bust shape rarely changes, and shoulder shape doesn't either-you can lose 20 pounds or more and a blazer will still look fantastic if it's been fitted to your body because it mirrors your actual shape but with some tweaking to make you look neat and tidy.
OR-have one made to order! A black, navy, or brown tweed blazer goes with millions of things. You only need one.
I apologize for any typos, I have an incredibly relentlessly affectionate cat licking my hands as I type.
Katie have you ever considered having a blazer either made for you, or tailored to you? The problem with being a busty gal (and I am one too!), is that the arm hole on a RTW blazer is almost always too big and too low. I know it seems strange that if you're a bigger gal (like me) that something would be too big, but that's the way it works. If you try one on you'll almost always see the bottom of the armhole near the bottom band of your bra. This is far too low for free movement, and it also restricts your movement across the back and chest. It's like having a big wide band of wool wrapped around the girls! Having a blazer made for you is of course the ideal solution if you don't fit "standard" sizing (what exactly is "standard" anyway? No one I know is "standard"!), but I realize it can be a fairly expensive proposition if you don't sew or aren't at that skill level yet. Might be worth it to ask at a place that does tailoring for men as they sometimes have lists of people they work with that are up to that level of sewing ability. Sorry this is so long, but good fit can absolutely cure the problem of feeling constricted in a blazer-you should barely even feel the blazer over your top, it should move with you that easily. It's hard to find but when you do-OH it's lovely!
I gotta be honest I went to TJ Maxx tonight and tried on a peplum shirt...Did.not.like.it.
Maybe I need to try again, especially if it's going to be on tap for fall.
I bought one, but I haven't tried it on yet.... so we shall see!
It is!
I've got to clean my closet first, because nothing else will fit!
No embarrassment or judging here. I have definitely done that many times before!!
Thanks for the pointers! I will be adding a blazer to my birthday wishlist now that I know what to look for!
That is so interesting. It seems contrary but makes perfect sense. And I would love to wear a blazer that was comfortable!
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