Boots

Two major trends that have resurfaced in this season's boots are Uggs and combat boots. While they  can both be cute and comfy, it is just as easy to wear them badly. Uggs can end up looking like potatoes on the feet and combat boots can look cheap if overly bedazzled. But I'm here to help you pick a nice pair that will be wearable into the winter and more years to come.


Basic Black Combat:

These boots are really simple and elegant. No fussy details make them easy to match and give them a nice vintage feel. These are from Target.

















Knee Highs

For when it gets cold and when you want to make a statement these boots are great. They are from F21 and are absolutely gorgeous.
















Green:

A beautiful olive suede pair. No lacing needed - it has a zipper.

















Brown:

From GoJane; $40.


















Uggs:

Last season's Ugg Kensington in Olive. The combat boot with fur.












Zip Ups:

Back zip boots in sand color. I love the smooth silhouette and simple design.















Riding Boots:

Enjoy the warmth and fluffiness in a riding boot style.

















Just don't.

These saggy uggs ruined a nice outfit that could have been pulled off with a pair of sandals.


If its warm enough to be wearing a short dress, your feet will not freeze.


Uggs unnecessary + ugly.

Gross.

Do we really need to make ugly awkward hybrids?

Dr. Marten's have this weird round toe that makes your feet look clownish. The red shiny plastic just makes these look cheap and ridiculous, especially since they run above $100.

I hate Docs.

A recycled pair should cost less, not more.
















Style Tips: One of my pet peeves is when people mismatch clothes temperature wise. If its warm enough for shorts or skirts, don't wear boots because it ends up looking silly. And if its cold enough for boots, you need to cover your bum and wear real pants, not leggings!

They go best with jeans tucked in or long pants.

Sweaters

Though I love sweaters and they can be a really easy way to stay warm and stylish, it isn't easy picking the right one. I've had a terribly itchy one I ordered online that was made from wool. To avoid the itch, try it on bare skin and see how it feels. Move around a bit. If you are buying online, go for very fine wool, such as Merino or Cashmere. Although these are expensive, you'd otherwise be throwing money away at something that's too itchy to wear! Beware of fake labels too.

I had a lovely one that I bought on clearance for only $6! But when I put it in the wash the body overstretched horizontally and the sleeves vertically. In the store, pull on the sweater and test its resistance. If it doesn't reasonably return to its shape after some test stretching, it might get ruined in the wash. I recommend washing sweaters together on a low spin, although they will take longer to dry this way. Also, sweaters that need to "dry flat" should be placed over a towel overnight and flipped over in the morning on a fresh towel. The weight of the wetness won't drag the sweater down and cause it to stretch.

While the cable-knit has always been the fall staple, here are a few creative spins on the classics:


Ombre:

I'm really digging the midnight blue. It takes a more sophisticated look on the summer trend while keeping the cool fade effect.  This one is from gaudete.com and is made of a wool-cashmere blend.

Metallic:

Usually I have a problem with boxy fits because they hide my waist and make me feel like a block. This one has a pretty pinkish copper color that is not too overwhelming and makes you glow. Its from L'Agence.
















Sequins:

Why this sweater works without looking like it came from tinsel town is because the sequins are spaced out. They add a touch of sparkle and still let you shine. From DKNY.

















Southwest Sweater:

Colors, patterns, and three big buttons. Also this one doesn't have those big ugly front pockets I don't like. But I'll save that for a future cardigan exclusive post.


















Chevron/Herringbone Sweater

Are those arrows pointing up or down? Coral orange, a color I usually stay away from, here is incorporated tastefully. This one is by Lucca Couture and available on metroparkusa.com.

















Grid:

Negative grid print that's also available in white on black. Who knew you could wear squares without being one.


















Colorblock:

Although it was last year's trend these pretty sweaters can make a comeback in your closet.


















Bow:

You are the gift. Sophisticated, stylish, and so adorable; you are what you wear.

















Waffle Knit:

Minty green and beige. Waffle knits have a 3D square patterned texture that keeps you warm and adds a nice effect.
















Cable Knit:

I got this one from H&M in during a buy one get one free sale. I have one in cream also. What I like about it is the three quarter length sleeves. I usually push my sleeves up and end up stretching and ruining them a bit. If you're the type to do this, go for shorter length.















It doesn't even have to be an ugly Christmas sweater:

Chain mail for the intergalactic army.

With advanced shoulder pad technology to keep you awake.

This makes my eyes scream.

Bad pun of the day!

Style Tips: Before you buy, make sure your sweater actually fits right. Whatever that fit is should make you look and feel good in it. Avoid the extremes (tight and potato sack) and go for somewhere in the middle to a bit looser for layering room. 

Layer over a collared shirt for a cute preppy style.

Wear a longer tunic type over leggings.

Match a plain one with patterned pants.

Feeling creative? Decorate a sweater with studs, spikes, and dip dye for your own ombre. 

Scarves

Here are some of my favorite scarves. A scarf can pull any outfit together, either by adding color, balance, transition, or the final touch. Pashminas are usually a cashmere blend and thicker. They are more expensive (the $5 pashminas they sell in NYC street vendors are not real!) Linen scarves are soft and thin, and most often come in larger cuts so that they can be folded over and doubled. Silk scarves are smooth and luxurious, but polyester alternatives exist to compensate for the high price. Chiffon scarves are light but have a nettier texture. Wool and knit scarves are thick and good for keeping warm.

Citrus Scarf:

This tangy darling, Lespier by Aldo, has a delicious orange lemon and lime print. Unfortunately it is no longer available but look alikes with similar color schemes exist. I like the pop of color it added to my outfits. I used to have this one but I lost it some time last year : (













Banana Leaf:

It used to be available from Juicy Couture, a retro tropical print scarf.

















Floral:

This lovely georgette chiffon scarf is on Ebay for around $5. When folded over the colors overlap nicely.
















Geometric Grid Design:

No word on the availability of this one, but its by Various Projects Inc and it has a cool grid-overlay-grid pattern.






















Pixel Scarf:

Designed by Cristian Zuzunaga, this scarf was an instant hit. It's 100% silk and you can buy it from the designer's web site.

















Linen Ombre

This cool blue number is available from Sperry for $30. If you're on a budget search 'gradient scarf' on ebay buy it now and a million cheaper alternatives should come up starting at $2.50.















Peacock Print:

I found this one on ebay too. There are hundreds available. I like how this one isn't overwhelmed by the peacock print (ie, all blue-green, the 'eye' of the feather gets lost in it) and crinkles along the edges of the pattern.















Pantone Scarf:

My personal favorite, Tolani's rainbow pixel tile mosaic scarf. I'm currently hunting for this one, which is around $85  and has been sold out on many sites. Featuring almost every color on the palette, it will match with anything. It mimics the Pantone color chart's gradient scheme.















The Ugly:

The color is pretty but would you really want to wrap yourself in one of these? No thanks.














** This is not a complete list. As the weather gets colder, I will make a post with knit and wool scarves.

Style Tips: There are so many ways to wear a scarf - loose drape, European knot (how I usually wear mine) shoulder wrap, neck wrap, double loop, etc. etc. Be creative and make your own knots and twists.

A scarf doesn't have to match the color scheme of what you are wearing. For example, if you've got a monochrome blue outfit on, adding yellow or orange will not clash but instead give the eye a break from the blues. If you've got a cheetah print top on, go for a solid, ombre, or large pattern instead of another small distracting print, but it should not necessarily be brown or beige to match the print.

Have fun with scarves as they are not difficult at all to wear and accessorize with.

Leather Jackets

The classic leather jacket is another way to complete a fall outfit. Though I have seen more military this season than anything else in outerwear, leather is a fresh alternative to pull off an equally edgy look.

Classic Biker Jacket:

This one I actually own. I purchased it from Ruby Leather on Etsy and I had a detachable sheepskin collar made for it, all for $119. It falls just above the hip and the leather is soft and smooth. The sheepskin gives it somewhat of an aviator look especially with my ray-bans. It doesn't have too much hardware on it so it quickly became one of my closet staples. 

Balmain:

This one is a definite nod to haute couture. The squared off shoulders and the chain definitely give this one a unique toughness. I also like buckles on the sides. While looking through Balmain styles, I wanted to pick one that wasn't too excessive without losing its appeal.

Military Inspired:

This jacket really stands out because of the buttons and military detailing in the front and sleeves. It borrows from civil war jackets, giving it a cool vintage-meets-modern feel. I found this one on Ioffer, Ecrater, and Etsy, running from $150 - $190, but they were all genuine leather.   

Spikes and Studs:

Not only do I love the spikes and gold tone zippers, but also the color. The accents make this one scream I'm Bad. It's from Etsy and available in white and other colors too, genuine leather.

Bomber Jacket:

Lovely brown bomber from leatherarena.

Shearling:

Adding the softness and warmth of faux shearling to the biker style was so ingenious that it sold out. I love the color and the stitching and how they give this unique piece a style of its own. 

Color:

It's all about ombre here, adding a touch of this past summer's trend. it also came in coral orange, dusty black and grey-red. It was available from Muubaa for around $400 - $600 but it sold out, how sad. 

Disaster:

This tattered disaster costs $63,000. I pity the poor alligator that died for this horrendous contraption. 

Style Tips: Pair a tough jacket with feminine accessories to avoid going over-macho. Add a brightly colored scarf, crochet beanie, or whatever strikes your fancy.

Utility Jacket

One of the most trending pieces of fall outerwear I've seen so far is the utility jacket. Inspired by army greens and square pockets, it works well with the usual fall palette of dead colors but lively textures.

The basic utility jacket:

I like how this one is enough to make a statement without all the bells and whistles. It has a nice fit that is not too tight so you can still layer under there but not too loose so that it doesn't lend itself too much to the boyfriend look. It's fully customizeable for those creative spirits out there - add iron ons, studs, embroidery, buttons, or whatever else to give your jacket character. This one is also available in blue from Oasis.













A more polished take:

Even though this one is from the mostly tacky Kardashian line at Sears, I like how it flatters the figure and looks sleek overall. The gold buttons add a sweet commander-touch and the shoulder accents are not too bulky and overwhelming. Wear it on a warmer day or to the office.











Accents and details:

I've browsed through many on F21, who were quick to jump on the trend and churn out dozens of styles. This one was my favorite. I like how it keeps the rustic look but adds a touch of glam with the golden embroidery.















Functional:

This jacket, from Barbour, is weather and work ready. The fabric is waxed, which means that it's waterproof so that you don't have to worry about about a sudden downpour. I really like how the gold buttons contrast and how the flap closes to cover the zipper.















Distasteful:

Just because this fall (and many other falls) leather and utility jackets have been trending, doesn't mean we need to make an awkward hybrid out of them.














Style Tips: One of my fashion philosophies is not to follow trends as much as consider them. If you like what someone is wearing, be inspired but don't copy. Avoid wearing a mannequin outfit, ie overly put together.

The fall fashion colors tend to mimic how the season changes. This includes deep burgundies, violets, olive greens, greys, beiges, and almost every brown. As time moves closer to winter, shades of cream appear. Why not make an outfit pop with a bright accessory? You don't have to be as dreary as the weather!