Ah, autumn. What’s not to love? Pumpkin spice lattes, cooler temperatures, and the smell of the holidays, these are the things we love during this season. But if you havw a tight clothing budget, the change in seasons might be stressful for you. You were getting comfy with all of the summer maxi dresses, flip flops and sandals and then here comes autumm. It’s the time of the year where you need to wear shoes, boots, sweaters, pants, etc.
Don’t fret if the changing window displays at your favorite stores remind you that you’re not ready for fall. Chances are that you have the foundation for a great autumn wardrobe already in your closet. By adding a few key pieces and wearing your summer staples in different ways, you can get away with a low clothing budget.
1. Add tights – yes tights!
Adding tights to your outfit is an awesome way to play with pattern, color, and texture for the fall. Having tights on your wardrobe can breathe new life to your dresses and skirts from summer. Tights are affordable at $6 to $15 a pair! Opaque tights, cable-knit versions with tons of texture can be a part of your fall wardrobe collection.
If you’re not into tights, try leggings. Some styles look a lot like pants, but have tons of stretch. They’re perfect to wear under your summery tunics for more coverage, while still staying fashion-forward.
2. Play with layers (or rather wear layers and layers of clothing!)
Layered looks screams fashion but they’re also very functional. Layer up your summer collection and create new looks that will keep you warm. You’ll also be surprised on how it would turn out!
So how would you know which looks to layer? Try this rule: Layer long over lean. This means matching up longer-length tops (think tunics or boyfriend cardigans) over leaner bottoms, such as tights or skinny jeans. This can help you extend some of your summer favorites, such as a long tank top.
The “long over lean” rule helps to avoid the bulkiness that can sometimes be a result of overenthusiastic layering. Then, just add a sweater or jacket, a light scarf, and a pair of boots to finish your perfect fall outfit.
3. Look for statement-making jackets
If you have one thing you need to purchase or invest on, it’s a statement jacket! Invest on functional jackets and blazers that do not go out of style. They can make such a large impact on the overall tone and look for an outfit that they can work with summer fabrics and prints, making them more fall-appropriate. Invest on jackets that can blend along with your existing wardrobe so you mix and match. A jacket or blazer can stretch your wardrobe by allowing you to create new combinations and always look put-together and polished.
4. Buy boots
Boots are an autumn staple that easily makes all of your summer outfits warmer and more functional. And while you can spend a ton of money on good-quality boots, purchasing a few lower-cost fashion boots (more about looks for the fall than function in the winter), you’ll extend everything from dresses, to jeans, to shorts.
5. Don’t sacrifice comfort over fashion
Well even if you have that high end boots or that pricey jacket if it doesn’t fit your overall personality or you’re not comfortable using it then it’s a lost cause! Look for pieces that can keep you warm, comfortable and functional. You can be fashionably pretty with functional and ready to use clothing available in your closet. It just takes a little bit of imagination (and reading if you may).
Reference and Original Blog from Money Crashers
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Elaine Fernando is a Professional Organizer, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and a member of APPO (Association of Personal Photo Organizers). Elaine may be reached at 908-630-8995 or [email protected]
