Panache Offblast

It’s officially Fall when the air is crisp and cool, I’m craving apples & pumpkin on the daily, and I want nothing more than to layer and snuggle up. I’m sure by now we’ve all taken out our favorite tights and sweater dresses and stocked up on cool-weather accessories and cozy knits. The transitional season can be quite tricky though, which is why I’ve rounded up a few stylish looks as well as some helpful do’s and don’ts to help you ease into the cool season nicely.

DO: Stock up on scarves in varying prints, colors and fabrics. A perfect scarf can take that woven sweater you wore all summer long right over to fall and instantly makes a summer dress paired with tights the greatest fall staple.

DON’T: Go bare if you plan on being out all night. I see this way too often in cooler seasons and I don’t understand it. Fall is unpredictable: it may be 70 degrees and sunny at noon, but it can easily drop to 50 by the time you’re deciding where to go out for dinner. Keep a light coat or scarf on hand to cover up those bare arms.

DO: Balance your bareness. If the weather is above 70, toes are welcome to come out and play, but be sure to keep a balance. Showing legs and toes means you must offset their bareness with a pair of tights, pants, and/or long-sleeves tops.

DON’T: Wear sandals. Choosing the right shoe is essential to a well-balanced, stylish fall ensemble. Flip-flops and sandals are for the sun and boardwalk, and unless you plan on running around in the sand, trade in your summer sandals for a pair of chic ankle boots (invest in two – one black, one in any other color) that will carry you through the winter, too!

DO: Pick a jacket that will transition your summer dresses into early fall. Stick with earth-tones and solid hues if you want to play it safe, or play down summer neons and brighter pigments with darker options. Your trusty moto/leather jacket is always a good choice, but this fall, opt for a military-inspired jacket or blazer to get more action out of your summer frocks. Plus, you’ll be showing off your outer layer more than what you’re wearing underneath it, anyway!