The Working Wardrobe

It’s October in Kansas! Everybody wants a pumpkin spice latte, but the truth is, we are still going to have those iced-coffee days sprinkled in for a little while. This means we have met our transitional fall season! But how the heck do you dress for it? It all starts with having a working wardrobe. Part of having a working wardrobe means you have a few pieces that overlap from season to season. These pieces will help you transition from, for example, the dog days of summer to that crisp fall sweater weather that we all love so much.

How can you use your wardrobe to the best of its ability to transition into fall? Look for these key pieces in your closet that will help you with the season change!

Denim Skirt
I know, I know; some of you haven’t quite gotten back on the jean skirt trend yet. But if you did, this is something you can keep out for a while! I vote to keep jean shorts out too!

How to style: Instead of sandals, style your denim skirt or shorts with your brand-new fall booties and slouchy turtleneck sweater or pair with a T-shirt and sweater duster!

The Casual Black Knit Dress
These casual dresses are perfect for transitioning into fall. 

How to style: By adding your favorite fall jacket such as a camouflage bomber jacket, or your go-to olive-green military jacket, this dress will slide right into the cooler weather. Another tip: replace your sandals with a bootie or
leather sneaker!

Basic T-Shirts in Black, White and Grey
Every girl should have their favorite T-shirt in their closet, especially in neutral colors of black, white or ivory and grey.

How to style it: It’s never too late in the year to wear these. They are perfect layering pieces underneath your cardigans or even a leather jacket. Rock that half tuck or even tuck it to the side, add some jewels and you are set!

Denim Jacket
I talk a lot about denim jackets and their all-season functionality, because that is truly what it is. It’s a wardrobe staple that can keep your shoulders warm on summer nights. But what to do come fall?

How to style it: So many oversized denim jackets are trending right now and are perfect to layer over lightweight sweaters when the temps start to drop. If it’s even chillier, add that cozy oversized scarf too!

Extra! Extra! Extra! Style Tips
These accessories will also help you transition your wardrobe staples into fall!

• Wool or felt large brimmed hat. It’s time to store your summer straw hat in place of a warmer, more sophisticated accessory.
• Neck scarves or bandannas in darker, richer fall colors will transition that perfect T-shirt or your favorite denim button-down shirt into the perfect pumpkin patch look. 
• Leather bags. It’s time to switch out your bags, ladies! Trade in that summertime tote for your lovely leather bag.

Fall is here, friends; it’s time to dress like it! ■

Written by: Abby Wood

Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her  own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to help individuals develop and evolve their own sense of style.
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