Fall into Classic Fashion: Six Tips to Help Your Wardrobe Transition into Autumn Courtesy of Marla Tomazin

For months, we’ve been sweating, sweltering, and trying to convince ourselves that we do live on Earth and not the surface of the sun. In the midst of these near record-breaking temperatures, many women are starting to daydream longingly of autumn and its cool, brisk temperatures. If you’re one of them but are worried that the heat may have fried your fashion sense, New York-based image consultant Marla Tomazin has the rundown on all of fall’s upcoming trends.

“This year especially, I’m counting the days to when the leaves start falling and the temperature has a bite to it,” shares Tomazin, who has been an image consultant for twenty years after earlier experience in the fashion industry. “But that’s only partly because I’m tired of being so hot. I’m also really looking forward to dressing in the fashions, fabrics, and colors of autumn. If you, like me, are a fan of classic, elegant looks, you’ll really like what’s coming down the runways. But don’t worry if you prefer to march to the beat of your own style drum instead—there’s plenty of room to add your own special touches while still looking fabulous.”

Here are six of Tomazin’s top tips to keep in mind as you begin to switch out tank tops for turtlenecks and flip flops for loafers:

Cool down with classic neutrals.
If you’re tired of seeing bright, Technicolor patterns every time you walk down the street, you can breathe a sigh of relief. This fall, there’s going to be a return to classic chic—and Tomazin says that these neutrals are anything but boring. She especially loves the head-to-toe look using shades like camel, pecan, and beige. Outfits in this palette are effortlessly elegant and help the wearer to look taller and leaner by creating a column effect. Don’t be afraid to top everything off with a coat, jacket, or cardigan sweater in the same color family, either!

Spice things up with a bold accent.
If you’re worried that wearing neutrals-based outfits will cause you to blend in to the background, set your mind at ease. A few well-chosen accents in colors like cobalt blue and various shades of green will make your whole ensemble pop and draw all the eyes you want. Tomazin suggests keeping saturated hues to a conservative level rather than dressing head to toe in any of these colors. Think about choosing a bright handbag, shoe, or coat to wear over a neutral column.
Wrap yourself up. If you tend to think of ponchos as graceless, shapeless sacks, it’s time to change your opinion. Chic ponchos in luxurious fabrics and flattering cuts are being shown in many collections. Tomazin points out that this piece is comfortable and versatile, and it also offers an easy way to stay warm whether you’re clad in sportswear or a dress, at home or on the road.

Prepare for the “Year of the Coat.”
Many people tend to think of outerwear as just that—something that you put on over your “real” outfit to protect yourself from the elements. If you’re one of them, you may change your mind after you see some of autumn’s new choices. Tomazin points out that this is a great year to buy a new coat, because there are so many choices ranging from trenches and stadium coats to capes and classic silhouettes. Besides all the elegant choices available in camels, grays, and blacks, she also suggests thinking about an item coat in red, cognac, cobalt, or green. Depending on your wardrobe, a fun color might coordinate with many of your clothes and will definitely make you smile when you put it on in the morning.

Complete your outfit with feminine accessories.
This fall, it’s all about making a statement without going over the top. Handbags, for example, are looking a bit smaller and more lady-like than in seasons past. When you go purse shopping, Tomazin suggests choosing from leathers, haircalf, neutral tones, or one of the accent colors mentioned earlier—and don’t forget that animal print continues to be a fun option if you want to shake things up. Tomazin also says that chunky necklaces are another choice to complete your look. To keep from being overwhelmed by your jewelry, though, be sure to complement your statement piece with a smaller earring.

Dress up your look.
Dresses are a fantastic choice for a total look using only one garment—and you can’t beat them for feminine style, either! As you transition into cooler weather, Tomazin recommends choosing a sleeveless sheath dress to wear under a fabulous coat. This season, there are a lot of knit fabrics available that include a bit of lycra—they don’t wrinkle and they hug your body nicely. Besides the usual black, navy, and gray, consider also choosing a fun fashion color in red, pecan, turquoise, Granny Smith green, or mauve.

“Ultimately, my best advice regarding trends in any season is simple: be true to yourself,” Tomazin concludes. “If camel and mauve are the colors of the season and you look dreadful in them, choose alternate shades that are more flattering. The same applies to skirt lengths, pant widths, and a million other details. Basically, just have fun updating your look…and don’t forget to savor the temperatures, either!”

About Marla Tomazin:
Marla Tomazin, Certified Image Consultant, established her image consulting business in 1990 with the goal of helping clients identify an authentic image and develop its effective expression.
www.marlatomazin.com.

Thank you to Marla Tomazin for her great fashion tips for transitioning to fall!

Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com

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