Brian Maynor August 28, 2013
August 28, 2013
By Brian Maynor
August 28, 2013
August 28, 2013
As we wind down summer and prepare for the first day of fall, September 22, it is time to start planning your wardrobe transitions. If you are like most people you rarely use the words ‘wardrobe’ and ‘planning’ in the same sentence, but from what I see around town it is a practice that needs to be widely embraced.
Over the past few weeks we have been blessed with a taste of fall weather, which makes it easier to grasp the mood of the season, but what about on those 90 plus degree days? Like all transitions the key is blending and making smart choices. Here are two outfits that move seamlessly from summer to fall with just a few edits:
1. Color combos. We have talked about elevating the sophistication of your outfit with color combinations and changing seasons is no different. The easiest way to make a summer outfit work for fall is to take a bright color and pair it with darker ones. This yellow top can work just as great in September as it did in June with the right styling. While it remains the focal point of both outfits we lowered its color value by replacing coral skirt.
The green gingham shirt is another summer staple that can effortless move into fall with a little grounding. Switching out the light colored pants for dark denim and adding a tie balances the green and gives it weight without overpowering it.
2. Material. Fabric is a key element to changing seasons. Transition pieces are helpful because they use fabric of the current season in a color of the coming one, but you don’t need them to make an outfit work.
Both of these tops are summer materials yet they still work well in these fall outfits because they are balanced with proportionally heavier ones. It is important to remember when we talk about the ‘weight’ of clothing we are talking about the visual weight more than the actual weight. The black sweater is a lightweight cotton blend, but the color brings an imposing weight to the outfit while the trousers are a wool blend, but in a lighter color to offset the heavier fabric. If they were black instead of heather grey then they would look inappropriately heavy for the season.
The navy tie grounds the lightweight shirt, but doesn’t overpower it because the tie is a nubby silk. They both have a casual feel that work perfectly together and the heavier jeans keep the overall weight cohesive.
3. Shoes. Nothing has a greater impact on your outfit more than your shoes. Some summer shoes barely cling to the term because they are so nonexistent, but it works for the season. Instead of light colors and sandals it is time to bring out the richer, deeper colors in leather and suede.
Just because summer is ending does not mean you have to give it up cold turkey. The next few weeks are all about blending and gradually swapping out summer pieces for fall ones. Like life, the key to success is keeping everything balanced.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
