Blurred lines – a new take on fall essentials
October 2, 2015
By Brian Maynor
With cooler weather and a lot of rain over the past week it’s easy to slip out of our summer mindset and focus on fall.
One of the two transitional seasons of the year, fall is all about looking for ways to blend warm and cooler weather styles together and create one cohesive outfit, which can be a struggle at times since we have to deal with a lot of inconstancy.
Here are a few key pieces for fall that by their very nature blur the lines between form, function, purpose and style but somehow manage to be perfect in their own right:
1. The shirt coat. It looks like a shirt, but wears like a jacket. Genius right? These ‘shackets’ are ideal for fall days when a full jacket is too much, but a shirt isn’t enough. As an added bonus, they are perfect layering pieces; giving your outfit depth, texture and style when worn, but can easily be tied around your waist when the temperatures rise.
2. The grown-up backpack. Summer bags tend to be light and small because sunglasses, sunscreen and lip-gloss don’t take up much space, but as we head into fall we start carrying more around. If you’re tired of having to switch arms as you walk to give one a break, it’s time to switch to the utilitarian backpack. Yes it is possible to sport one and not look like you’re off to school. Sleek, leather, streamlined options equally distribute weight and look fashion-forward at the same time. If you’re not quite ready to break out the tote bag, this could be a fun middle-step.
3. Loafers. The easiest shoes to wear in summer are sandals and slides. You just slip them on and go, giving your feet room to breathe and a break from heels, but in the rainy weather of fall, bare feet aren’t the best option. Luckily you can have the same feeling of freedom and comfort with a pair of loafers. The fall slip-on-and-go equivalent is just as comfortable as the sandal but offer more substance and protection from the elements. Elongated-toe options are the best bet because they look great with everything and a slight heel acts like a gateway to those pumps and boots you’ll be pulling on as the season progresses.
4. Robe coats. Cardigans are great, but they lack a little oomph in the style department, so why not opt for a robe coat this season. You get the same lightweight coverage as a cardigan, but with some personality. The oversized nature is spot-on for fall and it looks great dressed up or down. This dressier version of your bathrobe could become your new fall go-to.
This transition season is all about transitional pieces, and while layering summer and winter styles work to some degree; sometimes it takes unique items to do the job perfectly. Fortunately they can easily transition into the mild winters we have here in the South so you aren’t limited to the wearing them for only a few weeks a year.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://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.
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