Brian Maynor August 8, 2013

The official start of fall my still be weeks away, but it is already dominating the retail and fashion scenes.  With summer closeout sales in full swing and fall styles coming in daily it is easy to get swept up in the retail frenzy, but before you start scooping up deals and scoping out new additions take a beat to think. 

Before you stock up on last minute summer finds or plan a brand new fall wardrobe think about how you can continue using your summer one with fall pieces.  The best deal you can ever have is a wardrobe that works across every season.  Here are my inspiration outfits and tips on extending the life of your summer items:

1.    Wear it now layer it later.  This is a great tip I read in the August edition of InStyle.  Chances are you already layer pieces to make them office appropriate, so the concept is already part of your wardrobe practice.  This is just taking it one step further.  Instead of simply adding a layer over your existing outfit, which is perfectly fine, try to create a brand new fall outfit using summer pieces. 

Every summer piece may not transition, but most of them will.  During the summer this orange top works great on its own with sky blue cropped pants, and for fall layers beautifully under a pine green cardigan with grey skirt.  The blue popover shirt is a universal layering piece that works well under any color sweater and over any colored t-shirt.

2.    A color story.  Summer colors are characteristically bright, vibrant and bold, while fall colors tend to be warmer, muted and muddied.  Fortunately it is possible for the two palettes to work together.  Sky blue, pink, and grass greens make sophisticated accents to the wine, mustard and teal of autumn.  The swatches highlight some of my favorite summer and fall colors that work great together.

The key when using color to transition your wardrobe is to make the fall color dominate and summer color an accent.  The idea is to create a deeper, richer palette overall with pops of bright accent colors.  Adding the wine sweater, muted t-shirt and dark jeans completely transforms the blue shirt from a summer staple with light chinos to a fall layering ‘must have’.

3.    New treads.  Fall footwear could not be more different from summer footwear.  Known as the season of boots for a reason, that is about as far from a sandal as you can get. 

While we may not have the temperatures to pull off an over-the-calf boot in September, you can definitely embrace one of the hottest fall trends, the loafer pump.  They are a great twist on the classic pump and look great with skirts or pants.  While you probably do not need to invest in multiple pairs, one in a dark neutral will keep you relevant and ground your look firmly in fall.

Guys, by changing out loafers for desert boots make even a simple outfit of jeans and a t-shirt fall worthy.  Grab a sweater for depth and color and you’re all set.

End of season sales can be a great time to stock up and save on the right items.  Look at them more as opportunities to replace wornout pieces or add new colors for fall layering than buying something completely out of your style zone simply because it is a ‘good deal’.

Fall Layers for Men

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.