Transitional Dressing - it's all in the mix

 After a month or so of indian summer it’s starting to finally feel like fall is here to stay.  Leaves are changing colors, the days are getting shorter  - a perfect time for our closets to change as well. Luckily this doesn’t mean a complete overhaul – just the opposite. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably excited to begin wearing fall clothes but not looking forward to the temperature dropping, pulling out the heavy coats etc.  With a little effort and imagination you will find that simply by making a few adjustments to warm weather wardrobe items (and indulging in a few new purchases) is all that is needed for a seamless seasonal transition A few thoughts…

  First things  first – 
Take a few minutes to get rid of the really summery things – sandals, shorts, light weight cotton and linen pieces etc.
When it comes to transitioning from summer to fall, the key is layering. Silky brighly colored tanks and cottony tees that were great on their own can be layered under a cardigan, blazer, or shawl.  Transform a sleeveless dress with a light weight leather jacket. A simple change of footwear and handbag will take your favorite summer outfit well into the season and beyond.

     Layering-
Cool jackets, comfy sweaters, topped with a variety of scarves, jewelry and maybe a vest of some sort —so how to pull this off and look chic and age appropriate at the same time? The key to interesting layering is mixing different prints and fabrics together to complete a unique and ever so slightly unconventional look . Don’t be afraid to accessorize - it's OK to pile on a few bracelets, a necklace and a scarf all at the same time...

    Leopard and Florals - a mix that works
How does this work? It just does. I made a new purchase a few weeks ago - a leopard print/black leather handbag -see below - and love wearing it with my (old) Hermes scarf.  I "won" the scarf at a silent auction years ago and while it is pricey on it's own I've literally worn it hundreds of times over just about everything from cocktail dresses to sweaters to coats to jeans.  It doesn't owe me any money... 

Handbag, Jimmy Choo, Scarf, Hermes

Word of caution- Layering and mixing prints and patterns can be tricky - a little goes a long way...

My very stylish mom gave me this piece of advise years ago - Take a look in the mirror before you leave the house and take one accessory/piece of jewelry off. (or in the above case several :) It usually works..

Layered up for fall:

Layered up for Fall by loriejacobs featuring tortoise shell wayfarer glasses

Getting inspired?  I hope so!  The idea is not to clash but to compliment. Enjoy the beautiful week ahead and thank you for reading, Best, Lori