Le Denier Cri

The leaves are changing color, the wind is blowing and the nail polish is getting darker – autumn is here. The arrival of cold weather means only one thing in the fashion world: fall fashion.\nFall fashion has a double meaning to me. On one hand, it means sporting the new trends and fashions that were showcased at fall Fashion Week in March. Heavier fabrics, darker colors and bulkier accessories are all fall runway staples. On the other, it literally means dressing for fall. In real life, layers, knit sweaters and boots come with the cooler weather. Dressing for fall can be tricky, but I hope to clear up some of the confusion for you.\nFirst of all, make sure you have a variety of different sweaters in your closet. Cotton sweaters and wool sweaters are two very different things. Autumn is inherently a season of unpredictable temperatures, and only having one sweater in your closet will not help you deal with temperamental fall weather. A wool sweater would not be good on a 60-degree day, while a cotton sweater will not do you any good when that crisp fall breeze blows. \nAlso learn to layer. I cannot emphasize this point enough. Once you get the hang of layering, fall fashion will be a cinch. Keep your body type in mind when layering, and also be mindful of the proportions of what you are wearing and the nature of the fabric. Keep fabrics that want to bunch up on the top layer, or wear them under something looser to discourage bunching. With the new trend of trouser jeans, give your skinnys a rest and use the large flare of the trouser to balance out any bulk you may have acquired on top. Be careful though, and make sure your trousers fit like a glove before stepping out. Finally, always keep in mind your body type whenever you are getting dressed. Being truthful to yourself about your body type will be your best defense against bad style choices.\nDo not be afraid to choose something that stands out. Everyone else will be wearing darker colors, so choose something in a shade of red or yellow that mimics the changing leaves. Also, find a pair of boots that don’t look like something everyone else is wearing. This is a never-ending battle for me, so don’t expect to just go into the first store and find the perfect pair of boots, unless you are an extremely lucky person. In that case, good for you. You have accomplished in 10 minutes what has been eluding me for years. \nFall is my favorite season, and dressing for fall is one of my favorite things. Jackets, sweaters, pants, boots – they’re my thing. Fall fashion doesn’t have to be puzzling. It doesn’t have to mean hiding under a mountain of layers either. Remember to keep a diverse wardrobe, learn to layer and find a piece or two that stands out, and fall fashion should be as easy as (pumpkin) pie. Also, don’t forget my favorite piece of fall fashion: the pashmina-inspired scarf. Worn long, short, or a variation thereof, it will get you noticed, and keep you warm. It’s fall fashion at its best.