Fall transition: 11 Style Panel tips for taking your summer wardrobe into fashion’s biggest season
With the September issues hitting the stands, the seasonal change is just around the corner. The unsought transition of summer to fall is aided only by an exciting new set of trends that give our weepy hearts something to look forward to. And if the thought of a new fall wardrobe has you seeing dollar signs fear not. Fall’s fresh new colour palette of pink, grey, black and white and must-have looks (think leather, print and plaid) are sure to have you pulling out pieces you already own, so why wait? The new trends are ripe for the picking. We’re here to show you how to rock them for the final days of summer and beyond.
Celebs are paving the way for fall 2013 fashions with their seriously on-trend outfits. Lady Gaga’s recent musical comeback doubled as a sartorial one with a variety of black and white looks catching our eye. A particular black and white Balmain ensemble has us crowning the pop star with best summer to fall transition style. And it’s not just celebrities that are nailing the transitional look. A variety Toronto’s hip, young things were recently snapped at the CNE in summery takes on fall’s riot girl trend, print trend and the accessories trend.
Eager for more tips on how to transition from summer fashion to fall? The ladies from the Style Panel have all the advice you need and more. A Fashion Love Affair’s Cara McLeay is taking cues from our fall trends guide with pale pink topping her list of favourite hues for the upcoming season. Barbara Ann’s Style Blog’s Barbara Ann Solomon is also following our fall trends guide with black and white and print as her trends of choice. For a bold, eye-catching look she recommends combining various black and white prints in one outfit. Lion Hunter‘s Mo Handahu also knows how to make fall’s trends work for the final days for summer. She combines the black and white trend with biker-chic leather for the ultimate transitional outfit.
Question 66: How are you transitioning from summer to fall fashion this year? Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: AMBER DESILETS, LONDON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | DEANNE MCRAE, MISSISSAUGA | KRYSTIN LEE, TORONTO | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON | MELANIE MORAIS, EDSON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | STEPHANIE KOCH, KELOWNA VIA CALGARY
Nicole Wilson, 29
Toronto | Dainty Girl
As the temperature drops and the sun sets earlier, there’s no denying it – fall is coming. I for one, love the transition from summer to fall for the wardrobe opportunities. I can still get away with lightweight dresses and bare legs, but I can start to incorporate a warm fall colour palette, layering and cute little ankle booties! When I saw this hi-low dress with a trendy graphic print, I knew it would be the perfect summer-to-fall transitional piece.
Black and white has been hot for a few seasons and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon! The simple white graphic print takes this classic black dress to the next level and the hi-low hemline in a lightweight sheer fabric adds drama for a fabulous going out look.
On a hot day, I can wear this dress with sandals in pretty much any colour or height, but the versatile length and style of this dress also look great with fall’s favourite ankle booties! Lastly, I added a pop of colour with my bold red clutch and matching red lips.
Nicole’s wearing: Dress, Forever 21. Booties, Ann Taylor. Clutch, Ela. Jewellery, Shop for Jayu. Watch, Michael Kors.
Mo Handahu, 29
Halifax | Lion Hunter
With black and white making a smooth transition from one of summer’s hit colour combinations to a heavy contender this fall I’m happy to incorporate this trend in my fall wardrobe. This leather top is a perfect example of what I will use to transition from a light summer leather to a fall piece ready to be layered with other pieces.
Mo’s wearing: Everything, thrifted.
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
The fact that soft-hued peaches, dusty blues and pale pink colour palettes are transitioning into fall is such a treat for me! I love the super feminine hues, and as fall becomes winter, am on the search for a powder pink jacket that will bring a burst of colour to the greying days.
Cara’s wearing: Dress, Anine Bing. Boots, ShoeMint. Necklace, Alexa Leigh. Sunglasses, Prada.
Krystin Lee, 26
Toronto | Suburban Faux-Pas
With Labour Day looming, I’m always torn in the mornings on what to wear. I feel obliged to get the last bit of wear out of my summer styles but am always eager to bust out a pre-fall inspired ensemble. This outfit marries the two wants into a fall-inspired look that’s still summer appropriate. Inspired by runways filled with grunge and shades of grey, this look captures some of my favourite highlights for the upcoming season.
Krystin’s wearing: Striped Shirt, F21. Sweater and Skirt, M for Mendocino. Necklace, Emerald Bling. Shoes, ShoeMint. Sunnies, Karen Walker. Clutch, H&M. Jewels, Jewelmint, Stella & Dot and Micheal Kors.
Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna via Calgary | Inherited Jeans
It’s always a little bit sad to realize that summer is coming to a close when we start thinking about crafting our fall wardrobes; but this can also be a great way to think differently about pieces we wore in the heat. For fall, I am loving a colored pant paired with something more neutral on top. I snagged these silk crepe pants in a big summer clear out sale and they will be an amazing transition piece for me. Perfect for now with a light tank and sandals with the weather still warm, and equally as cute with a leather jacket and ankle boots in a month or so!
Stephanie’s wearing: Pants, Wilfred by Aritzia. Tank, Talula by Aritzia. Denim Jacket, Eluxe.ca. Aviators, Joe Fresh. Sandals, Michael by Michael Kors. Tote, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 26
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
One of my most favourite trends continuing into fall is the bold black and white print on print. As a graphic designer, I’ve learned that strong contrast creates interest for the eye; so naturally mixing different prints in these contrasting colours creates a very strong look.
To transition this look from the summer time version of stripes and polka dots try to add a chunky knit for texture and tweet or houndstooth. It probably is one of the easiest ways to mix patterns if you are looking to find your way into that exciting trend, as the colours are laid out for you.
Barbara’s wearing: Sweater, H&M. T-Shirt, BDG. Skirt, Joe Fresh. Necklace, Fenton Fallon. Pumps, Vintage Rosina Ferragamo Schiavone.
Melanie Morais, 25
Edson | Born Lippy
When it comes to transitioning my wardrobe from Summer to Fall I have little rules. I see nothing wrong with using some of your brighter and lighter Summer items with your more Fall appropriate items. Since some days can be warmer or colder than others, it’s important to choose items that could easily be layered. This Summer kimono is perfect for the increasingly cooler days. These fall cargos can easily go with most colours and textures as well! No need to stress about the transition, just remember functionality!
Melanie’s wearing: Kimono, Urban Outfitters. Cargos, Joe Fresh. Wedges, Aldo. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban. Watch, Michael Kors.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body
With the leaves slowing changing color so does our wardrobe. But instead of feeling some summertime sadness (thanks to Lana Del Rey), it’s time to get excited over the best fashion season of the year; fall! I mean who doesn’t love all that fall has the offer. The rich gem tones, the fun accessories, and we can’t forget about the amazing layering that goes on. Ok, lets not get too carried away yet as we are still in the transitional phase. So what does every fashionista need to fabulously transition into fall? In my opinion there are 3 items that top my list. A wide brimmed hat for those cool afternoons, and more importantly bad hair days. A maxi dress, because we still want to show off what’s left of our summer glow. And last but not least, a great denim jacket. I’d go for one with some fun details, like acid wash or faux fur to keep things fun!
Lyndsey’s wearing: Maxi, Forever 21. Jacket, Zara. Hat, Urban Outfitters. Boots, Aldo. Clutch, BCBG.
Amber Desilets, 30
London | Canadian Fashionista
As the warm summer weather starts to fade and the evenings become cooler, we know Fall is upon us; with this comes the change in our wardrobe. You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe each season, in fact, most of us don’t have the time, energy or the cash flow to complete an entire overhaul each time the season changes. You can take some of your versatile pieces from your summer collection and transition them into your Fall wardrobe. A great way to start is by layering. Take your lightweight sweaters or lighter jackets and place them over your favourite summer dresses and as the weather get even cooler you can slip on some tights to keeps your legs extra warm. Another great option is to replace sandals with booties, these look great with anything from your dresses, to cut-off denim shorts and skirts to skinny jeans.
Amber’s wearing: Dress, BCBG. Jacket, Smart Set. Bracelet, Cocoa Jewelry. Sunnies, Oakley’s. Frogskin Purse, Coach. Booties, Town Shoes.
Becky Kung, 29
Calgary | Velet & Vino
One of my favorite trends this past season is mixing prints from head-to-toe. In order to keep this trend going into fall with my key summer pieces such as a flowy polka dot skirt is by pairing it with a long-sleeve sweatshirt. A simple swap from a summery tank-top to this striped sweatshirt offers comfort and warmth, also creating interest by the contrast in the polka dots to stripes. Lastly, this look suggests the unexpected given the sweatshirt mixed with silk. There`s nothing more fun than coordinating opposites!
Becky’s wearing: Skirt, J. Crew. Sweatshirt, Old Navy. Pumps and clutch, H&M. Belt, Steve Madden. Necklace, eBay. Bracelet, Bliss (L.A.).
Deanne McRae, 22
Mississauga | Threadbare
As the summer ends and we move into fall, the weather can be very temperamental. When leaving the house in the morning I have to consider an outfit that will work with the brisk morning, hot day, and cold night. In order to create an outfit that is appropriate for the awkward in-between weather, I pair summer silhouettes with fall colours (like the jewel tone of my blouse), closed toe flats, and make sure to always have a sweater on hand for when the temperature suddenly drops.
