Florals, layers and subtle accessories among top trends for fall

By: Katherine Braunschiedel – Staff Writer

After working your summer away to help pass the time until the much-anticipated Daytonian paradise move-in, fashion is probably the last thing on your mind. Have no fear, after spending my summer consumed in fashion as an intern at Nordstrom, I have all your back-to-school looks to have you ready to take on the changing of seasons.

LAYER IT UP

My favorite part about the cooler fall weather is being able to layer. You can transform your comfortable staple class outfits by getting creative by layering third pieces. For the perfect fall layer look, try pairing your simple denim and T-shirt with a comfortable plaid button-down or patterned scarf. For the even colder months, wearing easy button-downs under sweaters can create a very chic, but still comfortable look. When it comes to layering accessories, a little bit can go a long way. Pair your favorite fall look with small detailed accessories, such as a set of metal gold-tone rings and bracelets to make it pop.

Tip: Stuck in a rut with color combinations for your casual class outfit? You can never go wrong with a classic pair of dark washed denim (my current favorites are the Joe’s “Flawless” High Rise Skinny Jeans) and a neutral-toned tee such as camel or black. To be even more fashion forward, amp up your look by incorporating one of the “in” fall colors according to Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2014, which are orchid, royal blue, sangria, aluminum, aurora red, misted yellow, mauve mist, bright cobalt and cognac.

FLORALS FOR FALL

Not ready to give up summer yet? Just because the weather is changing does not mean you have to leave behind your favorite floral prints with the warm summer months. To embrace floral into a fall-ready look, pair with elevated luxe fabrics such as fur, leather or even your favorite pair of denim. This look is ultra feminine, and mixed with fall styles can create a more polished, modern look. My favorite floral fall combination is a comfortable floral-patterned sweater with a leather skater skirt. Pair with your favorite fall booties or pointed-toe flats to complete the look.

MILITARY CHIC

If there is one item that needs to be in your closet this fall, it is a military jacket. Upgrade your traditional fall jacket with this chic style that truly enraptures the biggest fall trend: mixing hard edge pieces with feminine looks. One of my favorite ways to wear a military jacket to ensure the fierce femininity is by offsetting the bulkiness of the jacket by pairing it with skinny jeans – or for an even edgier look – leggings with faux leather details. To complete the look, try adding a pair of heeled booties.

SOPHISTICATED FRINGE

If you are an avid summer music festival-goer, fringe seems to be the trend all girls are wearing (probably tied with crop-tops, I dare say). Incorporating this summer style with a classic sweater or heels can create a look that is more polished and fall-ready. My favorite way to add fringe to a look is by pairing it with one of the biggest fashion fall catalogue items: the fringe bag.

BOOT CAMP

First things first, you can’t do fall without boots. With so many options to choose from, it may be hard to find the perfect pair, but once achieved, classic boots can transform an outfit as much as accessorizing. When investing in boots, choose a classic color such as a cognac or black. To spice up your fall look, cutout booties have been all over the fashion scene this season. Try a peep-toe bootie with cutout details to make your way into fall.