The Conundrum of Fall Fashion This Year

I can’t believe it’s already October, and I still haven’t posted about fall fashion trends. Scratch that, I can believe it because nothing in this year has gone as planned, So, this is just par for the 2020 course.

When thinking about fall fashion, there’s a balance to strike, and right now, I feel like I’m walking a tightrope. Historically, when working with my one on one styling clients, I look at what they have on their calendars for the season, specifically the next 30-90 days. Then I help them purchase items strategically and plan their outfits according to what’s on the docket. But in 2020, that’s kind of a joke, right? How are we to plan when we don’t know if kids are going to school? If we can attend weddings or bar mitzvahs? Or even if we can eat inside restaurants and feel comfortable doing so?

In a Typical Fashion Cycle…

Jean Jackets an Ageless Wardrobe Staple.

Denim jackets or jean jackets, whatever you call them, they’re something many of us have had in our wardrobes since we were kids. Back in the day, I had one embroidered with “Do The Hustle” Total 70’s child, right? Maybe colors and washes have changed a little over the years but denim jackets have been a constant workhorse in every decade. On top of that, they’re ageless. I have clients from age 13 to age 83 that can vouch, it’s a tried and true piece. A wardrobe must-have for women (and yes, even men) of any age. 

But here’s the thing, just like the silhouette of denim on the bottom, aka jeans, changes over time, so does denim on the top, aka the jean jacket. To keep up with the times, the denim jacket can end up being long, short, frayed, dark, light, stitched, or embellished. But a good old fashioned medium wash jean jacket ain’t goin’ nowhere.  It’s a piece that always works no matter the year, month, or day. 

Cake or Frosting: The Deliciously Simple Fashion Fix

When I meet with wardrobe clients, they’re often looking for a fashion fix or some easy-to-apply style tips to take their style up a notch. In the 15 years that I have been privately styling women (and some men) in NE, Ohio, I’ve discovered a few common themes that tend to come up over and over again.

When talking about clothes, fashion, and styling, some concerns are individual for each client. And I need to consider their taste, body shape, budget, and lifestyle. Those specifics are addressed more deeply with my one-on-one wardrobe consulting clients.

But regardless of age, gender, size, or socioeconomic status, I see overarching patterns in people’s wardrobe frustrations. The good news is that many of these pain points can be easily resolved with a fashion fix. All it takes are some specific helpful hints and style tips.

So that’s my goal. To take questions that arise with my one-on-one styling clients and provide answers that can help make getting dressed that much easier and more fun for all of you. 

Why Your Outfits Aren’t Quite Hitting the Mark…

I am CRAVING Color

I don’t know if it’s all the zooming or the depressing state of the world, but I am literally craving color right now. Yes, I’ll always be loyal to my all black, city chic looks. And I’m also not hating the whole neutral, monochromatic thing. In fact, I think it’s uber-sophisticated. But color gives everything life – it’s like adding salt to a bland dish. 
Think about it. When you’re on a zoom, or watching TV, the folks that pop, and look cheery and healthy are those wearing color. Admit it, I’m right!! Adding even a little color to your outfit makes a world of difference.
And, on top of that, color makes people happy – it’s an instant (and safe) bad mood pick me up.

Even if You’re Color Adverse

I know for many of my color adverse readers this is gonna rock your comfort zone, but hear me out…
Adding just one piece that has some hue to it changes up your whole outfit – and hence your whole outlook!! If you’re brave and bold, rock it from head to toe. Does wearing color typically makes you feel like a clown? Then consider adding just one colorful item to your ensemble and see how it feels.

The Colorful Pieces I’m Adding for Fall…

Can You Wear White After Labor Day?

Wearing white after Labor Day – is it a fashion DON’T? We’ve all heard the mandate and wondered if it was true. Is it a bubbameister, an urban legend, a fashion myth that white after Labor Day is a faux pas? 

The answer is FALSE. 

You can absolutely wear white after Labor Day. However, there are some ways to wear white that help it transition to fall more easily. But, I’ll get more into those tips in a bit.

Nevertheless, as with most things, fashion and style, the answer is not completely clear cut. Style is subjective. It’s art. And the beauty and/or stylishness is in the eye of the beholder.

So, yes, there are “rules,” but there are almost always exceptions to those rules. That’s why it can be so confusing…

Camel Coats for Transitional Weather

I’ve been on a massive search for a camel overcoat. Why may you ask? Well, partly because it’s the perfect transitional coat for fall. It looks great over business attire and then plays nicely off duty too. Dressing up jeans or even sweats just enough to look cohesive and intentional.

It’s a Classic

Also, a camel coat is a timeless classic. And, classics are where it’s at.  I’m working on my Fall 2020 trends list for you all, but it feels weird, to be honest. 2020 is NOT A NORMAL YEAR! So, making predictions about what is in style when life seems so precarious isn’t sitting right in my gut. Instead, I’m looking at what fashion trends I’m seeing and thinking about ways to adapt and create them from what many of us may already have in our closets. So, classics like a camel coat play an integral role.

Of course, I’ll still add shoppable links if you’re inspired or want to add a piece or two. But overall, the lens I’m using for Fall 2020 is:  what subtle changes can be made to existing pieces (either as combinations or by adding one item) to make them feel fresh and new.

What to Wear When it’s 30-65 Degrees…

A Simple Trick to Look More Stylish

When I’m working with styling clients, I like to create fashion rules, like the third piece rule, to make the process more manageable. Looking put together and polished can feel overwhelming at times. There are societal norms, fashion trends, and on top of that, everyone has their own mishegoss (long legs, short legs, big bum, not a big enough bum, loves to wear heels, can’t wear heels…you get the picture).

My job description may be that of a wardrobe consultant. But in some ways, I am more of a coach or tutor, maybe even a quasi therapist. My mission is to take what may seem like fashion babble and help translate it in an understandable and easy to execute way.

I equate fashion rules to the study tricks teachers would create to help us remember subject matter in school. To this day, when I hear HOMES, I recall the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. It’s ingrained in my brain, which means the acronym rule works!!

The Third Piece Rule

Do you know those people that always look put together? It can be kind of annoying, right? Well, next time you see one of them, check. I bet they’re using the third piece rule…

 The “Classic” White Shirt

A white shirt is on about every wardrobe must-have list ever created. It’s perennial, it’s classic, it never goes out of style…Well, that’s kind of true, but also, not.

Yes, a white button-up shirt is a time-honored piece of clothing. Partly because it’s so versatile. It can be worn in so many ways and works regardless of one’s body type or personal style aesthetic. The basic elements of the shirt remain the same,  white cotton, with a collar and buttons up the front – generally unassuming and at the same time quite functional.

BUT and this is a big ol’ but…
The shape, silhouette, and fit of a white shirt that is considered “modern” versus “dated” has changed.

In the past (think J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, and Banana Republic circa 2000) a classic white shirt would have a very slim fit. So much so, that women sporting any sort of bust would have issues with the area between the buttons flaring open. I know there are a bunch of you nodding your head in recognition right now!! It was/is a real problem…

Hallie’s Hot List – August Edition

I think I forgot to do a hot list in July…oops. Meaning the last one was a June Hot List.  This summer had gone both very quickly and at the same time, extremely slow, like crawling. So my sense of time and space is kinda warped. Anyway, my mistake means the August Hot List needs to be a really good one… Don’t worry, it is!

Instagram is often the place I share the new items I’m trying and really love, but I realized that info might not get shared here, with all of you. So here’s my hot list of current obsessions for August 2020.

Kalyn Johnson Chandler – Girl Crush

I am so thankful to my client and friend, Heidi, for introducing me to Kalyn Johnson Chandler. Kalyn’s a real-life wonder-woman that started her career as an attorney and then pivoted to create the lifestyle brand Effie’s Paper: Stationery & Whatnot. And she is completely Girl Crush worthy! I’m excited for you to meet her and check out some of her favorite things below! Front and center on Effie’s homepage is their credo, “We believe the future is female & that  it’s being fueled by black girl magic!” Powerful, right?