Styling Tips for Fall

The official start of Fall is tomorrow!! I’m sad to see summer go but I’ve been itching pull out my boots -I’m not the type to wear snow boots with a skirt in the dead of summer. Cowboy boots are another story of course. lol! Anywho, here’s some style tips you can incorporate in your ensembles this autumn:

Often involving some form of deceit, the word “manipulation” doesn’t usually have the most positive associations-unless you’re referring to this month’s edition of Styling Tips, that is! We’re not talking about tricking people or playing mind games this time around, rather we’re highlighting the way these seven trendsetters skillfully modify an outfit to change its look and feel. These ladies will show you how to transform a simple all-black look into an intriguing ensemble (Kate Moss), how to tone down a frock’s feminine nature (Chloe Sevigny), and much more! Be sure to let us know which idea you’re most excited to try!

Tip #1: Jazz up understated separates with a metallic skirt. 
Searching for a new way to wear your favorite black sweater? Consider pairing it with a metallic skirt a la Scottish actress Karen Gillan, who donned an Opening Ceremony x Glamour Sweater ($135; currently available in gray) and Opening Ceremony’s High Slit Skirt ($285) leaving BBC Radio 1 studios in London last month. We love how her shimmering skirt instantly updated the quirky sweater and neutral oxford shoes, resulting in a lovely and easy-to-imitate ensemble!
Get the Look:
Marc Jacobs Metallic Boucle Wool-Blend Skirt ($825); Madewell Metallic Skirt ($98); Topshop Silver Texture Pelmet Skirt ($64).

Tip #2: Transition summery overalls into fall with a long-sleeve shirt. 
Like sundresses and breezy blouses, short overalls are just too good to give up after summer is over. If you want to lengthen the life of this seasonal staple, simply emulate the way Alexa Chung styled hers at the Saint James for Barneys New York capsule collection launch in New York last month. She smartly layered a long-sleeve shirt under her Alexa Chung for Madewell overalls, making them appropriate for chillier fall days, and also added a classic Chanel bag for a touch of refinement.
Get the Look:
BlankNYC Overall Shorts ($60); Free People Vegan Leather Overalls ($128); AG Adriano Goldschmied The Chelsea Short Overalls ($92); C&C California Long Sleeve Layering Tee ($64); T By Alexander Wang Long Sleeve Tee ($110); Eileen Fisher Crew Neck Long Sleeve Tee($128).

Tip #3: Add interest to an all-black outfit with an oversized scarf. 
A head-to-toe black outfit certainly has its benefits: it’s universally slimming and requires little effort to put together. However, it tends to lack in the creativity department-unless, of course, you add a colorful, oversized scarf like Kate Moss! Snapped at Claridge’s Hotel in London earlier this year, the supermodel’s large striped wrap made her ensemble more intriguing and cozy, taking it from basic to chic in no time.
Get the Look:
Collection by Giada Forte Stripe Scarf ($235); Oscar de la Renta Paisley-Print Scarf ($490); Remi & ReidWasteland Scarf ($38).

Tip #4: Toughen up a girly frock by adding edgy noir accents. 
Whether it’s a mash-up of masculine and feminine elements or a mix of structured and fluid pieces, we always love an outfit with an intriguing juxtaposition. So naturally we fell in love with Chloe Sevigny’s combination of a sweet Versace dress and edgy leather accessories at a screening of the film Lawless in New York last month. We particularly adore how her Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony NaNa Heeled Chelsea Boots($395) and Opening Ceremony OCNY Large Flap Bag ($750) created a bold contrast against her colorful frock and prevented the overall look from being too prim.
Get the Look:
ASOS Bandeau Summer Dress ($28) in Floral Print; ModCloth Friendly Floral Arrangements Dress ($450); Nanette Lepore Frida Floral Print Dress ($121); Vince Camuto Jerra Booties ($169); KORS Michael KorsEgan Pull-On Booties ($350); Loeffler Randall Body Saffiano Leather Bag ($395); Be & D Beatrice Small Satchel ($598).

Tip #5: Throw on a utility jacket to give your outfit a cool military vibe. 
Rihanna never fails to compile effortlessly cool off-duty ensembles, and this outfit she was snapped wearing outside a London hotel earlier this month is no exception! We’re smitten with her slightly-oversized-but-not-too-bulky army jacket and how it gave her overall look an on-point utilitarian flair without being a literal interpretation of the trend.
Get the Look:
Free People Vintage Military Jacket ($268), BDG Dolman Utility Jacket ($89), Old Navy Drawstring Military Jacket ($40).

Tip #6: Energize a neutral suit with bright pink heels. 
Lest you think a tan pantsuit is boring, Mandy Moore showed us a prime way to enliven the neutral number: with bright pink heels! Spotted at the boy. by Band of Outsiders show in New York last week, the actress donned a boy. by Band of Outsiders Flannel Blazer ($1325, available in Tangerine) and Flannel Straight-leg Pants ($695, available in Tangerine) and added pops of color via her Jimmy Choo Anouk Suede Pumps($575) and orange-red lipstick, giving the menswear-inspired look just the right dose of femininity.
Get the Look
DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Stretch-Sateen Blazer ($320) and Stretch-Sateen Straight-Leg Pants ($200); J. CrewLudlow Jacket ($375) in British Khaki and Trousers ($175) in British Khaki; Vince Camuto Goldie Suede Pumps ($89).

Tip #7: Combine an embellished skirt and a button-up shirt for a chic evening ensemble. 
As Katie Holmes proved at the Style Awards in New York earlier this month, a button-up shirt doesn’t have to equal office attire! Presenting an award to Carolina Herrera, Holmes made the nine-to-five button-up-a piece by Caroline Herrera-thoroughly party-ready by pairing it with the designer’s beaded metallic skirt, creating a sophisticated outfit that paid homage to Herrera’s own personal uniform. We also appreciate how Holmes’ ensemble is a less predictable after-dark option than the standard LBD, making us eager to emulate it pronto.
Get the Look:
Victoria’s Secret Smocked Poplin Shirt ($50); Quicksilver QSW Downtown Button-Up Shirt ($80); ChelseaFlower Beaded Georgette Mini Skirt ($162); Haute Hippie Beaded Silk-chiffon Mini Skirt ($248); Paul & JoeSagrada Sequin Pencil Skirt ($490).—Erin Fitzpatrick

**courtesy of Who What Wear