As Blair Waldorf said, “Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It’s movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be.” Fashion is a form of self expression through fabrics, colours, silhouettes and textures that changes with the seasons. Alas, while we may share Blair’s passion for retail therapy, not all of us are operating on a Waldorf budget—so busting out a brand new wardrobe each season isn’t really an option. By no means whatsoever is that an excuse to slip into a wardrobe rut. With fall peeking around the corner and those impulse end-of-summer clearance buys hiding guiltily in your closet, it’s time to get creative. Think you have to kiss crop tops goodbye once the thermostats start dropping? Think again. Summer styles are actually a great base for fall trends.
1. Hair
Lower temperatures mean we can finally start wearing our hair down without overheating (I’m hype), so this is the perfect time to embrace low-maintenance hair. Throw in some loose, beachy waves topped off with a spritz of salt spray and call it a day, but give tight poodle curls a miss unless freshman homecoming is the look you’re going for. Summer highlights can get tiresome without some sunshine to keep them topped up, so book yourself in for subtle lowlights to balance them out.
2. Fashion
Layer high-waisted skirts and crop tops with cute tights and chunky sweaters and rock them to class and coffee dates instead of stuffing them into the back of your closet.
Pair your booty shorts with cozy thigh high socks and cute tennis shoes for a sporty-chic look.
Top it off with a slouchy tee and a jacket. Tuck colorful wool socks under sandals and open heels to keep your toes warm, or wrap a flowing scarf over a roomy tank top. A few fall pieces worth the investment, however, are a floor duster jacket,
A light bomber,
A good pair of high waisted jeans, and a few neutral long sleeves.
These pieces will help you incorporate your summer buys into a completely new fall look.
3. Makeup
I usually go pretty bare-faced during the summer, since I’d sweat off whatever I put on my face the second I step out of the door. However, fall is the perfect time to start playing with those makeup tutorial looks you’ve been fantasizing about since July. I would hold off on buying a winter shade of foundation/concealer until your tan has faded so that it is true to your January color—not just your September shade. (Makeup that fits your skin tone is absolutely worth a little splurging, especially if you wear it every day.) But for fall, flaunt the remnants of that summer glow. Stick to light foundation and a bronzer, and instead play up rich eyeshadows and deep lipsticks. Be sure to exfoliate regularly and cleanse your skin thoroughly as you start wearing more makeup to keep your face happy. Moisturizing regularly with a quality face cream or virgin coconut oil will help keep some of that fall flakiness at bay, as well as helping you hang on to the final bit of your tan.
