STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fall Florals

On a particularly sunny day, I caught this student, Gillian, emerging from a Columbia class on 19th century art. Even though the summer season officially concluded on September 21, this Fashionista inspired me to avoid hastily squirreling away my favorite floral pieces. With a few essential modifications, which she stylishly demonstrates, some key spring and summer pieces can gracefully transition into the cooler weather and simultaneously challenge burgeoning fall clichés.

The floral jumper is a particularly mesmerizing piece, which the student snagged at a vintage shop in Seattle. Usually during this darker, colder season, many avoid frothy pastel colors. Gillian, however, dabs in both worlds with a print of baby pink roses studded on a dark blue background. The neckline is a little daring, which might encourage many to shy away, yet a plunging cut allows for additional layers. Layers will not only keep you warmer as the weather changes, but also presents an opportunity for print mixing. The undershirt here came from Free People. Look through their collection online for a wide array of colorful intimates. The belt is also a necessary accessory in the look because it defines the shape of the jumper and keeps the '90s floral print both tame and modern.

Part of the reason this Fashionista can pull off a fab floral jumper is because she sports an androgenous pixie cut that balances the supremely feminine jumper and tank. If you love flowers and frill, a short crop might be something to consider in the name of fashion and individuality. Lastly, the outfit would not be complete without the mole-colored shoes. With a solid, chunky heel, a slight platform and some fringe, a pair like such is an alternative to the black bootie, just with a bit more detail and of a softer color. Depending on the outfit, sometimes I find that black can appear too extreme.

On this note regarding delicacy, recover your most fearsome floral piece this coming week to put an easy, light twist on weighty fall accessories for an outfit in seasonal equilibrium.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fall Florals

Floral prints are a favorite of summer fashions, but with summer’s presence long passed, you may not need to say goodbye to your flowery patterns just yet. When selecting a floral print well suited for the fall, be aware of the colors. Fall floral prints should be darker and include more neutrals. Keep your bright pinks and neon colored prints for the spring and summer. Also, fall floral prints should usually be smaller and less bold.

Today's Fashionista included florals in her look and stayed season appropriate. Her flowery skirt is mostly blacks and deep reds with small bursts of brighter red and greens. The print is not too loud and does not overpower the outfit. She paired the skirt with dark tights to also eliminate the bare legged look. Leather grey booties and a matching grey cardigan lighten the look up associated with summer. Pair floral pieces with darker colors found in the skirt or earthy neutrals, instead of whites and bright colors. Her brown leather shoulder bag adds another neutral color to the mix, which is the perfect fall accessory.

Fall floral patterns can be worn in a variety of ways. Choose a great fall floral tank and pair it with dark jeans, and a chunky sweater over top. Pair a sweater dress or wool shorts with tights that have a floral print to them. Scarves can also be found in a variety of deep floral prints that can be effortlessly added to almost any look. Just remember to make sure your prints are in deep, earth tone colors and are accessorized with boots, tights, scarves, jackets, and leather handbags. This will allow you to keep your feminine florals during the cold months while staying warm and season appropriate.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fall Florals

You know what they say, ‘April showers bring May flowers’ but this fall florals are bigger than ever. Most people associate wearing florals during the spring and summer months but now more than ever we are seeing florals in fall collections. Paired with the right accessories, this summer pattern can be worn into the colder months to brighten up any outfit.
This Fashionista is wearing a gorgeous strapless floral top from Anthropologie. The rich fall hues in the shirt make it appropriate to wear in warm or cold climates. She has paired the top with a dark wash jean for a colder evening. This top would also look great paired with a pair of white jeans and wedges for a warm summer look. For this time of year, look for floral patterns with deeper color tones like navy, maroon, yellow, and orange. Don’t pack away those bright floral tanks just yet though, try pairing summer florals with a black skirt or blazer for some contrast.

You can completely change the dynamics of a floral outfit for different occasions and climates with a little creativity. Anthropologie also offers some great floral jewelery and headbands to dress up a simple daytime look into the evening. Check out Urban Outfitters for additional floral tops, tunics, and even floral print tights. Although the weather is changing, this is no reason to completely change out your wardrobe. Keep those summer florals out for a little longer, or shop for some great fall florals to add to your collection.

Hint: Try wearing floral print tights with a simple black dress and boots for an edgy winter look that incorporates florals.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fall Florals

Now that summer is winding down and fall is around the corner, it is time to start thinking about what to wear in the cooler months. Big fall trends this year are going back to simplicity with clean, no fuss shapes and lots of earth tones. "Boyish" and military inspired themes are going to be huge trends, as well as 50s throwbacks like an emphasized waist with a gathered, exaggeratedly feminine skirt and sleek dresses.

One thing that always bothers me about fall, and especially this year with the "back to simplicity" feel most designers gave on the runways, is the lack of fun prints. I feel like I can always find amazing prints in the summer with fun colors and cute shapes. Whenever I go shopping for fall and winter clothes, I begin to feel like I'm being bogged down in a sea of blacks, grays, and "winter-friendly" animal prints. While I can rival any Real Housewife of New Jersey with my collection of leopard and zebra clothing, I usually find myself missing the colorful madras and florals that fill the spring and summer part of my wardrobe. That's why this year I am planning to find as many fall and winter appropriate florals as I can get.

The key with integrating something traditionally worn in summer into your fall wardrobe is to keep the colors appropriate. I am not saying that wearing florals in the fall means you have to walk around in hot pink and pastels while everyone else is wearing jewel and earth tones. Keep the colors warm with rich burgundies, deep blues and the it color for the season- olive. I love how all this Fashionista needs to carry her cute summer dress into fall is a cozy cardigan and some tights under the fun floral skirt.

Since florals are still big right now, they're impossible not to find. For the more adventurous Fashionistas, Betsey Johnson offers this cute floral tunic that looks comfy enough to spend a cold weekend in. I also love this cute vintage inspired Betty Grable dress from Lulus.com. The strapless cut is perfect for the warm weather, and the dark abstract floral print is easy to carry into fall with the perfect accessories.