Your Fall Wardrobe: 5 Experts Share Style Tips

By Ally Meyers, The Scoop Saratoga

It’s that time of year. When we open the windows, wake to the air a bit crisper, and hear the sound of the geese at sunrise… all reminders that fall is about to arrive. My husband refers to this time, just after the kids return to school, yet before the ACTUAL autumnal equinox, as “adult summer.” And although HIS enjoyment comes from one or two child-free boat rides on Lake George before the seasons change, my enjoyment comes mainly from the tweeds, wools, and layered looks that are filling my favorite fashion mags (what was InStyle in past seasons, as I currently mourn its print discontinuation). Fall is, by FAR, my favorite season, and I have fall fashion to thank for that.

My official wardrobe swap usually includes the schlepping of bins full of boots, jeans, and bulky sweaters up and down stairs. You’d assume that the wardrobe swap inconveniences me, but it doesn’t at all. Instead, it gets me super excited for the boot-centric outfits and thicker fabrics that I’ve been looking forward to all summer. This week I turned to some of our local style experts for tips on what we should have in our wardrobe this fall!

I started by asking Kristin Grosso, personal wardrobe stylist and image consultant (featured on the Scoop Saratoga in August), for some foundational wardrobing tips we could all use this fall. Kristin shared: “Many of the women I meet are under the impression that impeccably dressed women spend a tremendous amount of time planning their outfits. Not so! A well-organized closet (the right pieces grouped together for effortless decision-making) paired with sensible additions to your wardrobe each season will make dressing to the nines a breeze. You will never feel like your closet is full of nothing to wear, and well-put-together looks will become effortless.”

Simplifying your closet space and focusing on only this season’s wardrobe allows you to make the most out of what you own. Your pieces become more visible, and it’s that much easier to put together outfits. Self-storage is a great solution for keeping off-season clothing off-site until you need them again (think bulky sweaters and boots!) Prime Storage has a variety of storage unit sizes to work with your budget and wardrobe, conveniently located in our area and nationwide.

Kristin also shared that many women are hesitant to purchase clothing when they are trying to lose weight. She encourages women to “Dress as the beautiful person you are today. Feeling good in your clothing helps you to feel good about yourself, and that perpetuates healthy behavior.”

So, how about those sensible additions that Kristin referenced? I asked a few of our favorite downtown stylistas what they are swooning over this fall.

Laura Pileckas, owner of Violet’s in Saratoga recommends adding some cashmere to your closet this fall. She’s wearing a new favorite, the Riva Roll Neck Poncho from Crush Cashmere. The center mannequin is wearing the Fiji Maxi Kimono in Camel, a favorite for travel. On the right is the Prague 2.0 Sweater in white, another classic cashmere addition!

Tina Powell from Spoken loves so many of this season’s fall looks. “What I’m REALLY loving is the return of the flared jean.” Tina’s pairing this style with everything from fisherman knits to tees. Either pull out your stored oldies or check out some of Spoken’s newest designs. I personally (Ally here) welcome this trend! I’ve always felt that a flared jean is so much more flattering. At least on my body!

Heidi West, owner of Caroline and Main (as well as Lifestyles of Saratoga and Union Hall Supply Co.), recommends adding an extra chunky, oversized knit. Lofty and extra thick yarns are taking the sweater trend to a whole new level! Caroline & Main’s selection of chunky knits is lightweight and pairs perfectly with jeans or as an added layer to a dress! “Sweater weather is by far my favorite weather! I am an eternal sucker for a super soft knit, especially the ones that work for three seasons!”

Beth Harr, the owner of Encounter Boutique, is obsessed with their line of Voile Blanche platform sneakers this fall! From your basic white to some super hip color combinations, Beth recommends pairing them with everything from jeans to dresses this season! And let’s be real… who doesn’t love an extra inch or two?

As we dive head-first into fall and begin our wardrobe swap, keep in mind these great, pro wardrobe and styling tips. Be sure your closet is only full of those seasonal pieces you love and wear often. Adding a few of these amazing items from our favorite local shops will keep your fall wardrobe fun and current.

Is your closet overflowing with all those off-season items that clutter your mind and space, preventing you from making the most of your current wardrobe? Consider short-term rental space from Prime Storage. With self-storage options available in different sizes and for various budgets, a conveniently located storage unit will save you space in your closet until you’re ready to swap out the items you need.

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Disclaimer: This post was written by guest blogger Ally Meyers from The Scoop Saratoga. The views, opinions, and endorsements expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association.